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I purchase a reconditioned Honda HRR2168VKA that has an auto choke. When I got home, put in new oil and know good gas, checked the spark plug for the correct gap, and checked the air cleaner. All appeared to be ok. Tried to start and pulled 10 times, the engine popped a couple of times but did not start. Went back and rechecked what I did and did not find anything wrong. Removed the air cleaner and sprayed some starting fluid in the carb I really do not like doing this, but was trying to find the issue. After 3 pulls the engine started. Good, all is well, but not really. Put the air cleaner back on and now it will not start. If I remove the air cleaner, the engine will start. I also noticed that the engine runs a full speed and I think this is normal as there is no throttle adjustment on this mower. Do you think this might be a carb issue or an auto choke issue? I have ordered the shop manual, but was wondering where to start. Thanks for any help that you can offer.

It maybe over choking, so look at the auto choke.

johnkatkus said:

I purchase a reconditioned Honda HRR2168VKA that has an auto choke. When I got home, put in new oil and know good gas, checked the spark plug for the correct gap, and checked the air cleaner. All appeared to be ok. Tried to start and pulled 10 times, the engine popped a couple of times but did not start.

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Does sound like a fuel delivery (or fuel/air mixture) issue. The shop manual has great procedures inside to fully troubleshoot the problem, but send me a Private Message here if you still have issues. Include the serial number off the back of the mower deck; it's in the form of MXXX-1234567

I do know from personal experience modern carburetor (there's an oxymoron) and new Ethanol fuels are not a great combination. Beyond the possible choke issue, any tiny debris or slime in the carburetor can cause a starting/running issue. Here's a full procedure on how to totally clean a carb:

Thank you for the update on how to rebuild the carb. I have ordered the Service Manual and should have that in about a week. I can wait for the procedure to check the auto-choke as I think that may be the issue. I will keep you posted and thanks again for the help.