Honda Lawnmower Won't Idle (Service Carburetor And Set Valves)

[@MowerMan]

Please support the channel here www.paypal.com/paypalme/mowermanuk

[@arcadia1081]

Possibly one of the most important vids on KZbin mowers! Carb repair! I am learning so much!

[@arcadia1081]

I was given a German MTD self drive mower yesterday. I believe it has a Briggs Stratton engine. How many mowers actually have this? Are most mowers carburettors simple to service?

[@vicwalton9041]

You saved me from buying a new lawn mower!! Great video, very thorough. I had never worked on a small (or large) engine before but I was able to clean my carb and adjust the valves - it went from not running to RUNNING! On ONE PULL!

[@MowerMan]

Thanks much appreciated!

[@Imran-498]

thanks, .. I have exactly this mower, and based on this video iv managed to clean the carb and stop it stalling every 2 mins.... much appreciated!

[@andymartell7296]

Thanks for such a down to earth and realistic video tutorial Paul. As a professional gardener, who just wants to keep his kit in tip top condition without the expense of seasonal servicing, your KZbin videos are my favourite... and I’ve learnt a lot.

[@MowerMan]

andy martell Thanks Andy much appreciated!

[@kimcalder388]

Thankyou mower man sooo much! Totally love your thoughtful caring communication, warnings, forethought and obsessive attention to detail. Thankyou❤

[@MowerMan]

Welcome Kim!

[@lewisgottschalk2178]

Great video, good information, detailed and realistic. Thanks for not editing out all the potential problems that can occur when attempting these repairs. Almost all fix-it-type videos are greatly edited down to "This this problem, do this and that, and replace this, and voila, things are working again. See how easy it is?" Maybe, but often this is not real life. In real life we often spend much time fixing one thing we think is the problem, only to find out the problem was something else. And occasionally that something else does not fix it either, resulting in something not getting repaired no matter what we try. Thanks again for giving your expertise to others.

[@MowerMan]

No problem thanks for watching Lewis

[@geraldbasford6713]

Very complete video I have a small engine repair shop in Napa California and appreciate how you cover all the small details most people have no idea how many things are involved in a complete service. Thanks

[@MowerMan]

Gerald Basford Thanks Gerald

[@colinevans7134]

I do exactly the same thing, and with petrol leaf blowers and chainsaws, any petrol or diesel engine, great hobby I only buy machines that don't work but just starting to watch a couple of these guys working on lawnmowers. All good videos to watch regards colin from croydon 👍

[@holytuna567]

Just took apart and cleaned my GCV 160 carb for the first time. Mower is now running great. Managed with the help of some other videos but I wish I had found yours before I tried it! Great video.

[@MowerMan]

Ryan Dennehy Thanks Ryan. Glad you got it sorted!

[@timcolehan4135]

Thanks Paul. Great video. Helped me sort my GCV160 out. Good to hear a northern accent. Greetings from Switzerland.

[@MowerMan]

Tim Colehan Excellent glad to help!

[@timcolehan4135]

Paul - my GCV has a manual choke but the lever doesn’t seem to engage the choke. Any thoughts on setting the cable? Thanks again (I’m originally from Bradford)

[@daveh1081]

@@timcolehan4135 any relation to Damian?

[@007fredh]

Great video I just did a carb service on my Honda and it’s kinda idling up and down. I probably need to take it back off and clean it completely. It’s always something.😝

[@jonathannoone4435]

Great video. I have just done all of this myself as the last time it was serviced the carb had clearly not been touched! Anyway, you do need to use / put back all the gaskets for the G160 (some missing when you took it apart) which helps keep it air tight, idling correctly and the dust and debris out. I also suggest an inline petrol fuel filter just before the fuel cut off switch. This stops any debris from the tank getting in the carb in the first place. You are ABSOLUTELY correct that well maintained these age of Honda engines will last a lifetime! Thanks again Paul.

[@eddie828]

Great video I had the same issue getting the jet out, small long nose pliers did the trick too.

