Make Your Lawnmower Start On The First Pull Again - Honda Auto-choke Repair - Video

[@victorjarrett3740]

Hi All, I have found out the part number quoted here is the older part number, Honda has updated to a new version of thermal cartridge, It's 16620Z8D842...which eliminates future issues, great video , keep it up.

[@donyboy73]

thanks for the update!

[@Scoffman0]

I actually ordered that same part number that is supposed to be updated and it doesn't work. My neighbor has this mower and I'm going to look up the the thermal wax that goes with his because his works perfectly

[@Theemeraldvineyard]

@@Scoffman0 What were the specs on the one that you got?

[@jean-luclevesque3070]

@@Scoffman0 had the same problem, would you have the correct #

[@Filthymothertrucker]

❤

[@chickentwo1]

I’ve looked at numerous videos without success. This gentleman got to the point. He enunciated his words so he could be understood and he showed a step-by-step clear process so you could see how the parts were assembled. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@donyboy73]

you're welcome Jim!

[@davidovercash9039]

What?!?! No other KZbin mechanic even shows this part as a possible diagnosis!!! I’ve cleaned my mowers carb so many times I could sell it as new!! THANKS! It’s exactly as you show! I’ve ordered the new part ! Now I’m confident that I can successfully repair my mower!!

[@donyboy73]

you're welcome

[@robertrumfelt7843]

One of the most well-done videos I've seen on KZbin. Not only is the information technically helpful, but the editing of the video is crisp and the relevant steps captured concisely. 5 stars!!!

[@tomcappel7441]

Dony this is FANTASTIC!! I replaced the carb and all gaskets and it still did not start. I was about ready to give up till I saw this video. You are a lifesaver!!

[@tonym6920]

i have to say Dony, you have the best instructional videos out there. i’ve been following your channel for a long time and i’ve learned so much Dony. I’m sure you’ve inspired many of us to attempt repairs that we would never have done without you sharing your expertise. Thank you so much! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@darrellbarfels9542]

Really like your videos they really help me Than ks

[@jawnjw]

He's the best online small engine repair teacher in my opinion.

[@cressida00]

Thats what I love about donyboy73 videos, he just talks clearly about the task at hand, no other external unrelated bullshit. Fantastic clear voice, tone and volume perfect. Exactly what is needed for instructional videos.

[@dtsouza2519]

Another great video on how to fix simple small engine problems! I have the same mower and I knew it was a auto choke problem, just couldn't find what part made the auto choke work, easier than I thought it would be. Camera work was excellent, always focused where it needed to be, detailed explanation on the problem. Thank you very much for taking the time to make this video.

[@aromrell]

I tried pulling the thermo wax part out but it was completely stuck. I ended up really messing up the old part trying to pull it out. Any suggestions?

[@Fresh-tw7ev]

Allen this happened to me too. Someone had used black gasket seal and the thermowax capsule was stuck in its hole. I finally had to use a pair of needle nose Vice grips to wiggle and pull it out finally. I’d like to know if the Honda factory did this with the gasket cement??? Or is this in the service manual to use gasket seal.

[@danwhite6075]

@@Fresh-tw7ev You are supposed to use the liquid gasket to set the thermo wax part in place, not just pop it in. When you remove the old one you have to dig out any gasket left in the hole with a small screwdriver and compressed air.

[@Fresh-tw7ev]

@@danwhite6075 it’s working totally fine without any gasket seal.

[@danwhite6075]

@@Fresh-tw7ev That's great but Honda uses the gasket for a reason I have to assume. I have some sitting around so I put a dab on it. No harm in not using it I suppose. It's easy enough to put some on if you have problems.

[@tomschmidt381]

Timely video, just purchased a lawnmower with Honda auto choke system. Had a flooding/starvation problem on our old one so wimped out and got a shinny new mower. Nice seeing how the system works and how to fix. Auto choke seems to be all the rage these days. Personally I've never had a problem with manual choke on small engines. Reminds me of my MGB back in the 1970's with a manual choke for the dual SU carbs.

