Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): small engine wont start, flood water, honda engines

Question
Hello Eric.

My power washer with a 2008 Honda GX-200 engine is a Hurricane Sandy casualty.  Totally underwater.  I drained the tank and removed the carburetor and sprayed cleaner thru it.  There is compression. There seems to be spark but wonder if it is adequate as the engine won't even fire on starting fluid.  What could the flood water have wiped out?

Thanks for your time.

Rich

Answer
Did you drain and re-fill the engine oil?  I would start with a new spark plug and try the starting fluid again.  It could be a sticking intake valve as I have seen this on some of the Honda engines.  You can take the valve cover off and check the intake valve.  You can try spraying some carb cleaner on the intake valve stem and pull the string over to actuate the valve to help clean the valve stem.  Make sure the spark plug is out so you can pull the string easy.

Eric