Honda GX200 Won't Start - Spark, Compression, Electrical & Carburetor Test

[@CleverFix]

If you enjoyed the video, please give it a *thumbs up* 👍. Your support helps me create more content and is *greatly appreciated* . If you have any *questions* , *comments* , or *suggestions* for future videos, feel free to leave them below. I love hearing from you and look forward to your *feedback* !

[@thientranthanh870]

UPDATE:1 year and still cranks within the first 2-3 pulls. Probably will buy another when this one finally does bite the dust kzbin.infoUgkx43QMbQqu67IZadu9ou8Sg1BdrunMRNqX . No issues at all. Very happy with it.UPDATE: After 6 months of use and over 70 uses I would still highly recommend this pressure washer. It does vibrate a decent amount but never had it “walk” like others have mentioned. No oil leaks, still seems to run like the day I bought it. Still cranks within 2-3 pulls every time. Very happy with my purchase!Have used it about a dozen times now. Plenty of power, cranks up on 1-2 pulls every time. My only complaint would be I wish it was a little taller to make it easier to walk with it (hits my ankles a lot) and that the two hose connections were a little further apart but it hasn’t caused me any issues. Seems to run a good 1-1/2-2 hrs on a full tank, overall a well built machine and definitely worth the money in my opinion.

[@CleverFix]

Thanks

[@mrbmp09]

If your GX200 engine spits, sputters, backfires, and possibly runs fine intermittently check the spark plug boot for arcing between the boot and valve cover. Mine was doing this and had me stumped until I started it after dark and saw the arcing. You can slip a thin piece of plastic like a milk jug in that area to confirm this.

[@desease1]

Thanks for the video. It helped me to identify a faulty oil level sensor (although the oil level was o.k.), so I temporarily disconnected it until I can explore a replacement procedure.

[@CleverFix]

Yep, I've seen that happen. It's not too hard to replace.

[@HawaiiJapan808]

thank you for this, i was a hair below full oil line and wouldn't start. topped it off and fired right up. make sure your oil is to top!

[@TheDavekerr]

Great video! Helped me a lot to understand the system. In the end, I had a dead-man's kill switch I wasn't aware off but once I traced the wires, it led me back to it and the engine started up once it was engaged

[@CleverFix]

Great, Glad you got it working!

[@MarcCrawley59]

Thanks for your video. I have this engine on a go cart and I couldn’t get it to start. I was unaware of the oil sensor and had the cart propped with the engine up to check it out. Your video saved me from an unneeded engine swap and the grand kids are enjoying the cart now.

[@CleverFix]

Thanks for the comment, glad it helped!

[@mickel7b]

I wasn't expecting the mouse jump scare! Great video! Thank you so much

[@CleverFix]

Glad you liked it! I thought it would be fun to put a mouse in there, since there was one there at one point... many of these engines get eaten up.

[@mickel7b]

@@CleverFix yes it was great! I love little editing surprises. No mice in mine thankfully 👍

[@petermclaren7276]

Thanks for your video. I thought I had a faulty on/off switch before finding your video. Then a light bulb came on. Go and check the oil level. Sure enough it was low and the sensor was doing its thing. Filled up with oil and it started first pull. Never overlook the obvious.

[@rmnagilmore]

Exact same situation. Thanks a lot for the help.

[@zanderx7]

When I pull the dip stick I have oil dripping out so there must be enough oil, right?? I’ve cleaned the carb jets, checked spark (yes there is spark) cleaned carb bowl, fixed a loose valve lifter, and when I pull it It’ll occasionally sputter but never run

[@zanderx7]

And sure feels like there’s compression when I pull the cord

[@danielpauldettling9883]

I fixed my engine thanks to your video! ☺️

[@CleverFix]

Nice! Good job. 😃

[@melstewart3310]

A very fine video. Clearly laid out and logical. Thank you.

[@johnchapman6013]

FantashTIK Jahr . Very well put together sir . Thank you from Mansfield , England .

[@CleverFix]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@bruceberadino]

Great video, easy to follow and understand. 👍

[@CleverFix]

That's great to hear! Thanks for watching and the feedback, It's appreciated.

[@meminpinguin5715]

great video!!! but the mouse was so big lol thanks for the tips, very helpful!!

