QuestionMy Honda HR214 SX GXV 120(about mid 80's vintage), will not start. I was using it when it died and would not restart. Here is what I have done.
1.I have checked the spark and it is good.
2.I changed the plug.
3.When I try to start it, the plug has gas on it but not like it is flooded so it appears that it is getting fuel.
4. I removed the valve cover and checked the valve action--appears OK, but I didn't measure the clearance. What should it be.
5. I removed the muffler thinking it may be carboned up.
6. I checked the compression >100lbs.
7. I changed the gas.
8. I installed a new carb---float was suspicous in the old one.
9. I even tried "quick start" with no success.
Any ideas??????? Thanks
AnswerHello Bob:
From your Description it Sounds like the Flywheel Key has Sheared and the Engine is Firing the Plug Out of Time. 1- If you have a Wet Plug, Compression Over 90psi and the Plug Firing, then the Only Reason for the Engine Not Running is the Plug Firing Out of Time. The Following is the Instruction File I Made for Correcting this Problem. It is the Basics and if you have a Question, Please Ask. Any Input to Make this File Better is Appreciated. ***Remove the Spark Plug and Tilt the Mower so the Plug Hole is Facing Up. First Make Sure the Blade is Tight. Now Turn the Engine and Watch the Blade Bolt. If the Bolt Wobbles, then the Crankshaft is Bent and May be A Problem After the Key is Replaced. If the Wobble is Slight, then Replace the Key. If the Wobble is Severe, then the Engine is Shot and the Only Way to Save it is to Replace the Crankshaft. Usually this is More Expensive than Purchasing Another Mower. I Suggest you Price the Repair at a Local Small Engine Service Center and a New Mower. If you are Going to Replace the Crankshaft yourself, then I can Give you and Instruction File for that Also. Now Remove the Blower Housing (metal engine cover). Remove the Flywheel Nut or Starter Cup (Depends on the Model). Now Attach a Steering Wheel Puller to the Flywheel Using the Threaded Holes in the Flywheel. Tighten the Puller. Now Hit the Puller with a Hammer. Repeat this Procedure Until the Flywheel Pops Up or can be Lifted Off the Crankshaft. On Some Models you Can Not Use a Puller and Must Use a Pry Bar and a Pipe Cap that is Slightly Larger than the Crankshaft. Place the Pipe Cap Over the Crankshaft to Protect it. Place the Pry Bar Under the Thick Section of the Flywheel and Pull Up Against the Flywheel. **BE CAREFUL DO NOT PUT A HOLE IN THE BLOCK UNDER THE FLYWHEEL** Now Hit the Pipe Cap that is on the Crankshaft (covered with the Pipe Cap). Repeat the Procedure Until the Flywheel can be Lifted Off the Crankshaft. *** Now Replace the Key Between the Flywheel and Crankshaft and Reverse the Procedure. Be Sure you have the Flywheel Torqued to at Least 55 - 60 Foot Pounds. The Key Times the Plug Firing and is Not Designed to Hold the Flywheel from Turning on the Crankshaft. The Flywheel Nut or Starter Clutch Torque Does that. Once the Engine is Running and IF you have a Bad Vibration from the Engine, then the Slight Wobble is the Cause for this. I Suggest you Not Use the Mower and Either Replace the Crankshaft or Replace the Mower. 2- The Valve Clearances for this Engine are: The Following is an Instruction File I made for Setting the Valve Clearance. It is a Basic File and 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 (Both Rocker Arms will have Play in them when the Engine is at TDC) on the Compression Stroke When Setting the Valve Clearance. Now Loosen the Valve Adjuster Locks and Set the Intake Valve Clearance to .005in -.007in and the Exhaust to .007in - .009in. 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 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