[@astravxrred1085]

What an excellent video. I shall try servicing mine tomorrow as I have a rough idle and up and down revs.

[@MowerMan]

Astra VXR RED Thanks Astra

[@astravxrred1085]

It had definitely improved the running as my valve settings were really tight. It runs well on choke but doesnt like any settings on the accelerator lower than choke. I have cleaned out the carb to but no joy!

[@FarideLadak]

Fantastic detailed video explaining details along with clearly showing each specific part. I’ve had a surge issue which developed into not being able to start it up. It first looked like the concentric spring pin with the throttle arm was missing but opening it further it could be that it missing that small spring which does not return the the small black plastic along with the throttle, it also seems to be gasping for air, the vibration was so bad that the air filter cover was falling off. Thank you Getting the parts for it with Honda having changed all the part numbers in the past few years adds an extra step in identifying them correctly. lol Much appreciated Finally, I’ll have to replace that wax auto choke piece as well since the pin sticks which has not affected it running properly for the last six years.

[@cradley1]

Hi hope your well. I have just watched an American guy servicing a gcv carb. He inserts 2 x no M6 threaded bolts into the block then hangs the gaskets and carb and finally the filter housing before slowly removing the rods one by one and inserting the original Honda bolts back. The idea is great takes all the stress and annoyance of gaskets coming loose and is so much easier. Just an idea next time you do one. Thanks for all your great videos. Pete

[@MowerMan]

Hi thanks could you send me a link to the video?

[@cradley1]

@@MowerMan Hi Paul yes will try.

[@MowerMan]

@@cradley1 or just write the name of the video or channel in here. Thanks Pete

[@volt8684]

Love Hondas but also love the plastic Briggs carbs which are soooo easy to service

[@brianpotter5386]

Brilliant, my izy is coming out of the shed tomorrow for this treatment. Thanks.

[@chrisssmallengines3456]

I use welding torch tip cleaners which are different sized wires to clear the holes . This works very well and makes sure the jets are cleaned properly .

[@patrickflanagan8008]

Brilliant stuff, good, honest down to earth tutorial...exactly what I was looking for. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@MowerMan]

Patrick Flanagan Thanks for your kind comments Patrick. Much appreciated

[@Smokey4462]

I have a Craftsman lawnmower with a Honda engine that's about 18 years old. I had a constant surging of the engine whenever I let it idle while emptying the grass catcher bag. I solved it by putting some Seafoam carburetor and injector cleaner in the gas supply (about 1-2 ounces per gallon). Never had a problem after that and it runs like a fine Swiss watch.

[@douglasthompson9482]

Great video. I use an ultrasonic cleaner for the carburetor.

[@biffoswilly]

I think the mistakes you keep in are in themselves an education thankyou!

[@MowerMan]

Good point Brian!

[@losclavelas]

After following your safety advice to allow boss inspection I pulled and pulled but my lawn king would not fire After replacing ht lead it burst into life Oh dear I felt a bit subdued Bob

[@roystheboy]

Hi paul I had one of these with the same problem a few weeks ago on my channel great fix well done

[@michaelmatthews8171]

Just what I was looking for, me mums izy is nearly 20 years old and needs a service now. Great tips...

[@MowerMan]

Michael Matthews Thanks Michael!

[@ritasmiley5361]

Harder than it looks these vids help big time thanks mate

[@lydiahardy6185]

Hi , I have a tesco PLM042013, bought second hand, can’t find a manual anywhere and I have cleaned the carborator twice, air filter etc and it seems to be blowing black smoke out of the carborator? I think o have been sold a dosi, do you think it is time for the skip? Trying hard to save it!!!! Thanks

[@MowerMan]

check the oil level

[@gxc2000]