[@imellor711]

Big thx this video has resolved a 1yr issue which i been having with my own manual choke honda lawn mover. Your Carb gate explination on start up was the key... Even with manual choke petrol mowers if its hard to start or cuts put during use, it coukd be you choke or choke & actuator settings, actuator stop screws and choke cable too tight as was my issue, Without knowing how the carb air gate looked when in full choke, i would never of fixrd my mover. So thank you......❤

[@treflippa2]

Man mine did not come out so easily lol I had to use a tiny pair of needle nose pliers to get in and pull it out. It was covered in black rubbery stuff. It was definitely bad though the pin was protruding far out. I won't get to try starting the mower with the new one installed till tomorrow though. Hopefully this fixes my mower. I've changed carburetor, fuel filter, air filter and spark plug already. I overlooked replacing this part cause I honestly never knew of its existence.

[@johnkelly7154]

A great tip Donny Thank you. A lot to be said about keeping things simple with a manual choke.

[@JodBronson]

You are 100% correct! But they invented this to prevent damages to the Machine when hot. Manual Choke is great, but once the Machine heats up for a long time, which a lot of People aren't aware and they ending up damaging the Mower instead.

[@dkupy100]

@@JodBronson What? You mean if they start a hot engine with the choke on? It will flood and not start. Damage?

[@JodBronson]

@@dkupy100 - DENSE! LOL

[@JodBronson]

@@dkupy100 - As the engine warms up, the automatic choke adjusts to the temperature change to regulate the fuel/air mixture to the proper ratio.

[@TheOtherBill]

Jordan, David Kupferman is correct. The engine won't run when warm with full choke. I don't see how it can cause any damage to it. Care to enlighten us?

[@shortwavesurfer7222]

Excellent clear video fixed my Honda no start issue due to incorrect assembly of the carb causing the choke to be fully open , now fully closed on cold! 10/10💪💪💪

[@liveinmyamerica]

Thanks Don, lost track of how many times you have helped me out.

[@antoniocausin3189]

thanks very good information

[@raymondcampbell2346]

Great tip Don and thank you for sharing. And thanks to all who commented with good info also.

[@jameswordenjr.7628]

I really enjoy your great videos sir! I personally use two threaded rods to align the gaskets and carbuerator as 'guide pins'. You can then remove one threaded rod at a time, and then insert each bolt. Saves time and potential errors regarding the gaskets allignment.

[@need32]

Great instructional video. Just what my lawnmower needed. However I was taught to never start a bolt into a threaded opening with a impact or drill driver. Start it with your fingers first then you can use whatever method to tighten. Using a power tool to get it started, if its not aligned properly can start cross threading before you can catch it. This has always served me well.

[@boastyy]

I was going to say the same thing, then read your comment. Been taught the same way, its the only way to do it. My father took his car to get a tyre changed and some time later I tried to get the wheel off, they had cross threaded 2 bolts and stripped the threads out of the hub using their power tools. When I went there and made them pay for the damage was watching the guys changing tyres and none of them were starting the bolts off by hand, unbelievable.

[@thunderch1ck3en]

Yep. The video was good until that part. I love my impacts, but I'll never start the bolts with them.

[@VeryMuchBlessed]

Thumbs up for sure. I bought one of the commercial Honda mowers that had this problem. Did not want to put it in the shop to fix this poorly designed auto-choke so you helped me fix it. Thanks much for this video.

[@aleblanc3547]

Consistently ranked at the top of Consumer Reports best mowers...I love my Honda. This is a great auto-choke system that's easy to repair if it fails. Thanks Don!!

[@aleblanc3547]

@Walter Sobchak There's absolutely nothing wrong with a manual choke, Walter. My Honda is 10 years old, doesn't have a auto-choke and it works fine; my point is if your mower has an auto-choke, the one made by Honda equals are beats the competition. Thanks Bud!!

[@scottfirman]

Yes it is easy.

[@j.taylor7361]

Great video! I bought a brand new Honda with this engine last year and this season it was a war to start it up.

[@portagee]

You save me time and money with all your videos!.. and for that my friend I thank you.

[@bcs2481]

wow, amazing, and he also knew that most people like myself would be confounded as to how to put the assembly back together. So thank you so much! Amazingly helpful!!

