Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): honda gx 670 v twin, honda gx, oil shutdown

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
  I have been using a Honda GX 670 V twin to power a pressure washer (factory built unit). Over the past year I have used it now and again probably about 200 hrs work. This morning I tried to start it and it eventually turned over with huge amounts of white smoke coming from the exhaust, lots of fuel spurting from the exhaust and after about 5 seconds the engine shuts off. It is always covered over at night and I have checked the water, oil and fuel levels, have you any clues ? many thanks Darren. Isle of wight, UK

ANSWER: it sounds like you may have gotten some oil in the cylinder some how.  Just try running it for a few minutes and the problem should go away.

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

QUESTION: Thanks for the advice, The engine will only run for about 5 seconds a time, then shuts off, I've repeated this about 7 times, but still cannot get it to run for any longer.

Answer
Okay..... first make sure that the engine if full of oil.  bring it up to the proper level.  Now try starting it.  If it doesn't quit, the problem is solved.

If it does quit, look for a wire coming out from the inside of the engine. It will be located lower in the block about oil fill level.   IT should be a single usually YELLOW wire.  This is the wire to the Low Oil shutdown switch.  unplug this wire and try starting the engine again.  NOW if it doesn't quit, you have either a bad oil switch or oil switch relay.

Try these things and let me know... Ill be on until about 9pm CST tonight.

David R