Quick Tip: Honda Mower GCV160 Stops After a Few Minutes

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

If this video helped you, please consider clicking on the THANKS button above 🙌 Here's some other Honda mower videos you might like: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKmTlpmJj9V6bac

[@CeleronNutcase]

THANK YOU! I thought I was going crazy after changing the spark plug, air filter, oil, and gas! Sometimes the best solutions are the simplest and free ones!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I appreciate you watching. Cheers!

[@8472fan]

You are a genius !! I was 5 minutes away from spending $600 for a new one. You now have a new subscriber. Thank you !!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Glad I could help. Cheers!

[@waholoopesorry74]

My father-in-law has this mower and had the same exact issue. I did some research and found this video. He took a paperclip and cleaned out those ports and his mower runs for more than 2 minutes now. THANK YOU!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Glad to help!

[@peterss1979]

Thanks!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Wow! A super thanks to you for supporting my channel. Cheers!

[@tammy4434]

That seems to be the magic trick! Thank you! My dad wanted to toss this mower out and just buy a new one. It was a father's day gift a few years back and now a father's day fix and savings 😊

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Glad I could help!

[@elw38]

I have been trying for weeks to my mower running. My mother in law wanted to cut the grass i agreed. Next time i go to cut the lawn it runs for a few and cut out. I let my mother in law touch my mower 1 time 1TIME! and now it wont run. Your trick got me to get the mower running but i need a new cap. Its very dirty in there. Thank your very much for your help atleast now i have the knowledge if this ever happens agian. Thank you

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Happy to help!

[@OUSS2004_]

This is the exact problem I’ve been having and it’s been driving me crazy for over a year! Replaced the cap and fixed my problem. I was looking into buying a new mower and this just saved me like $700! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Glad I could help!

[@herschelsquirts2338]

This is not something that I would’ve ever figured out on my own. Thank you!!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Happy to help!

[@brooklyntam]

Thank you, your suggestion helped me get my mower working again.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Glad I could help. Cheers!

[@kentweden1950]

Your awesome - your solution fixed my problem. I was about to give up and purchase a new mower. Thanks

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Glad I could help Kent! Cheers!

[@erikeggenbakstad]

Yup, if air filter not full of oil this is the next step to check. You know, mower been tilted over and filled the carburetor with oil hehe. Thank you for the upload 😊👍

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I hope it helps! Thanks for watching. Cheers!

[@JoeNoriega-ok4nl]

I have the exact same problem and a google search mentioned this same issue with the gas cap. As a "troubleshoot" it was suggested to run the mower with the gas cap slightly loose to see if it wasn't causing a vapor lock due to clogged gas cap. It still does the same thing. The carburetor is new by the way so it's not clogged.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Could be several things. I had one with a cracked spark plug with the same symptoms. If your new carb aftermarket, that might be another issue. The quality is hit or miss. Good luck.

[@JoeNoriega-ok4nl]

@@TheLawnmowerLady The carburetor is OEM so I guess I'll start with the sparkplug.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

@@JoeNoriega-ok4nl Check to make sure the choke butterfly is closed completely when it's cold and it opens quickly once it starts. Bad plugs are rare, but I've had the odd broken ceramic a few times. Plugs are cheap. Good luck.

[@georgerottinghaus264]

Thank you so much! Finished my yard. I had lots of black pellets come out of mine. Had to do it twice and it still bobbles a little,I think I’ll order a replacement cap.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Some versions did have carbon in them (to absorb gas fumes?) If the get wet they block the vent action too.

[@1972joec]

Thanks for the info. I did the same taking everything apart and putting together nothing. Until I check the cap, crunchy.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I hope it fixes your problem. Cheers!

[@TrapperAaron]

Just wanted to add. Some of these motors have an automatic choke/primer that works on a "wax motor" extending a piston that opens the choke and disables the priming function when it gets hot. Ive found a good work around is deleting this whole system and simply installing a spacer of the same thickness ( u can even cut the choke bullshit off the spacer and just use the spacer alone. The problem i was having was full choke and priming was draining the fuel bowl faster than it could fill and running super rich until it would sputter and die from lack of fuel. Super dirty plug or even a bit wet is a good indication w the aforementioned symptoms that this may b ur issue.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thanks for the detailed breakdown!

