Honda 160 GSV 160 problem... I've read all the problems/solutions, videos, etc with this carb. Here's the problem. After about a year's use with no problems, began to have serious starting problems. The carb appeared to be flooding ... even backfiring .. with even a bit of flame from the muffler. I inspected the carb .. it appeared clean, but I cleaned it anyway, pulled the main jet .. gently cleaning each opening, etc. etc. and blowing out any openings....reassembled it, checked the plug- fine, ..new gas ... on starting. it pops and barks on the choke for a few revs and stops .... all linkages appeared to be sound ...... what should I look at next?

 

Put a new plug in and post results.

 

Have you been using non-ethanol gas of 89+ since the start? Besides the new plug as mentioned above, you could have build-up on your valves, which is keeping them from fully closing, which would be the cause of your backfires. If this is the case, you will need to do a complete tear-down and cleaning of the engine.
I own two of those engines, both clearly state not to use ethanol gas of I believe e-89, however the fact is that most gas contains more ethanol than advertised.
Personally myself, I NEVER use ethanol gas in ANY of my engines, even in my vehicles. Ethanol is one of the biggest scams ever wrought upon the American public. Ask any long-time lawn service company what gas they use if you need proof.

 

I appreciate the reply... but I don't know whether the gas used was ethqnoll-laced or not. The problem came on kind of sudden. That's what was surprising.

 

OK ... but as I said the spark appeared as bright as ever. Why do you believe it's related to the plug?

 

The popping and sporadic running. Nice blue spark is great but it doesn't mean the plug is good. The plug can do strange things, especially the NGK plugs that come in these engines.

 

OK.... I'm ready to try it. And it just pops and barks .. then stops ... don't run at all. I'm going to tear down the carb again and check every orifice, passage, bleed holes, etc. Pops when 'wet' bun no 'run' at all! With the bowl full I should expect a little bit of run time but nothing. You'll get a GOLD STAR if it's the plug!!

 

Cheese ..... IT WAS THE PLUG! You get a GOLD STAR. The old plug's SPARK looked fine ... but apparently something was wrong with it. My wife thanks you more than I, because she can finally gaet her lawn back! THANKS again.. Cheese ... I have to believe you've had a lot of experience with such issues. But your persistence paid off! THANK YOU!

 

Glad you got it fixed.
A lot of experience is correct. About 3 decades.