Honda Elite ES doesnt idle/run right; Carb question

[Trinity1]

First off, this is the first scooter I have ever owned. I have worked on some small engines before, but limited experience. This is a 1988 Honda Elite ES

My son was driving it back from work the other nite and it quit running. I went and picked it up in my truck and hauled it back to our garage. When I got up the next day, I took a quick glance at it and realized the whole carb was loose.

I preceded to tear it down and removed back light switch, removed oil filter, took off the gas line and immediately saw that the bottom bolt was completely gone and the top bolt was loose.
Went to our local hardware shop, got new bolts which fit perfectly.

I then decided to clean out the carb, paying attention to the float bowl to check for sediment and such. Float bowl was clean as a whistle. Guy we bought it from said he had it serviced about 3 months prior to selling it; he had bought a new Honda scooter. From what I saw, everything looked good. Bowl was clean, air filter was brand new....etc


When I took off the carb to clean it, I noticed much to my surprise that there was NO GASKET between it and the front of the engine block. There is a O-ring....but that is it.

My experience tells me it is getting too much air because of a lack of a gasket. I shot some carb cleaner at this area and it died within seconds; which again sort of confirms that it needs a gasket here.

Can someone help me?

Does it need a gasket?
Where do I purchase one, or what type of material can I purchase from an auto-zone store or such to make my own gasket.

Any and all input will be much appreciated!

By the way,...I am LOVIN this ride!!

[Wheelman-111]

Greetings:

If the brown plastic insulator is missing or cracked, replace it. The space it occupies is needed for the airbox assembly - also a critical part for idling performance - fits properly. The threads in the carb flange are frighteningly easy to strip. If the carb was loose, they are suspect. That junction is likely your problem, but a paper gasket won't solve it if the threads don't hold. Gaps between the carb and the airbox snorkle are almost as bad on an SB Engine.

The brown insulator can fit four ways. Three are incorrect. Dog ears down, and an intact O-ring for each gap. You can run a 1/4 x 20 hardware store tap through the carb flange to fix the threads. Drill the manifold and insulator to 17/64, the use a 1/4 hex bolt cut to length for a stronger carb mount.

Make Sure this is fixed before you ride again, and Welcome.

[Trinity1]

Here are pics of what I am asking about where a gasket should be

I believe there should be a gasket between the carb and the the intake.....am I right??

[Trinity1]

Double checked the carb bolts......The 2 bolts running left and right on the dog-ears of the carb are good and snug......should not be any air leaks there.


Wheelman...you wrote "If the brown plastic insulator is missing or cracked, replace it." Not sure what you are referring to......please remember I am a NOOB at this....LOL! THANKS for your input!!

A pic would be worth a thousand words!

[Wheelman-111]

Greetings:

Hmm, I suspected you didn't have this part. It's not a gasket but a plastic part about 3/16" thick and housing a second O-Ring that is needed to seal between the manifold and plastic. Its thickness sets the carb in the correct spot to mount the airbox. Number 13 and 18 in this Pic.
As stated, 4 ways to install, only one works. Triple check that the carb mounting bolts can hold the torque specified in the manual - FROM MEMORY about 7 foot-pounds - double-check in the service manual. If the o-rings are crushed, kinked or split, get new ones. Don't even bother trying to tune the scooter if this mount isn't Perfect and air-tight.

[Trinity1]

Thanks again Wheelman!

Wish y'all had some pics of what this part is....

[Wheelman-111]

Greetings:

Did you click on "This Pic"? It's the same color as your reed block, shaped like the manifold flange.

[Trinity1]

Wheelman,

I am a stupid Old Man with bad vision...LOL!
Checked the diagram on This pic......that was a huge help for me as I am learning the ends&outs of working on my Honda.
I believe that part is on the carb.

I ended up going to local Auto Zone, got some carb gasket material, cut out my own and installed.
Guess what...it is back to running a smooth 30 mph with no problems. I though it had been running at 35 earlier, but I may have been mistaken. There is definitely no sputtering, slow-down or other problems at this point, so I believe I have fixed the air issue with the gasket. Guy at AuoZone said the gasket material should last about 30 years. I'll post more if I have any issues with the gasket, but so far...really good!

THANKS for your input, realy appreciate it!

Got another question for y'all (yeah I am from the South, Lowcountry in South Carolina...LOL!)
I am going to repaint the body. Any suggestions as to what type of paint is best? Should I get the spray can paint made specifically for plastic, or can I use any type of Rust-O-Leum paint???

[sc94elite]

rattle can never lasts.