Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Honda GCV160 dies after 5 - 10 seconds, honda gcv160 engine, honda manuals

Question
I posted the question below and received the response shown. I checked the timing by confirming the piston at TDC/compression stroke and finding the timing marks on the cam gear aligned parallel with the valve cover surface of the cylinder head. The engine starts after sitting for a short time then dies after 5 - 10 seconds. It then will not start without sitting again. Help?

Expert John
Subject Honda GCV160 starting problem
Question     My MTD mower uses a Honda GCV160 engine. 3 weeks ago it wouldn't start. I would pull the cord and there was no resistance telling me there was no compression. I checked the cam cover and found it dented. I straightened the cam cover, this resolved the compression issue. While troubleshooting I pulled the fuel bowl but didn't find any dirt so I replaced it. The engine started but only ran for about 10 seconds then it stopped. I have replaced the plug but have still had no success. It starts but only runs for a few moments. It will not start a second time unless I let the engine sit for 30 minutes or more. Any ideas would be appreciated. I do not have any illustrations, exploded views or specifications on this engine.
Answer The dented valve cover throws up a bunch of flags, including a
jumped timing belt.

here is a link to Honda manuals, if it doesn't come up just google the dist name and Honda.

If the dented valve/cam cover had such an impact on the compression
and running, that is likely where you need to explore.

http://hayward.arinet.com/scripts/EmpartISAPI.dll?MF&app=ASP&lang=EN&TF=Mainfram
Thanks,
    Fish

Answer
Do you have a compression gauge?  Remove the air filter and try taking a spray bottle with some gas in it and spray it directly into the carburetor and see if you can keep the engine running like this.  Be careful doing this for the obvious reasons.  Let me know what you get from this and if you have a compression gauge go ahead and see what sort of pressure you get.  If this site won't let you reply back, you can contact me through the website in my profile and I'll try to help you through that.  Thanks, PK.