[@JustinMentionedIt]

Just a heads up tho that middle piece comes right out and there is a piece of foam behind it, as for those little holes that crunchy sound is also a foam piece but you can’t get access to it

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I think its activated carbon (charcoal)

[@JustinMentionedIt]

@@TheLawnmowerLady it’s possible there different makers of the cap but in my gcv160 the middle pops out and there is foam that comes out easy to clean but the little holes in mine you can’t access that and is charcoal similar to a fish tank filter

[@ModestoGarzaLIVE]

Thank you. Worked for me. This video Saved me a lot of money.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Happy to help!

[@baldeagle242]

Great video young lady. 😀👍

[@raven2004]

Wow, Thank You!!! You just saved me 100 bucks not going to the mechanic.I just subscribed!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Glad I could help! Cheers!

[@andrewchristiansen8311]

You can just drill a hole too. Thanks for letting me know these have gas vent issues. Neighbor tossed his out at the side of the road so I grabbed it. I know I saw him cutting with it but then he must have stopped. This has to be it & I'm gonna cut my grass with his mower & gas tomorrow hahaha. 2nd mower I got from a neighbor. Both toro super recyclers. Other has a kohler.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

If you do this, drill the hole in the side of the cap, right through the threads on the neck of the filler tube. Very little chance of water seeping into the tank. You do however need to be mindful of increased condensation issues, which create moisture on its own.

[@barrywatts348]

You are a godsend!!! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us. Over the last 2 days, I’ve cleaned out my carb twice and still had it shut off after about 30 seconds. It will at least run until it re-clogs now. I was wondering why there were black spots all over my lawn mower on that end. Now I can continue to see them come out each time. I really can’t thank you enough!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Happy to help. I appreciate you watching. Cheers!

[@deniskoch123]

This tip has helped save my sanity, thank you!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Glad I could help Mr Denis!

[@andyhamilton8940]

The thermo wax pellet for the auto chokes have been known to act up and cause simillar problems too.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I have not experienced that issue, but I'll keep that in mind next next Honda engine i get. Thanks!

[@novaanenglish8691]

thanks for the help.

[@WDRohls]

This fix worked for me!! Thank You!! New subscriber now.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Glad it worked for you. Thanks for watching. Cheers!

[@pifas0813]

hi,there great vid .question i have at same engine on my lawmower with no compression ,valves open and close any idea how to fix it maybe if i clean inside will work ? thank you let me know

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thanks for watching Mr Daniel. Bad cylinder or worn rings? Hard to know, you might try a leak down tester to determine where the compression leak is. Good luck!

[@fotofitstrips]

My air filter is soaked with gas. Recommendation? Thanks.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

replace it. check out my other videos on carburetor cleaning. you might have a leaking needle/seat.

[@bodeine454]

We have about a year old Husqvarna rear wheel drive self-propelled mower with the Honda 160 engine and I've mowed with it about 8 times. Today it started running kinda rough, coughing a few times and then stalled. It took me about a minute to get it restarted and then it stalled again within seconds. I tried this about 3 or 4 times and put it in the garage and mowed with our other mower. It got dark on me tonight so I haven't had a chance to check it out but I'd be surprised if it's the gas cap. It still looks new and I keep it pretty well cleaned off after I mow so I'm not sure on this one.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I'm not to convinced it's the fuel cap either Mr. Jeff, but it's easy to eliminate as a suspect. It definitely sounds like a fuel delivery issue. Not sure about the newer Hondas, but the older ones I've seen the inner wall of that double walled fuel line collapse, causing fuel starvation. It would take several minutes for the fuel to trickle into the bowl. It would run a few minutes, sputter and stop, not start again until 5 minutes or so later. Pop off the bottom of your carb bowl, try to catch what flows out and see if the fuel flows freely. This video shows you how: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKmTlpmJj9V6bac All you need is a 10mm wrench/spanner. Depending on where you live, you might have an accumulation of water in your bowl due to ethanol.

[@daveashby3979]

👍Sometimes it's the simple things. Thank you for sharing your Knowledge.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thanks for watching!

[@TheRamblinDust]

Do you know what it might be if this doesn't fix it..Same motor on a pressure washer dies after you pull the pressure wasn't handle? It has manual choke not wax choke

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I would try increasing the RPM slightly, but it could be a bad pump piston putting too much load on the engine, or a bad unloader valve. Make sure you cover the basics as well... good fuel flow, clean air filter, good spark plug, etc.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

Ah.. I didn't know that about the honda gas caps. Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

You’re welcome!

[@appleztooranges]

Dang I was thinking it was the fuel line gummed up. I had this happen to my Honda snowblower. Thanks

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Glad it helped. Cheers!

