QuestionHi,My 1964 Honda Benly starts easily from a cold start and after running for about 15 minutes or so.After a half hour ride,it will not start.If I let it cool down for about 15 minutes it will start, but not as easily as when its cold.
AnswerHarley, first thought is that almost any old 60s Honda should not start easily when cold! Usually, full choke at first, then back it down to 3/4 choke and then maybe to 1/2 after a couple of minutes. This could indicated either an over-rich condition in the carburetor (high float level, jetting incorrect, sinking float) or the ignition timing may be out of specifications. Ignition timing DOES affect carburetor metering, as it changes the manifold vacuum signal to the carb circuits.
Start fresh... adjust the valves to .004" cold. Remove the points plate and check the spark advancer unit for free movement in advance and retard functions. Clean and gap points to .014" max, then move the point plate so that they just open at the F mark alignment on the flywheel. If points are showing a lot of arcing, the condenser may be failing, perhaps when HOT only. Be sure that the spark plug caps are firmly attached to the coil wire ends.
Ensure that the charging system is keeping the battery above 6v, at all times.
Something else to check is the gas cap vent hole, which can restrict fuel flow from tank to carb. The hole is just outside the edge of the gas cap gasket.
Bill Silver