Great video, well done and thank you. I have had exactly the same poor idling (with rev hunting) problem. The carb service did the trick although it took me two attempts. The second time I left the jet parts in carb cleaner overnight. I unravelled the strands of copper inside of some 12v electrical cable I had in my garage. Each strand is really fine and ideal for poking through the jet holes. The copper is soft so won't cause any damage to the holes. I also found an electrical screwdriver works better for getting the jet in and out because the shaft is straight all the way down to the blade. Search "VDE screwdriver". I have another trick for checking the needle valve is installed correctly. Just before you put the carb bowl on, hold the carb up the correct way and blow into the fuel inlet hole. You should hear and feel the air escaping. Gently push the float up and you should feel and hear the airflow stop. If it does the value is working correctly. Thanks

[@xxwalhalaxxmozza7415]

That’s a good tip, I’m not used to working on these honda’s, always had Briggs, I have a similar hunting problem, carb cleaned twice, adjusted cables/linkage and carb screws, still hunting at low revs, I’ll try all these new tips, valves, coil, plug and reclean

[@stratplayer10]

Brilliant. What a nice unselfish contribution. Excellent thanksyou

[@Droxy1940]

Thanks for the video. I have successfully cleaned carb valves and my Honda Izy is now running fine. The large,clumsy air filter cover has been designed in such a way that it must be fitted on to same long bolts as the carb, thus totally blocking sight of or access to the carb thereafter? If the whole assembly slid onto fixed long studs, then secured by nuts, it would be so much easier for the average amateur.

[@MowerMan]

David Oxberry I totally agree!

[@gradyhernandez4699]

@@MowerMan honda

[@gradyhernandez4699]

Have it written also

[@VeryMuchBlessed]

Good helpful tips. Thanks much for making this video.

[@MowerMan]

Thanks Gene

[@hardrider5905]

Was that motor still warm when you checked the clearances? Also, did you replace that torn carby gasket?

[@RenaissanceTatt00s]

Thanks for that! I haven't tried cleaning my carb yet but no doubt your brilliant video will be a great help :)

[@Vinyl-Sloth]

Cracking video just done mine works like a dream but when I put it on tortoise it cuts out have I done something wrong worked ok before

[@lorieprice9479]

so helpful ! exactly the video i needed. i have this mower

[@MowerMan]

Glad I could help

[@thomasr.5443]

Hello there, I hope you are well. I have a mower with that exact engine and it runs quite well but not perfect. I took of the carb and cleaned it thorougly but by doing that, some of the gaskets were ripped. I managed to fit them back in and it seems to be good since it's not leaking but I'd like to change them. So i hoped to find articles in your video description but they are only Briggs parts?! Sincerlely, Thomas.

[@paulwilliams7335]

Great site look at it all the time for ideas. I've got an RV 150 I've cleaned the carb etc, when I use easy- start it starts but will not keep running any ideas as to what else I can do to keep it running.

[@middletonbruce4232]

Great video well explained and easy to follow you

[@MowerMan]

I appreciate that!

[@seantaylor6123]

Hi paul, Great to be back hopefully I will be getting back into repairing my lawnmowers I've got 4 sat in shed awating bad weather to sod off lol. I do have one of your tutorial DVDs Cheers . Sean, Liverpool

[@MowerMan]

Sean taylor Good luck with the repairs Sean!

[@allanhughes7859]

Had the exact same problem..Did all the carb bit and in desperation fitted a new spark plug hey presto !!! ticked over perfectly.. Never had that before infact hardly ever remember a spark plug being a problem.. Every day is a day at school !!! To support your comment re the Honda Izy I cut grass for a living all my competitors run these big heavy so called pro machines that drink the juice and are not that reliable. My little Izy is now in year three cutting 8 hours a day 5 days a week never ever has it let me down. I guess it has had about 8 normal life times as a mower all i do is change the oil every month use good fuel sharpen the blade every 3 days. Have had to fit a new deck which is the only down side to these mowers but even the deck only cost me 120 quid so not bad !! Sorry to yakel on but anyone watching you should seriously consider buying one. Quite expensive new but as you said last a life time !!!

[@torolekristoffersen2591]

hello do you have the part number for the spring under det guvernør you talked about

[@irfaan7868]

Wish I watched this video first rather than other ones, super informative video. Just great. Did you re apply gasket sealant when you refitted the cam cover back on? As I'm going to have a look at the valves tomorrow but haven't got gasket sealer.

