Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Honda V-Twin Loss of Power, check air filter, electronic ignition module

Question
Hi Nathan,

I have 2003 Simplicity with Honda V-twin. It’s a GXV530  w/ 16 HP.  I'm having a power loss problem and would love some help. Here are the symptoms:
* Starts fine
* After 5-10 minutes the exhaust seems to "cough" and power drops dramatically
* Smell fuel when coughing starts
* The power drop gets obviously worse when the deck is engaged
* Several weeks ago this condition would "work itself out" and get back to high rpm on it's own (nothing I did)
* Now, I can no longer get back to high RPM without shut-down and waiting for tractor to cool down

Here's what I have done:
* check air filter - fine
* replaced plugs - old plugs looked fine. They didn't look "wet" but I need to re-check.
* Fuel seems fine
* Fuel Filter is fine

My take is that somehow I'm not getting a continuous, clean ignition. Not sure what else to do with plugs appearing to be okay. I'm sure there's an electronic ignition module under the top housing somewhere. I'm hesitant to start taking this off until I get an expert opinion. Is it possible that this ignition controller has gone bad and doesn't function once the engine is fully warmed?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated?

Thanks,

Mike


Answer
Hello Mike:

Sorry for the Delay. This Question was Located in the Question Pool. 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. This Sounds like the Ignition Coil or the Engine Stop Diode. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. 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 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John