Honda Snow Blower - Will It Run?

I bought this Honda HS55 snow blower from a flipper who pulled it from the trash. After working on it a while he realized this was not a easy fix. So I bought it! And he was right. There are a lot of issues with this machine. The engine will not start despite having spark, fuel, compression and timing. You will never guess why. There are bigger issues with this engine then not running. Lets see if I can get all the issues sorted out.
Bracket Fabrication: • Chicago Electric MIG W...
HS55 Part 2: • Honda GX140 Governor R...
I use Harbor Freight Super Heavy Duty Degreaser in my ultrasonic cleaner.
Governor Kit: 06165-ZE1-000
Case Gasket: 11381-ZH8-801
Valve Cover Gasket: 12391-ZE1-000
Spring Washer: 16574-ZE1-000
Pulley Bolt: 95701-08035-00
Pulley Washer: 90534-706-010
Push Rod: 14410-ZE1-010 www.ebay.com/i...
Visit My Amazon Store:
www.amazon.com...
Feeler Gauge: amzn.to/3IECDpP
Spark Tester: amzn.to/3IIZ6Co
Spark Tester: amzn.to/370tPNj
Compression Tester: amzn.to/3tkE4DC
Borescope: amzn.to/3pv2KIo
Borescope, Broken Governor, Compression Test, Drive Pulley, Drive Wheels, Fixed, Fuel, GX120, GX140, GX160, GX200, Generator, Governor Calibration, Governor Replacement, Governor Reset, Honda, HS55, HS-55, Missing Choke Lever, Missing Push Rods, No Spark, Predator Engine, Push Rods, Rotator Cap, Small Engine, Spark Plug Gap, Timing, Troubleshooting, Valve Clearance, Valve Spring Retainer, Wheels Will No Turn, Will Not Start

[@oemytech]

James... Your long videos are not a problem. Lots of good info and that takes time. Can't wait for part 2.

[@jcondon1]

Thanks. Would make a 2 hour video, but will take a week or two to get the parts I need.

[@gregorypiercesr.794]

Long videos are welcome because they duplicate the repair time usually. 👍👍

[@HARRYAZZHOLE]

@@jcondon1 Don't know if you have heard of Andrew Camarata, he does long videos 1hr plus occasionally. Sometimes the videos cover YEARS of time.

[@shadowbanned69]

Get well soon!!! Your voice sounds alien!! Can tell you are stuffed up! Hope all is well buddy

[@brngrofdeth]

Gotta love the brilliant... "I have a buddy that can fix that for you" and totally fruck it up! Great detailed progress. Much appreciated! Love and blessings from Ontario Canada!

[@jcondon1]

Thanks 👍

[@brngrofdeth]

@@jcondon1 Always from tech to tech!

[@D989501L]

Afternoon James, I'm new to your chanel and as I've just had my shoulder operated on I have been binge watching all your video's, what a great site. I'm a mechanic myself running my own business fixing scissor lifts and cherry pickers but always have loved working on small engine's Lawnmowers, Gen sets etc. It's nice to see how you check out the powerheads as that is something I don't get into very much. I have thrown away several Chinese generators when they have burnt out one of the three 120v windings to make up the 3 phase as you just cannot seem to get the individual spares as easy as you should. They seem to be making them as a throw away item now. I still have a old 1960's portable ex Telecommunication 240v generator that that still runs and does everything as if it were new. Great site, can't wait to see how the snow plough gets on. I was talking to the TV and saying about the pullies being the wrong way around and luckily you where on board with my thoughts 😁👍. Regards Richard 🇬🇧

[@jcondon1]

Thanks Richard. Hope you recover soon.

[@D989501L]

@@jcondon1 Thank you

[@7smr]

Old Honda equipment in general are built like a tank and run great. My friend gave me his 1980's lawn mower that was totally built in Japan and still runs great. I enjoy watching James working on different machines and learn different ways of troubleshooting. I am guessing he is an engineer by profession due to the way he thinks through problems.

[@danschramm1397]

You are a wealth of knowledge and I am engrossed in every video !!!

