Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Honda GX200 Exhaust issue, honda gx200, bauer compressor

Question
Hey John, I have a Honda GX200, 6.5.  It is used for powering a Bauer compressor for filling scuba tanks.  It was running great for many years until a few days ago.  Now the exhaust has been turning quite black.  Any ideas?

Answer
Generally speaking, black smoke from the exhaust usually means the unit is flooding. I would clean or replace the air filter and replace the spark plug, this should fix the problem. When the air filter gets restricted, the carburetor tries to make up for the loss of air by calling for more fuel which creates an excess of carbon, sooting up the spark plug and causing carbon rich exhaust.