Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Honda Harmony HRT216 S3DA - will not start, adjustment screws, carburetor body

Question
I found your reply to a problem earlier this month with the same lawnmower and thought you might be able to help.  My lawnmower will not start even though the fuel is fresh and clean, the fuel flow to the carb is fine, and the spark plug is firing just fine.  When the starter is pulled the mower will pop once or sometimes few times, but only when the choke is fully engaged.  Any other throttle setting results in nothing happening whatsoever.  The mower has not been used very often and is otherwise in great shape.  This problem appeared roughly six days after the last time I used it and up to then absolutely nothing was amiss and the mower would always start on the first pull.  I'm wondering if maybe the valves are stuck or the timing belt is slipping or snapped.  Any ideas???


Thanks for any help!

Answer
Hello John:

Will the Engine Start and Quit if you Spray Starter Fluid or Pour a Small Amount (1oz) of Gas Into the Carburetor Throat and try to Start the Engine? If it Just Pops, then the Flywheel Key May be Damaged. The Timing Belt May have Jumped time. The Valves May Require Reseting. If the Engine Does Start and Quit, then  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 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 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