[@ron827]

What an adventure!! There appears to be another James out there who salvages usable parts from cadaver engines and then discards the missassembles carcass. I always hate being the second person to solve a problem.

[@67mlb67]

Wow James! You picked up a hot mess with this one! But I know you can sort it out. Great video. Can’t wait to see the next.

[@QuaabQueb]

Great video and diagnosis. These old Hondas are always worth saving.

[@davegallucci9327]

I have the exact same one! My friend was throwing it out. Needed tires. Needs a gas line. Runs fantastic! I did learn slot from your video. Thanks

[@agostinodibella9939]

Wow, you have to be a detective, untangling what the previous person did on top of what was really broken! Great video. I look forward to seeing you finish working on this Honda.

[@jameshedrick6839]

I enjoy watching your video's. I'm having to replace the connecting rod in my friends generator next week and i have the confidence to do it from watching you

[@hobbyaddict9908]

We used to use compressed air to keep the valves closed. Our compression tester fitting fit our air hose perfectly. Screw in the compression tester hose and connect the air hose. Keep finger clear in case the engine rotates.

[@douglasthompson9482]

Great job...a bore scope, wow, very impressive.

[@kingwood4357]

A great example of how much harder it is to troubleshoot something after someone else has tried to repair it.

[@nightsaber2272]

Repairing after someone automatically doubles the price of repair.

[@ericvaughn1126]

Looks like a fun project and brave of you to tackle based on its age and origin. Although, it's a Honda so at least you can get the engine parts needed. Hysterical that it had no push rods and that the pulleys were reinstalled bass ackwards. Looks like it should be a good running machine when you are done and looking forward to part 2.

[@francislang5075]

good work

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

Wait - you’re working on a snowblower?!!! Didn’t know you messed with those! Searched your old videos and it looks like this is your third on snowblowers. 👍❄️ (Rename it Part 1?)

[@zrkn1]

Good one, it really is amazing how much those rods help : )

[@nealrehm6900]

Jame's, why fix these machines? BECAUSE YOU CAN!! I would like to watch your governor repair, on this machine. no noncense videos.

[@BrookZerihun]

there was a clip from the outer pully when you pulled it, did not see it again

[@scottwhite891]

Don't forget the slot key on the pulleys

[@ghall05]

A cool way to check timing would be to install a pressure transducers into the spark plug hole and an inductive spark trigger around the plug wire. Then connect to a lab scope and pull the rope. Not a cheap method, but definitely less labor intensive! Another great video!

[@jcondon1]

I agree. Trying to keep it simple.

[@petertothpete6518]

Either the unit was worked on by a hack or just thrown together for a quick sell. Both speak to a lack of character. It's things like these that give quality flippers a bad name. Looking forward to part 2. I'm hoping you'll give the auger bucket a coat of fresh paint. Increase its curb appeal and profit margin.

[@jcondon1]

Will paint it this summer. Probably too late to sell it this year.

[@petertothpete6518]

@@jcondon1 Most likely, but you never know what weather the Lord will send.

[@w2dmw]

I've read, most guys replace both push rods, with the steel type, rather than one being aluminum, for the intake.....I would too..

[@jcondon1]

The ones I ordered were steel. Not sure what the Predator ones were. Felt list steel.

[@killermacmc]

Are we going to find the governor weights in the bottom of the engine? Also, I thought it was pretty suspicious that the outside of the auger and drive belts were so chowdered up.

[@shadowwatch6330]

You know when I saw 60 compression and no start I thought something with the intake valve was wrong like maybe the rocker got super loose ... No just casually the pushrods are missing

[@harryburford6629]

thanks james

[@2OO_OK]

Thank you for another excellent video. Would you please let us know what brand starting fluid that comes with a red straw you are using? All the ones I can buy do not have the red straw, and the spray nozzle does not fit left over straws I have.

[@jcondon1]

I actually use carb cleaner as starting fluid. No brand in particular. I purchased actual starting fluid at one point because it also contained oil to lubricate the top end. But it had ether in it and I could tell it was a little to explosive for a small engine so stopped using it (unless I run out of carb cleaner).

