Honda Spree and Elite 50 Forums

I have a Honda Spree with only 750 miles on it. I just took it out of dry, heated storage and did the following - but it still wont run past an idle.

New battery
New fuel lines
Cleaned gas and oil tank
Removed carb and cleaned it like 5 times
New spark plug

It starts easily and when given any throttle it simple stalls out. Local Honda dealers said to just toss it out as it would never run and parts on unavailable? This Spree is close to brand new and has absolutely no damage or modifications.

Should I just buy a whole new carb and all or is it something I can handle otherwise.

Help!

thats funny my local hoda dealer has everything you need to rebuild the engine. i have an 86 spree if you want i can send you the link and you can order you things from them. i linve in lafayette,IN

that would be great - i would rather just buy all new and just bolt it on unless its easier to have a local pro handle it. Thanks!

have you checked the airbox/filter? In storage, I have had everything from rodents to wasp nests in there and that really clogs it up, acting as a fixed choke. This means it will start well but eventually idle ruff as it warms the motor and when given more gas it can't suck the air it needs to keep the proper stoichiometric ratio.

I thought at first the Honda dealer wanted to sell you a new carburetor, then realized he wants to sell you a new scooter. Shazaam! There is lots of life left in these little carbs. I wouldn't call them indestructable but almost. Unlike a large auto carb, there is little or nothing to wear out and they are so simple... Once you know a trick or two.

After being in storage, even heated garage, old stale gas forms varnish inside. Honda carburetors are tricky little guys, with very fine passage ways that can be plugged by the varnish. Lots of guessing but I'm putting my money on this being your problem. Buy a can of Carburetor cleaner, the type in a pressure can that smells like acetone, because that's a major ingredient. Then get a #13 (013") guitar string, or equivalent. Any string musician can give you the cutting when he trims the whiskers after he changes strings, or give you an old one. I believe it is the E string, the smallest one.

There are two passageways of concern. One is the primary jet, which I expect you've already discovered. MUST be clean and clear. the second passageway runs parallel to the primary "tunnel". It is very small and that is where the guitar string comes in. You can see the one end from the bowl end. Turn the carburetor upside down, and look down the throttle valve hole. You will see the primary hole in the middle, and then another very small hole on the parameter. It is probably plugged with varnish. Probe with the string until you can get carb cleaner to definitely spray through that hole. It is pertinent to secondary RPM and running past idle.

Once you get it running, and I'm betting you will, do two things.
1. Drive down to the Honda dealer and laugh in his face.
2. Send me a donation for my retirement fund. My address is...

BTW, this very same problem drove me crazy on my wife's Elite E, and I'm rebuilding a 2001 Elite now, that was pulled out of a barn, xx years storage, with same problem. I'm relaxing on my day of rest, but will get-er goin' in the mornin'.

I would turn the idle up and i am not familar with these bike i am a 94-01 honda 50 specialist but i would adjust the air screw in all the way if it has one and turn the idle high should do the trick also check and see if the fuel filter is flowing the wrong direction. PEACE

Is this the same scooter you posted on a few months back? If I recall, it was recommended that you go back to the factory-original airbox setup. Have you tried that? These scooters are notoriously finnicky about running with anything other than the original airbox/filter. Any other type of setup will require advanced carb/jetting setup.

I think this was pointed out by Kenny.

hmmmm i agree the correct airbox is the only way, unless you know what your doing. i have a craftsman airfilter that works great but i had to do alot of trial and error and if you dont do it right you will blow the motor. if you want to do the craftsman airflter then you have to put tape over 3/4 of the filter and use the original intake pipe. any longer wont work. If there is any questions on how i did it please ask i will send pics of needed


this is only if you dont have the original parts for the airfilter
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