Honda GX160 won't start
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: U. S.
Posts: 4
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
Honda GX160 won't start
I have a Honda GX160 engine that will not start. I have replaced the spark plug and installed a carburator kit. The engine is getting fuel and I tested the sparkplug to ensure that it is firing. However, nothing...nada. The engine turns over easily, but no starting. And yes, I do have the engine switched to the on position. Any ideas???
#2
Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: South Florida
Posts: 338
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
I have the same engine and another Honda GX. Both are about 10 yrs. old, and always reliably start.
I wonder if you could have flooded the carb but no evidence that it even tries to run. I assume you choked the carb. I would try two other things . . . refill w/ new gas unless absolutely sure it has fresh fuel. Second would be to inspect the air cleaner. If dirty, replace it.
If those don’t get it started and you know it’s firing, spray a carb cleaner and then spray a starting fluid spray.
Edit addition: One other thing . . . there is a fuel shut-off valve (black) directly under the choke. It may have been shut-off if stored or inadvertently moved rather than the choke.
I wonder if you could have flooded the carb but no evidence that it even tries to run. I assume you choked the carb. I would try two other things . . . refill w/ new gas unless absolutely sure it has fresh fuel. Second would be to inspect the air cleaner. If dirty, replace it.
If those don’t get it started and you know it’s firing, spray a carb cleaner and then spray a starting fluid spray.
Edit addition: One other thing . . . there is a fuel shut-off valve (black) directly under the choke. It may have been shut-off if stored or inadvertently moved rather than the choke.
Last edited by Rob R.; 11-23-10 at 11:33 AM. Reason: shut-off valve sentence
#3
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: U. S.
Posts: 4
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
Honda GX160 won't start
Thanks, but I have already tried all of the above. New fuel, gas on, starter fluid, removed the spark plug to make sure it wasn't flooded, etc. I tested the spark plug by grounding it on the engine (outside on the block) and the plug is firing. I am wondering if the switch may be bad. A yellow wire runs from the switch to a small electrical block mounted on the engine block. The small block sends the yellow wire into the engine (somewhere) and has a ground attached to it. Don't know the function of the small electrical block.
#4
Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: South Florida
Posts: 338
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
I’m going beyond my pay grade but I would not think you would see the plug firing if you had a faulty safety switch or faulty electronic ignition module.
Try turning safety switch to off, and then see if your plug still fires. If so, it’s wired differently than I would have thought.
I still suspect this is a fuel related problem.
Try turning safety switch to off, and then see if your plug still fires. If so, it’s wired differently than I would have thought.
I still suspect this is a fuel related problem.
#6
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: U. S.
Posts: 4
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
Honda GX160 won't start
Thanks, everyone. I will check the compression and sparkplug with the switch off.
As far as fuel issues I won't rule that out yet, but I poured a trace amount of gas into the cylinder, replaced the plug and tested...nothing. I have done this on other engines and they will fire for a few seconds, but not this one.
I will let you know tomorrow what the results are. Thanks again.
As far as fuel issues I won't rule that out yet, but I poured a trace amount of gas into the cylinder, replaced the plug and tested...nothing. I have done this on other engines and they will fire for a few seconds, but not this one.
I will let you know tomorrow what the results are. Thanks again.
#7
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: U. S.
Posts: 4
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
Honda GX160 won't start
Thanks everyone for your help. I found that the exhaust valve was stuck open...very slightly. I cleaned the carbon off and adjusted the valves. It started right up and runs great.
Thanks
Thanks