[@knowone6214]

looks like someone had one too many beers while putting it together....LOL

[@paulleblanc4653]

Low oil switch on Honda engines kill’s sparks.

[@jcondon1]

True. This engine oddly enough does not have a low oil system.

[@Bekim8310]

Hey James, quick question for you. If I wanted to buy a used machine and if the motor is stuck and doesn't want to turn over, should I stay away from it? Thanks so much!

[@jcondon1]

It all depends on the price. If not much money, then you might get lucky. But most of the time it is stuck for a good reason.

[@barthanes1]

Yeah, somebody really did a number on that one. Loose bolts and nuts are the biggest red flag. I'm sorry you had to pay $100 for it.

[@normphilipp4671]

before i watch it is it going to be another carby clean video?

[@sureshkumarc.k6534]

Hey,you all right? Your voice seems different

[@jcondon1]

Lost my voice for a few weeks. Was getting better toward the end of the video.

[@sureshkumarc.k6534]

@@jcondon1 get well soon James,🌹

[@tedwpx123]

👍

[@piconano]

I feel guilty about even thinking of this, but I always hope there is lots wrong with the stuff you fix, so that I get to see how it's fixed 😉

[@iranmihanemast7032]

lol , he is very good in explaining the problems and solutions.

[@nnan0001]

Schooled! It's almost like someone messed this engine up with a number of issues just to see if you could identify and fix them. I once took a small engine repair class and this video was like the final exam.

[@jcondon1]

It's a good final exam.

[@moz2186]

Actually my thought was a kid took it apart and put it back together learning about engines/repair. Weird the push rods are missing though. Any way for them to drop down in?

[@docpalazola491]

Got to admire your attention to detail and your thoroughness. Great job again, James.

[@michaelschumacher3702]

I tinkered with Honda Trail 90's for many years and the forum I was on had acronyms - DPO was the Damn Previous Owner, typically the person responsible for the weird and stupid "repairs" you had to un-do.

[@jesterr7133]

Wow. I think the flipper took the engine out, realized the governor was bad, and gave up on it. They just threw it back together and walked away from it, after stealing the push rods for something else, and sold it to you in a dishonest fashion.

[@dirtroadsailing6418]

If I didn't know better, I'd say a 12 year old me worked on this machine before you got it.

[@dougs6460]

Amazing diagnostic skills, James! So many things wrong, no wonder it wouldn't run. See you next week! Thanks for posting your videos.

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

I’ve seen those pushrods, made from wrongpartium!

[@jeremiahjorenby2275]

yeesh, with how messed up that engine is, I would have thrown in the towel and just driven down to harbor freight and picked up one of those new bigblock 224cc engines. Would be a very nice power boost for that machine.

[@jcondon1]

For sure. The GX140 is a little underpowered.

[@Guysm1l3y]

Push rods? Where we're going we don't need pushrods!

[@SantaClaw]

"Honda Snow Blower - Will It Run?" Yes. The question answers itself. It's like asking if the sun is hot... In my experience, if a Honda has been well maintained, aka regular oil changes and clean fuel, it's usually a matter of adjusting the valves to get them running. I should mention we don't have much ethanol in the fuel here, so, carb issues are extremely rare.

[@jeffclark2725]

Its amazing how bad a honda can be,and they still run

[@SantaClaw]

@@jeffclark2725 Yeah. I've been shocked a few times...

[@jcondon1]

I have had a few that ran great. Dropped the bowl on the carb and wondered how? Carb was a mess, but you would never know it.

[@jeffclark2725]

@@jcondon1 ditto, found old pot puller fishing motors that were Honda powered, its amazing how bad they were and could still start

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

Did you have a cold when you filmed this? Your signature voice doesn’t sound quite right?

[@jcondon1]

Kinda lost my voice for a couple weeks. Toward the end of the video I was sounding a little better.

[@w2dmw]

No Spark.......a bored house wife's Lament about her husband....

[@John98512]

Whoever worked on that unit before you. This message is for that gentleman. Please never pick up a wrench again.