[@tonym6920]

Dony, , I've learned a great deal from watching your videos, thanks so much for sharing your expertise. Your camera work by the way is always top notch, it makes learning so easy. Stay safe Dony and thanks again., 👍👍. Personally, I like the "old fashioned" choke cable but I can understand Honda's thought process here.

[@wishfulbuy]

Thanks , that totally explained my mower's problem, it can start first time and runs fine, then stop , start again, it will have problem, even if it starts, it vibrates and black smoke. I found the choke flapper won't be wide open when the mower runs badly, and the pin thing is randomly stuck out or stuck in.

[@Alan_Hans__]

Never knew these things even existed. Don't have a matching motor but always good learning something knew.

[@mickgatz214]

learning something NEW!, lol

[@TheTezz100]

Need to sort your predicted text out 1st 😂

[@benplahtinsky7479]

Thanks for the video. I ordered the part off of amazon and 2 days later I installed it and it’s back to running normal.

[@reginaldharrison8458]

Don you made my day this is the video i was looking for for weeks. You are truly a blessing.

[@alexishigdon8465]

Thanks!

[@donyboy73]

Thank you for your support!

[@LindsayDesigns]

Thank you so much for this video!! You explain things very thoroughly where I could actually tackle this project myself. Only problem was when I was attempting to remove the thermowax cartridge it was EXTREMELY difficult to remove and took at least 5 minutes with trying to pull on it to get it out. As I was trying to get it out and once I finally did I noticed quite a bit of gunk on it (a black/dark brown color) which is what I'm sure basically "glued" it in place. Do you have any recommendations on how to clean out the cartridge space before I replace it with a new one?

[@donyboy73]

i use a small pick or flat screwdriver

[@LindsayDesigns]

Ok, great! Thanks for the tip and for your response!

[@Fresh-tw7ev]

@@donyboy73 dony this happened to me too. Very tightly locked into place with black gasket seal. Does the Honda factory install these cartridges on purpose that way?? And the real reason I came to your site is to ask…when I’m replace the thermowax cartridge should I use black gasket seal or just clean out the hole and go with a dry fit???

[@donyboy73]

@@Fresh-tw7ev I just insert new one without using anything

[@philliphall5198]

Your one of the 6 utube videos worth watching, the rest are just learning how themselves Thank You’ll for information and advice

[@charlesdudek7713]

I wish honda would just keep it simple and stick with a fully manual choke and avoid potential problems.

[@johncuervo3019]

@Russ Gallagher yea it's all bullshit. Epa needs to be limited to their restrictions.

[@charlesdudek7713]

@@johncuervo3019 I've had my honda mower for about ten years so I haven't been in the market since. Are all mower engines like that now? I have a Briggs engine on my 2011 snowblower . That has a manual choke.

[@drizler]

Russ Gallagher more senseless garbage. Who leaves a choke on anyways, it ridiculous🙄

[@uawsux]

These corporations have to support their vendors and retailers this is why they make Junk Parts as well as Reliable Parts this is why Mercedes-Benz put there heater blower control unit integrated circuit chip in the bottom of the blower and you have to remove the entire front of the dashboard to get to it this is deliberate

[@glennlurman3514]

not just honda briggs kohler and the chinese are all using auto chokes. And for some reason they think they need to be aerodynamic so put cowlings over everything. Ive been a small engine mechanic for 27 years there has been no real improvement too any of what is commonly used today be it a mower or a chainsaw. The only thing refined is they have got the lifespan cut by at least half if not more and the costs of making way down

[@greg_d]

I was a bit worried when I saw a web page that said 'The Infamous GCV160 auto choke carburetor'. Your video was informative, and I was able to get it running. Thank you.

[@awesomesauce3938]

Just did this type of repair on a kohler 173cc engine yesterday, small world

[@paullarouche4648]

What great video! This worked perfectly for me and my GCV160-powered mower now starts with one pull like when it was new. I could not wait for the wax cartridge I had ordered online to arrive so I simply grinded down the pin ever so slightly and the mower now starts on the first pull. I will have to replace the cartridge when it arrives because the mower now runs a bit rich since the choke is probably not opening fully on account of the shortened pin.

