Honda Spree and Elite 50 Forums

I have a Honda spree that starts for a few seconds and then dies. I have cleaned the card replaced the fuel pump and spark plug. I have noticed that the spark plug gets oily after it dies If I go ahead and clean it up it will start again. Could it be a back oil pump? To much air? Any help would be really appreciated.

It is highly possible the oil pump has leaked oil into your engine, hence the oily spark plug.
It is not an indication of a "bad" oil pump, but rather a leaky seal in the oil pump, which is somewhat common on these motors.
Pull the spark plug and use a rag to cover the surrounding area as you turn the motor over, ejecting the oil as much as you can.
Then return a NEW spark plug to the motor and when you start it, don't let it die. Keep it running and try to burn up some of the oil. It will depend on how much has leaked into the motor. It does not sound like it's that much. How long has it sat for?

Hey Bones, thanks for the heads up on the pump. I've read that Honda does not sell replacements and was wondering what are the alternatives to repairing or replacing the pump besides plugging and pre-mixing, if any.

Thanks ahead of time.

UltraFJ40 wrote:Hey Bones, thanks for the heads up on the pump. I've read that Honda does not sell replacements and was wondering what are the alternatives to repairing or replacing the pump besides plugging and pre-mixing, if any.

Thanks ahead of time.

You mean there are no oil pumps available for the Spree motor. Well, I have an sa50 elite that leaks pretty bad although, if I start it and drive it every day it's no problem. But if it sits a week, then it smokes upon start up for a few minutes. If it sits for two weeks, it's hard to start and I have to lean it over to one side for a minute then stand it up and it will start, barely.
I thought about installing a shut-off valve in-line to prevent oil from the gravitational forces having their way. The only problem is; IF YOU FORGET TO OPEN IT!!!upon starting and riding.....well. There you have it.
There has been discussion of an in-line check valve, but I don't know of anyone who is using one successfully. Maybe pre-mixing is the only option that is not overly complicated. If you find a reasonably good solution, please let us know will ya?
As far as repairing these leaky pumps, I have no idea about it yet......

bonesv wrote:

UltraFJ40 wrote:Hey Bones, thanks for the heads up on the pump. I've read that Honda does not sell replacements and was wondering what are the alternatives to repairing or replacing the pump besides plugging and pre-mixing, if any.

Thanks ahead of time.

You mean there are no oil pumps available for the Spree motor. Well, I have an sa50 elite that leaks pretty bad although, if I start it and drive it every day it's no problem. But if it sits a week, then it smokes upon start up for a few minutes. If it sits for two weeks, it's hard to start and I have to lean it over to one side for a minute then stand it up and it will start, barely.
I thought about installing a shut-off valve in-line to prevent oil from the gravitational forces having their way. The only problem is; IF YOU FORGET TO OPEN IT!!!upon starting and riding.....well. There you have it.
There has been discussion of an in-line check valve, but I don't know of anyone who is using one successfully. Maybe pre-mixing is the only option that is not overly complicated. If you find a reasonably good solution, please let us know will ya?
As far as repairing these leaky pumps, I have no idea about it yet......

Thanks, I will post anything that might be helpful. Right now I'm looking through about two decades of posts on here hoping to find a fix without the pre-mixing.

I believe there is a small check valve inside that leaks? you'll have to get a good used pump.

ped wrote:I believe there is a small check valve inside that leaks? you'll have to get a good used pump.

Thanks Ped.