Fixing a Honda Automatic Return Choke

[@EliminatorPerformance]

So my customer took this mower into one of the biggest small engine repair shops in my area, and they couldn't figure out how to fix the choke issue. They also said they "cleaned and rebuilt" the carburetor, but it leaked in the end... Very unfortunate how they treated my customer, but in the end, he was very pleased with our service (and he got this mower back the next day) and said we're getting all his equipment from now on!

[@dr.lmsb4456]

I have customers that have done the same thing . It amazes me how these shops act ,and treat their customers. People tell me all the time that they r rude and expensive. Smh o well more business for me .lol

[@2wheelwhit]

Awesome job and explanation. I've been searching for the top spring part number. The one that is attached to the rod that you bent. Any help would be appreciated. Or if you have an extra laying around, I may be interested.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Sorry I can't be of much help with that, it took me a while just to find the part number for the whole assembly.

[@2wheelwhit]

@@EliminatorPerformance I didn't see , did you post the part number for the whole setup. That may help. Thanks again

[@EliminatorPerformance]

@@2wheelwhit yes at the end of the video where I'm talking during my outro

[@Rbenterprises4]

Sir, I have chased a myriad of problems with my old Troybilt-Honda GCV 160 lawn mower. After replacing the carburator, coil, and fixing the ground on the stop switch, it would only start cold with starter fluid. I finally found your video. When I examined the hybrid choke, I noticed it was sticking open just like in your video. However mine was not hanging up, but was very dirty. I took it off the engine, cleaned and lightly lubricated the metal components and adjusted the release rod and spring. After I put it all back together, I engaged the choke on a cold engine, and upon the FIRST pull, the engine roared to life on pump gas! Thank you for your help!

[@bbarenscheer8043]

My automatic choke wasn't returning, I took it apart and found a spring laying loose, but didn't know where it came from. This video showed me exactly where it went and I replaced the spring. It's working fine now. This 68 year old woman is very happy, probably saved me hundreds of dollars.

[@minouchat]

At the risk of repeating it, your technical dexterity is worth its weight in gold! Your honesty is also worth a fortune. Even at 62 years old, I'm still looking forward to your next video because we learn more every time. Thank you Jake. God bless

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@wabbadabbapooba3215]

I RARELY comment on videos but I just want to say that this really helped me out! I was stuck for 2 hours - fixed it in 5mins after watching this! Thanks!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching, glad it helped!

[@jackwebb5917]

You’re a freaking small engine genius guru! Thanks to your videos, I was able to fix my Honda pressure washer and my 13 year old Troy Bilt mower with a Honda engine! 😊

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for the kind words Jack!

[@nodak81]

Thanks for the video. I was having the issue where it got hung up while returning to the off position. It didn't actually stop but slowed down so much that the engine would almost die from being choked for too long. Your close-ups and explanation of how the system works was a huge help!

[@rikbitter]

While this did not address the exact problem on my mower, the detail surrounding the way the choke system works helped me get it fixed. Thanks.

[@zio2485]

Great tutorial...! Fixed my curb find and it cost me ZERO. Sold mower for $75 the other day...!👍

[@markgibbons4937]

Thank you! The first time I watched this video was 2 years ago for the order of Honda gaskets. I ran into the choke problem today. Thanks again!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

I have another separate video for the Honda gasket order kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2PRgmSrjdxrnNE

[@waynestefinashen239]

Well diagnosed repair on this automatic return choke. This should help out a lot of Eliminators out there. Well done and keep up the great videos.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@dangunn6961]

I long for the good old days when mowers had manual throttles and manual chokes. I had an old Honda HRS21 mower that was 30 years old and would always start with one pull even after sitting all winter.

[@aldoclausi3955]

Nice technical explanation. This deserve a thumbs up. Must be difficult getting the customer to pay twice for the carb service.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Actually he didn't mind paying because the issue ended up being fixed! He brought it to different places and no one seemed to even understand how this system worked lol he said I'm getting all his equipment from now on!

[@ronz101]

Very organized approach to a perplexing situation. So much to look for in freeing the mechanism.