[@kermitfrog1897]

Someone should make a manual choke conversion kit. Automatic choke on small engines is unecessary and ridiculous, just decreases reliability

[@GMC.Sonoma.4.3]

Auto choke is good since it chokes it for you without having to fiddle with the choke to start a normal engine.

[@trevorhannon900]

autochokes was a dumb idea, same with fixed throttles. the manual chokes and throttle control are much better.

[@steadyeddie7453]

I suspect Troy-Bilt wanted to make it foolproof for the operator, so they went to auto-choke, and full throttle only. Just pull the cord. The model before the wax insert has a bimetal spring for auto-choke and it actually worked better. But I can see they want to make it simple for anyone to start. We just have to suffer through their trial-and-error designs.

[@outbarusuback]

It's all about emissions, and idiot proof starting (when it works like it should)

[@relevation0]

Yep, i took all that auto crap off my honda, ran a wire to choke and a wire to throttle. Now i have full control as it should be.

[@roastbeefoffroad]

This video helped me a bunch, thanks. I cleaned up the carb, but was still having problems. Replaced the cartridge and she fired right up.

[@wizard1800]

Great video! Thanks for sharing

[@davidchizek8760]

My Honda quad cut mower has the choke closed all the time. I did not find the plastic piece with the thermo part in it like you show in the excellent video. Same engine as the one in the video. Any advice is always appreciated. Keep up the excellent training. Your videos are the BEST

[@russellyoung2900]

Don't, there was/is a service bulletin from Honda addressing this same issue. It would be replaced free of charge while under warranty, and sometimes as a special policy, if unit is "just out" American Honda (or Canadian counterpart) authorizes. Still great information.

[@gregebel3842]

Thanks. My Honda wasn't starting. I figured it had something to do with the choke and your video helped me get the right part and fix it. I'm good to go now.

[@dreamer2355]

I love your channel! So educational. Have you ever rebuilt one of these CGV engines?

[@donyboy73]

no I haven't

[@americanguy1317]

You make it look so easy to get it out I have tried and tried without success to get the thermo wax out, any tricks or suggestions?

[@wildbill23c]

Because a simple manual choke lever was just too complicated...I'll stick with my old stuff with manual chokes that never fail to work.

[@harryrenner4016]

Yeah it's getting pretty bad when people won't even reach down and pull a choke to the off position.

[@davidstolz7642]

Dony Thanks for the video. Pulled my Honda out after a long rest and mower would start and run but then chug and die. Choke was closed but wouldn't open. Saw this video on the opposite problem and found that the pin wouldn't come out even after it got hot keeping the choke closed. Followed your procedure, replaced the thermal cartridge and mower runs again.

[@bobbelsekwol]

Honda fixing a problem that doesn't exist. Making a simple engine more complicated for no reason at all.

[@ElectoneGuy]

The reason is that most people are too stupid to understand how to use a choke, so Honda did them a favour and installed one for them. Add more crap to any machine and it's gonna break.

[@dwoodog]

I guess most guys looking for curb side junk love these, mower won't start, junk it and buy a new one.

[@bumblbesss]

@@dwoodog my state wont give anything away . i am yet to see a curbside yard equipment find for free.

[@eduardoarceroldan7466]

I think Kohler auto choke system Is the worst. Primer bulb was the way......

[@bentullett6068]

They have improved this auto choke system on the new Honda GCVx engines by repositioning give thermowax cartridge.

[@TheJosa007]

I just bought mine and you are right, I could not get it going. I am delighted I found your channel. Thank you very much for explaining everything is a way I can understand. Subscribed.

[@donyboy73]

Glad I could help!

[@beachbum8215]

Another excellent video. Thanks Don.

[@danielpomeroy]

Hello replacing that part was the only problem I had with my Honda, not counting regular maintenance. But, I had a tough time getting it out. I had to drill a small hole then drive a self tapping screw into it. Then I pryed on the screw until it popped out. I also used liquid wrench or something similar, Honda's running great now. Hope this helps.

