GXV 120 rings replaced, still smokes a little?

jsalis57

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All,
I replaced the rings on my 214SX with the GXV 120 engine this year. I have not used the mower much, maybe three hours total since then. I see a little smoke still with startup and sometimes after running. Nothing like it was before I replaced the rings but still some.The cylinder looked good but I did not measure the inside diameter so I went ahead and bought the Honda OEM ring set and had no issue with the installation.
Should I expect a seating time for the new rings? Or could it be the valves? What is the most likely cause for the continued smoke?
 

Scrubcadet10

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It could be the cylinder is worn enough to warrant boring it oversize (not very economical),or it could be a valve seal leaking.
 

bertsmobile1

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Because Honda use multi grade oil you generally get a little puff of smoke at start up.
A lot of kawasakis do the same.
Switch to strait 30 and it probably will stop doing it.
One reason why Honda's always start so easy & reliably is the thinner oil when cold.
 

jsalis57

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Thanks for the replies. I may try the 30W
It could be the cylinder is worn enough to warrant boring it oversize (not very economical),or it could be a valve seal leaking.

Does worn rings vs a leaking valve seal have different characteristics? Does one do on start up vs. running more than the other?
oil route first.
 

bertsmobile1

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Same rule for mowers as motorcycle & cars.
Rings smoke WORST on accleleration
Guides smoke worse on deceleration

Smoke on start up is usually leakage into the combustion chamber while the engine is not running .
 

jsalis57

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I will verify the acceleration/deceleration theory. Are guides on these engines replaceable? Is the GXV 140 head the same as the GXV 120?
 
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