[@jesusdrummer21]

Very good repair. My troy bilt after I rebuilt the carb. The choke doesn't feel as smooth. It works. But I am definitely gonna check on the plastic part. I won't take it off. Maybe hit with some compressed air and dry lube. I spent good hour trying to figure out why it running high rpm. But that governer pin needed adjusting. Then had to bend my governer a little bit. I have learned so much from you guys

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@lasermanofphysics4570]

In a pinch, and I just did this earlier, you can fold up a couple of store receipts to about just under a 1/2 inch and set the choke all the way back then place the receipts under the choke wiper arm. Start it up. Works great. A piece of semi hard rubber may do the trick too. When you pull back the handle it will function normally and displace the receipt bunch then start right up. It may take a time or 2 to play with the right height but it works!!!

[@BrucesShop]

This came up as a suggestion and I watched it again. Great video for these crazy choke setups. Wonderful video. Thanks ----- one year later

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Yes Honda definitely did it differently. Especially with their thermoplastic choke mechanism too. Thanks for watching Bruce!

[@goofe.washington953]

This was an excellent video. Replacing parts? I can do that. Diagnosing the problem like this guy did? Not a chance. This guy went through a very good - and interesting - diagnostic process.

[@anneonymous7737]

Sooo good! Very thorough detective work and excellent quality video showing each step. A thousand thanks!

[@sxewhodey]

Very well explained. Briggs old automatic flathead choke should just be adopted by every brand, its so much simpler. One spring effecting another just gets may too complicated. Well done!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@marshallborder9089]

Thanks , I've worked on a lot of GVC 160's and never had or seen this problem . Real helpful video - thanks again

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@JC-pb4db]

Have one of these from my Troybilt which I recently transferred to a Honda body. I wasn’t such a fan of this as compared to a manual choke of yester year. I typically have to hold it in the 3/4 released position for 5-10 seconds for the mower to warm up before letting it go the rest of the way. However, after all the issues I see online e related to the Honda auto choke, it seems to me that this is a solution that is less maintenance overall. This is the first video I have come across on this type of choke.

[@robertbaysinger1309]

Great video and thorough explanation of this type of choke system. Thanks for taking the time to do this video right!

[@markgibbons4937]

Thanks. Your video helped. I took the air cleaner box off and didn't notice where the choke flap lined up. Now I do.

[@richardlagh1744]

Thanks for this video. It helped me understand how the auto choke worked and finding where the problem was. Your video was clear and to the point where I was able to understand everything. Thanks again.

[@markr2532]

Excellent video and description -- really appreciate you talking through the mechanics of how the parts interact. Well done.

[@db130]

Thank you for the video. I've had a few mowers come in with these return choke Honda engines, and most of the time, the choke opened a bit too fast before the engine could warm up. However, on the most recent specimen, the choke would not open up on its own until I used your "half wrap" method for that choke spring at the 12:27 mark.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Works perfectly, I find that the system gets a bit of wear on it over the years and the choke plate itself just needs a little less tension so the system can function properly. Thanks for watching!

[@jonnyfranko]

This was by far THE best video on the mechanics of the carburetor system. Your zoom ins were so sharp that I was able to ascertain the small wire that attachs to the throttle. The previous mechanic that replaced my carb, did not even have that flange on the other side of the black choke mechanism. I was up until midnight last night but I knew I could get it done after seeing this video. You rock. 'nuff said. Oh and loved the mount WITHOUT the plastic housing for the air intake to see the mechanics. I still have a bit of resistance with the actuator. I sprayed it with WD40 but knew better but just wanted to see if it improved the action and it did. Then I resprayed it with Brake Cleaner as I ran out of my Carb Cleaner. Are they actually the same? I wouldn't be surprised. Thanks again for the detailed video and know that you made a difference. You rock.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@edmckinley1333]

Excellent video, my Honda CVG160 has similar issue with that choke due to the small metal tab was out to far and needed to be bent back in. Your video showed me where it should be to ensure a smooth operation, thanks again your videos are concise and spot on..

[@windale8983]

Great video....I just had to replac the carb on one just like this, so now I know what to look for to get the choke working correctly again. Thank you!

[@georgegreenfield6732]

Well done Hero ! The gasket sequence vid and this one, are really well done and to the point! A Million thanks ! A millionm

[@dontGMOwithme]

Thank you. Just fixed this sustem this morning but you added a few details that were nice to know

[@badtothebone346]

So the other shop didn't do what they claimed, they didn't clean the carb? Glad you were able to get the job done.

[@TheCrittercam001]

Dude your channel kick ass!! This is the best demonstration on how this mechanism functions that I know of. No wonder you're way above the repair shops man. Great instructional video brother♥

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for the kind words crittercam!