[@peedsii1991]

Thank you, it solved my problem and here are some tips. I bought a used plate vibrator that had been in storage where it had been sitting for 2 years without being used and it could not start. When i pull the handle My sparkplug could only create 1 spark wich was to little to turn on the engine. I was aware there was to little oil in the engine but to me that dident matter since i just wanted to turn it on for a few seconds just to test it could start since i just bought the machine and dident have to use it right now. Anyway i had no idea the machine had a sensor and a security system that prevent me from starting an engine with to little or no oil in it. I think that is a really great feature, i just wish i had known i started to trouble shoot and test this and that. But after watching the above video i realized why my engine would not start and i just filled some more oil in the system and that instant made the sparkplug generate more sparks since the sensor now register enough oil in the system. And i also cleaned the caborator since the machine had not been used for 2 years. TIP..: If you engine dont want to start then in many cases it will help to clean the "jet" in the gazoline system since it can get clogged due to dirt and prevent the gazoline from getting though the caborator and into the engine. View this video. ( example kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJ3cp2t7qb94oZI ) TIP..: its important that the two oil pins on the engine can shut tight 100%, els the oil will slowly drain out of the engine. This happen on my plate vibrator and is properbly why there was so little oil. When the plate vibrator is parked and the transport wheels are deployed then its tilted in a 45 degree angle and then oil can run out... So always put your machine on a level surface when you park it ;-)

[@lauralara4230]

i9k

[@neiljarvis8911]

Great video, wish I'd watched this before I had to research all this for myself.

[@CleverFix]

Thanks. Yes it's an adventure figuring out all the possible problems on these engines.

[@ChristianBaptiste]

This video was extremely helpful, thank you.

[@CleverFix]

Glad it was helpful! 👍

[@TheWhisky81]

Hi, thank you for this great video, have you a video on governor adjustment to slow the engine down on a honda gx200 engine, thanks john

[@CleverFix]

No I don't have a video, typically you should not need to touch the governor adjustment, ever... if it's suddenly not running right, look for other issues first, it's very rare that you need to adjust the governor.. unless something happened and then nut got lose.. sometimes there's breakage of the weights inside the engine, sometimes the link is just stuck at the carburetor side or doesn't move freely.. but I'd be suspicious about suddenly needing to adjust the governor, and it would not really help if there's an underlying cause.

[@TheWhisky81]

@@CleverFix I'd just like to slow the engine speed down a bit on my generator, there is no throttle and the idle speed screw is backed off as far as it can go.

[@hediboubaker9638]

hello please a i have a problem . my groupe électrogène is blowing air from calbulator. and d'asnt work exactly.. please help me

[@maxhatman3218]

Excellent and very clear description thank you

[@henryamri6104]

Hi , Thanks for the best video ever, comprehensive and educational, If you would answer a question , I have same engine on a fairly new Plate compactor , ran very good since we bought new (used it about 8 hours), gradually started running rough , then black smoke through exhaust, low power to the point that did not vibrate anymore, Living in Africa (no after sales service), tried couple of street mechanics , finding is run fine if we remove the air filter , I washed and cleaned dried the semi dirty airfilter, worked well for 15 minutes back to puffing black smoke, any idea what to look for?

[@CleverFix]

Black smoke means it's getting too much gas, not enough oxygen. You can't wash those filters,.. the sponge part yes, the paper part NO.. Try it again without the filter, and if it runs fine, you need a new filter. Compacting creates a lot of dust and the filter will clog up completely to the point that it can't even start sometimes. If it doesn't run properly without the filter, then let me know and there are other things you'll need to check, like compression.. Running with black smoke is not good, it will create carbon deposits and you may lose compression on the valve seats if you run like that too much.

[@carlodonnell146]

you said that leaving gas in the tank causes water to accumulate in the tank but isn't the tank more likely to rust if it is empty? Because I notice some rust in my tank, and I had drained it when I last stored it. I INSTALLED A NEW CARB. NEW EXHAUST, NEW VALVE COVER , NEW PLUG and it was working fine before I stored it away about 6mths ago; and when I came back to use it, it hard-started ran for a while stalled and wouldn't restart. Any ideas on what would cause that.BY THE WAY WOULD RUST ON THE MAGNETO OR COIL CAUSE ANY PROBLEMS? No one ever talks about that, they only show how to test the coil, but what if the coils is good? Thank you for your thoughts and videos!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@CleverFix]

I've seen a little rust very old tanks, and it doesn't affect the engine usually.. I've never had a problem due to rust in the tank myself.. I think these tanks are fairly air tight, so moist air shouldn't be able to enter the tank while the cap is closed.. Some air may enter through the intake/valve cover breather though. Some people fill the tank all the way up and add stabilizer for winter. I've never done that myself, I just drain mine and haven't noticed rust getting worse. It will also depend on how moist the air is where you store it, and if the temperature keeps changing from hot to cold. I haven't found that rust on the magneto is a problem. They can be rusty and still work fine. To figure out the issue, did you go through the steps? Does it run if starter spray is used for a few seconds? Does the spark plug tester blink?