[@AZVIDS]

Wow, what a mess. Always interesting when “someone” has been there before😉

[@w2dmw]

Well Jim, story's not finished yet, but looks like you stepped into quick-sand, with this bugger....

[@Got2Learn]

Love your videos, I used to work on these engines and it was so fun, looking forward to the other videos!

[@w2dmw]

BTW, instead of all the bolts on the carb, I have a few sets of 3/8" stainless tubing, cut to different lengths, I use for the purpose of your bolts.....

[@jcondon1]

Great tip!

[@danwiens9830]

At 41:24 it looks like the plastic gear got chewed up too. Might be the angle or lighting

[@jcondon1]

The teeth were chewed.

[@ronaldclark2624]

Nice video! What about the Keyway in the pully wheel? Ron PTL USA

[@markphillips6154]

This one is fun. I don’t know how you can stand working with those black gloves on!!!

[@davidhelmuth6654]

This is a test, this is only a test! If this had been an actual emergency then they would have called you from the start! 😂 Great video. Almost like someone was wanting to see if they could stump you. Denied… Great to see the process. Thank you!

[@RustyNail5856]

No spark. yea right. i know that when your done with it . it will be a fine and working great. i can't wait for part 2.

[@RSFred555]

Thank you so much for your videos. I had trouble starting my lawn mower and found a clogged jet and got her running again. I have learned so much from your videos.

[@donparker8246]

I was thinking the auger was turning a little too fast. So the pulleys being backwards makes sense.

[@jerrybootneck1736]

Someone sure messed with that who hadn't got a clue but it's in excellent hands now,

[@Lennyj24]

Love watching your videos, hopefully next week comes fast,

[@robertmailhos8159]

Well a 2 part video do what you need to do to get this matter of this machine done in a timely manner ,👍👌

[@merrymanrc]

I looking forward to the next video so you can fix it the right way not the other guy way who don't know what he doing.

[@trickyrat483]

I hope you paid slightly under zero dollars for this one. :)

[@fitter70]

I haven't even watched the video yet but I go to thumbs up because I know I'm gonna like it. I've got a power washer with a bad pump please do some videos on power washers thank you.

[@jcondon1]

I did one and it had a bad pump. Was a short video.

[@jonminer9891]

Hi, James. There were too many good lessons in this video to mention. It is definitely going into my, "How To" saved videos. Thanks for your due diligence re your viewers. Somebody used that as a parts machine. I hope it wasn't your flipper guy. I think the pully bolt is the correct one. We will see next week! Thanks for sharing! Stay Healthy!

[@stevenbernier4206]

I learned a few decades ago, do not replace the belts with automotive belts. The auger one will last maybe 5 minutes if you're lucky.

[@davidbohner2061]

Sometimes Mustie squirts a little fuel down the spark plug hole in addition to quick start spray. Just a suggestion.👍🏻

[@bobwoods5017]

I bought ours in '88 and the flat head Biggs & Stratton was still the norm engine wise! The over head valve engine is a big improvement! My blower still runs great and it does pitch a fit if pushed to hard! But hey we both moved a lot of snow! Back in winter of '93 as got 28' of snow! We both got beat up that year! Snow is like sex,.... You never know how much you are going to get, Or how long it will last!

[@whitesapphire5865]

Don't you just love it when someone else has been there before you? Treating that engine with all the love and care in the world, and giving it the benefit of their vast knowledge and experience!

[@stephenbridges2791]

I started having suspicions when the guy told you it just didn't have spark and you found it was sparking like a house on fire. I thought; some Billy Bob Yahoo has been in there ahead of him. But, I would have never thought it would have missing push rods.

[@bretmartin2360]

Great video. You sound like you have a cold. Take care

[@mikesbarn1858]

Safety suggestion. Always check the bolts on the augers. Make sure it has shear bolts. Many times they have been replaced with standard bolts. Not safe.

[@w2dmw]

I think that machine wasn't taken care of....

[@lot27a]

I love a good mystery. Amazing the missing governor parts didn't impact the internals or did they? I'm tuning in to find out!