[@daniellbrinneman]

Exactly what I was looking for! Thank you!

[@jerrysoutherland662]

Eliminator,when you took the choke plate off the spring under the choke plate where it is hook just below it is a smaller notch to hook spring for more spring tension.Per Honda GVC shop manual.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Yea but this one had too much tension, like I said I had to half wrap it to get the tension just right. Thanks for watching!

[@mjg263]

Great explanation. I thought they used silicone damping grease in those things to slow them down but I’ve never had one apart. Good to know there’s some adjustment on them, thanks!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@davidgagnon2849]

A video very well done. You're a good mechanic and presenter. Kudos to you!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks!

[@beanolatte2682]

Nice explanation of this repair!!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@baddad5781]

Well O buddy you've taught me something yet again so thank you. However the more I see about these Honda's the more I don't want to own one. Good job, very informative.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@benchan5854]

Just got a Poulan Pro with Honda Engine having the exact same issue. Will try on it and update. Thanks.

[@marleencorrigan8835]

Super helpful… great explanation and quality video!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@vijaymehta3419]

Best video with easy instructions. I give video 6 stars.

[@davidwolff2559]

Thank you! Many videos show the wax choke and are a waste of time. There are too many failed “idiot-proof” solutions that make life way too frustrating. Try finding a mower with a manual choke! Worse, they are going battery now!

[@WiekingderViking]

A very thoughtful process! What a radical concept. Har, har,har

[@carver4894]

Good video and good critical thinking skills! Critical thinking skills is what's missing in the shops near me, Annapolis Maryland

[@kjell-richardlvdal373]

Good fix, to fix a problem you Have to know how it works, and Eliminator solved the problem steo by steø Always something to learn from your videos

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@YouMadeMeLawn]

This was a super helpful video, loved the breakdown and explanation you give with the choke assembly. Always learning something from your videos!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@dougbas3980]

Wish you were local to me. Hard to find your kind of capabilities. Thanks for this great video!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@woodstover]

A little oil down the control cable sleeve would help, it sounded a bit dry. That binding makes the handle part of the cable holder work harder.

[@KLRFJR]

"Go ahead and..." it's a real tic you have there, man. Great skills though, keep up the great work.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

I'm trying to cut that out, same with "like I said" lol thanks for watching!

[@alec1113]

You are a very knowledgeable man , have you ever changed / cleaned a carburetor on a self propelled craftsman m250 160cc mower . I attempted to clean ,removed bolts the whole assembly fell apart , have no idea how to put together , any advise would be well received. I have learnt my lesson next time get a grown up to fix mower

[@dginta7932]

Another great video. You always rock my issues. Thanks.

[@verena_techie355]

I am impressed by your troubleshooting skills! I have the opposite issue. The choke was working perfectly but now won't stay stuck and slides right back to off position. I'm guessing a component in the assembly you've shown has come apart? I had a service done in the spring and they said the cable from the top to the choke needed replacing but the parts are no longer available.... perhaps its that. Anyway, hopefully this might help me. Thanks!!!

[@ireneinanaheim]

What a great video. My husband isn't too good at fixing things so I am watching it and learning a lot thank you so much.

[@brucel.6078]

Excellent video! Thanks!!!!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@michaelmurray4097]

You are a true mechanic

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for the kind words, and thanks for watching!

[@mattwaters6987]

Great video! Thanks for sharing. 👍

[@donvoll2580]

Good day Boy you got that figured out. Too bad about cleaning. Thanks

[@EliminatorPerformance]

It's unfortunate that other shops aren't as honest. Thanks for watching!

[@mrtrump-pf1nx]

Excellent explanation

[@jr7003]

Excellent video and explanation!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@staind288]

I was having the issue with the choke not locking up and the choke opening before I even get to the pull rope. I do thank you for this info and I was directed to you by @BrucePender

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching! Hope it helps!

[@MrMjn5000]

great job figuring this out

[@shannonbrooks8834]

A hose clamp works well too keep that cable from pulling out of the handle. Get a BIG one,but not too big.

[@edwinrivera9611]

Gracias amigo muy bien explicando

[@thomasgronek6469]

Thanks for the video. At 4:20 I secure that with a hose clamp

[@StevePaige]

Excellent work!

[@kgill5]

Great video and detailed description. Persistence is a virtue! I have several gvc160s on different pieces of equipment. They have manual chokes. Could that have been another option?

