HONDA 20HP starting issue of my own.

A

ArmyAviator

Member
I read thru an earlier post on same; just a few questions if you all will indulge me. 2005 HUSTLER FasTrack w/ 20HP HONDA.

Mine was running just fine about 30 days ago; that's the last mowing we did. Just tried to start it; turns over but no sputter or anything; just starter strongly spinning engine.

1. As to the fire...should I be able to see the spark when I pull the plug, leaving the plug wire connected? I've cleaned the spark plug and cap, re-attached, turn motor over, nothing on spark plug.

2. Would a bad kill switch/wire still let the starter turn?

3. I've pulled the air filter, which I maintain diligently, and there is some oily gasoline-smelling wetness on bottom edge of air filter housing.....and also some black oily gas-smelling residue on spark plug threads.....?

Lastly, I know that I've not begun to solve via troubleshooting; but if I decide to change that engine out, what are your recommendations?

Thank you.
 
Mark, thank you for the manual. I was hoping to have my questions answered; I can fly the hair of multi-million $$$ Army helicopters and can fix most things...but small engines, I'm nearly in the dark.
 
ArmyAviator said:
I read thru an earlier post on same; just a few questions if you all will indulge me. 2005 HUSTLER FasTrack w/ 20HP HONDA. Mine was running just fine about 30 days ago; that's the last mowing we did. Just tried to start it; turns over but no sputter or anything; just starter strongly spinning engine. 1. As to the fire...should I be able to see the spark when I pull the plug, leaving the plug wire connected? I've cleaned the spark plug and cap, re-attached, turn motor over, nothing on spark plug. 2. Would a bad kill switch/wire still let the starter turn? 3. I've pulled the air filter, which I maintain diligently, and there is some oily gasoline-smelling wetness on bottom edge of air filter housing.....and also some black oily gas-smelling residue on spark plug threads.....? Lastly, I know that I've not begun to solve via troubleshooting; but if I decide to change that engine out, what are your recommendations? Thank you.
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You should be able to see spark if the plug is grounded touching the engine or can hold the plug close to a ground and the spark will jump the gap.


On most mowers if a safety switch is bad it will not let power to the starter.

If you do not have spark unhook the kill wire going to the coil and try again.
 
I need to find a manual that lays out different components; I'll need pictures to find the coil; and this Honda engine seems to have lotsa cowling...fun.
 
ArmyAviator said:
I need to find a manual that lays out different components; I'll need pictures to find the coil; and this Honda engine seems to have lotsa cowling...fun.
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On the side of the engine block is the serial number, usually "GXXX-1234567." If you'll share that, I can post some "no start" troubleshooting information to get you started.
 
ArmyAviator said:
Mark, thank you for the manual. I was hoping to have my questions answered; I can fly the hair of multi-million $$$ Army helicopters and can fix most things...but small engines, I'm nearly in the dark.
Click to expand...

Robert @ Honda will get you going, he's a Honda Pro. Don't even think of replacing your Honda 20 H.P. commercial engine, it should last forever if maintained properly. Being an aviator I know you maintain it properly. As a jet engine mechanic U.S.A.F. in the 70's we always used the term I.A.W., In Accordance With, when working on engines.


I will add that I always check oil level and add fresh high octane gas before starting mower.
 
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Take the plugs out, and crank, see if you feel any compression with your finger on the plug holes.
 
UPDATE: military duty called me away from getting into it further at my last post. When I returned, more turning over fine but no starting. I pulled both plugs, they looked fine. I "jumped" every connection that looked like a kill switch; nothing. Put in new air filter, fresh high octane gas; still nothing. I could smell fuel and was obviously getting air...so ignition was the only missing point in that trident. I recalled bwdbrn1's advice to change the plugs before much farther....so, for $4.08, I put in two new premium plugs. It started and runs like it was new. I should not have doubted Honda and I've maintained the oil and filters impeccably. THANK YOU ALL.......should it change, I'll be back....but for now, all is well, Fellas.

--Bryant
 
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