QuestionHello, I just found this site after "googling." I have an Excel brand 2,500 PSI pressure washer, with Cat pump. Bought new in 1999. I only use it a few times per year to clean the deck, sidewalks,etc. It has always worked great until last summer.The engine is a Honda GX200-196,6.5HP,Serial GCAE-1201034.
I ran it today for the first time this season, and same problem.
When under load the RPM's gallop wildly when washing. When the wand is not triggered it runs pretty well abut RPM's may waiver slightly.
If I leave the choke 1/2 on, it runs normally, the way it used to. I feel I'm a fair mechanic, but this RPM gallop has me stumped.
So it seems like it is running lean with the governor galloping with the choke off. I have had the carb off twice and although it seemed very clean, I shot carb cleaner thru every passage I could.That has helped some, but the problem still exists to a lesser extent.
This unit is always stored with all the fuel drained out of the tank and carb. There is only one needle adjustment on this carb, but has a cast metal stop on the adjust screw that only allows about 1/8 turn range. It does not have much affect on the problem. Fuel flow from the tank seems very adequate.
Would using premium non-oxygenated fuel make any difference?
Suggestions please.
Thanks. Roger W.
AnswerHello Roger:
The Carburetor Requires Cleaning. I Suggest you **Remove, Disassemble and Soak the Carburetor Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner (I Use Gunk). I have Found that Most People can Use a Breakdown/IPL and Disassemble the Carburetor Enough for Proper Cleaning. You Only have to Remove the Bowl (if Applicable), Float Pin (if Applicable), Float (if Applicable) and Needle Valve and Any Adjustment Screws that Go Into the Carburetor Body. The Welch Plugs Do Not have to be Removed. Then Soak the Carburetor Body and Parts in a 1 Gallon Can of Gunk Carburetor Cleaner Overnight. The Can has a Parts Tray Inside it for the Small Parts. Once the Carburetor and Parts are in the Cleaner, you can Replace the Lid for Safety and to Prevent Accidental Spillage. Then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air. Install New Parts if Required.** If you Remove the Governor Arm to Remove the Carburetor, then Reset the Governor. **To Reset the Governor; Loosen the Governor Arm Bolt and Turn the Governor Shaft Clockwise Until it Stops. Using the Governor Arm Hold the Carburetor to Full Throttle. Now with the Shaft Full Clockwise and the Governor Arm and Carburetor Held at Full Throttle, Tighten the Governor Arm Bolt. If the Engine Still Runs Full Throttle, then Reverse the Rotation of the Governor Shaft, but Still Hold the Carburetor at Full Throttle with the Governor Arm. If it Still Runs at Full Throttle, then Check the Internal Governor.** 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
