QuestionHello John,
I purchased a gold dredge powered by a 6.5 Honda GX 200. The engine has a continual ping when it is pumping water at about 2/3rds throttle. Per the owners manual (about pinging) I tried different brands/octanes of gas but no luck. The plug was gapped to the narrowest recommendation, .28". I tried another plug with the same gap but it made no difference. The plug gap range is .28 to .32" but didn't figure that the wider gap would help.
I went to a leading Honda repair shop here and asked if they could put the engine (minus the pump for fear of burning out the pump seal) under load to hear and address the ping problem. The fellow said they didn't have a way to put the engine under load but to bring the engine in since it is still under warranty.
As a lifetime do-it-yerselfer, I have a built-in reluctance to take the engine in, especially after hearing what I heard from the repairman.
From the car world I would suspect the timing is too advanced or maybe a carb-set issue.
I've run ten tanks of gas on the engine. It starts and runs good but I'm unsure if pinging is normal for one of these engines. The dredge dealer says it shouldn't ping.
I'm en-route to get a repair manual to see if I can adjust the timing. In that process I saw your answer page and am interested in your opinion.
Larry
Answer Hello Larry:
I have had Honda Engines (although very few) that the Timing was Off from the Factory. From what you have Written, it Sounds like you are Taking the Correct Measures so far. Are you Sure it is a Timing Ping or could it be the Starter Bell and Pawls Lightly Tapping Against Each Other? I have had a Several that that was the cause of the Pinging. Does it Ping at Full Throttle? What are the Engine Type Letters, Please. With the Engine Model and Type Information I can Locate a Breakdown/IPL and Better Assist you. Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require more Assistance. Let me know what Happens, Please. Thanks. Be Safe.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. (:-))