[@MowerMan]

Honestly i cant remember

[@irfaan7868]

@@MowerMan I found some genuine Honda bond sealant i had. I'm a Honda nut and used it on the cars in the past ;-)

[@djd1227]

Thanks! Fixed my problem!

[@philliphall5198]

Dang you talk funny, where are you at ??? Thank You for information and advice

[@littleredcar705]

Cheesy peas

[@ossilong]

Great vis, may I ask an absolutely stupid question? why do so many mowers have a throttle in the first place? never used it and just run it on full speed

[@geoffwilletts4683]

Hi Paul. I have been trying to buy a new carb for my Mountfield S461PD. 2014. I'm finding g it difficult. Any ideas please? Great video well done.

[@Ppp-kk6hw]

I can't get honda izy 416 recoil off to change the rope as the two bolts are spinning. Can you help 😊😊😊

[@DaninVA]

Just did this service on my mower. Wish I had seen your video first! Great instructional video; just wish you spoke English. :)

[@olahkalman498]

Thank you this video, is it really perfect and helpful.

[@Jim-ie6uf]

Good video explanation. I think it’s missing two carb gaskets, and maybe a heat shield. But the deck is pretty scruffy, so what it it has a lumpy idle. You’ll make $, it’s a Honda.

[@MowerMan]

Cheers Jim it sold for £90

[@JamesAllen300]

@@MowerMan He's right!! It was missing the gaskets and heat shield.

[@aengus.l]

Don’t suppose you’ve got any vids with the auto chokes? Mine runs but high revs only

[@sparkyman4155]

A thing i also did is play around with the choke that can also help👍

[@johncelletti3108]

photos are brilliant.

[@garyclifton2180]

Sounds lots better IV just got a Izzy that has no rev lever but sounds like it reving to high

[@Geoffinfinity]

Brilliant video cheers subbed.

[@georgezip3628]

Fuel line wasn't connected?

[@vulturedroid9804]

Wow great tutorial.

[@MowerMan]

Thanks

[@fredrikkarlsson5672]

superb, thx this was exactly what i was looking for, i have the exact problem. what was the no of mm on intake and exhaust when u where finished?

[@MowerMan]

Fredrik Karlsson Can't remember without watching a vid tbh

[@fredrikkarlsson5672]

@@MowerMan ok i will try the factory settings first if no change i will play around with the valves. thx for infomative video! i am a new subscriber ;-)

[@Drostvideo]

Great demo!

[@MowerMan]

Thanks Herman

[@Harmonrok]

Hello Paul, just been watching some of your videos for reference etc. I wonder if you can advise me I have a 2012 Honda Izy and it runs at about 5,500 revs which is way to fast and I do not let it run for more than a few seconds, any idea how i can lower the the running speed (revs). I have completed a full service but i still have the problem mentioned. LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU AND WISH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR. shaun

[@cledwynparry3637]

Brilliant

[@jerrystark3587]

After the work you did, which was well done, would adding a carbon cleaning fuel additive (Sea Foam, etc.) and readjusting the idle screw also help?

[@ciararespect4296]

Just one quick question.i changed plug and air filter then cleaned carb best I could but maybe not completely? I adjusted idle screw back to what I thought it should be? It fires. Up but still hunting surging in lower revs? It's a Honda 465c1 sde . Do you know idle screw thread numbers at to what it should be? Thanks

[@shootinglight]

Did you ever find out any more about this?

[@buggalugs]

Can you show me the correct fit up of an IZY self- propelled clutch mechanism as Ive put it all back together but its not engaging ( it was working before i took it apart!)

[@ChuckThomas]

this is awesome-thank you!

[@suzukisj32]

Hi Paul I have the same mower you mention the black spacer @ 6.40 in the video which way around does that go.

[@lord.onk99]

Very well done, loved it.

[@MowerMan]

Thanks Ken

[@man-madehand-made6009]

Hi mower man, great channel by the way. Notice on this mower these is no heat guard between the carb and the engine body. Is it required or have you seen plenty without?

