Honda GC160 balks after start

Read other suggested solutions. Nothing works yet. Welcome comments and suggestions. Thanks!

Summary of Problem and My Attempts to Resolve it:
- Starts easily with choke full on. Runs great even gives FULL power for about a minute and then sputters and shuts down. Just quits. -
2nd or more tries:
- If I try it again immediately No Start. // WAIT 2-3 minutes before the next try and it will start again > just to fail again.
- Tried it multiple times over multiple days with same results after trying the things shown below. No luck.

- Spark seems good, so I suspect fuel starvation.
Ideas I致e considered:
1. Air Filter is clean.
2. Cleaned carb twice. New fuel.
3. Taking the gas cap off to assure the vent is not clogged. Result: No Luck - Same problem with/without the gas cap on
4. Fuel Pump Test: NOT tested

NOTE: Choke seems to have something to do with it because as it is dying, you can get it to 田ome back (only for a couple more seconds) if you move the choke slightline in/ out. It still 都tops though.

Also, can it have something to do with pressure washer pump binding?

theo. Please know I do not own a Honda , only a Craftsman. Your symptons are classic . Until the engine reaches operating temp it needs a "rich" mixture to run. Normally supplied via the choke and the jets in the carb. The fact it will only run on choke suggests it is not receiving fuel with choke off. Go back and check float level and especially that the jet (s) are not plugged. Severe gumming may not be cleared with one application of carb cleaner. Soft wire and air blast. Get a carb drawing to be sure you are looking at everything. Honda experts here may find time to solve this for you.:thumbsup:

If the pump is overheating and causing excessive drag on the engine, might be one place to check. See this on pressure washers before.

The engine tries to run further on choke, but still dies. This may or may not be due to fuel delivery, but easy enough to resolve. The carb should be replaced (usually inexpensive, < $20.00 for most) or totally disassembled and completely, thoroughly cleaned. Here's a link on how to thoroughly clean a typical Honda carburetor:
How to Clean a Honda Carburetor

Unless you have super-rare model with a costly carb, it is generally faster/easier/less frustrating to just replace the whole carburetor.

Need to triple-check all the insulators, gaskets, and spacers and be 100% sure they are tear & damage free, and fitted correctly. It is easy to get one or more on upside down or backwards.



If you'll get me the full serial number off the side of the engine block, I can get you the part number and list price for a new carb and gaskets. The serial number will be in the form of "GXXX-1234567"