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It ran during the summer of 2010. This past summer it wouldn't start. The engine has about three hours total running time.

I installed a new plug and I used fuel stabilizer in the gas can. The only way I can get it to fire is to spray starting fluid into the carb and then it runs for only a couple of seconds. Short of pulling the carb and rebuilding it, is there anything else I should try? I bought some mechanic in a bottle to try but don't have real high hopes of it working.

Thanks,
Rick

ricklea1953 said:

It ran during the summer of 2010. This past summer it wouldn't start. The engine has about three hours total running time.

I installed a new plug and I used fuel stabilizer in the gas can. The only way I can get it to fire is to spray starting fluid into the carb and then it runs for only a couple of seconds. Short of pulling the carb and rebuilding it, is there anything else I should try? I bought some mechanic in a bottle to try but don't have real high hopes of it working.

Thanks,
Rick

Click to expand...

No magic fix in a can. Just a simple carburetor take apart and clean. It shouldn't need a over haul

Thanks. Do I need to buy some individual gaskets or is there a complete kit available of gaskets needed?

Also, will there be adjustments needed after I get the thing back together? How about a float level adjustment? Where can I find out about the adjustments?

Thanks,
Rick

If you take the carb off carefully, you shouldn't damage the gaskets. Just pay attention to how you take things off, and be patient. That job on a GCV160, while simple enough, can be pretty fiddly.

Take a look at this site before you begin. After choosing your language, go to the Service tab. There will be a drop down menu, choose Service Movies. There will be a video showing how to clean that carb.

Honda Engines Europe EEC

You can also find manuals for the GCV160 engine on that site that will answer all, and probably more questions you might have about that engine.

Also, here is Honda's carburetor check sheet for the GCV160 carb.

http://honda-engines-eu.com/en/images/59139.pdf

bwdbril is giving you good information, he is right you shouldn't need any gaskets or parts. If anything get a aerosol can of carburetor cleaner from any auto parts store.

for parts check out

roncocenter.com

Yep, an aerosal can of carb cleaner and abottle of Stabil to put in your gas should be all you need. At the end of yor next mowing season, turn the fuel shut off to the closed positon and run the mower until it stops from burning the gas out of the carb. That should help prevent gumming up the carb while it sits in storage.

Thanks to all of you for your input. You have been very helpful and I appreciate being able to avoid the $80.00 per hour shop fee. I am pulling the carb next weekend.

look for water in the carb bowl i hate ethonol (attracts water)