How To Adjust Or Set The Valves On A Honda GC Engine

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Click here for feeler gauges--- amzn.to/2vNceTq Click here for Honda Bond---- amzn.to/2OHr6d8 Click here for my website--- www.stevessmallenginesaloon.com/ Click here for my Parts and Tools Store---- www.amazon.com/shop/stevessmallenginesaloon

[@Talachachannel]

Steve don’t forget the Modelo six pack ... I recommended 3 micheladas all time works in small engine

[@lestergillis8171]

Me thinks if I ran into one of those engiines with no valve cover gasket, I would lay out some gasket paper & make one.

[@zaydmalcolm6176]

You all prolly dont give a damn but does any of you know of a method to get back into an Instagram account? I somehow lost the password. I love any assistance you can offer me

[@zaydmalcolm6176]

@Alex Keenan i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site on google and I'm trying it out atm. Looks like it's gonna take quite some time so I will reply here later with my results.

[@zaydmalcolm6176]

@Alex Keenan It did the trick and I finally got access to my account again. I am so happy:D Thank you so much, you really help me out!

[@biking2cruze]

Buddy, you’ve just saved me hundreds of dollars and potentially weeks of downtime putting my Honda HRR216 in a shop to get it adjusted! Thanks to you, I got quickly acquainted with a feeler gauge, checked the engine clearance specs, got the adjustment right, bolts properly tightened (this was actually my first attempt with OHV engine adjustments as I’m also mechanically inclined!) and now my machine purrs like a kitten! All because of an 8 dollar tool! Thank you!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad I could help

[@buriedjoe1080]

I love how you gauge the duration and most likely difficulty of a job by how many metric beers you will consume in the process.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

LOL, Right on...

[@raymondgarafano8604]

Its a guy thing!

[@shaundrezek4330]

I mean, isn't this how everyone does it?

[@kyesniper]

This is by far the absolute best resource for any small engine repair you'll find on the internet.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

WOW! Thank You...

[@dnlmachine4287]

Thank you Steve. A Prince among men. Hopefully your teachings will continue to benefit many more people. Stay gold.

[@georgeian3243]

Thank you, Steve, for another very informative video. After 200 hours, I decided it was time to check the valve lash on my Honda GCV160 lawnmower engine. Thanks to you, everything went swimmingly, however, being a neophyte small engine mechanic, I neglected to drain the oil first. Quite a mess, yikes. Live and learn!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@markyoungoutdoors2497]

Thankyou Steve! You make the world a better place! You help so many people with your generous efforts to educate us.❤️

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Wow, thank you

[@24inchdubz]

great video my guy. I have had my honda craftsman mower for probably 15 years at this point and i got it secondhand I gotta do this.

[@FerdinandAkin]

You can get the silicone gasket maker off with Toluene and a small brass brush. Wet a rag with the Toluene and rub the silicone. Dip the brush in the Toluene and rub the gasket. The solvent makes the silicone get stiff and weak. It rubs right off with the brush. Use the rag to clean up the bits of gasket to keep it out of the engine. Clean the surface with alcohol and apply new gasket maker.

[@everlysuniquetimbersawshop]

I tell ya what, Steve. I learn something EVERY TIME I watch a video of yours. That’s what I keep coming back. I greatly appreciate you, your time and your knowledge! Enjoy your day!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

I appreciate that!

[@martinradtke5181]

Great video - Thanks Steve! My Honda 2009 217HDX mower valves were loose by .004" (Intake .010 and Exhaust .012") vs specs .006" & 008". Estimated hours to date is 600 hrs. Hard time getting valve cover off; had to spray carb cleaner to wash off minor dirt. 😋 Steve, it's great to remind home mechanics that yes all small engines need valve adjustments per owners manual. This is an often neglected part of maintenance. Thanks!

[@TheMAC0876]

Got two pressure washers for free with these engines and will work on them tomorrow. I think that I may have a valve issue or belt issue. So I'll get them kicking again! Thanks Steve

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Good luck!

[@TheMAC0876]

@@StevesSmallEngineSaloon Got one of them sorted out. Turned out to be the pullcord recoil starter cup was bent, causing the pullcord to rub. straighten it out and it works fine. The other washer is locked up. So will take that apart tomorrow!

