Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Honda GCV160 5.5hp engine, adjustment screws, air mixture

Question
Hi John,

1. Is there any way to adjust the automatic choke or its travel?

2. I hear that there are two adjustment screws on the carb for mixture, but I can't see them due to the shields on a Husky mower(after reassembly) Do you have a link to a diagram of the carb?

3. I've read some of your previous answers, but still am stumped. This motor starts easily when choked.  When the choke opens past 2/3 open, the engine dies, but runs smoothly if you stop it at 2/3. I imagine that this means that the mixture is too lean at this point or beyond. Right?

4. I have disassembled the carb, soaked the jets, and blown it out thououghly with compressed air.  Is there any reason that adjusting the carb for a richer mixture might well clear this up?

5. In your other posts, you mention something about breaking? the carb adjustment stops. What does this mean and where are they found? Ia it a matter to turning the adjustment screws until something breaks free?

Thanks for any tips.

Answer
Hello Ernie:

>>Since the Carburetor Adjusting Screws were Not Removed for Soaking, the Carburetor will have to be Soaked again with the Carburetor Adjusting Screws Removed to Correct this Problem.
>>Since this is a Honda, you can Use this Site Addy; http://www.honda-engines-eu.com/en/welcome.html and Select Spare Parts from the Drop Down Menu of the Service Tab. Now Select "Spare Parts Information. Now Select Model from the Drop Down Menu and Click Search.
>>The Breaking you are Asking about is "Breaking the Plastic Limiter" Covering the Adjustment Screws. This has to be Performed before Soaking the Carburetor in Cleaner so the Adjusting Screws can be Removed and Allow the Adjusting Ports so the Cleaner can Clean the Varnish Away and Allow for Correct Adjustments if the Air Mixture.
>>If the Carburetor is Soaked with these Installed you will still have Problems with the Carburetor Operation.  
>>You can Carefully Break these Off the Adjusting Screws and then Adjust the Carburetor as I Instructed.
>>The Following is the Instruction File for Setting the Air Mixture Screws. Any Input is Appreciated. The Procedure is the Same for 1 or 2 Mixture Screws, Just Use the Instruction File and Skip Over the Section with the Missing Mixture Screw ( Usually the H Mixture Screw).
>>Now Setting the Air Mixture Screws:  
>>****Turn the Idle Air (L) and Main Air (H) Mixture Screws In Until SNUG **Do Not Jam** Then Reverse Both Screws 1 1/2 Turns. Set the Throttle Full Open, Start the Engine.
>>Turn the Main Air (H) Mixture Screw Clockwise Until Proper Revs are Obtained. **Carefully Use your Finger and Move the Governor Arm to Rev the Engine (on Chainsaws and Trimmers Use the Trigger to Rev the Engine) Until you Reach Max RPMs (on Chainsaws and Trimmers, the RPMs are Not Set to MAX. Set to Max and then Reverse the Setting Screw 1/4 or 1/2 Turn. If the H Mixture Screw is Set too High; the Engine will be Starved for the Oil in the Gas and Damage the Piston and Jug/Cylinder) and the Engine is Running Proper at Full Throttle Up a Grade and for Chainsaws and Trimmers they Do Not Bog Down Under a Load. Occasionally you May have to Turn this Counter Clockwise to Achieve the Proper Revs.**
>>Now Allow the Engine to Idle. Set the Engine Idle Screw (Not Idle Air) so the Engine will Stay Running if Required.
>>Now Set the Idle Air (L) Mixture Screw so there is No Hesitation when Rapidly Throttling from Idle to Full Throttle. Reset the Engine Idle if Required.****
>>If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I Hope to be Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 5 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John