[@carlodonnell146]

@@CleverFix since I wrote this I reinstalled the old parts and it seems as if the new exhaust was the problem; because it runs better with the old one, so I don't understand why the new exhaust would cause a problem but it was backfiring loudly and spitting fire through the exhaust; with the old exhaust it only has a small backfire when it is switched off.Maybe I need to get the Honda OE muffler. With the old carburettor the choke has to be on to keep it running which is why I replaced it in the first place; I had also replaced the valve cover with a new one but I don't know how that would affect the running.

[@glascorice9147]

Thanks for the information it help me find the problem

[@CleverFix]

Happy to help!

[@CatOfTheYearuWu]

Wow very well informed video!

[@CleverFix]

Thanks, I'm glad it was helpful! Your feedback is appreciated.

[@mostrico]

Dude great explanation

[@CleverFix]

Glad you liked it!

[@concretecurt]

Well done, Sir.!

[@sekovittol3124]

Did you know that 'power fist' engines have no piston or connecting rod? They do however have a metal fist and forearm inside.

[@CleverFix]

🤣 That's a good one.

[@jameslucas2663]

Thank you!!!!! you help me get mine back up and running

[@CleverFix]

Awesome!

[@Shefjr]

I really enjoyed your video. Liked and subbed.

[@CleverFix]

Thank you

[@davidevans5782]

Very good instructional video, thank you so much 👍

[@CleverFix]

Glad it was helpful!

[@apaulothegreat1581]

In case you don't know there's a fuse inside of the spark plug boot Don't change the Magneto cut the wire and then check it

[@CleverFix]

The wire unscrews out of the magneto, it's screwed in.. you can find new plug and wire that you can screw onto the magneto in case you need to replace it. I believe you're talking about the resistor. I got a new coil anyway. It's very cheap, about $12. The mouse ate the wire, it was not a problem with the resistor, the wire had been eaten. I'll keep it as a spare.

[@thomaswakefield3004]

what was that about the oil level too low won't start?

[@CleverFix]

If the level is too low it won't start, to prevent damage.

[@DJPacoRamirez]

What if the engine turns on. And after 30 seconds it turns off. And I did a new carburetor, new air filter. New spark plug. New ignition coil. New oil. Even bypass oil sensor. Rpm set to max gas lid open. But for some reason, it still stalls. And turns on a bit after a while again.

[@CleverFix]

How does it start after it stalls, does it start easy or won't start? Did you clean the gas tank? I'm thinking there could be a small clog in the fuel line. So fuel goes to Carb and fills it up, enough to run for 30 seconds.. then fuel is depleted and it stalls. Waiting a few minutes allows more fuel to fill the carb, and run for another 30 seconds. It would probably run for more than 30 seconds with a full carb though.. but just an idea, if you disconnect the fuel hose to the carb for a second to test, fuel should flow out freely.

[@DJPacoRamirez]

@CleverFix yes I also added a new fuel filter that goes inside the fuel tank with a new hose tube that goes to the new carb but still does the same thing. The engine cranks beautifully but it keeps turning off after 30secs

[@CleverFix]

@@DJPacoRamirez When it starts and it runs, do you get a chance to close the choke, or does it run on choke only ? The only thing that changes after 30 seconds is that the engine warms up, and it needs the choke to be closed, so it can get enough air. It's difficult to get an idea without hearing it and seeing how it re-starts after the 30sec.

[@DJPacoRamirez]

@CleverFix yes at first I have it on choke then I move it to run once the engine turns on. (Btw, the engine is hooked up as a powerwasher) my throttle is set to max.

[@CleverFix]

@@DJPacoRamirez OH, Well, then it's possible you have bad water pump. Have you tried it without it being connected to the pump? Also did you try keeping it on choke and see if it continues to run, without moving the lever to run?.. That would indicate a problem with the carb, maybe even the new carb has a problem, sometimes they're manufactured with defects.

[@Customx-u4o]

Hi dear my friend. Same engine. Spark plugs fail quickly. The spark plug turns black. what is the problem?

[@CleverFix]

Possibly your air filter is too clogged, or you're using the wrong spark plug or spark plug gap.

[@Customx-u4o]

Thank's sir. Could the cylinder be worn?

[@thomasschoenrock6537]

Very good troubleshooting

[@ACT0080]

Nice job! Subscribed

[@CleverFix]

Thanks!

