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Honda Recon won't stay running

36K views 11 replies 3 participants last post by  DT400 
#1 ·
I have an old 2000 Honda Recon, and it doesn't seem to want to stay running. The engine turns over and will run if I hit the throttle, but eventually it backfires and dies. I cleaned out the gas tank and freed up the petcock, and there is gas flowing. What should I try next?
 
#4 ·
try a new spark plug?
is air filter clean?
clean the carb>
star there and see what happens
I replaced the spark plug, and the old one was burnt out and black. Once I replaced it, it started easily and ran for a little while but it was blowing a ton of blue smoke out. After riding for a minute to test things, it died. It now takes a long time to start and doesn't idle at all again. The carb has been cleaned and there is gas flowing from what I can see. Any suggestions?
 
#6 ·
ok, if its burning oil, lots of smoke, you could have a bad top end, and low compression , which will cause it to NOT idle well
I'd do a compression test here to see where your at
fast easy simple to do! and lets you know for sure where the motor is at on that
as all the fuel, carb adjustments you make will NOT solve low compression!
 
#12 ·
Pull the plug. Ground the body (threads or electrode) . Make sure the plug wire is on tight. Hold the plug with a pair of pliers with rubber grips and crank the engine.
If you get shocked it won't be bad for you but it will smart.....
It's best to do it in the shade or a dim garage to see the spark color clearly.
A good read https://www.ngksparkplugs.com/about-ngk/faqs/spark-plug-faqs/how-do-i-read-a-spark-plug
I tried to find a professional video on checking spark color but never could find anything helpful
This one isn't too helpful but should at least show how to check for the spark...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUOmsGiirTU.

Darrell
 
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