Honda HRX 217 Mower Start Problem!

[seagiant]

Hi,
I have the HRX 217 Mower about 3 years old and notice when it sits a couple of week, is hard to start or won't start.

Tried to start it today and it would not start.

Checked the Auto Choke and it is working (Butterfly Closed)

Pulled the spark plug and it is wet but noticed the end of the spark plug and the electrod/post, is black with soot.

Cleaned it on my wire wheel put it back in and started first pull!

Is this just a need for a new spark plug or is there something else going on???

 

[bertsmobile1]

The auto choke is failing and not opening fully when hot.
This causes the mower to run slightly rich which cokes up the end of the plug
Carbon is a good conductor so the spark runs through the soot & not across the gap
Thus it won't start .

 

[seagiant]

Hi,
Thanks, I'll look at that!

Maybe the Thermo Wax Pellet is bad or the Throttle Assembly is stiff?

Saw this on the Governor, but will check the throttle first.

Thanks again!

 

[seagiant]

Hi,
Well, looked at the Mower this Morning and checked the butterfly choke...

Closed when cold and wide open when hot...

Checked the RPM's and it is running 3100 RPM's which is to spec.

Everything LOOKS good but the spark plug is still carboned up after running a few minutes???

Maybe the oil level is to high, I'll look at that, just thought of it here typing!

 

[seagiant]

Hi,
Well, the Engine Oil, was over full. so pulled it out to the correct level, and will try that!

 

[bertsmobile1]

Rub the old oil between your fingers then rub the clean new oil between your fingers.
The old oil should feel thicker
If the old oil feels thin and has the slightest odour of fuel to it , drain the engine & change the oil.
Fuel dribbles into engines because the bowl vent is higher than the venturi outlet .
So if the float valve fails to cut off the fuel supply 100% the level in the bowl rises then the fuel runs up the venturi tube & dribbles down the carb throat into the engine.

This is all EPA stuff.
The vent has to be higher to prevent fuel dripping outside onto the mower ( where you would see & smell it so become aware of the problem )
The carbs all slope down into the engine so the fuel has no option but to dribble into the cylinder ( where you can not see it ) .

I fail to understand how this reduces pollution but I am not a law maker .

 

[seagiant]

Hi,
Thanks for the help Bert!

No doubt also, why they have a fuel cut off switch installed, that I need to remember to use!!!

I'll check the oil!

 

[seagiant]

Hi,
I looked at the oil and will change it tomorrow.

Is there anyway to keep the fuel from going into these engines???

 

[bertsmobile1]

Turn off the fuel tap where fitted
Where not fitted add one then get into the habit of turning it off & starving the engine off
The last few revolutions of very lean running will burn the plug clean so you get easier starting and no fuel contamination of the oil.
In theory the float valve should work
In practice you only need a tiny piece of dust to get stuck between the valve & the seat to cause a leak.
I have a 1927 motorcycle that has a rusty tank .
Rust regularly will cause the float to fail
Running the engine dry then opening the fuel tap usually clears it up

 

[seagiant]

Hi,
Fantastic!

Thanks Bert, at least there is something I can do!

Thanks again, for your hard won knowledge!!!