[@geedubb2005]

Oh Steve, that’s at least a six pack job. Just taking the valve cover off is a one beer job. (That’s why I quit drinking years ago) Thanks for the video.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@robertkolodzinski5759]

I took my tiller to a repair shop to get it fixed because the pull cord was ripping out of my hand during starting. They quoted me $400 and then told me to go buy a new engine. So I went on this website to see how to adjust the valves. Steve makes the whole process so simple. After adjusting the valves the problem was still there so I needed a new camshaft pulley with compression release. The pulley replacement took about 5 seconds. So I went from $400 to $7.99 and I did the job in no time. Like all the other comments on this video Steve saved my bacon!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Looks like the repair shop didn't see you coming! You showed them how it's done. DIY for the win!

[@Failure_Is_An_Option]

OHV... valves get tighter as they wear. Adjustment seldom has any impact on compression release. Replaced lots of plastic camshafts though. Combination of not changing oil or bashing the valve cover.

[@lawrenceklein4918]

Thanks for another honest to gosh repair video! I like the fact that you don't fill up the time with unnecessary bull pucky like some others do! (Colt 45 Rocks!)

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Buddy...

[@mnfarmer1984]

Really appreciate the video. This took away almost all of my apprehension about DIY'ing this one. Close ups of the feelers and adjustment was top notch. Thanks sir!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad it helped!

[@boo_boo2871]

Have a new County line 28 ton log splitter GC 190 Honda Engine. I split with it maybe 10 times and put it up, tried to start it and it ran funny, 'not to full auto throttle, then it cleared up ran great. the next time it did it again, I had always checked oil. this time I guess i didn't check it enough the oil was very low not showing on little stick, was hard to pull start and when it did start it spit and sputtered and would never come to full throttle. Cleaned carb, cleaned plug, plenty of spark, cleaned intake, drained oil "not much in it" oil had graphite looking color!!! Put new 10w30 oil in it. Ran the same wont' come to full throttle. I'm thinking the valves were affected during low oil running. I will adjust as you showed in video, using your other website for valve clearances. Let you know what happens Thanks Bill

[@donweeks2166]

MAN am i glad to have found the master of small engine repair. AND he does an excellent job of communicating. YES!!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@hectorportillo1906]

Dude, WHY didnt I discover your videos before! You are the man! Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@mercoid]

Thanks Steve. I just bought a mower with a Honda engine. I’m sure I won’t need this knowledge for a while, but it’s great to have. So simple too.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@rockenjoshy]

Just did this and the mower is now humming beautifully. Thanks!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You`re Welcome...

[@wacio]

Steve - you can make handy adjustment tool from square drive deck screw. Much better than vise grips or pliers.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Awesome idea! Thank You...

[@barneythedog977]

I did my valves and wanted to be a cheapoo, so I tried just sticking the cover back on with out new gasket maker. So far its fine after an hour of mowing.

[@nealhardin6869]

Thanks for keeping it simple bro I appreciate you sharing your knowledge. Now pardon me , I got to go run my valves on pressure washer!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad to help

[@SirChevy]

A small tap handle works well to hold and/or turn the square end of the valve.

[@RaysLaughsAndLyrics]

Or 8pt socket.

[@pjmarkert1]

Thanks. Did my GCV-160 following your instructions. Only surprise on a vertical engine was that all the oil poured out when i got the rocker cover off. LOL

[@pjmarkert1]

Needed oil change anyway!

[@garyanello3881]

Very good demo and close up photography Steve, plus the links for more info on tools/products. Your calm demeanor means a lot as it makes this an easy project. Thank you for your sharing!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Gary! You're Welcome...

[@matttraverson910]

Steve, your a true repair man ... Long live good beer and rusty tools.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@courtneyroy270]

Another great show, how do you get the valve gapes for other makes Steve, there is so many

[@courtneyroy270]

Oh forgot it does have to be Heineken steve.

[@adamdorris4081]

Tip, to find true tdc the bottom or pto keyway is in line with the crank and the cam has a line going across it that matches up with the rocker cover mounting surface. Super critical to retime it if you ever have to pull it down.

[@johnmcdougald1238]

Thanks for making these Honda videos. I got tired of dealing with and working on the B&S cheap engines on the typical TroyBilt mowers and bought a Husqvarna with a Honda motor. I've never worked on a Homda before so, if I ever have problems with it, I really wouldn't know where to start.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@rozco1978]

I found that Honda makes a cast aluminum valve cover that can replace those flimsy stamped steel covers. Honda part number: 12311-Z2A-000 Not only do you get a solid cast cover, but it offers protection to the rocker arms. I've seen the stamped steel ones get dented in, causing the valves to make contact with the cover. This will cause all sorts of starting and running problems. Upgrade to cast and throw away those flimsy, stamped steel covers that have a 50/50 chance of leaking after removal.