[@joehawthorn3018]

Very good video. I have same Honda engine. My problem is that it revs quite high. What should I Do to solve problem. Thanks and keep up the good videos, Joe in Owen Sound ONTARIO

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Cheers from Port Colborne (southern) Ontario, Canada! Check the governor spring and adjust the metal tab to give less tension on the spring. It'll be on the left side of the engine, near the deck.

[@josephpuchel6497]

Hey excellent tutorial I know it’s been some time but how was that choke spring situated on your other mower ? Also what size fuel line do you use on these Honda s ? Thank you

[@robv60]

VERY HELPFUL! Thank you!!!!

[@burtburt1755]

Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge. It is truly appreciated. I'm working on 2 of these mowers and both have this problem. Also the 3 nuts on the top plastic cover will not come off due to the bolts turning on the inside. Have you ran across this before?

[@craiginswflorida9324]

I have, keep turning it and it will come off, stud and all. Separate the stud and nut. The stud also holds the coil on. When you get it removed, use thread lock to prevent in from happening again.

[@forshigity5000]

great vid. My lawnmower has the same exact problem. How do you tighten the spring?

[@EliminatorPerformance]

You can bend the tab it hooks onto to make it have more tension ( return faster ) or bend it in to give less tension ( return slower )

[@lbettio5637]

Hi EP great video again and extent of investigation to sole the choke issue. I am looking for some aluminum deck HXC 215 parts. First I haven’t taken apart but it is is very possible that I need to get another Hydrostatic variable transmission. Do you have one (used)? Also a mulching plug, a rear right wheel, a black knuckle handle bar nut. If anything please advise.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Nothing like that here, I hardly have anything used or scrap anymore as we've been busy with repairs and I needed the room so I scrapped anything we weren't going to use

[@rockdrummertravel]

Great video! You are getting better than Terrell. TFL leaves out assembling and disassembly more than he should. people wanting to learn want to see how they take it apart and reassemble they don't want those parts left out

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@zanenelson8564]

I need your advice. Working on Yardman mower with same gcv Honda engine. Choke worked fine. I disassembled carb to clean jets and ventury. Now there is no protrusion sticking up from black plastic piece that turns choke butterfly. Nothing to come into contact with the metal piece that chokes the carb then returns under spring tension. There is no sign that the black plastic piece broke in anyway... ..it's as if I lost that part that sticks up higher to be pushed by the metal part to turn the choke on. Are there 2 pieces there and I just lost the plastic piece that sticks higher and is pushed by the metal part. What am I missing on this? Thanks for any help.

[@marcusdoolette1547]

You're a wizard. Subscribed.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@tonym6920]

Excellent presentation, 👍👍

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@cmstilllearning4418]

Can I ask you something? My honda is having trouble with auto choke, I apply choke and it closes too fast and stalls the engine. I have tried keeping the choke open and the mower will continue to run. Even when it gets warm, when the choke is allowed to shift back to run position, the engine stalls immediately. I see the mower you use as an example in this video as the second mower, has a hole drilled into the lever that looks like a screw or pin was being added to it to keep the choke on at 1/2. That is what I have had to do to keep the mower running. Is there any advice you can give me?

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Yea so that's exactly what the other one had, a customer did that with a pin. Essentially, to slow the return speed, you need less tension on the return spring. You can stretch it a bit or try and bend the tab the spring attaches to

[@cmstilllearning4418]

@@EliminatorPerformance Thank you so much! I cleaned the Carb and I will lessen the spring tension. I’ll let you know what happens.

[@MrTtillub]

Great Job , great video Thanks.....!

[@johnhouli3450]

Thank you. My neighbor has Honda lawnmower that starts and runs but after 20 minutes it stops. The carburetor was cleaned out it did not make a difference. Could it be as simple as getting the right spark plug. Could it be the idle screw with the air jet plastic screw like piece under it. I don’t know what else to check. Thanks Houli

[@kevincharles6474]

YOU THE MAN !!!!!!!

[@es47]

Thank you same issue i am having with 3 customers of mine

[@jessm1638]

Was performing well needed maintenance on my dad’s 10+yr mower because it would start and just run for a couple of mins before shutting off. So I took apart the carb and cleaned, changed filter, spark plug, and oil and it now stays on, but my concern is when I pull that lever to choke and pull the rope to start…it doesn’t start, even after several tries. The lever moves back into the ‘run’ position, but if I pull it to ‘choke’ again… it’ll start after 1-2 pulls of the rope. Before, it would start right away after choking. Did I screw something up when I took the carb off to clean?

