87 Honda Spree - Quits idling after a few seconds

madeline17 · Post by **madeline17** » Fri Jun 13, 2008 9:13 pm

I just bought a 1987 Honda Spree with about 2700 miles on it. The guy I bought it from claims he just cleaned the spark plug, carburetor and put in a new battery, but it refuses to idle. I can usually get it started electrically with some strategic throttling, but sometimes have to kick start it. After I start it, however, it will only idle a few seconds before dying.
I tried adjusting the air screw and the idle screw, but that made no difference. What's going on?
This is a pain because I have to constantly be throttling the engine when sitting at a stop light, etc. If I stop paying attention, it dies.

CharlotteSpreeRider · Post by **CharlotteSpreeRider** » Fri Jun 13, 2008 9:20 pm

Have you tried turning up the idle speed (turning in the top screw on the carb until it doesn't die anymore)?

-aseigler

D-fog · Post by **D-fog** » Fri Jun 13, 2008 9:34 pm

You might still want to try cleaning the carburetor. I couldn't get mine to idle well at all no matter how much adjusting I did, until I cleaned the carb as thoroughly as I could. Sometimes people say they cleaned it, and they may not have done a very good job. But definitely fiddle with the screw.