Engine malfunction
When I was leaving Esquel, I had a problem with the engine not starting properly.
The video is taken in Bariloche, Argentina after arriving.
As for the situation, the engine wouldn’t start if I just pressed the cell button.
There is exhaust from the muffler, and the engine sometimes starts.
If I turn the cell a few times and blow the accelerator, the engine will start.
I remember being in the same situation before in Potosi, Bolivia
Since the symptoms are similar to this time, I will check each one.
Here are the places I check:
〇Air cleaner
〇Spark plug
〇 Side stand kill switch
〇Fuel pump
〇Injection
Although I have been driving on dusty dirt roads, I have just replaced the air cleaner with a new one, so I don’t think this is a problem.
I tried starting the engine with it removed, but there was no change in the situation.
Next I check the spark plugs
When I replaced the cylinder head in Uruguayana, Brazil, I also replaced the plug with a new one and drove it for about 18,000km since then.
This is a genuine SILMAR plug, so there is probably no problem, but I will try replacing it just in case.
There was a compatible product for HONDA in Bariloche.
1 bottle AR$8.000, approximately USD5.73
As far as I compare these, there seems to be no problem with the plug itself.
Actually when I replaced it there was no change in the engine starting situation
I also replaced the spark plug in Potosi and had no problems with it then.
Next I check the kill switch on the side stand
If there is a poor contact here, the engine may not start.
The protective rubber was slightly torn, but this doesn’t seem to be a problem.
It’s not like the engine won’t start completely, so this probably isn’t a problem either.
In that case, I think the fuel pump or injection itself is suspicious.
The fuel pump has been around 20.000km since I replaced it in Rosario, Argentina
It is generally said that it needs to be replaced between 50,000km and 100,000km, but this is reasonable since the original one broke at 47,000km.
The parts I replaced in Rosario were compatible, so maybe this one broke at 20,000km.
I have a spare DENSO that I bought in Cochabamba, so I’m thinking of replacing it, but unfortunately it’s currently full of gas, so it will be a pain for me to lift the gas tank.
Therefore, I will try exchanging this on my next trip to San Martin de los Andes.
Repair date: March 17, 2026
