Honda starting troubles

[nurdyguy]

Hi All,
I've got a Honda HRR216K9VKA that wont start when it's cold. I can do 50+ pulls but it just won't catch. The only way to start it is if I pull the spark plug and spray starter fluid into the engine. Then it'll start on the first pull. If I start it this way it'll run great. If I let it run for a while (let it warm up) and shut it off, then it'll start right back up again on the first pull. But if it sits long enough to cool down then I have to do the whole starter fluid trick again. Any idea what could be causing this?

Nurdyguy

 

[bertsmobile1]

Most likely the throttle cable has slipped back a bit and is no longer pulling on the choke.
follow the choke lever from the outside end of the carb to the opening mechanism.
Pull the throttle on and check that the throttle is in fact closing the choke off.

 

[mechanic mark]

Adjust valves engine cold per Honda manual specs. so compression release on camshaft will function properly.

http://www.northerntool.com/images/downloads/manuals/170728.pdf page 22 valve specs.