[@donyboy73]

Fix 99% of non starting issues by replacing this simple part!

[@bobamericana3099]

pro tip son... Z is pronounced Zeeeeeee...not "zed"..."zed is dead"-pulp fiction...but seriously...get with the program....stop pronouncing letters and words in that UK queens english.

[@hughwynn6193]

donyboy73 - The engine didn't start because you turned off the fuel petcock and there was no gasoline in the carburetor at that time 0:30

[@stichter51]

@@bobamericana3099 Hey, Bob, YOU'RE WRONG. He's in Canada! Of all the English-speaking countries, the US is the only one that pronounces it "zee".

[@donyboy73]

@@hughwynn6193 lol, yes i know i forgot it off but there was plenty of gas in the carburetor and you can clearly see the part was defective

[@NightSky777]

Thanks for your excellent work and generous sharing of your knowledge!

[@oldschoolfoil2365]

bruh your the best small motor mechanic ever. there is a huge difference in mechanics small motors is a art

[@cbsctomh]

My 13 year old daughter figured out how to use the choke to start our early 2000's Honda mower in about 15 seconds...maybe less. The engineers at Honda 'over thunk' the process and designed a system that will fail every two years. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

[@bigfootandbananaman4746]

cbsctomh I prefer manual chokes much more but I have had an auto choke Honda push mower for over 12 years now and it has surprisingly always started first pull without any problems.

[@rquintal2001]

Thanks !! I was not sure how to assembly back the carburetor and chock… all videos I found before was the model without chock.. you saved me!! Thanks

[@donyboy73]

Often the machines need to be euthanized!

[@karlreinhart4661]

In your video you can clearly see that the fuel cut off switch was turned to the off no fuel position. Causing your lawn mower not to start. You will later see in the video that when it starts he turned the switch to ON position allowing fuel into the mower.

[@joeseuck9235]

I noticed the same exact thing also

[@ldub23]

Thanks to you, I fixed my lawn mower!! Excellent, easy to follow instructions. I especially appreciate the details of putting it back together. Sense of accomplishment. Saved money. So grateful. New subscriber!

[@florinnistrea1755]

I've had problems with my honda lawnmower for years until I've found this video. Many thanks and now it starts at the first attempt! Keep doing what you're doing!

[@Deadbuck73]

Man I miss my Honda Commercial walk behind... thing ran for 25 years and always started on 1 - 1 1/2 pulls... always.

[@scottfirman]

Commercial mowers are designed and built with better quality materials and last much much longer. Those box store models are NOT of the same quality. I know a Honda dealer that loves to show his customers the difference. He even has both types disassembled on the showroom floor so he can show you the differences.

[@Deadbuck73]

RC Hobbyist Extreme big time difference! Solid steel deck for starters... way better wheels, better engine... just solid and ready for business... the deck on mine finally passed away after all that time... it literally ran for 25 years... was still running but I let it go... hard decision but I did what I had to... bet it still starts... lol

[@JimmyDormire]

This video popped up as a miracle fix! I’ve struggled with this mower every mowing season for several years because of this issue. Thanks for posting!

[@NOSLOW]

My Honda mower is so hard to start. It has the rechargeable automatic starter but it won't start it from cold. After a couple years old and it wouldn't start right away, I always wondered why it didn't have the choke button to press 3 times before starting like my old mowers had. I finally discovered a hack to start it: fill gas tank, then roll the mower on its side to the right until deck is perpendicular to the ground (as if you were to inspect the blades), then flip it back upright and use the pull-start. If it doesn't start within 3 pulls, try flipping it over to its side again. Recently I noticed that the engine said it had an auto choke and I then went hmmm I bet there's something wrong with that feature and sure enough Google brought me right here! I'll be glad to do away with my flip-start hack if this fix works for me. 😋

[@NOSLOW]

Update: replaced the part and it now starts on first pull from cold! No more flip-starts for me. 😁

[@NOSLOW]

@@Rein_Ciarfella Noooo, just get the fix! I don't miss it since I got the fix. I hope I didn't start a trend 🙃

[@Nagi79]

I have a 5 year old honda lawnmower and I've been have trouble starting it. I've had to use starter fluid. I will definitely try changing that part and see how it goes. 🤞🏼

[@christianandersen7458]

Look at 2:22, fuel valve goes from closed to open....

