Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Karcher Pressure Waher, honda gc160, arinet

Question
I purchased a remanufactured Karcher pressure washer with a Honda GC160 engine. It stayed in the box several months before assembly and trying to start it. The engine has a manual choke and throttle lever. I did as instructed - closed the choke, pushed the throttle level about one-third open, and pulled the rope. It will start and run from 3 to 5 seconds and then stop. If you pull the rope again without waiting a couple of minutes, it will not attempt to start at all. After sitting a couple of minutes, it will start up and run a few seconds and stop. I did some searching on the internet and found that others have reported similar problems but did not find any solution to the problem. Can you offer some advice or suggestions? It just seems that the gas flow is not adequate to keep it running. Thanks.

Answer
Hello Joe:

From your Description it Sounds like the Carburetor Float Needle Valve is Stuck. This is Common on New Engines. Make Sure the Gas is Free Flowing to the Carburetor. If it is, then Turn Off the Gas Supply to the Carburetor. Remove the Fuel Hose from the Carburetor Inlet Port. Spray Carburetor Cleaner Into the Inlet Port Using the Straw that is Supplied with the Carburetor Cleaner. Lightly Tap on the Side of the Carburetor where the Bowl Seals to the Carburetor. If this Does Not Correct the Problem, then the Carburetor will have to be Disassembled and Cleaned. 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. Then Select Engine. Then Scroll to your Engine Model and Click on it. Now you can View the Breakdown Online. 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