[@marioveit3004]

Steve for the new premiere of bc and alberta..AS HE KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING

[@endotron]

Great video! I have a GC160 that's completely stuck after it was running like a top. I added some Seafoam and afterwards it started to run poorly and started smoking so I killed it. Now it won't start because it's impossible to turn, completely stuck. So I want to get into the cylinder to clean it out and have a closer look. Do you have a video on how to get in there?

[@MartinRaymond-p6m]

Many thanks for the education. Working my way through your videos.Perth West Australia

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad you like them!

[@danielcarter7430]

Thanks so much Steve!! Had a pressure washer that would snatch the cord out of your hand when pulling and wouldn't start. Followed your video and works beautifully!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Dan! You're Welcome...

[@michaelremski8295]

Good stuff again. Surprising that all you needed to do was readjust the valves; I've seen other "run no oil" and seen things get hot enough to melt the rod bearing to the crankshaft.

[@trackernichols]

One of the best videos I’ve seen on resetting valves! Thankyou!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...and You're Welcome...

[@ParrotHead1809]

@Steve's Small Engine Saloon: What do you think about making a gasket out of cork, instead of using Honda Bond or similar?

[@renebourbeau1671]

#2 Robertson screw bent at 90°to hold the screw,works well.

[@andylibby854]

Great video as always. Sorry I have been watching your videos and they are all great, I kinda forgot to say thanks, because they are all so awesome! Thanks to April for the excellent editing and production.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...and You're Welcome...

[@BrucesShop]

Well done Steve. I think you did a great job explaining this.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@petequinones3454]

Never had any problem with HONDABOND but I've been disappointed with Permatex a few times. There's a few different kinds of HONDABOND so make sure you have best kind for your application. I prefer HONDABOND 3..

[@rickywilson6214]

Thanks I have a 8 🐴 power honda tiller I check them val's

[@rdpaullin]

Thanks Steve, your video information is INVALUABLE!🍻

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@marktumlin4418]

Really enjoyed your video, I have a question. On the belt itself could you install it upside down or backwards? Some of the videos are seen on the GC 160 on the engine when they took the belt off and mark it so they could reinstall it the same way. I'm replacing mine so I don't have that luxury of marking it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[@BritishBeachcomber]

6:24 That "not too tight" feeler guage is what us engineers call an interference fit. On a horizontal valve engine (vertical gap) it would slide in/out easy but not drop out.

[@Failure_Is_An_Option]

Must be a different engineer that the rest of the world. Because interference fit means there is less than or equal to zero clearance.

[@billstortz5046]

Another great video by Steve! Thank you!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

My pleasure!

[@aleksankazakov]

In one of my Honda engines, one nut came loose and fell out into the oilpan because of vibration. Now I have taken everything apart, found and retrieved the nut out of the system! Im putting the nuts, all of them on the red threadlocker! So as the gas tank and other bolts that were running out of my sight when I was moving the last time.

[@marcusbgood_5912]

Ur videos help so much I'm learning so much about how to work on these engines thanks to you! Thanks for explaining every single detail and giving us a clear shot of what's going on! 🍻

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@JohnSmith-yn8pl]

Do you have a video on the GX 390 Honda engine? Thanks

[@LukesMovies]

I have a mini bike with a hisun 196cc and want to check the valve lash on my next oil change. Will i need to get new gaskets or new gasket glue like the Honda’s or could i reuse the gasket it came with if it’s in good enough condition?

[@chefchutardo5215]

Thanks, i have a few engines that probably need valve adjustment. I prefer strong beer like St-Ambroisse double i.p.a. That beer will strip the hondabond right off the cover 😂 Now to see if you have a video on how to clean the carbon from the cylinder. Its in the maintenance guide so guess i have to do that also.

[@davidhoover8877]

I'm posting so hopefully it may add to what you tube pays you. Everyone should do the same.

[@logan1572]

Excellent tutorial. Thanks and enjoy your beer.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thanks, will do!

[@tonym6920]

Do you need to torque the bolt once you have set the proper lash? Thanks for the vid Steve 👍👍

[@03redrubi]

Hello Steve, another great video. Do you want to do this valve lash setting cold? Thanks

[@nothanks3462]

Yes, engine must be cold.

[@palletcolorato]

Thx Steve for your help! I just finished mine. You're the man.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@pfow2006]

I love your video's thanks, I laughed I too measure the time to complete chores by the number of beers to complete, looking for one of your carb cleaning video's but I've watched about a half a dozen other video's in the process..... just because lol

[@clintonr7172]

Love love love your videos. Got me feeling all mechanical

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@SlavaKolesnikov]

Steve, have u checked rockers? Are they loose or tight, before adjusting valves gauge?

