QuestionQUESTION: on a Honda GX610K1, i have loss of power, and speed. I've cleaned the air filter, seems ok. the spark plugs seem to burn out quickly, especially the one on the right side, which i noticed had an oil film on the threads. I haven't tried adjusting the governor, am unfamiliar with it. Starts fine, no smoke or anything, just a steady decrease in power and speed. thanks for any ideas
ANSWER: Hello Craig:
This is Usually Caused by the Ring Being Worn Out or Stuck to the Piston and they Cannot Expand when the Cylinder Does and you have Compression Loss or the Valve Clearances Require Setting. If the Valve Clearance is too Close then as the Engine Warms the Valve Clearance becomes Closer and you have Compression Loss Due to the Valves Not Seating Properly. I Suggest you Check the Valve Clearances First. If the Valve Clearances are Correct and the Engine is Still losing Power, then Check the Compression when the Engine is Cold and Again After it has Run and Lost Power. The Following is a Basic File I made for Setting the Valve Clearances. Any Input is Appreciated. **I Do Not Use the Setting Called for by the OEMs. I have Found that the Following Works Best. Remove the Valve Cover (on the Dead Cylinder for Twin Cylinder Engines). Set the Cylinder you are Setting the Valves on to Top Dead Center on the Compression Stroke When Setting the Valve Clearance. Now Loosen the Valve Adjuster Lock and Using a Blade Style Feeler Gauge, Set the Intake Valve Clearance to .005in -.007in and the Exhaust to .007in - .009in. Loosen and Tighten the Rocker Arm and the Feeler Gauge is Placed Between the Rocker Arm and the Valve Top where the Rocker Arm Pushes on the Valve. ***BE SURE TO TIGHTEN THE ADJUSTER LOCK AFTER YOU HAVE THE PROPER VALVE CLEARANCE*** I have had Better Performance Out of the Mowers and Less Burnt Valves Using these Settings. Be Sure the Piston is at TDC on the Compression Stroke.** If you Remove the Valve Cover and then Turn the Engine by Hand, you can Watch the Intake Valve Movement. When the Intake Valve Closes, the Piston will Just Starting the Compression/Power Stroke. On Some Engines you can Us a Straightened Coat Hanger and Feel the Piston. Be Careful and Dont Jam the Wire in the Cylinder. Usually the Piston will Push the Wire Out of the Spark Plug Hole with No Problems. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 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
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: John: Thanks for the quick reply. I've noticed that it is only the right spark plug that is quickly fouling; could it be that the coil is bad?
AnswerHello Again Craig:
With Small Engines, Anything is Possible. Switch the Coils and See if the Problem Switches to the Other Cylinder. If it Does, then Replace the Coil. It is Highly Unusal, but it can Happen. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 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
