Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): honda gx160 generator, honda gx160, shaft move

Question
Hi Paul, I have a generator which starts 1st pull and runs great, however if connected to a load of 300watts or more runs fine for a minute or two and then the engine begins to cut out. i do state BEGINS because if you remove the load the engine continues to run very erratically for a min or two, coughs and bursts back to life as if nothing is wrong. i have tried bypassing the oil sensor and kill switch. fault still remains

Answer
hi  royston

have you had carby off and checked main jet  could be blocked or restricted
running of engine with load is maintained by main jet - but check all carb pilot jets and air bleeds as well  check fuel flow from tank to carb and tank breather as well
try adjusting governor as well   as no aceptance of load could be governor needing adjustment too
check your valve clearance as well  0.004" inlet  and 0.006" exhaust @ tdc compression stroke
check your muffler  it could be restricted  ?
check that all springs etc are in correct positions and are free to move
to adjust governor - raise tank , loosen clamp on governor lever holding it to gov shaft
move the throttle plate to full open and hold it there, turn the governor  shaft full in a clockwise direction  ( note do not force )as viewed from the pull start side  on the engine  
tighten the governor lever clamp

this proceedure removes any slack in the system and places the governor and spool and cup in known positions because while engine is stopped  closing force is removed and throttle plate moves to full open   

here is web site   http://www.honda-engines-eu.com/en/welcome.html
select the  model series ie  gx160 type ie  

type in the numbers off the  cylinder block or footing  

you can load and save a copy of parts lists


cheers hope it helps


paul