QuestionHi Bill,
My 65 Honda 50 runs great for about 2 miles then it stops running like you turned the key off.Then after about 2-3 hours when it has completely cooled down it runs great again.I noticed that the fly wheel is very hot and the rest of the engine is not that hot yet just a little warm.I don't think I have ridden long enough to really heat the motor up but the fly wheel seems to be hotter then the motor.
Thanks again Bill for your help.We have to keep these old Hondas running they are a lot of fun.Ken
AnswerAloha, Ken... A couple of possibilites on this problem.
The gas cap vent holes are blocked and the engine is vapor locking due to fuel flow stoppage. When it quits, shut off the fuel lever and check the float bowl for correct level. If it is dry/low then you have a flow problem.
The valves are too tight. .002" COLD on compression stroke.
In a few cases, the points pivot point needs some lubrication. The point arm will seize on the pivot shaft and the points stay open until they cool down again.
Set the ignition timing so the points just open when the alignment of the F mark and crankcase are together. Be sure the point faces are clean and not deeply pitted. Excessive point wear may be due to failing condenser.
Make sure there is plenty of oil in it! Hopefully you are not experiencing a piston seizure.....
The flywheel is part of the crankshaft, which conducts heat from the piston, through the connecting rod and into the crankshaft assy and out the flywheel. Lots of heat is being generated quickly there PLUS it is generating electricity to charge the battery and run the lights.
Be sure to clean the petcock bowl, check the screen and be sure that the float valve is not getting blocked from debris that has worked its way through the fuel system. Check the float bowl for debris/water too.
Float level settings and jetting are all critical on these small bikes.
Bill Silver
