Problems with Honda no-start

[usafvet]

Hello, first post here. I have a Honda 96144000300 with the GCV160 engine. I am having problems with it starting, this is what I have done so far:

- the previous owner had a new OEM Honda carb installed before I bought it a couple of weeks ago. To be sure that fuel wasn't the start issue, I sprayed a bit of carb cleaner into the carb throat and tried to start...nothing. I went ahead and pulled, disassembled and cleaned the carb anyway. Flushed the tank and lines and added fresh fuel.

- So, now I know it is either air, spark or mechanical

- the plug is brand new

- the air filter is brand new

- I did a spark check and I'm getting spark both from the coil and the plug through the coil.

- I borescoped the cylinder, and the piston is intact with no damage.

- I disconnected the kill switch and tried to start thinking that it could be a bad switch, still nothing

I can feel and hear compression when I pull it over. Can a coil give spark and still be too weak to start- or are coils a "either it works or it doesn't at all" kind of thing? Any ideas on what to check next? Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[ILENGINE]

I would check to make sure the flywheel key isn't sheared or offset. Your can still have fire, but at the wrong time.

 

[usafvet]

Thanks for the fast reply. I forgot to mention in my post: I pulled the flywheel to check the key and it was intact.

 

[robert@honda]

If you are getting a clear blue/white spark, it's not the coil or ignition, but you may wish to install a new plug to be sure (they are cheap).

Confirm fuel is getting to carburetor; loosen the bolt on the bottom of the bowl and some fuel should dribble out.

Describe (or post photos) of the choke design. Some are full-manual, with a cable and lever on the handlebar, others have a spring-loaded "cocking" lever near the carb to set the choke fully closed, while others still have a fully automatic choke that senses engine temp and opens/closes the choke automatically.

Again, if you can post a few photos of the choke/carburetor area (with the air cleaner removed), it would help I.D. the engine exactly and help with troubleshooting.

On the side of the engine block is the Honda engine serial number, in the form of GXXX-1234567 or GXXXX-1234567. Get this number and I can I.D. the exact engine for you. (Sounds like this is a Honda engine on a Brand X mower deck?)

 

[usafvet]

Thanks for the reply Robert. I had already accomplished everything you recommended, that is why I was so stumped. However, after you recommended checking the plug, I decided to pick up another new NGK (the one in the mower was brand new as well) and she fired right up! Just goes to show you that "new" plugs can be defective as well.:thumbdown: Thanks again for the help, have a great weekend!