Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 11 HP GX 340 stalls after warming up, honda manuals, service honda

Question
QUESTION: I have a  Honda  11 HP GX 340 mounted onto a  Iron and Oak Log Splitter (came this way from factory) It's about 3 or 4 years old, although it does look like it's been abused. It does run well for about 15 to 20 minutes. Then it will stall out. All i have to do is pull it 2 or 3 times and it starts again, runs for 3 to 5 minutes, stall again, etc. I have drained the gas tank and the carb, and replaced the plug. It has to cool for half a day to run for the 15 to 20 minutes again. Thanks for the help!! Pete

ANSWER: What brand of spark plug are you using?  NGK, ND, Autolite, Champion?

Do you know how many hours are on the engine?  Have you ever checked the valve clearance?

Let me know.
Eric

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QUESTION: Eric, thank you very much for your response. It has a NGK BRR6ES in it. I have never checked the valve clearance, and I doubt anyone else has either. The splitter is owned by a municipality, and I don't believe it's been treated well. Thank you, pete

ANSWER: NGKs are great plugs.  Check the valves...I have seen several Honda's, from municipalities, with sticking intake valves due to varnish/fuel gum.  Not the engines fault, they just don't get used that much and are rarely maintained.

Check the valve clearance and let me know what the gap is.

Eric

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QUESTION: Thanks Eric, can you recommened a good manual or website that would describe how to check the valves? in theory I know what to do, but always lookin for help. Thanks, pete

Answer
Below is a link to valve clearance specs:

http://www.planopower.com/service/honda_service_specs_gx240-gx340.html

I have not found any free factory Honda manuals online but there are lots of links on how to check OHV valve clearances.  Basically you set the cylinder to top dead center on the compression stroke and then check the gap.  To adjust, there is usually sometype of a lock nut or other means of locking the adjusting arm.  Once the locking mechanism is unlocked you can adjust the valve clearance.

Let me know if this helps.

Eric