QuestionMy Honda HS1132, 11 HP, model GX340K1 engine, does fine under heavy snow load. But with no load or light load on it, such as when turning around, the engine speed drops way down then comes up to normal, repeating every few seconds. vroom, vroom, vroom....until back into the snow, then fine again. Also, if I throttle back, it dies out completely instead of lowering the engine speed when hot but not when cold. Cold running is still normal. This machine is 3 years old and has been used for about 25 hours. Instructions say 86 octane minimum, but it really knocks bad and even will shut down without premium fuel. I always run it at full power since it's ground speed is too slow otherwise for most storms. Thanks.
AnswerWe rarely find Honda's with this symptom; mostly it happens to Briggs and Tecumseh engines.
Anyhow, with the Honda reliability, your problem is most likely in the carburetor. You can remove, disassemble and clean the carb using and air compressor to blow though all the orfices and then clean them with carb cleaner.
The carb itself is very simple and should not have any adjustments other than idle. Pay attention to how you remove the carb, especially the linkages, and you shouldn't have any problems.
Let me know if the carb cleaning fixes the problem.
Eric