[@MowerMan]

ive seen a few without but if its for a customer you should fit it

[@Jim-ie6uf]

Where are you, you disappeared. Always liked your videos. Jim

[@ciararespect4296]

Probably gone bust . Even cheap mowers need tons of work so not very profitable

[@texhow1]

Could it have been the mixture screw that needs tweaking to even the slow running out as you just set at 3 threads showing,

[@MowerMan]

Could have been! can't remember now tbh!

[@shootinglight]

Which one is the mixture screw? Having the same problems with my engine and have tried everything here.

[@mathewvarghese7097]

Is there any thermo wax on this model,if’s where is it

[@honeybadger6127]

before this video.. I didn't even know where the dang carb was hiding.. was able to get mine running with bathing mine in WD-40.

[@derek75116]

At 22.0Mins 6mm black block and thin heat plate appear reversed prior to disassembly! (black block transitions from square hole to round hole) turbulence otherwise.. Also some instructions on the brass slot blade spring locked needle valve would have been nice ! I removed mine to clean and did not observe set position !

[@mrcottrell]

Great video cheers

[@spacecowboy98]

I guess if you've covered all the questions someone would have about tearing the carburetor apart or looking into the valves? But I wanted to see you successfully fix the low idle and the surging. So I'm disappointed.

[@jme36053]

I didn't see that torn gasket get replaced which would have helped. I have this exact same Keihin BB carburetor on a GCV190 engine. I think the hunting and poor performance is due to the non-removable low idle fuel mixture needle. It's difficult to clean around it without having to totally replace it. Appreciated the valve adjustment tutorial. The valve cover gasket is simple silicone RTV sealant. I developed an oil leak on mine when I once snagged a bush and bent the cover.

[@brayshawsgardenmachinery646]

Great vidoe mate. 👍

[@MaxHernandez-qf7gz]

Thanks for your Information 🤘

[@joehotmail1305]

My Honda did the same thing this morning, I put a new air filter on it and it now runs fine but should I still look at the carb just to be safe?

[@spacecowboy98]

NO. If its running fine its running fine.

[@jtballnuts]

spacecowboy98 that’s what I was thinking, thanks, fellow Jamiroquai fan

[@irfaan7868]

Great video mate. My 2008 416 izy was surging while warming up and I stripped the carb and cleaned it like you've shown. I put it back together and its fixed the issue, only problem I have now is it surges for about 40 secs on cold start and runs smooth after, cuts lawn fine etc. Quick question though the main jets you removed I want to ask about the longer jet with the small holes. Basically do these go in only one way? As I don't know which side goes in first. I think I put the side with the big hole on bottom in first them screwed in the small jet after. That sound correct ? Also I removed the plug and its black and smells of fuel its running very rich any way to resolve this? Do I need to adjust it or something I should have a genuine service kit coming tomorrow or day after so I'll treat it to new filter, oil and spark plug. BPR6ES NGK Would appreciate your help thank you.

[@MowerMan]

I'd leave it well alone now tbh! Good job

[@irfaan7868]

@@MowerMan thanks for reply. I adjusted the valves and set the flywheel as per your video. She no longer hunts badly when cold now. I fully serviced her and it now runs like a dream. Thank you!

[@ivanhmunguia5576]

New carburetor & tune up. Also fresh fuel and seafoam...

[@gerwkm4389]

Thanks paul

[@OhEarchadha]

hi mower man. i have a cobra to service, after stripping carb. the main jet is fixed in carb cant remove it. it wont re start. any ideas why.

[@MowerMan]

make sure the needle seats correctly?

[@OhEarchadha]

@@MowerMan lhi mower man. its the second one i have had problems with. you cant take the main jet out. i dont think. thank you

[@bobsoft]

@@OhEarchadha Do you have air, fuel and spark? Before you go thinking the carb is the problem makes sure you have the basics.

[@OhEarchadha]

@@bobsoft yes i checked all three. its the carbs on cobra lawnmowers they are shite.

