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I have a Yard-man Model Series 556 with a 6.5HP Honda engine. Model 12A-556Q713 Engine S/N GJAAA-1310318.

From the numbers it appears this is a Honda GCV190. This mower was given to me by my father-in-law because he could never start it. This is the first lawn season I have used it for and it is a chore to get it started. Once the engine has run for a while though, you can shut it down and it will start up every time on the first pull. The trick is just getting to cold start. Before i put this thing up for the winter I want to try and get it start properly

I thought maybe it was the Carb so I pulled it apart and cleaned it per this video Honda gc160 gc190 carb rebuild gcv160 PART 1 of 2 - YouTube but I didn't notice much difference.


I found that if I pushed in on the top of the governor and had someone pull it, it would fire and could maybe get it to start in 3 or 4 pulls doing it this way.

Im wondering if its some kind of issue then with the auto choke? All these added Auto features just end up being more a PITA it seems. If anyone has an idea on what I should be looking for I would appreciate it. I dont have much experience with governor/auto choke setups.

Sounds like the throttle cable may be incorrectly set which will affect the choke. Take off the air filter you should now have a clear view of the carbie and the choke flange. Move the throttle to the start position. Does the choke flange close over or is it at a partial angle? If it hasn't closed over have a look at the throttle cable where it is clamped on at the engine point. The clamp should be at the end of the cable sleeve. Adjust it and the choke flange should close over when the throttle is in the start position. If not then something else in the throttle system is wrongly set. Don't fiddle with the governor as this controls the revs at idle and under load. Manually holding the choke flange and pulling over the motor should start the engine..it's a honda and not much pulling effort is needed to start the motor.

If its an auto choke version then it wont have a cable.
Honda did gave problem at the start with autochokes.
Starting issues and rough running due to choke not coming on or going off.
There was an updated kit which was a new carb and choke mechanism but i think it was for the GCV135.

Other than cleaning the carb, id try a honda dealer.