[@marvinkmooney7744]

Exactly the problem. Thank you somuch. It appears they put Carbon granules inside the cap to act as a filter.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Happy to help. I appreciate you watching!

[@jamescreation6612]

Hopefully this fixes it, sounds exactly like my problem. Great video, keep up it up and thank you!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I hope so too Mr, James! If the mower has been sitting up for a while, the carb passages might be partially plugged up. I just released a video on how to disassemble and clean that carb: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKmTlpmJj9V6bac incase you need to dig deeper. I've also seen the inner wall of that factory double walled fuel line collapse and create the same issue.

[@joshuaswanson3068]

Is taking the cap off to see if it runs a good test ?

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Absolutely! Loosening the cap will break the vacuum. Thanks for watching. Cheers!

[@eddiepatterson5025]

Where you took the tool and loosen the trash take carb cleaner and spray in those holes and the one in the center of the cap and blow it out with air to make sure you have all the trash out. When it happens again just repeat the process instead of replacing the cap.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Hmmm. Interesting idea...

[@kevinfults7557]

You, my dear, are a lifesaver. Or a money saver at least 😂.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Happy to help. Cheers!

[@shayharper]

Please help 🙏🏼 I've followed all your instructions for changing the oil, filter, new cap, new spark plug, even new carburetor. I've still got a loss of power, it is sputtering and shutting off. If I attempt to use the smart drive it will absolutely shut down, but if I push it will run a little longer, while still puttering and low power, then shut off. I don't know what else to do. Would greatly appreciate further assistance.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Cables stretch over the years, and the RPM might need to be bumped up a little. Add more tension to the governor return spring by bending the tab where it attached opposite the bottom of the governor control arm.

[@ggdd8874]

Same thing happened to me years ago on my snapper rider . Took a long time to figure it out . Removed cap carried it in the shed drilled 1/8 hole and fix it JUST REMINBER TO REMOVE CAP AND NOT DRILL ON MOWER POOR MAN'S FIX

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I've also heard of folks drilling through the side, into the threads. Supposedly keeps water from getting in the tank. I appreciate you watching!

[@sonnymoon9851]

This video was helpful thank you. I am now subscribed

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Awesome, thank you!

[@magpie92766]

Can this happen with a new mower that I just put oil & gas in & used for the first time?

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I would think not. If your mower is a Honda, check the fuel tap is open, and you can test that by loosening the carb bowl but (10mm socket) to make sure fuel dribbles out. If it is a bad gas cap, you should hear a slight swooshing sound when you loosen the cap. Thanks for watching.

[@DefensorFortis]

Do you have a video on putting the carb and all the gaskets back in the right order and orientation? Those black and white exploded parts view don't do it justice... especially this engine and the gcv190

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Unfortunately, your particular mower might not have all the gaskets and mating surfaces that are seem in my videos. Check out the videos in this playlist that mention carburetor kzbin.info/aero/PLscwXOlCLzlyrhoxlz91YLrsoRZZQSaKu and you might get some better ideas. I appreciate you watching.

[@DefensorFortis]

@@TheLawnmowerLady Thank you!

[@MikeMcAuliffe-g2f]

Thanks for the help.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Happy to help!

[@YorkChurch-sg6lk]

Tried this and it didn’t fix it. I also replaced the thermowax. It had new plug, carb was cleaned. I can only start it by spraying starter fluid in and it will start then immediately die. Please help with any advice!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Did you drain out all the old fuel in the tank?

[@irish89055]

Well, I didn't see anything in the holes on mine, but there was dirt around underneath where the cap screws.I started it back up with the cap off and it died after 20 seconds...on to something else

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

maybe fuel supply blockage?

[@sproles88]

My honda mower will start up and run but when I engage the blade it bogs down then dies and also it won't stay on longer than a couple of minutes if I let it sit while running. Do you know a solution?

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

If it's an older mower, I've had the problems of the control cables getting stretched over time. This is incredibly difficult to explain, but you will need to move the cable adjuster in such a way to lengthen the outer cable (which in effect shortens the inner cable). Take a look as well where the governor return spring attaches. You can gently bend that bracket to increase the RPM slightly which will help. Don't overdo it: tighter spring=higher RPM. If it sounds like it's running crazy fast, it probably is. There are RPM apps you can download for your phone that will get you in the ballpark. Anything over 3200RPM is too much. Hope this helps.

