Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Honda HR215, carburetor body, cheap paint

Question
QUESTION: I think I know what's wrong with my mower but wanted to ask an expert.  I can start the mower when set to choke but when I move it to "fast" it dies.  I have changed gas, checked the fuel line and cleaner the air filter.  I removed the screw for the carburetor bowl and there is an orange gunk that matches the o-ring and float in color.  I have read this forum and I think I need to soak and clean the carburetor but I don't know what that means.  Do I soak the whole assembly except the gaskets, do I fill the bowl with cleaner, do I soak the float or do I pour cleaner into the airfilter outlet?  Not sure how to soak the carburetor on the Honda?  Thank you for any help.

ANSWER: Hello Don:

Remove, Disassemble and Soak Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner (I Use Gunk). Then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air and Install a New Kit if Required. You Disassemble the Carburetor. **DO NOT REMOVE THE WELCH PLUGS** Purchase a 1 Gallon Can of Gunk Carburetor Cleaner. Open the Can and Remove the Tray. Put the Float Needle and All Small Metal Parts in the Tray. Turn the Bowl Upside Down on the Float and then Rest the Carburetor Body in the Tray at an Angle that Holds the Bowl Down in the Tray. Carefully Sink the Components in the Cleaner. Cover and Seal the Can. Allow to Set Overnight. Remove the Parts Tray from the Cleaner and Rinse the Parts with Water and Brush the Parts Clean with a Cheap Paint Brush or Parts Cleaning Brush. Now Using Compressed Air, Blow Out the Passages and the Carburetor Free of Water. Now Install New Kit if Required. **Use Gloves When Handling the Parts Cleaner and the Parts Until the Cleaner is Off the Carburetor Body and Parts.** 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. Then Select Lawn Mower. Then Scroll Down to your Mower and Select it. Then Select the Carburetor File.  Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require more Assistance. Let me know what Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: John,

Thank you very much for your help.  One last question, when you say "kit" what does it consist of?  When I look at the part breakdown from the Hayward link, I don't see any kits other than the full assembly.  Can you clarify kit?  Thanks very much.

Answer
Hello Again Don:

Some Aftermarket Companies Offer a Kit that has All the Gaskets and the Needle (and Seat if Required). If a Kit is Not Offered, then you will need to Purchase the Following; Bowl Gskt Set #16010-ZE0-025, Float Valve (Needle) #16011-ZE0-005, Gasket 16212-ZG9-T00, Gasket #16220-ZE6-010, Gasket 16221-ZG9-J60. Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require more Assistance. Let me know what Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John