12 replies to this topic

[blacktulip]

Hi, i have an old Honda HR17 petrol lawnmower that starts but keeps cutting out. I can get it to run sometimes and it's good but then it won't run the next time I go to use it. I have taken the carb to bits and cleaned it. There is no blockage in the fuel lines or air filter. It's so frustrating as it starts every pull but stalls after a few seconds. Where would you guys start to fix it?

[mab01uk]

On my Honda lawnmower exactly that problem has happened twice and was eventually cured both times by simply replacing the spark plug, even though the plug looked ok, clean and gapped correctly and was only a year or two old. A common fault on Honda engine lawnmowers it seems worldwide when I googled it. Also make sure you use fresh petrol as it can go off over winter storage.

Edited by mab01uk, 07 May 2020 - 06:32 PM.

[floormanager]

Not a Honda but I've had issues with coils on Mountfield and Hayter mowers.  The spark was there but weak.  You could sometimes get it to run but it was a struggle.  New coil fixed them both.

[blacktulip]

Cheers for the advice. I'll try the plug first and see.

[blacktulip]

Whilst waiting for the new plug I had a play with starting it again. If I start it and rock the mower it stays running until I leave it then it stalls again. Very strange!

[Quinlan minor]

Whilst waiting for the new plug I had a play with starting it again. If I start it and rock the mower it stays running until I leave it then it stalls again. Very strange!

Check the fuel flow from the supply pipe is good and stays good.

Check the float needle tip, it, or the float, may be sticking.

[johnR]

Is there a filter on the pipe in the fuel tank as with chainsaws? Sounds like debris swilling about and blocking something?

[blacktulip]

Is there a filter on the pipe in the fuel tank as with chainsaws? Sounds like debris swilling about and blocking something?

Not sure as I let the fuel drain out from the tap and it was flowing ok. I'm going to check the jet and emulsion tube again. I have my new plug as well so I'm going to go to town on it. It's a great mower when running.

[MiniLuke]

There’s a hole bunged up with gunk somewhere.

[Mr Joshua]

Honda GX engine fix

To the rear of the car there is the idle screw a black circular item with semi flat sides, this sits onto of the air valve, unscrew the idle screw and lift the air valve from  the carb body, any money the seal is perished or damaged. change the seal and all should be fine.

Edited by Mr Joshua, 14 May 2020 - 07:49 AM.

[humph]

May be time to swim against the tide and do a Honda to A-series conversion  

[xrocketengineer]

Is the fuel line length the original? So that the fuel can flow down with gravity, with no high spots. I am assuming that there is no fuel pump here unlike some Kawasaki engines.  

[blacktulip]

All fixed now. I took the carb off again and inspected and cleaned everything. I used the bristles from a wire brush and gave all the holes on the emulsion tube a poke even if they looked clear. I did the same with the jet. Then a good blast in every hole/tube I could see. Then I took the fuel tank off and flushed it out. Put wire pipe cleaners up the outlet. Blew out the fuel lever valve and all fuel lines. Changed the plug as suggested and now it runs first pull and the revs are lovely. I had to adjust the guvnor back as it was revving high from where I was mucking about previously. So I cut the grass without stopping once. I'm very pleased. Could have just been the plug but I went all guns blazing.

Edited by blacktulip, 16 May 2020 - 07:24 PM.