My problem is that my Recon will start, on occasion, but it will only run for about 7 seconds before cutting off. I've replaced the spark plug, filter, battery, and checked the gas. Now it won't start at all, and my battery is about out of juice.

It's got to be the carburetor. I would like to dismantle and check and clean the carburetor, but this would be my first attempt at doing it. I ran by the Honda shop, and thought about letting them take care of it, but they are backed up and I don't have the time to wait, as hunting season is bearing down.

Can someone please tell me step by step the best way to go about removing the carburetor and cleaning it?

Thanks,
Lito

 

Buy the book of ebay.

If you give more symptoms someone can tell you what is wrong.
What did it do the last time it ran? Knocking? Smoke? Sputtering? Backfiring?

Is it just getting it started that is hard?

 

Symptoms are, during the week it was running fine, started it up on Saturday to haul some dirt to a field. I started it up first try - drove it to the end of the driveway with no problems. Then,.... it died, and I never got it started again until about 2 hrs later, and same thing happened again. Ran for a few seconds and died again.

No sputtering, no knocking, no backfiring, no smoke. It turns over like it wants to start just like normal, but it just won't start.

Any ideas? I figured, after I took care of some regular maintenance, which was due anyway, that I should really take a look at the carburetor. This is also what the Honda mechanic recommended. Problem is, I've never taken one a part, and I'm looking for some helpful hints, b/c it looks like it's going to be a little tricky getting to it. I think once I get it opened up and get under the bulb, I can clean it up real good. Problem is, when you haven't done something before, sometimes you don't know what to look out for.

thanks in advance for your help. BTW, I'm charging the battery b/c it can't take anymore starting attempts.

lito

 

Try to start it a few times. Take the plug out. Is it wet? If it is its not firing. If its dry a jet is clogged. Try burning the plug tip with a lighter and reinstalling it hot. If it fires a few seconds and dies your choke is hung or you have water in the gas.
If it doesn't turn over then your grounded out somewhere.

Take the bowl off and clean the jets. You should buy an inline fuel filter and install it. Cost 3 bucks and take 2 minutes to put in.

 

I will check the (new) plug when I get hoime tonight to see if it is getting wet, and I will try the next steps you suggested.

What steps would you take to remove the carburetor, b/c it is kind of difficult to get to, especially w/the hoses, the filter box, and the snorkel/gas tank?

Thanks,
lito

 

you could just spray some carbcleaner in there and it might knock somthing loose, but you really probily need to clean it.