HRM215 Stalling

[linesoflux]

My trusty Honda HRM215 has started acting up with a new problem. It starts fine and runs great for about 20 minutes. Then it looses power and stalls. It won't restart until it "cools off". This behavior is very consistent. I've tried the spark plug, air filters, gas cap (vent), muffler... looking for vapor lock or similar problem with no success. I am about to clean/rebuild the carb. Any ideas? I would think if it was a carb issue it would run crappy all the time not just after 20 minutes. Dealer suggested the coil but again it seems to loose power not miss. Who knows ... I would appreciate any ideas.

Jeff

 

[exotion]

My trusty Honda HRM215 has started acting up with a new problem. It starts fine and runs great for about 20 minutes. Then it looses power and stalls. It won't restart until it "cools off". This behavior is very consistent. I've tried the spark plug, air filters, gas cap (vent), muffler... looking for vapor lock or similar problem with no success. I am about to clean/rebuild the carb. Any ideas? I would think if it was a carb issue it would run crappy all the time not just after 20 minutes. Dealer suggested the coil but again it seems to loose power not miss. Who knows ... I would appreciate any ideas.

Jeff

Test spark right after it dies. Your coil might be getting heat shorted.

 

[linesoflux]

I tried to check for spark but the plug and cable were really hot. Too hot to handle. Couldn't grab the cable with my bare hands because of the heat and didn't want to damage it with pliers or like. Couldn't get in there with gloves on. Should the cable be getting that hot? After a short cool down period I was able to remove the plug (and ground it of course) and checked for spark and found none. But when I reinstalled it the mower started... I don't understand why I didn't see any spark when it must have been there. I shaded the area to make it easier to see and had someone else pull the starter...

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

...I don't understand why I didn't see any spark when it must have been there. I shaded the area to make it easier to see and had someone else pull the starter...

Try doing that in the evening after the sun sets....the shade might still have been too bright to see a spark.

 

[Giblet]

I have read about this elsewhere when I was researching how to change my crankcase seal. Very high probability it's your tired coil. $79...

 

[linesoflux]

Well I finally tried replacing the coil and still no luck. I even cleaned the carb while I was in there...

I was wondering if anyone thinks that there could be a problem with the engine breather valve and/or filter? The thing still seems to get awfully hot awfully quick and I don't see any other restrictions in the air filter, muffler, etc. It behaves like some kind of vapor lock... Is it worth pulling the flywheel to check or am I barking up the wrong tree?

Thanks for all replies...

Jeff