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I have what I believe is a Honda GX 270 engine on my wood splitter. There is no model sticker on the recoil. It either peeled off or it's an AM recoil. last few times I used it it started hard and now won't even sputter with starter fluid. Has spark. I checked and rechecked the valve clearances. .006 in and .008 ex. I did not check the compression but it feels OK based on 50 years of doing 95% of my own repairs to all of my lawn equipment. And I disconnected the low oil switch just to eliminate that possibility. No difference. Appreciate any advice for what to do next. Larry

I would try a new plug. Often times a plug will show fire in the open air but not work under cylinder compression pressure.

Update: I happened to have a brand new aftermarket carb on hand. Not even sure where it came from, but I put it on and engine started right up but would only run on half choke. Did a thorough cleaning of the OEM carb and now it will fire a bit but not stay running. BTW the inside of the OEM carb was very clean and all hole/port etc appeared to be open. I don't have an ultrasonic cleaner so I'm limited to carb cleaner and compressed air. A new OEM Honda carb is $70-$80, while the AM ones are $10-$12. Pretty hard to justify the OEM when who knows if they are even really OEM unless you buy from a dealer and then I assume it would be twice as much. And BTW, It's a GX240, though I think they use the same carb.

Hi L.,

Most fuel related running problems start with the fuel tank. The carburetor cannot do its job if it is not getting good fuel flow

I suggest you remove and empty the fuel tank, then remove fuel line fitting to clean it and the fine screen on it really well and inspect the tank for rust.

Note on Honda engine the serial and type number is engrave on the crankcase. From it we can find the engine info.

Pull the plug. Pull starter rope several brisk times. See if fuel or water blow out the plug hole.

Install plug. Couple shots of flammable spray into the carburetor. Choke closed. Pull starter rope.

Could be carb needle sticking open flooding it out. Old fuel, water in the gas.

You need air, fuel, spark at the correct time and compression. Find out which you are lacking.

Carb anti-backfire solenoid. Plugged up fuel tank. Dead fuel pump. Deteriorated fuel lines. Dirty carb.