QuestionI have a Honda 728TA snowblower. It has a Honda GX270 engine.
This year, after unpacking it from its summer storage, there is a significant problem with engine surge ("vroom, vroom, vroom"). When it hits a pile of snow, there's a momentary 'stall' then the engine recovers ... This is much different than in previous years
I am extremely fastidious when putting it away for the summer; I drain every drop of gas out of the tank with a turkey baster, run it dry, then open the drain plug on the carburetor cup to drop out the last few drips of gasoline. It has a sediment cup in the fuel line to let any dirt or grit settle out so I can't imagine it needs a carb cleaning.
There is only one adjustment screw that I can see without taking apart the whole carburator/air cleaner assembly and the screw has a detent on it so you can only turn it 180 degrees (half turn) ... I've tried adjusting this screw while the engine is running and it seems to make no difference (both full speed and at idle)
A mouse made a nest in the air cleaner cover this summer and I was sure that was the problem but even after taking out all of the nesting materials, the surge still exists. (He also made a nest in the area where the governor rod comes out of the top of the engine
Where do I go next? I'm comfortable with taking apart a Briggs or Tecumseh carb but I've never taken apart a Honda and don't want to leave myself snowblower-less if it doesn't want to go back together.
Thank you in advance
AnswerHello David:
Usually When an Engine is Properly Cared for as Yours has been; Varnish in the Carburetors Internal Passages is the Usual Cause of the Surge. 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, Float Pin, 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. 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. and Select the Engine File. Now Select the Engine you Wish to View. Then Select the carburetor File. If you have Cleaned Briggs and Tecumseh Carburetor, then a Honda Isn't that Different. The Screw with the Limiter Cap is the Idle Air Mixture Screw. Break the Limiter Cap Off and Leave it Off. To Set the Air Mixture Screw, Use the Section of the Instructions that Pertain to your Carburetor. ****Turn the Idle Air and Main Air Mixture Screws In Until SNUG **Do Not Jam** Then Reverse Both Screws 1 1/2 Turns. Holding the Throttle Full Open, Start the Engine. Turn the Main Air Mixture Screw Clockwise Until Proper Revs are Obtained. Occasionally you May have to Turn this Counter Clockwise to Achieve the Proper Revs. Now Allow the Engine to Idle. Set the Engine Idle Screw (Not Idle Air) so the Engine will Stay Running if Required. Now Set the Idle Air Mixture Screw so there is No Hesitation when Throttling from Idle to Full Throttle. Reset the Engine Idle if Required.**** 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. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. 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