[@lucashaller2330]

My exhaust one was loose it needed a lot of tightening to fit specs

[@philliphall5198]

I got a box job that was totally tarn down, i over hauled it and got it back to geather but no fire from coils I know it didn’t have any clips on coils, is this the same on GX 630 ??? Also is low oil shut switch just one yellow wire to it ???? This is a old waker roller

[@TulunTokou]

Now i know beers helps a lot!

[@garybartek]

nice job on how question. But can you offer the "why do it question"

[@bjiggles8145]

Love your stuff Steve. Keep doing the good work.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thanks, will do!

[@gavinseiderer6736]

Hi Steve, thanks for another great video, do you have a tutorial on how to remove the valve lifters? Maybe you do and I just haven't seen it, cheers Gavin

[@neilwilliams2409]

This latest video from Steve is going to require a bottle of Newcastle Brown Ale. Good video again Steve. Neil OUT.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@cherokeefiddler]

Nice demo, Steve. I hope you have a suggestion for my problem. GCV190 is hard to pull over. Removing spark plug did not help. Reset valves as you have demonstrated. No improvement. The flywheel is not bound but just won't turn over with rope alone. Difficult to turn even with starter assembly removed, using screwdriver in slots on top of flywheel. Self-propel belt and blade clutch removed so nothing binding underneath. Ideas? Thanks!

[@robnation2475]

My pressure washer has the same engine... Mine pulls through if I ignore the valve clearance. Hmmm

[@netdoctor1]

Very possible that the Exhaust Valve Guide has migrated out of the head and the valve is bottoming out on it. That is what I had. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIvdYYCIpt16jpo

[@denzildunkley3634]

Thanks Steve for these informative videos. I bought the micro wire drill bit set and cleared carburetor, replaced and got engine started but it's not throttling. How do i fix that. It did cut the lawn but engine trips as fuel cable is released. Thanks and try to find Red Stripe sorrel beer you'll love it. Be good.

[@justwondering786]

Just a little info on the cam gear on the out side of the gear there is two horizontal lines on the side of the gear ⚙️ and line those lines with the head that will put the gear in timing !

[@jimmysapien9961]

Steve you are the best, thank you I want to buy you another beer👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Deal!

[@joebriggs9599]

Thanks Steve you put out very good information.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...and Thank You...

[@aaronwillie5625]

Is this the same measurements for a216 gvx honda

[@don7406]

Thanks for the video. Why have I been wasting my time making those gasket surfaces spotless before I reseal the valve cover? I guess I need to realize I'm working on a lawnmower, not the space shuttle.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@tjhess2]

Ditto! I recently replaced the cam wheel on a GC160 because the Easy Start slider was getting stuck. I spent a while getting both mating surfaces clean. Oh well, now I know! Thanks Steve!

[@sikorik9964]

Did the same here with cleaning the valve cover until it was spotless, now I know better if I ever have to go back in.

[@denverdanoreno]

@@sikorik9964 okay until the pressure throws a pinhole leak. Always best to start clean, as you did before. Exacto knife blades always come in very handy for that kind of application. Check them out.

[@CC-ts2se]

Thanks for the tips man. I fonhave a question I can seem to find an answer for. I live in Central FL and have stupid thick st augustine grass. My Honda GCV160 is a little shy on power. Will a GCV190 bolt right onto the mower deck? Same bolt pattern? Thanks

[@marklutwyche8578]

Hi Seve, love the beer advice, just like I love working on chainsaws with a beer, I've just subscribed, keep it up pal love it.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thanks, will do!

[@georgeshaw8276]

Thanks Steve! Really do appreciate your videos. Quite educational.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@josesalazar7436]

Tank you I fix my pressure washer now I’m used again 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@frogfoot198]

I noticed the other day that my Subaru pressure washer had OHC on the valve cover rather than OHV. I did wonder what the difference was. After this video I now know how to adjust the valves when that time comes. A little difference but basically the same deal.

[@regalbowman3143]

Hi Steve , I just checked out your web site ,, Nice and easy to follow and find information. well done!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@donnierodriguez4442]

Is there a torque setting for valve cover bolts on small engines?

[@clydeperrine2959]

Hi Steve, I am a new sub and I like the way you present the how-to videos. Especially the beers required to accomplish a given task. My default choice for libations is MillerLite cause you can easily find it everywhere and of course it Tastes Great and is Less filling. Relax, fellow commenters here. To each his own. I like what I like and I respect what you like. Steve, thanks for the tips on the Honda engines.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...and You're Welcome...

[@jacobusdutoit6500]

Thanks @Steve you are the best.