[@atibbs14]

I was thinking, now THAT could be your problem right there!

[@geraldtelford9133]

Bogus video?

[@danskehans]

Perfect. Thanks to your excellent video, I managed to bring my Honda lawnmower back to life again for just $15.

[@Kbc_Johnnj]

Where did you order the part ?

[@bigtexas7580]

My honda hrt 216 thats over 10 years old starts 1st pull everytime. However it does have the choke on the handle throttle lever so I guess I'll stay away from auto choke honda mowers.

[@Peter-976]

@Big Texas problem is they are all going to this auto choke crap. Can`t find a new one without it.

[@Tsnor150]

nice job. excellent info. no music! great content. good diagnosis.

[@nodak81]

I have one of these engines with the choke lever that auto-returns when you squeeze the handle bar. Not at all impressed with it. I own many pieces of lawn equipment and it's the only one that has fuel/carb issues.

[@willischin9072]

My old engine with manual choke was replaced with a used auto choke motor. Wish I had remembered there was a pipe sticking up in the weeds. The old motor was better cared for. Gonna get a wax cartridge, new carb and oil change. Thanks for the video!

[@nickl1682]

Did you say common sense . I haven't heard or seen this in 25 years . Thanks

[@kj9219]

Common sense is rare thing to come by these days..

[@danshowalter9936]

Nice video. I just replaced the auto choke on the GCV160 on my Husqvarna push mower. The old thermal-wax module was a bear to get out... They used RTV when they put it in! I had to drill out the center of the old module so I could get needle nose plyers in there to finally get it out. When you reassemble, pay attention to the gaskets. The one between the carb and the outer housing has a vent hole... (ask me how I know...)

[@tigerseye73]

The choke pellet was Honda's idea of maintaining continuous cash flow to their dealer franchises. Honda, Toyota, and Mazda have become masters at sucking cash from buyers of their products. All the while bragging about their superior quality.

[@allanhughes7859]

This chap is the best no question His vids flow he does not yakel on and on and on as most do and he tells you what you need to know A**************** nothing less !!!!!!!!!!

[@Guillotines_For_Globalists]

Looks to me like your fuel shut off, is off. At the beginning of the video.

[@stevexxx6078]

Good eye Blaine.... maybe though he did that intentionally for his video demonstration

[@TheRedMinerOfFire]

Dude literal godsend on this. Nobody had any information on this where i looked for the part number just said "aye yeah bro just replace this piece right der and it fixes erverything"

[@888HUSKERS]

The video I want to see is how to convert it to a manual choke ...

[@01eddielawson]

I did one recently for a customer. I found I had to install a separate choke cable but otherwise pretty simple. The cable I used was just a push/pull type.

[@rodneymerrick413]

I used this to repair my lawnmower, it works. Thank you so much

[@Packinheat1175]

I have that exact mower with that exact problem. Auto choke is a joke shame on you Honda!

[@donyboy73]

i wish they put the same quality as in their motorcycles

[@donzinette]

Excellent! We're going to try this to fix our lawnmower. Thank you.

[@AlpsSplash]

Was I one of the only few that noticed that the fuel line was off in the beginning?

[@donyboy73]

yes it was off but fuel was in carb and you could clearly see in video the pin was defective

[@speedolover1793]

@@donyboy73 tell em dony

[@lisatowe778]

Awesome video!! I wonder if this would also be the problem with mine, it starts but when i start mowing it chokes out like it is out of gas but isn't, seems to be mostly when i am cutting not sitting still with it, started suddenly

[@Barnagh1]

When it wasn’t starting, you had the fuel tap OFF!

[@donyboy73]

yes but the fuel was in carb

[@mickgatz214]

Sometimes i forget to turn the fuel tap ON, suddenly my mower dies!, DOH! lol

[@RAG981]

I take it that other makes of lawnmower that use the same Honda engine will have the same problem. I do not know about the USA but many makes in the UK use Honda engines. Mine is a Mountfield but it has an auto choke Honda engine, so thank you for this video.

