Honda 476

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5 Jan 2010
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Location
Norfolk
Country
United Kingdom
Hi

Our Honda 476 is now very hard to start.

Replaced spark plug ( do this yearly) also changed air filter, and oil.

Fresh petrol this is always filleted when filling tank.

any ideas what I should do next ??
 
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If it's an early machine with a manual choke, do make sure the choke is operating fully.....it won't start well from cold otherwise but should be OK when hot.
If its an auto choke system then this should be done for you, but you need to check that the choke flap is fully shut - you can see this with the air filter outer cover off.
John :)
 
If it's an early machine with a manual choke, do make sure the choke is operating fully.....it won't start well from cold otherwise but should be OK when hot.
If its an auto choke system then this should be done for you, but you need to check that the choke flap is fully shut - you can see this with the air filter outer cover off.
John :)
Will check choke as suggested.
 
A manual choke is adjusted by moving the cable, an auto choke is operated by the expansion of a wax capsule....not as successful as one would hope!
John :)
 
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A manual choke is adjusted by moving the cable, an auto choke is operated by the expansion of a wax capsule....not as successful as one would hope!
John :)
It's a manual choke checking tomorrow, if it requires adjustment to give more choke whats the procedure ?
 
Basically it involves moving the cable back in its clamp.....often enough the lever can be at its maximum but the choke still doesn't operate and moving the cable back gives it that extra movement required.
Post a photo of the cable end if you like.
John :)
 
Basically it involves moving the cable back in its clamp.....often enough the lever can be at its maximum but the choke still doesn't operate and moving the cable back gives it that extra movement required.
Post a photo of the cable end if you like.
John :)

Air filter off : engaged the choke fully, the left side flap looks fully closed right side very small gap, I take it this to let a small amount of air past.
 
When the machine does go, how does it perform? Does it idle well, speed up as expected and have plenty of power.....and no sign of any smoke of any colour?
John :)
 
When the machine does go, how does it perform? Does it idle well, speed up as expected and have plenty of power.....and no sign of any smoke of any colour?
John :)

It does idle OK

push throttle forward speed up as expected

Must say it hunts a bit, not smooth engine note

No smoke unless I push to choke position then black smoke ( just to try to see if I can clear Hunting).

When I changed spark plug it was still in good condition.

Thanks for your help.
 
Thanks for the explanation here!
As you say the engine is hunting, it presumably is repeatedly revving up, then down.....this is in fact due to a slight fuel starvation. As the engine chuffs smoke with choke on, this shows that all is in order in this area.
On full throttle the engine should rev nicely at a constant speed.
These engines are normally excellent starters but now it's time to delve into the carburettor to give it a proper clean. At least you'll need a can of aerosol carb cleaner and an air line is very handy too.
This involves taking the carburettor off the engine (two long bolts, 10mm head) and removing the float bowl (10mm spanner) followed by extraction of the main jet and emulsion tube above it -- 6mm slotted head screwdriver for this one. Its not a bad job, you can't do any harm but care is essential when removing the governor / choke rods from the carb top, and cleanliness is essential.
John :)
 
Indeed! Under a philips screw to be precise, occasionally a pressed in plastic one. Unfortunately on the latest Hondas its peined in place so getting in there is nigh on impossible :(
Can you add any input on this one?
John :)
 
Thanks for the explanation here!
As you say the engine is hunting, it presumably is repeatedly revving up, then down.....this is in fact due to a slight fuel starvation. As the engine chuffs smoke with choke on, this shows that all is in order in this area.
On full throttle the engine should rev nicely at a constant speed.
These engines are normally excellent starters but now it's time to delve into the carburettor to give it a proper clean. At least you'll need a can of aerosol carb cleaner and an air line is very handy too.
This involves taking the carburettor off the engine (two long bolts, 10mm head) and removing the float bowl (10mm spanner) followed by extraction of the main jet and emulsion tube above it -- 6mm slotted head screwdriver for this one. Its not a bad job, you can't do any harm but care is essential when removing the governor / choke rods from the carb top, and cleanliness is essential.
John :)

This might be one-step to far for me will have to give this some thought.

is this worth a try, Lawn mower carburetor cleaner ?
 

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