[@xxwalhalaxxmozza7415]

Two months on did you suss our what was the problem as I have similar, hunts at low revs, cleaned and adjusted carb, no change, I’ll be trying your tips today thanks, ps my mower came from a skip not running, recoil missing, £10 later it’s nearly ready to put to work hoho, it’s just the annoying hunting I need to solve

[@peterorro883]

Watched a lot of different carb videos. Common cause of “hunting” is blocked idle jet.

[@xxwalhalaxxmozza7415]

Peter Orro, yep that post was a year ago, learned an awful lot more on utube about how to fix dead small engines since, idle jet or also gasket/s drawing air’s another common cause, have fixed dozens since

[@thegenderfaerie]

Have u seen the 2020 izy

[@cbcdesign001]

Newer Honda engines are designed a lot better now. No more long bolts, they use long studs now instead that the carb slides onto and two nuts hold the air filter housing to the carb. Its so much easier to dis-assemble and re-assemble. Its a bit of a no brainer really using studs instead of long bolts, I am surprised it took Honda so long to make the change.

[@shug176]

Great video cleaned mine and it's just the same it runs on if choke on soon as I let choke off revs up n down then cuts out. Anyone any ideas?

[@brianblack3833]

Thank you for taking the cover off!

[@MowerMan]

Brian Black No problem!!

[@peterquinn1303]

What roun with 357 hrx when drive is sow on it

[@alanlake5220]

I did not see you adjust the carburettor ? you twiddled the adjustment scre when you were stripping the crb down , so that might be why it was not idling well, mind you its a pain getting to the idle screws on those honda engine mowers .

[@robertgoy9367]

i am have a problem with my honda izy mower it starts but some times it do,s not rev a way just sits there missing and back fireing then if i leave it for 5min it starts and runs .until i stop it

[@bobsoft]

Timing could be out, damaged flywheel key.

[@crand20033]

I have never used my lawn mower in idle and I am not sure why anyone would do that. I put in in choke and start it, Then I put it in the fasted speed and the full out throttle position and mow the lawn. When I'm done, releasing the and turns it off.

[@crand20033]

releasing the handle turns it off.

[@Mr24812481]

To empty the catcher bucket

[@crand20033]

@@Mr24812481 I never use that either. I just mulch my lawn.

[@danielclift1]

i had the same issue with a honda izy heres how i cured this i did everything you did new plug set valves cleaned coil and gapped it cleaned carb out ect and it would only run fast when i try to turn revs down it spluttered and would die. the final fix was remove the carb again i took out the mixture screw counting the turns in first then cleaned it all out with compressed air and refitted it quarter turn out than original i used some nuts as spacers on the bolts so could bolt carb on and run engine with no air filter giving access to the screws ect i turned up the idle screw a bit over time the idle screw had unscrewed with vibration turning the revs down so when the handle was turned down the engine would die as would only run on the fast setting and as for the mixture screw you need to gently prize of the l shaped alloy cap to access it i now got the mower right down on a slow idle running smooth but was like yours to start with

[@johncollins8304]

Great! Nuts as spacers is a good idea cos I was about to glue a lot of washers together!

[@shannonbrooks8834]

Is this Phil Collins?

[@gradyhernandez4699]

How aboit a honda that wont start at all? New carb new magneto ot has

[@tigermoth3194]

Hi Paul, The last time I serviced my GCV 160 I noticed that one of the metal valve rocker arms had a hairline crack in it, therefore not allowing me to adjust the valve clearance correctly. Once this was replaced it ran and idled perfectly. JFYI....

[@MowerMan]

Cheers Tiger Moth I'll look out for that

[@NgocTran-ph7qo]

Thank 's

[@MowerMan]

Welcome

[@breeze787]

I don't understand the reason for needing the mower to idle or run slowly smoothly other than the purpose of making this video. In the cutting mode or speed your Honda is running fine so why would you want it to run slower? Great information on the carburetor and the valves otherwise.

[@mattsidebottom7603]

Anyone got a paint code/name for this izy ?