[@donyboy73]

yes might be the same

[@christianriera2489]

As AvE would say, "Engineered to fail". Expected better from Honda.

[@Trainmaster1907]

Christian Riera ya but at least they made it very simple and not terrible expensive

[@Gjmahn]

Do they fail often?

[@stanimir4197]

@@Trainmaster1907 A primer bulb is even simpler and cheaper

[@steved0603]

Thank you

[@daviddunnihoo8414]

Donny, great video. I had this very problem, and fixed it with your help, but now it's starting up cold, but when I stop to empty the bag it won't start again. Have any tips?

[@David-xu6xw]

Just wanted to say thanks. I just swapped a gcv160 onto a weed trimmer and wasn't sure how the auto choke worked. I appreciate it.

[@josedejesus6185]

Thank you, thank you for the tip! You are a life saver! Had the same problem with 2 Hondas and could not figure out the problem!

[@stebstebanesier6205]

This fixed my mower, for some reason my cartridge was glued in with what appeared to be hi-temp silicone. took a while to figure out how to get it out, but I did, replaced it and now all is well. Thank you, I hope all the folks that are having this trouble with their lawn mower find this video.

[@valykrie]

I wish I had knew this when I bought my Honda lawnmower along time ago. Was very expensive and the worst lawnmower I ever saw - had the exact problem you show in the video. It would not start (ever) when it was cold - I finally gave it away. The machine was very well made other than it wouldn't ever start. I have owned many Honda products with no problems.

[@frk040]

Great video, easy fix - Thanks. The 16620-Z8D-305 Thermo Wax fits the Honda GCV-190 engine also.

[@jeffjeffjeff2]

Great video. I'm trying to fix my neighbours Honda which also has the GC160 with an auto-choke system but his machines issue is it surges. It doesn't have a problem starting so I will try stripping down the carb and cleaning the jets out instead but this video is very helpful in knowing how to reassemble the various gaskets etc. Thanks again

[@louphillips1329]

My 20 year old HRX has been hard to start lately so I got excited when I saw this video and ordered the Thermo Wax cartridge. Today I pulled off the carb and to my surprise the carb looks totally different from this (and other videos). Found no cartridge in place. I'm not sure what to do now except to maybe rebuild the carb.

[@joef.3094]

excellent ! i have seen a couple of these now with choke issues but had no clue that this piece could simply be pulled out. you areclearly worthy of the title "doctor".

[@douglasphillips1203]

Oh my god thank you for this video! I've been chasing this problem for a week now and it was driving me crazy!!

[@sihamharichi910]

Just want to say thank you ever so much for your help, was stuck with this problem for a week and so stressed what to do to fix it and if i get someone over to have a look at it I have to pay even though its new but i don't have any proof. the choke cleaner was a VERY good idea it worked from the 1st try. I so appreciated your advice. Thanks again.

[@cjacobs2694]

Donyboy does it again. Like others said, this fix worked for me like a charm. I only wish I found this video last summer and saved a season of headaches.

[@januszorlowski7912]

Problem solved immediately ! Thank you very much ! Money saved !

[@ernieclark9211]

Never worked a Honda with that chock system. A lot of the engines have the the chock hooked to the exhaust. Good video and information.

[@aalovelace2776]

Great video. I had already decided my problem was this auto choke and ordered the part, replaced it, mower ran fine for a few mows then .. same problem again. 😭 really dislike the auto choke - I’ve spent hours already .. gonna buy a different mower 😡

[@henrywong4384]

Same here. The new part failed after the first mow.

[@backwoods_legit7066]

That did the trick! Started on the first pull after replacing it. I can’t believe I have been spraying starter fluid in the carb for 3 years due to this $10 part. I had a Lawn Boy M-Series commercial mower for 20 years that started on the first or 2nd pull every time. I only got rid of it b/c I couldn’t get the handle assembly for it. It was still running like a champ when I got rid of it. Should have paid someone to weld the handle.

[@stevechau2832]

Excellent demonstration. Thank you

[@donyboy73]

Glad it was helpful!