[@tinkerscorner54]

@4:30 I've gotten to where I always put a worm gear clamp on these type cable mounts.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Gorilla tape seems to do the trick just to keep it from flexing

[@emilyreid652]

Very well explained, saved me some time for sure. Thanks man!

[@tyler2610]

Hi, I have a Troy-Bilt mower with the Honda GCV 160 and the same choke system. Mine is retuning to fast that it won’t start unless I pull the cord once without engaging the safety bail and then pull it with the bar depressed. Otherwise I can pull and pull choking it several times and it either won’t start or is very hard to start I’m confused though, should I try adjusting the spring on the choke assembly or move the spring location on the carburetor as you did? -Thank you

[@EliminatorPerformance]

The spring that controls the Plastic handle you move. It probably has too much tension. You normally don't have to touch the spring on the choke (the one on the carb)

[@justintucker5837]

Excellent help my friend

[@mgomez5606]

Can the brake puck for flywheel brake be purchased alone or you have to buy the whole assy? For a Honda gcv160.

[@billlovett4256]

Thanks for the video. How long did all that take you?

[@EliminatorPerformance]

About 1.5hr total because unfortunately I had to tear the carb apart to clean it, even though the previous shop said they "cleaned and rebuilt it". They couldn't even figure out the choke system, so it's not hard to believe the carb had issues too. I gave my customer a deal on parts and labour because I got a great video out of it.

[@mgomez5606]

EP, I'm trying to adjust throttle cable on HRB215 with gxv140 engine. I put throttle handle to fast. Loosen cable holder. But when I pull on cable to move throttle to barely touch choke arm the cable is past cable holder to secure it. Will adjustment at top help or is the cable stretched. The problem was that chokecwas not fully closing and mower not starting.

[@mgomez5606]

The choke tab was twisted. Straighten it out and choke works.

[@brucel.6078]

Seems like a weird system... if you're a slow mover, the choke would already be half way open by the time you engaged the 'bar' and the time you pulled the recoil. Or am I wrong? I love your channel. Great stuff. Thanks! Dang I get yappy after a margarita.. sorry ☺🍺

[@EliminatorPerformance]

It's absolutely a flawed system, and I've have to decrease tension on the return spring because of that reason. They travel back to quickly for some older customers.

[@brucel.6078]

@@EliminatorPerformance Thanks for the great explination. You rock dude!

[@DAMCOOLDAV]

I have an auto choke but I believe I’m having a similar issue I feel like that steel bar is either too tight or not tight enough because when I turn the throttle to fast(to start it) it doesn’t seem like it’s fully engaging the auto choke. Is that possible?

[@techyguy1]

Great video!

[@SYRUNIORNG]

How about the opposite problem- choke wont fully close? Cant see any damaged/missing parts. Choke plate only closes maybe 75% or less.... not sure if spring or gear issue

[@pauzen5365]

Brilliant!

[@stephenobrenski8576]

Awesome job tks nicely done 😁

[@rondail5675]

Good info in the video, thanks.

[@DIYLifeSkills]

That was a very detail breakdown on GCV160 choke mechanism. The video, zoon shots, lighting, and explanation were all top notch. Again fantastic quality video. I picked up this non-starting GCV160 mower, and after cleaning the carb and the spark plug, I got it start and it runs great once started. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i56kh3akhtSEo9U&ab_channel=DIY%26LifeSkillsDIY%26LifeSkills However, after sitting overnight, the next day, it'll take between 10 to 15+ pulls to get it to start. What's funny is, once it starts, I can shut it off and it'll start right back up with one easy pull. It feels like it's taking that many pulls to get the gasoline into the engine on cold start. When I spray some starter fluid directly into the carburetor, after removing the air filter, it seems to start with less than 5 pulls. I cleaned the carb pretty thoroughly, but I couldn't get the center jet pin to come out, so I shoved a thin needle through it to make sure that it's not clogged, but looking at other videos, looks that pin also has holes on the side, so now I'm thinking I have to remove that pin and unclog and clean it more thoroughly. Do you think partially clogged center jet could cause many pulls to start? Any other tips? Thanks in advance.

[@JohnBassile]

How do you fix choke valve for carburetor when automatic choke is pulled to start mower cause it dont work when using automatic choke