Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Honda Small Engine - Hard start, rough run, honda gx200, engine gasket

Question
Hi Mike,
I have a 6.5 HP OHV horozontal shaft Honda GX200 engine that will only start (cold or warm) at a low throttle and full choke.  It takes a lot of pulls to start it up.  The choke can be opened once the engine starts but the engine dies when the throttle speed is increased to near max.  The engine has less than 100 hours on it and is on a go-cart.  I've disassembled and cleaned the carb (small wire to clean passages & Gumout spray) and the fuel tank (including the filter) three times with no luck.  I also made sure that the carb is torqued down OK to the engine. It seems like the engine's sucking air someplace...if the carb's not the problem my next guess would be the valves but I'm not sure...seems to me that if the valve(s) were no good, the engine wouldn't start at all.  I've worked on B&S and Tecumseh's before but this Honda is a first. Any help you could offer would be greatly appreciated.  Regards...Fred  Greenfield,Wisconsin  

Answer
Hi Fred,

Sorry for my delay.

Try adding fuel or starting fluid to the carb's intake when opening the throttle.  If that solves the problem then the carb still has a blockage.  (The carb may need replacement if nothing can be found in it.)  If adding fuel makes no difference, I would check the valves which may be leaking.  Also, check the carb to engine gasket.

Let me know how you make out.
Michael