[@NURsMec]

Hi what kind of oil should i use for my honda gx240?

[@CleverFix]

5W-30 if you'll use it in the winter/fall with colder temperatures, 10W-30 if summer only. If you'll use it below 50F or 12C, go with 5W-30.

[@CleverFix]

If you want to read more, here is the manual, page 8, cdn.powerequipment.honda.com/engines/pdf/manuals/37Z5F602.pdf

[@jimrichard7296]

Spark plug boots should be replaced if the motor is getting old. Cheap. They unscrew. Easy to replace. The spark could be weak but still show a spark.

[@joshcooper130]

Thank you for your expertise my good sir!

[@mariaggarcia6376]

Hello,ya me suscribí y me gustó cómo explicastes como poner la luz de la placa y lo hice y estuvo fácil y no se inglés y solamente con ver fue suficiente gracias y no hubo necesidad de ver a un mecánico.cuidate bye

[@davehay9520]

Thanks I look for wood to see a lot more Big Thums up you are good

[@CleverFix]

Thanks 👍

[@JbSun-power]

Superb teaching

[@perrydear]

thank you! very helpful!

[@mc4492]

Great vid. Excellent job.. Awesome trouble shooting..

[@CleverFix]

Thanks!

[@philliphall5198]

Thank You

[@CleverFix]

You're welcome.

[@jimmyrichardson9783]

I have spark and replaced the carb , tank and engine still won't start

[@CleverFix]

Did you try without the air filter on? And with starter fluid? Checked compression?

[@felonebike9859]

Great video! Much appreciated 🙏

[@davehay9520]

Big thums up love to see a lot more thanks

[@ruicunha103]

you know gx390 compression psi?

[@CleverFix]

No I've never tested one, but all of the newer engines will have the compression release mechanism so the gauge will not read the true compression. If you get something similar to me, around 40, then it's likely the release mechanism.. that makes it easy to pull the cord, but when it's running the mechanism no longer releases any pressure.

[@tanmansu]

I though compression should be over 100 psi?

[@CleverFix]

There's a mechanism to bleed the pressure off, for easy starting. The actual compression is much higher. Some older models don't have it, so the actual compression can be measured, but not these newer models.

[@cusoonmyfriend3738]

awesome, thanks a lot

[@CleverFix]

You're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@cusoonmyfriend3738]

@@CleverFix i have a 7 hp clone mounted on a chassis for a water pressure washer , i m gonna put new oil in the engine and also hydraulic oil in the pump and restart it

[@cburgz3697]

great video! thank you

[@bobbd6543]

Brilliant thanks 👍

[@CleverFix]

No problem 👍 Keep those engines running. ⚙️

[@philliphall5198]

I don’t do compression test just a leak down test is all and spark test if not firing on eather fluid

[@dennymedia]

Good Job bro

[@CleverFix]

Thanks

[@cd1168]

Excellent

[@jyzoomer]

starter fluid will verify the Ignition {spark} system. You substitute the fuel system with something known good, so if it stil doesn't run. its something else at fault- compression or ignition. Don't close the choke when testing with starter fluid, you want the fluid to have a free flow into the cylinder. If you don't know what you're doing, don't make youtube videos suggesting that you do.

[@CleverFix]

If you watch the video, you will see I checked compression, ignition and electrical system after the starter fluid didn't help. Also, there are auto-choke engines where choke is applied automatically and cannot be manually opened, and starter fluid still works on them also, so choke will not prevent starter fluid from working.

[@bradieblanchard7887]

Wow you are amazing

[@eliamtzferrer6412]

Se puede traducir al españpl

[@hustleeveryday6582]

Im getting spark, Im getting compression, I have good gas, the wires are all good, but it still won't freaking start!

[@CleverFix]

If you're getting spark and compression, then you should be able to make it half-start by spraying starter fluid, .. does it start with started fluid and then stop? If someone continuously sprays starter fluid while you pull the cord, it should keep running for at least a second or so. Is that the case?

[@oh5412]

@@CleverFixI have the same problem as this guy and I have used starting fluid but nothing happens except after a while it backfires

[@AliKhan-in2um]

God bless you

[@2035jim]

The tester doesn’t test the spark plug it tests the electrical system

[@CleverFix]

That's why you should also check the spark plug as I explain in the video with the voltmeter.

[@CleverFix]

Also, if your spark plug is not grounded (something very wrong with it), the tester will not light. So it does test the spark plug to a degree.

[@kennethtalbott2233]

great video, thanks.

[@DrDGr2]

Great vid! Thank you

[@CleverFix]

You're welcome! Glad to help.