Help! Honda 150 Wouldn't Start Today!

Are we safe in going out tonight for an overnighter?
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Yes, I think so. But you better pack for an extended stay in case the thing won't start again. Or take David with you.
 
One first mumbles an incantation to Poseidon and then you offer a drop (or two) of libation to Neptune, then, after doing all the usual starter things) one turns the switch and .... voila .... VROOOM!
 
Well, I vote for take David with us...unfortunately, can't do that most of time. The rest of the story. We did go out yesterday afternoon, intended to head for Sucia. On way over, Patty went through a debris field, hit a log and broke off a blade on our ProPulse, so I just switched to the old stainless prop for the trip, no dinghy, should have seen me hanging out there straddling the swim step and outboard shaft...amazingly didn't drop anything. Due to impending (or actual, depending on your eyesight) darkness, aborted Sucia trip and decided to tuck in at Inati Bay, Lummi Island. We had a lovely New Year's Eve at Inati Bay, stayed up clear until 9:00 pm. Had the place completely to ourselves. In the a.m., the ignition switch was acting goofy again, wouldn't release automatically to "on" when turned to the "start" position. I did the WD40 thing, it seems to be working. Motor did start, but we had a clicking noise that was not a normal sound. I was picturing the starter motor sticking or something like that (pretty much my luck). Patty tracked it down to the engine battery compartment, turns out it was "only" the low voltage alarm. Anyway, engine was running, so we head for home. Second biggest waves we have ever encountered, first biggest being on the way back from Sequim to Everett last October. But all's well that ends well I suppose...I still don't trust the ignition switch, especially if there have been a rash of failures. Will talk to C-Dory about this ASAP...
 
Pat Anderson" decided to tuck in at Inati Bay said:
Pat and Patty,

We were curious as to whether you'd gone out today. Thought about you being out there and the darn thing not starting. We could see that there was some really mean looking waves. Just glad you're back home safe and sound. Yes, that Sequim weekend is one to remember, that's for sure! But one of these times while you're in this area, think about putting Daydream into Lake Whatcom. We launched R-Matey there a couple of weeks ago to run fresh gas through the motor and give her a much needed run. Really prefer the salt walter, though.

Happy New Year
Ruth and Joe
R-Matey
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Hey Pat, I just happened to read this post this morning before I left for the New York boat show. As I have the same motor, I stopped by the Honda booth and found Robin Senger (The Honda Professor from their web site) and Warren Reid, the regional service rep.
I told them about your problem, and they were not surprised.
It seems that some dealers and manufacturers are installing an aftermarket ignition switch. Of the 90 of them that they replaced last year, none of them were the sealed type Honda original part.. I'm convinced that your problem is this minor one.
Other issues that I discussed with them were my failed motor-mounted trim/tilt switch. This item has been re-designed and will be replaced under warranty. The other was the prop vibration saga.
If you recall, I had a problem with unreasonable vibration with the motor in gear and at idle. I had assumed that it was a prop issue, and settled on a compromise prop. Robin tells me that they have finally isolated the problem of vibration with the high rake, 4-web hubbed, stiff 4-stroke props(Power-Tech). It turns out that they have re-designed the shift linkage to allow the proper throw to the gearing. I'm somewhat skeptical about this one, but he sure sounded like he knew what he was talking about. Apparently, this only affects early 2004 models.
Honda will provide provide the new part and install, so that I can go back to the 15.25 X 15 4-blade SS that gave me great performance across the whole rpm range.
As an aside, Jeff Messmer was also at the show with the new CD255. Cool boat, but not nearly as cool as the new boat that C-Dory and another manufacturer, not to be named yet, have collaborated on. Jeff showed me the drawings and spec sheet of the not quite finished boat that will be unveiled at the Seattle show. Hold on to your socks.
 
Maybe it is a Yamaha under those Honda cowling, seem to be a few problems on those grey machine. All of they other Brats out there with a Yamaha cowling and a Honda engine seem to be ok so far? Sorry could resist that one Dogon Dory
 
Well, another data point...thanks, Brady. How would a person be able to tell whether the switch is an after-market switch or the sealed Honda original part? I will just flat out ask I guess.


Minnow":352frbq6 said:
It seems that some dealers and manufacturers are installing an aftermarket ignition switch. Of the 90 of them that they replaced last year, none of them were the sealed type Honda original part.. I'm convinced that your problem is this minor one.
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Minnow Said:
It seems that some dealers and manufacturers are installing an aftermarket ignition switch. Of the 90 of them that they replaced last year, none of them were the sealed type Honda original part.. I'm convinced that your problem is this minor one.

I just looked at my ignition and the face plate in which the ignition and idiot lights are mounted says HONDA PGM-F1. So am guessing that this is the Honda made part. I am pretty sure that Pat's boat has the same plate. I know he will run out and check as soon as he sees this.
 
Anna Leigh":2gkuc6v8 said:
I just looked at my ignition and the face plate in which the ignition and idiot lights are mounted says HONDA PGM-F1. So am guessing that this is the Honda made part. I am pretty sure that Pat's boat has the same plate. I know he will run out and check as soon as he sees this.
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Pat's face plate says "FORD PGM-F1". :lol:
 
One more simple thing: I have the same engine, and when it was cold, I would repeatedly try to start it over and over -- it would turn over and I actually heard the engine spark and try to catch, so I of course release the starter key, but the engine didn't catch completely. I would have to try this literally for 10 to 15 minutes before the engine finally started.

I learned two things that cured this:

1. You have to hold the primer bulb so that the end that goes to the engine is in the "up" position, otherwise it doesn't work.

2. At the base of the throttle lever is a switch that you can push in so that you can turn up the idle without putting the engine in gear. So I push in the switch, push the throttle forward, even pump it a few times and leave it a little ways forward. It starts within 2 or 3 tries now, no matter how cold.

Prob'ly stuff you already knew, but what the hey...
 
Nope, not yet...we went out overnight New Year's Eve to Inati Cove on Lummi Island, and it worked fine...I did the WD40 thingee and tightened up the retaining nut, and all SEEMS to be OK, proof of the pudding will be the next time out, but weather has been so crappy have not felt much like it...

Captains Choice":3me8yr8u said:
Hey Pat, did you ever get your switch checked out/fixed?

Charlie
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Pat - It may not pertain to your situation, but I got the habit of keeping HEET or similar in the fuel for my volvo inboard and my mercruiser inboard and my mercury outboards. I think it helps alot in cold starts even tho it is only touted for use as a moisture remover. I even keep Heet in my small engines such as composter, mower, trimmer, chain saw during the cold months. It seems to help get a quick firing I think.


Good luck on your problem, John
 
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