Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Honda GXV620-Engine Stop Diode Question, twin cylinder engines, arinet

Question
I have a Honda GXV620 engine that I am having trouble with.  Recently, animals chewed one of the coils wires, not the spark plug end. The wires were connected to the engine stop diode. I repaired the wire, however the engine will run fine until it gets hot. Once the engine is throttled down, it will bog out and die when trying to accelerate. The engine will run but will not come off idle.  Is there any way of repairing the diode or does it need to be replaced?  Do you have any suggestions for replacing the diode with a non Honda part?  I would hate to spend $50.00 for the animals to chew it up again!  Thanks in advance for your response.

Answer
Hello Merrick:

If the Wire was All that was Damaged and you Repaired it Properly, then the Diode Should Not have Been Damaged. From your Description it Sounds like the Valve Clearance needs to be Reset. 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) When Setting the Valve Clearance. Now Loosen the Valve Adjuster Locks and Set the Intake Valve Clearance to .003in -.005in and the Exhaust to .008in - .010in. I have had Better Performance Out of the Mowers and Less Burnt Valves Using these Settings. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Mower at this Site Addy, http://hayward.arinet.com/scripts/EmpartISAPI.dll?MF&app=ASP&lang=EN&TF=Mainfram... and Select the Catalog American Honda. 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