[@ghettsumm7949]

Even with the missing push rods, I never in a hundred years would have caught that valve retainer swap! You Sir, are a Pro,....

[@vmaxride06]

Great Video James , Looking forward to Part II... Appreciate these classes ....

[@larryreich2154]

Good Morning James

[@tonypacke6954]

Those classic words "someones been in here!" Great video as usual, waiting to see the state of the governor mechanism.

[@brianwood5220]

Once again you demonstrate your excellent skillset, looking forward to next week. Thanks for sharing

[@phbrinsden]

I second all the great positive comments about your videos. I am really looking forward the part 2.

[@arthurdeknegt5109]

wat en mooie site man 10 plus ga zo door

[@jcondon1]

Bedankt

[@tombarker2369]

i set up a mirror in front of the auger so i can see it turn

[@davedemo8229]

another good one. Id rather have a 30 year old Honda vs a new MTD.

[@jcondon1]

It’s built much better then most stuff sold today.

[@leopdion5976]

So I’m with you up to the pulleys. There has to be someway of securing that outer one James and I don’t buy that a manufacture would put on the two pulleys with the outer one sticking half way off the shaft. Do you think someone replaced one or both at an earlier date?

[@jcondon1]

I double checked the parts diagram and it looks correct

[@leandrolaporta2196]

Could you comment plz on a video what is the rotator cap on the exhaust valve? I mean , what is it's purpose, thanks, great video.

[@jcondon1]

A valve rotator turns the valve on its movement. Due to this, the service life of valve increases. It prevents the carbon deposition on the seat and valve guide. It also helps to maintain the valve at uniform temperature and prevent pitting due to hotspots

[@leandrolaporta2196]

@@jcondon1 Thank you!, I understand why is on the exhaust and not on the intake :)

[@robertmazzawy8322]

This has been an interesting case. I was pleased to hear at the end that you were going to thoroughly check all of torques, etc. Last person certainly was a hacker.

[@TheOtherBill]

My guess is that once the governor broke it became a parts machine. That would explain the things that are missing and why it seems to have been reassembled just enough that pieces didn't fall off and get lost. Someone acquired it and thought it was a runner but couldn't get it to work.

[@krogoski]

Thank goodness you caught the pully arrangement issue... I was yelling at the screen (like you'd hear me).

[@gavmansworkshop5624]

"yea just got no spark" Sounds like a fella who wanted it gone but still wanted to make a quick buck never expecting to see you again anyway.

[@judgeguilty]

A simple mechanical failure must be a walk in the park when compared to the can of worms caused by other “mechanics”.

[@nkoziski]

Excellent step by step troubleshooting. I just bought the same HS55 and followed your video , I like the pace,clear voice and clear video quality. Very much appreciated and i am a new follower for life .

[@DavidJohnson-ip3ve]

James, you are excellent at trouble shooting and explaining what you find. Thank you. keep it up....

[@anderleof]

I used to sell these when they were new. Best snowblower you could buy in the day.

[@jcondon1]

It is built very well

[@iantyler4045]

I was shouting at the screen "The pulleys are swapped" just before you found the problem. It's always so much harder to fix something when someone else has had a go. The faults no longer follow a logical progression. I'm sure you'll get it all sorted.

[@dwightosborn8400]

You will be Proud I have 3 torque wrenches 0-250 in lbs 10-100 FT lbs 100-250 ft lbs the in the 50 in lbs and the 50 ft lbs are not interchangeable 1 can be corrected and 1 strips and breaks the bolt If you don't try you can't make mistakes or get it right

[@scottmoodysr9449]

Hey Jimmy! You're a very smart man and make awesome videos. Stop ending every sentence in a question speak with confidence! You're a very talented man and I'm sure you have helped many people so speak with authority not question 😂 just saying. Great videos

[@rayshutsa6690]

James what a great video, I have thoroughly enjoyed it. What a mess someone made when they took parts off and reinstalled them. With the missing push rods did they just take parts off the engine. Waiting for the next video. ❤🇨🇦