[@sproles88]

@TheLawnmowerLady ok great I'll try that

[@warrencatoe7467]

Dang it Dillion, you rock! :)

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

thanks for watching!

[@theyogabios]

Thank you Ma’am. I will try

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Welcome 😊

[@djkwosfada2438]

WOOOWWWW, very helpful video, Thank you for that.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Happy to help. Thanks for watching!

[@nixongonzalez771]

Desde COSTA RICA MUCHÍSIMAS GRACIAS. PROBLEMA ARREGLADO 👍😀

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Muy feliz de ayudar. ¡Salud!

[@stfr8414]

This was the exactly the problem!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Happy to help!

[@johanntoro4119]

Thank you !

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

My pleasure!

[@danetten6825]

Thank you so much!! This fixed my issue!!!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

That make me happy! Thanks for watching.

[@marcwest272]

Tried this fix and starts and runs and then stops. Any other ideas?

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Sounds like a fuel delivery issue for sure. Assuming your carb is clean and the choke flap is opening correctly as it warmed up, I've seen some Hondas with a double walled fuel line, and the inner wall has collapsed. I hope this helps.

[@flea8332]

Liked and Subscribed Thank you so much Lawnmower Lady this fixed my issue

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Glad to help. Cheers!

[@samsimms8887]

Thanks. It worked for me.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

That' s music to my ears Mr Sam. Thanks for watching. Cheers!

[@CompetentSalesUSA]

Thank you

[@dennishach4149]

Thanks

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Glad to help. Thanks for watching!

[@EdWarzone]

Thanks lady

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

You bet!

[@TrapperAaron]

If u think the gas cap is the issue but are unsure just run it w the cap barley on. If it runs fine cap is ur problem. If its still dying see comment about choke/primer deleting.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

That works too, but the cap might vibrate off and get mowed over. I appreciate you watching. Cheers!

[@robbieduke944]

There is carbon in the cap, the red thing under the lid tells you where to fill the gas up to if you fill it all the way up with gas it swells the carbon and the cap can't vent.......

[@aface]

What else ya got. This didn't do it for me. But I am getting an initial 5 minutes, sputters out, and then will only run for 5 seconds.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Fuel delivery issues is where I start.

[@mdleweight]

It worked for me! Thanks. Easiest fix!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Glad it helped Mr Mark! Thanks for watching. Cheers!

[@lavishlex]

Mine starts but instantly shuts off and won’t stay running

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Sounds like bad, stale fuel. Very common this time of year in the northern hemisphere. I have several videos on cleaning Honda carbs in this playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLscwXOlCLzlyrhoxlz91YLrsoRZZQSaKu I hope one of these videos can help. Thanks for watching.

[@lavishlex]

@@TheLawnmowerLady cleaned the carburetor, and put new spark plug, air filter and has fresh gas in it

[@mikedenton6485]

What if that doesn't work, what next??

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Start with the basics: spark, fuel, and air. It's one of those.

[@mikedenton6485]

@@TheLawnmowerLady the mower runs for like 3 to 5 minutes then shuts down, like it chokes itself out. I've already replace the thermo wax cartridge

[@outdoorsanimalsandmusic3014]

I did this and my mower still runs and shuts off after a minute. I replaced the spark plug too

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

That sounds like a fuel delivery issue. It runs until the bowl empties. I would be inspecting and/or replacing the fuel lines.

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

Good video

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thanks for the visit. Cheers!

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

@@TheLawnmowerLady I love visiting 😉. Seriously though, I like watching your videos, I like seeing how you do things, I pick up tricks I can use later.

[@mowerrepairshopfortscottkansas]

hi grate videos

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thank you Sir!

[@coastalpoodlerescue]

😊😊👍👍

[@blueskychx]

Wondering if you have an idea what my mower problem is? I cleaned the hoes in the gas cap already…didn’t help. It runs perfect the first 3 minutes…then starts reving…. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXy5maGjf9OYj5osi=yGT861Y4FUZPU4Gy

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I suspect you need to drain all the fuel out, drain the carb bowl, let the entire thing sit in the sun for a few hours to dry out completely. Likely water in the gasoline.

[@blueskychx]

@@TheLawnmowerLady thank you …I did already drain the gas tank and put in new fuel…but didn’t drain the bowl. I’ll give that a try next. THANKS FIR THE INFO!

[@marknewman-d3t]

love you lawnmower lady will you marry me ?

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

LOL

[@russellwright985]

Thanks!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Super thanks to you for supporting my channel. Cheers!