Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): honda gx160, painting co, power tune

Question
we use these motors on all our machines. we are a small parking lot painting co. it seems like some of our older machines are loosing torque. when you give them gas they kinda bog down. got any ideas? could they have lost some compression over the years ? the ones that are doing it are about 5 years old. they all get regular maint. oil and plugs. please let me know what you think. thank you for your help

Answer
Joe:

Sure they could lose compression, but that should not really cause them to bog down when giving them gas.

When is the last time you gave them a power tune up?  A power tune up includes decarbonizing the heads, inspecting the valves, readjusting valve clearances. I would also be thinking about cleaning the carbs, replacing fuel filters, cleaning the sediment bowls etc.

Think of it like your car, it wears out with age and miles, just like your Honda engine will.  

These engines are working on asphalt after all in very hot and humid conditions sometimes, so proper maintenance is essential.

The Valve clearance should be Intake 0.15mm +/- 0.02 Exhaust 0.20 +/- 0.02

Compression should be in the 85-120psi range of a good engine (with decompression valve). Lack of compression can be caused by worn piston rings, worn valves, worn cylinder or a combination of all of them.

I hope this helps.