Honda Lawn Mower, GCV 160 engine

[ukpat714]

I have a Honda lawnmower with a GCV160 engine that is 3-4 years old. My son borrowed the mower and after he was finished cleaned grass from underneath of the deck. In the process, gas spilled out and when he brought it back it would not start. Previously, it started on the first pull every time. I called a local repair shop who said to let the lawnmower sit for 2-3 days to dry out. Also, remove spark plug and air filter so they can dry out plus after spark plug is removed pull start rope 5-6 times to blow out any dirt in spark plug cavity. I let the mower sit but before I tried to start it I removed the air filter and carburetor to make sure it was dry too. When I re-assembled everything the engine was sputtering and black smoke coming out of the muffler. The engine continued to run however so I mowed the grass for about 45 minutes, stopping a few times to empty the grass catcher and restart the engine. The engine continued to sputter but run. The next day I took the carburetor off again and put it back on (with the metal arm forward) thinking I didn't assemble it properly the first time. This time the gas leaked out almost immediately after I opened the gas supply line. I removed the carburetor a couple of other times with the same result. Is their a simple fix for this or should I take it to the repair shop and cut my losses?
Thanks!
Pat

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

I have a Honda lawnmower with a GCV160 engine that is 3-4 years old. My son borrowed the mower and after he was finished cleaned grass from underneath of the deck. In the process, gas spilled out and when he brought it back it would not start. Previously, it started on the first pull every time. I called a local repair shop who said to let the lawnmower sit for 2-3 days to dry out. Also, remove spark plug and air filter so they can dry out plus after spark plug is removed pull start rope 5-6 times to blow out any dirt in spark plug cavity. I let the mower sit but before I tried to start it I removed the air filter and carburetor to make sure it was dry too. When I re-assembled everything the engine was sputtering and black smoke coming out of the muffler. The engine continued to run however so I mowed the grass for about 45 minutes, stopping a few times to empty the grass catcher and restart the engine. The engine continued to sputter but run. The next day I took the carburetor off again and put it back on (with the metal arm forward) thinking I didn't assemble it properly the first time. This time the gas leaked out almost immediately after I opened the gas supply line. I removed the carburetor a couple of other times with the same result. Is their a simple fix for this or should I take it to the repair shop and cut my losses?
Thanks!
Pat

I can't help you with the mechanical part, but which way did your son tip the mower? You should always tip it so the air filter is up and the muffler is down.

 

[Lawnboy18]

Check the order of the gaskets. The Honda GCV160 has MANY gaskets for the carb and they have to be place correctly otherwise the mower won't run right! I can give you the order if you want!

 

[ukpat714]

I can't help you with the mechanical part, but which way did your son tip the mower? You should always tip it so the air filter is up and the muffler is down.

Thanks, I knew that but unfortunately he didn't. He needs to read the owner's manual and buy his own mower.

 

[ukpat714]

Check the order of the gaskets. The Honda GCV160 has MANY gaskets for the carb and they have to be place correctly otherwise the mower won't run right! I can give you the order if you want!

Yes, please do. I'm open to any suggestion as long as it's not too complicated. I have no experience with repairing lawn mowers other than changing oil and spark plug.

Thanks!

 

[robert@honda]

Yes, please do. I'm open to any suggestion as long as it's not too complicated. I have no experience with repairing lawn mowers other than changing oil and spark plug.

Thanks!

On the back of the mower deck is the model and serial number; get me those, and I'll post some information that will show you how to get it all back together correctly. There are many idfferent versions of that engine, so let's get the serial numbers to know exactly what you've got:

 

[ukpat714]

On the back of the mower deck is the model and serial number; get me those, and I'll post some information that will show you how to get it all back together correctly. There are many idfferent versions of that engine, so let's get the serial numbers to know exactly what you've got:

Model No. 96144000500

Serial No. 011910M004648

thanks!

 

[shadeytree]

If gas is running out as soon as you turn on the fuel cutoff to the on position, the float in the carburetor is not pushing the pin up into the orifice properly. Either the pin is not set properly into the top of the float, the rubber tip on the pin is damaged or has trash in it, or the float is not floating.

My guess is; when your son tilted the mower it disturbed the trash that had accumulate in the carburetor bowl over the years, and now it is clogging a port inside the carburetor.

 

[robert@honda]

Model No. 96144000500

Serial No. 011910M004648

thanks!

Those are not Honda model or serial numbers; that 96144.... number comes up a Poulan brand mower, and probably just has a Honda engine.

So, I can still help, but need the serial number off the SIDE Of the ENGINE BLOCK. It is in the form of "GXXXX-1234567" (for or five letters, a dash, and 7 numbers). Get me that I can match up the correct carburetor/gaskets you'll need.

 

[Lawnboy18]

Yes, please do. I'm open to any suggestion as long as it's not too complicated. I have no experience with repairing lawn mowers other than changing oil and spark plug.

Thanks!

Here is a link to the gasket order : Honda GCV160 Parts List and Diagram - (Type A2R)(VIN# GJAE-1000001-9999999) : eReplacementParts.com

To make sure they are in the right order, remove your air filter by unclipping the two clips on top. Then remove the cover, pull out the filter. After that, take a 10 mm wrench and unscrew the two bolts. They are very long and they hold the carb and all the gaskets. So, simply unscrew them, but DON'T pull them out. Once they are unscrewed, pull on the airbox while pushing in the bolts to make sure they hold the carb and gaskets. Once that is out, check the gasket order.

I hope my crappy explanations will help you out. I am not too good explaining with a key board...

If you manage to do all of this and you want to open up the carb, let me know and I will further assist you!