QuestionQUESTION: Hello, I purchased a used cement mixer with a honda 8hp gx-240. Initially unit had no recoil starter, ran good when pulled with a rope, but hard to do. I installed a new recoil starter, and it is so hard to pull during compression stroke, I was afraid it would break the new part. Then proceded to disengage engine from cement drum, still too hard to pull. Read advise from this forum, and checked with plug out, easy to pull over...then removed flywheel, and the key is fine. Removed valve cover, appears as though valves are moving fine...I must not be getting something, any help would be much appreciated. Thank you.
ANSWER: Hello Jim:
Is the Engine Hard to Pull through the Complete Starting Process or Does it Turn Good, then Suddenly Tighten Up when it Hits the Compression Stroke? I Suggest you Check the Valve Clearance. Even though the Valves are Moving, they May be Out of Adjustment. If the Valve Clearance is Not Correct, the Internal Compression Release Can Not Operate Properly and Cause the Starting Problem you Described. I Do Not Use the Setting Called for by the OEMs. I have Found that the Following Works Best. Remove the Valve Cover (on the Dead Cylinder for Twin Cylinder Engines). Set the Cylinder you are Setting the Valves on to Top Dead Center (Both Rocker Arms will have Play in them when the Engine is at TDC) When Setting the Valve Clearance. Now Loosen the Valve Adjuster Locks and Set the Intake Valve Clearance to .006in -.008in and the Exhaust to .008in - .010in. I have had Better Performance Out of the Mowers and Less Burnt Valves Using these Settings. Be Sure the Piston is at TDC on the Compression Stroke. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: John, thank you. Worked like a charm. One thing, I think I am having multiple problems. Last time engine ran, it backfired and stalled. Too hard to start back up with the rope, then fixed recoil, then the hard pull problem, fixed that with your valve adjustment advice. Now, I can't get it to start, just a couple of sputter and coughs. I am getting spark, and fuel to the carb, plug looks decent. This is an older honda, plus being hooked up to a cement mixer, and the way it stalled last time running, do you think it is time to clean/rebuild the carb and these problems all happened to occur about the same time, or again am I just overlooking something else? Thanks again John, I really appreciate the help.
AnswerHello Again Jim:
Great!! I am Glad we Solved the Hard to Pull Problem. I Suggest you Check the Flywheel Key First. From your Description it Sounds like when the Valve Adjustment Finally went to Far Out to Run, then it Caused Damage to the Flywheel Key. If the Flywheel Key is Not Damaged, then Remove, Disassemble and Soak the Carburetor Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner (I Use Gunk). I have Found that Most People can Use a Breakdown/IPL and Disassemble the Carburetor Enough for Proper Cleaning. You Only have to Remove the Bowl, Float Pin, Float (if Applicable) and Needle Valve and Any Adjustment Screws that Go Into the Carburetor Body. The Welch Plugs Do Not have to be Removed. Then Soak the Carburetor Body and Parts in a 1 Gallon Can of Gunk Carburetor Cleaner Overnight. The Can has a Parts Tray Inside it for the Small Parts. Once the Carburetor and Parts are in the Cleaner, you can Replace the Lid for Safety and to Prevent Accidental Spillage. Then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air. Install New Parts if Required. Again Thanks for the Great News. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