[@AnotherUser1000]

Thanks for the nice info! Do you also have any specs for the Briggs & Stratton engines, as well? I have a lawnmower on which I might try this, sometime.

[@realestateinfonet9041]

Very helpful Steve! Thank you very much! Regards!

[@conner5611]

My dad's version of this engine has a gasket for the cam cover it's similar to the gasket they use on 4 stroke weedeater vavle covers

[@AndysDogHouse]

Hi Steve. I like your taste in BEER. (Any brand) Anyway, I replaced the head gasket in my 17 HP Briggs and Stratton OHV engine. Everything seemed to go well until I went to start it. It just rolled over. I took the valve cover off and saw that the exhaust valve was not moving.I took the head off again and I couldn't see anything wrong, but the pushrod was not moving at all when I turned it over. Have you got any suggestions❓Thanks for sharing.🍁👍👍

[@johna.s.3847]

I am curious. How long does the belt last being in oil, and how easy is it to change?

[@tonym6920]

Do you need to torque those jam nuts down? Thanks for the vid Steve.

[@andylibby854]

Just got a lawnmower this spring with a Honda engine. So far it starts every time with one pull. Any idea on how many hours before I ever need to check the valve clearance on one of these? Provided I’m running it with oil in the crankcase ;-)

[@johnky100]

Totally lovin' the beer meter on all the vids!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right On....

[@marmcd3309]

Brilliant Videos Steve...watched your vid on how to adjust the valves and think that's my problem, but I can't find the valve clearance on my Honda generator, model EP6500CXS. I looked at your valve clearance list on your website but this model isn't there. I've also tried to google it but I can't find the proper info for the valve clearance on this model. Any chance you can help me find that? I'd be ever so grateful.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

That generator has a GX390 engine. 6 thou on intake and 8 thou on exhaust...

[@marmcd3309]

Thanks so much Steve, that’s so helpful, I couldn’t find that info anywhere...you’re a star, thanks a million!

[@joelsmith2991]

Hey Steve, When you look up the specs you will typically see a range. The one I have, the intake is .003 to .005. Should I shoot for .003, .004, or .005? Thanks very much.

[@netdoctor1]

From the engine manual: Intake: 0.006" +/- 0.002" (0.15 +/- 0.04mm) Exhaust: 0.008" +/- 0.002" (0.20 +/- 0.04mm)

[@shawngoldsberry747]

Always shoot for center mass.

[@urbansurvivor2391]

Hi Steve. I adjusted the throttle using your method in another video . The engine is running rough at high revs . Could a valve adjustment fix this problem. My gut instinct tells me yes it's the valves. . Loving your videos. Saving me tonnes of money. More beer money. Thank you from Australia.

[@jasonpoolo3523]

Have you checked the governor

[@haneyoakie14]

Got a $20 Honda mower yesterday. No / Low compression. Did this tonight. Got to be some gasket RTV tomorrow. I will keep you posted, but it seems to have compression now. Lash was ZERO before adjustment. And oil looks terrible. Black & thick. Oil change next if it can get it to run. Has good spark.

[@netdoctor1]

Update?

[@haneyoakie14]

netdoctor1 seems to have compression. Exhaust out of muffler AND intake. I am wondering if it has jumped time or bad woodruff key or what. Next steps are 1. new spark plug 2. Pull flywheel to check key 3. Pull valve cover off again to see if timing marks line up ok. Open to suggestions. Might look at cam gear to see if lobe is worn, if I have to take valve cover off again. Since I started the project, I now have a better idea of what I should be seeing.

[@haneyoakie14]

OK for anybody that’s interested. I got the Honda to run tonight first time I have had that valve cover off 4 times & it was driving me nuts but here it is I finally figured it out with some help from Donboy73. The valve cover was bent just enough from banging into who knows what that the valve cover was interfering with the intake valve keeping it from the rocker from opening and closing exactly freely as it should. I straighten out the valve cover and now it’s running pretty good and I’m giving it in oil change as we speak.

[@norge696]

@@haneyoakie14 very nice!

[@371francis]

Thanks a bunch Steve...great video as always!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Very welcome

[@fuskieman]

My manual says Exhaust .15 and intake .10 plus or minus .04 ? does that make a difference. Hoping it stops it from pulsing.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

I believe that would be metric specs...

[@joev3315]

Hey Steve , Great Video easy peezee, keep them coming

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@Certain_Chocolate778]

If the pull rope is getting hard to pull, could that be a sign that I need to do a valve adjustment?

[@1147redwolf]

Does the exhaust valve rocker arm have a nut on it because I don't have one on mine