Homelite power washer w/Honda GCV160 engine starting problem

I am having problems starting a honda gcv160 engine on my power washer. This is the 3rd power washer with exactly the same problem. The first 2 came from costco and then I got this one.

I have checked to make sure that the switches are properly set, I ran this machine until the gas ran out which makes me think the problem is not bad gas. After I ran out of gas I had to go get the gas can, etc. which took between 5 and 10 minutes (used same gas as was used before). I then tried to restart. First with no choke and then with choke - made no difference and the engine didn't even cough. No switches were moved from when it was running. I have repeated this same problem with the other power washers. Oh, I also make sure the water is on and the handle is open so no pressure builds up. I have not pulled the plug on this one but I have on the others and I have spark and the plug is not wet.

This is driving me nuts. I am convinced that I am doing something wrong but, for the life of me, I cannot figure this out.

ANY thoughts would really be appreciated. I would take this to the local honda dealer but they are backed up for 2 months and I prefer not to wait.

 

Are you using the right type of gas? running it dry is bad for the carb. Use a new source of gas. See if it coughs if you use starter fluid.

 

Right type of gas? That shouldn't matter, it will run on low, mid or high test. Running it dry doesn't hurt the carb either.

Take the bowl off the carb and see if it is full of gas.

 

Thanks for the reply, I will give it a try!

 

I never could make the power washer work. I tried everything. I had spark, I had new gasoline, I had oil, I tried starter fluid - the works.

I then took it back to home depot and had their rental guy, who is supposed to understand these things, try and start it and he failed too. H swapped out the gas, made sure there was a spark and that the fuel was going where it was supposed to, etc.

I suspect it has to do with ethanol. I am in washington state and ALL gas has at least 10% ethanol. I do know that both home depot and costco has had a fair share of these things returned with the same complaint as I had.

 

Starting was more problematic on each use. I noticed a fair amount of oil blown into the air filter -- suggesting that it's gotten into the carb and goodness knows where else. Used the weight oil that came with the engine. My suspicion is that there is a valve issue with the engine. Curious if others encounter similar problems. Sheesh, I bought this because of the honda engine and didn't expect a problem.

 

Have you tried to see if it has compression?? Maybe a valve hanging up? Have you tried squirtting gas into carb? Just my thoughts.

 

This is one of the most dependable engines Honda makes. I have had one for years on my pressure washer. I am thinking that maybe it had too much oil. When you check the oil it must be level. You do not screw the dipstick cap all of the way in to check it, simply insert it until it stops and check it. Should be filled half way up the cross marks on the dipstick. I have customers overfill them a lot and I have to take the carb off and clean it. If you have spark, have fuel in the bowl, it still could be something in the carb. Have you tried spray start in the air filter or the cylinder? Checked the fuel line for a small obstruction? Do you ever start it under a load, I always start mine that way.