Mine stalled the same way in the middle of a mow last week and I was thinking it was the gas I just bought. I removed the fuel tank & dumped out the fuel, replaced the fuel filter/strainer in case it was plugged, cleaned the tank & fuel lines all the way through the carb... replaced the spark plug, changed the oil and air filters while at it .. and it still won't start !!
I just ordered a new carb since it's easier to replace than troubleshoot these stupid parts and I"m hoping it was just the ethanol (maybe i'll learn my lesson this time?).
I'm hoping this will resolve it. I don't see oil anywhere it shouldn't be. That's about all I know how to do is replace parts. Not too good on diagnosis.

 

Can you perform a compression check? You confirmed you're getting spark?

 

From what I've seen there are a TON of different parts variation within the Honda models even within the same series. If you need to order something that's not just a regular maintenance item make sure you have the full model and serial number.

 

Can you perform a compression check? You confirmed you're getting spark?

Good call on compression. I'll work on getting a compression guage. To test spark, remove the plug with plug wire still attached and crank to see spark?

 

You can get a cheap spark tester from Harbor Freight for $3.99.

See if your local auto parts store had a compression gauge for Rent/Loaner. If you don't do much engine work that might be a better option depending on what plug adapters it comes with.

 

You can get a cheap spark tester from Harbor Freight for $3.99.

See if your local auto parts store had a compression gauge for Rent/Loaner. If you don't do much engine work that might be a better option depending on what plug adapters it comes with.

Thank you for that info!

 

You can get a cheap spark tester from Harbor Freight for $3.99.

See if your local auto parts store had a compression gauge for Rent/Loaner. If you don't do much engine work that might be a better option depending on what plug adapters it comes with.

I grabbed the spark tester from harbor freight and it looks like i'm not getting any fire to the plug. took a video while pulling and then i took the gas shelf/starter off and tried turning it over with a drill and no spark. replace the coil?

 

Disconnect the kill wire first then retest. If you still get no spark then it's almost surely the coil.

 

Disconnect the kill wire first then retest. If you still get no spark then it's almost surely the coil.

Well crap. Disconnected the kill switch and it's got fire now

 

Check the dead man's handle. I know on my rotary that cable sticks and have to manipulate it sometimes to make it start.

 

Try a valve adjustment if you haven't tuned that up recently. Or maybe it's a sheared flywheel key but doubtful unless you hit something, but worth adding to the checklist.

 

Try a valve adjustment if you haven't tuned that up recently. Or maybe it's a sheared flywheel key but doubtful unless you hit something, but worth adding to the checklist.

I'll look at the valve clearances after I pull the valve cover off to do the pressure test. The one thing that is throwing me off is the crankcase breather tube was loose from the back of the intake box and some oil was coming out of it.

 

Check the dead man's handle. I know on my rotary that cable sticks and have to manipulate it sometimes to make it start.

Doesn't appear to have any issues with the dead man's handle.

 

The saga continues. Compression seems ok at 115 psi. We have spark. Fuel line was split but didn't appear to all the way through/leaking. Replaced anyway, still not cranking. Insert to the gas tank was in the tank. Fuel filter looked clear.

I did take the carb off and cleaned it a few mows ago, but it's ran perfect since this issue.

 

Does the engine attemp to start if a little gas is poured into the carb?

 

Does the engine attemp to start if a little gas is poured into the carb?

are you saying tilt it on the side and pour gas in from the intake valve behind the filter?

 

Yes into the carburetor behind the air intake that holds the filter. Just a few table spoons. Then set the mower back down and try to start link normal.

Does the engine attemp to start if a little gas is poured into the carb?

are you saying tilt it on the side and pour gas in from the intake valve behind the filter?

 

Yes into the carburetor behind the air intake that holds the filter. Just a few table spoons. Then set the mower back down and try to start link normal.

Does the engine attemp to start if a little gas is poured into the carb?

are you saying tilt it on the side and pour gas in from the intake valve behind the filter?

Or use starting fluid. Is the carb getting and delivering gas?

 

Yes into the carburetor behind the air intake that holds the filter. Just a few table spoons. Then set the mower back down and try to start link normal.

are you saying tilt it on the side and pour gas in from the intake valve behind the filter?

Or use starting fluid. Is the carb getting and delivering gas?

the bottom of the carb is always filling with fluid when I pull the drain. Just did now as well.

 

Good deal. I wonder if the gas ever goes into the engine from there. Is the spark plug wet when you try to start?

Yes into the carburetor behind the air intake that holds the filter. Just a few table spoons. Then set the mower back down and try to start link normal.

Or use starting fluid. Is the carb getting and delivering gas?

the bottom of the carb is always filling with fluid when I pull the drain. Just did now as well.

 

Good deal. I wonder if the gas ever goes into the engine from there. Is the spark plug wet when you try to start?

Or use starting fluid. Is the carb getting and delivering gas?

the bottom of the carb is always filling with fluid when I pull the drain. Just did now as well.

That's a great question. Every time i pull it the spark plug looks dry. I did order a replacement carb, but it didn't the additional nub on top where the automatic choke part connects. It looks a little different, so I just cleaned it up a little and put it back together. Ran just fine for a few more hours and then this happened. When it stopped I tried to start it again immediately, and then I went to inspect it (to see if it may be out of gas) and then that's when I saw the crankcase breather tube detached from back of intake box and oil draining out of it.

 

Ok. I would try a little gas or starting fluid and go from there.

 

Ok. I would try a little gas or starting fluid and go from there.

Well I gave it a go with starter fluid and no dice.

 

How old is this mower, also does it sit in the rain?
I notice earlier you said you disconnected the kill wire and got spark. What color and how bright was the spark?

Have you tried with the kill wire disconnected like when you found spark?

The flywheel key could of broken. That would give the same symptoms as the spark timing would be thrown off.

Ok. I would try a little gas or starting fluid and go from there.

Well I gave it a go with starter fluid and no dice.

 

The spark was fairly bright orange but not as bright as when I tried it on my troybilt I think. I just pulled kill wire and it is the same as with it plugged in. Hasn't sat in the rain since I've had it, which has been a couple weeks. Mowed/scalped probably 8 yards with it.

How old is this mower, also does it sit in the rain?
I notice earlier you said you disconnected the kill wire and got spark. What color and how bright was the spark?

Have you tried with the kill wire disconnected like when you found spark?

The flywheel key could of broken. That would give the same symptoms as the spark timing would be thrown off.

Ok. I would try a little gas or starting fluid and go from there.

Well I gave it a go with starter fluid and no dice.