Honda GCV160 Crankshaft Replacement-Can I use a metal CAM/governor timing ring, instead? No plastic!

[@jaredmcquiniff5362]

Good job man! I’m a machinist and I’ve always tinkered with small engines or really anything with engines. I have to say, I like the way you go about doing projects. You’re thought process and attention to detail to get things done right the first time is great! Too many people these days don’t instill these important factors when fixing things. I’ve learned these traits from my father who was a fabricator his whole life and it’s payed big for me to get my foot in the door as a machinist. You have earned a new subscriber! Keep up the good work my man.

[@pattywaktdiy4175]

Thank you for the kind remarks, Jared. I am glad you found something worthwhile on my channel.

[@dannyball2503]

The stump got it in your case, in mine a rock fell off my aunties broken down wall and rolled int the grass I thought was free of obstructions . When I hit it it was violent and stopped instantly. After starting again the vibrations made my wrists numb then my elbows, and it was working it’s way to my shoulders. Great video. I’ll be buying a crankshaft, I liked the mower , it was solid. Just wanted an idea how extensive the repair would be.

[@chuckschendler3061]

Put crank in a freezer and gear in the oven. Gear will slide on easily. Hope this helps.

[@philliphall5198]

Never a waste of time to find the truth, Sir Thank You 🙏

[@metallitech]

Thanks for sharing this. The only advantage of plastic, that I can think of, is that it could save the rest of the engine by breaking if the engine overheats.

[@pattywaktdiy4175]

This is a great point for all to read! I would say, though…It’s pretty difficult to overheat these engines. Check oil often and don’t “enclose” these engines while operating. Ensure plenty of fresh air is available to circulate around them and you’ll have a hard time overheating it.

[@mgomez5606]

I tapped gear on new shaft. Just put oil on it so slide on. It's tight once it's on.

[@philliphall5198]

Please let me know how it turned out and if it lasted Thanks

[@pattywaktdiy4175]

This mower is still running strong! Now I have a teenager (my son) to mow for me…even better!

[@philliphall5198]

Be very careful with the hot water 😊

[@Anubalfer]

Where can I find a crankshaft with a metal cog? I'm fixing a gcv190 with a plastic gear that slips until the motor can't run. I can't find one anywhere.

[@pattywaktdiy4175]

Unfortunately I don’t think you can purchase one with a metal gear. That’s mostly why I made this video. If you bent the old shaft but still have the original part, you can transfer the metal ring to a new shaft but as far as I can tell, purchasing a new metal gear is not an option. Good luck!

[@propro123_cz9]

I am thinking about using this engine on go kart, i know about the shaft, I'll have to somehow make pump for oil to lube valves, but I'm not sure about rpm i can run this engine on, some people say this engine is trash to not run it faster than 3600rpm, but some people says it's fine that they run it on 7000rpm, which brings them to almost double the hp obv... Does anyone tried?

[@davidhorner1443]

I have this motor on a pressure washer and it has the plastic timing gear ! I have just had to replace the gear a second , due to motor crankshaft end play allows the motor to crush the gear , and deform it ! The second gear actually melted to the crankshaft , in about 45 minutes use ! I can push crankshaft up about 1/8 inch , off of the thrush washer , when crankcase is assembled ! Shouldn't the flywheel nut support the crankshaft off of the washer , and gear !

[@pattywaktdiy4175]

The thrust washer and flywheel race should hold the crankshaft without that kind of play. The thrust washer has a concave and a convex side. With the play you are describing, I could see an improperly installed thrust washer as the culprit? Have you checked that? Have you replaced the crankshaft and if so are you absolutely sure it was the correct replacement? There are a few hundred variants to this engine depending on mfg date and application.

[@davidhorner1443]

@@pattywaktdiy4175 the first gear had time belt teeth stripped off ! Thrush washer was reversed ! That was how I found it when got it 2nd hand ! I bought it not running! Replaced gear, then ran as described! Now I am finding the play in crankshaft! It was barely used , fairly new unit when I got it ! Not sure how to proceed?

[@pattywaktdiy4175]

@@davidhorner1443 ok. If you haven’t already, since you got this second-hand and are not entirely sure what was done to it prior to your ownership, I would spend the necessary amount of time and research making 100% sure you have the right crankshaft in there. Someone may have attempted to replace a bent crankshaft and replaced with the wrong one that is causing all of these problems. I tell ya, there are a quite a few to choose from that will surprise you. I assume there isn’t any visible/obvious damage to the crank case bearings? Can’t allow any wobble. Does the engine shake more than it should while running? That could be a sign of a warped or worn bearing or even a bent crank shaft. But, focus on the crank shaft and ensure it’s the correct length from the bell crank weights to both the flywheel and PTO races. Your better bet here would be to match the part number with that engine’s serial number/model.

[@davidhorner1443]

@@pattywaktdiy4175 okay thank you so much !

[@philliphall5198]

Let us know after a year or two of mowing Ok ✅

[@pattywaktdiy4175]

I believe this is now my 3rd year after this crankshaft replacement. Still running great! Starts right up and runs with no issues. I sold my “backup” mower this year because I don’t need it anymore and it was just taking up space!

[@DB-zp9un]

Freaking Honda.. Only they would use a hard press fit gear on a cheap engine and not include the gear with a new crank.. Customer just gonna have to wait a bit longer now for a gear to come in for his repair. Was unsuccessful getting old gear off.. Was starting to think about moving and broke a tooth..

[@pattywaktdiy4175]

Bummer. How did the tooth break?

[@DB-zp9un]

@@pattywaktdiy4175 it was self inflicted. Didnt wait long enough / heat it up a bit more once it started moving.

[@pattywaktdiy4175]

@@DB-zp9un well, thanks for leaving a comment that can help someone else!