Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): hard starting honda hr 215 lawn mower, internal passages, head gasket

Question
I have a pull start Honda that always starts on the 1st of 2nd pull..However i recently purchased a Honda masters hr 215 commercial unit with electric start. I am wondering what i need to do to make it start easier, it cranks over many times before starting. Even when the engine is warm you have to choke it to start. the spark plug looks pretty clean and the guy i purchased it from said it has always been pretty hard to start...thanks for your advice.

Answer
Hello Gary:

Usually there are 2 Possible Reasons for this Problem. 1- The Internal Passages of the Carburetor are Restricted and the Engine cannot Draw the Proper Amount of Gas for Start Up. 2- If the Exhaust Valve Clearance is Set too Close, the Engine will be Hard to Start. You Stated that the Engine has to be Choked even when Hot. Usually this is a Sign of Low Compression Due to Bad Rings/Head Gasket or the Valve Clearance being Off a Few Thousandths. It Only takes .002in and the Compression Release will Release too Much Compression and the Engine will be Hard to Start even Hot. Send me the Model and Type or Spec Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. With the Engine Model Numbers I can Locate the Proper Valve Clearances for the Engine. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

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Respectfully

John