Page 1 of 1

Electronic ignition

Posted: Sun Nov 18, 2007 12:17 pm
by rickr
I purchased a old (Yr.88) 5 HP Honda 4 stroke motor. It has "electronic Ignition" on it. I dont think it's electic-start. What does it mean?
It starts easily at first pull but souns noisy.
Anyone here use this kind of motor?

Posted: Sun Nov 18, 2007 5:37 pm
by Terry_F
Elecronic ignition means that the spark is generated using electronic components rather than a a coil and contacts.
Older systems used to rely on the Electromotive Force (EMF) created using a coil and magnet. A set of contacts was set to open at a few degrees before Top Dead Centre (TDC) of the piston stroke. When this occurred a Back EMF was produced and a spark was initiated to ignite the gas in the cylinder. This system is very prone to poor adjustment due to wear, and was replaced by solid state circuits that achieve the same spark, but do not wear and are much easier to adjust. That is electronic ignition. See this refernce for a better explaination, http://autorepair.about.com/cs/generali ... 72200a.htm
Electric start is using a electrically assisted mechanism to turn the engine over instead of a pull chord.
If the motor starts first time, then the elctronic ignition is working well.
If the engine is noisey, then you need a mechanic.
Hope that helps.

Posted: Sun Nov 18, 2007 10:47 pm
by rickr
Really thanx. Now I know what it is.
Since it's a 4 stroke motor, I think I only need to fill engine oil once a year, right? Is it easy to do it myself?

Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2007 8:22 am
by Terry_F
Confirm that it is a four stroke and not a two stroke with a fuel injector.
If it is a 4 stroke, then you just need to check the engine oil and make sure it is topped up. It should only be dip stick or visual check, but I would check it often.
If it is an injector, then there will be an oil resevoir that should be checked every time you go out and topped up with the correct mixing oil.
Try going on-line and downloading the manual. That will give you a full maintenance schedule.

Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2007 10:30 am
by Andy_L
could be wrong...but i don't think Honda made 2 strokes

Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2007 12:25 pm
by Terry_F
Andy is correct, they only make a 4 stroke.
Here is the link to the manual download - http://www.honda-marine.com/owners/OwnerManuals.aspx