QuestionQUESTION: This is the discontinued propane fueled unit. We have 187 hours on it and it has been getting very difficult to start and now it won't. The fuel delivery seems to work as it should and there is spark. I checked the valve clearance, it was just about .002 over on each which I adjusted. It cranks ok and occasionally backfires through the carb. Any ideas or suggestions?
Thanks, Jerry
ANSWER: Hello Jerry:
From your Description it Sounds like the Head Gasket May have Blown, the Carburetor is Not Supplying the Proper Amount of Fuel or a Valve is Burnt and Requires Reseating. Will the Engine Try to Start if you Use a Small Amount of Starter Fluid while Starting the Engine? If Yes, then Check the Pressure Regulator. Are you Sure the Engine was at TDC on the COmpression Stroke when you Adjusted the Valves? If Yes, then Loosen the Exhaust Valve to Approximately .015in and Check the Engine Compression. If the Compression is 90PSI or Lower, then there is a Problem with the Rings and or Cylinder. Remove the Valves and Reseat them. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Mower/Engine at this Site Addy, http://hayward.arinet.com/scripts/EmpartISAPI.dll?MF&app=ASP&lang=EN&TF=Mainfram and Select the Catalog American Honda. 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. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. 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. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi John,
Thanks for the quick answer. I had tried starter fluid with no luck. I re-checked the valve clearance again at TDC and then loosened the exhaust and got 60 psi on the first stroke and a max of 80 psi. Just before I wrote to you, I had started the engine with much difficulty and it ran about 10 seconds and then sputtered quite a bit and died and will not start again. It has been sputtering and backfiring a lot in getting it started for quite a while. Sounds like I need to pull the head a take a look.
Thanks, Jerry
AnswerHello Again Jerry:
You are Correct. You Need to Remove the Cylinder Head and Inspect the Piston, Cylinder Walls and the Cylinder Head. Be Sure to Remove the Valves from the Head and Check for Burnt Valve Face/Seat on the Valve and the Valve Seat in the Head. Make Sure the Valve Seats are Not Loose in the Head. Once we Locate the Cause for Low Compression, then you can make the Repair and have the Unit Running Proper Again. 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. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. 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. Ratings and Comments are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
