This Honda Mower Would Start And Run But Stop

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Thanks for watching. In this video we find out what happened to this Honda mower and I'm not sure how I can even explain it.

[@jesterr7133]

I enjoy your videos, but I wish you would do longer ones. I'm getting lost sometimes trying to find all of the videos on a particular project sometimes. You are great at explaining things and making things make sense. I have learned a lot from your videos.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

an 11 to 15 minute video takes 40 hours to produce so do the math and you'll find that having full time job besides this, is tough.

[@SA-iw4ci]

I cut the heads off two spare Honda carb mounting bolts and used my Dremel to cut slots on them. I insert them during carb removal. It makes it easier to reinstall and also helps to keep the gaskets in order...similar to the way Kohler carbs are mounted.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you

[@eddietigue547]

Toro and Honda are my favorite brands I have a Honda with manual choke and a old Toro with the flat head

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very nice mower choices

[@johnbuschmann7689]

I've read that immersing the parts into a bag with gasoline and then putting this into the ultrasonic cleaner works great.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I have to agree with you

[@butler386]

Hmm, I think the original problem was the broken gasket. Has enough suction to get gas up originally at low RPM but not to maintain speed. Great job. Thanks for the video

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks and I agree

[@MikeJones-jr5hb]

I’m gonna say you fixed the problem. Gaskets can cause problems if they are torn or worn out

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I hope so we'll find out soon.

[@berkeleygang1834]

My first guess would have been a clogged fuel filter not letting enough fuel to the carb, but it doesn't look like this mower has one. Strange. My Honda mower did come with a filter. Second guess would have been the float valve. Very strange to see grass debris in the main jet like that. That really boggles my mind how it got there. Good job - keep up the good work!

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

People fill their tasks in the middle of the yard, and the grass finds a way in. 🙄

[@HomeGaragechannel]

there's a built in filter at the outlet of the tank

[@georgenovotny4421]

I want you to know that you are the best small engine repair channel by far! Yes, you are better than all the biggest ones and you will have million subscribers in my opinion if you keep going.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks I really appreciate that

[@fwflyer78]

Must have been Purple Power. Been there done that!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yep

[@piee683]

Thoroughly enjoyed this fix great job was dying see it start 👏

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I'll get back on it soon, thanks

[@jwayne777]

Great video. Thank you for adding that chemical bottle link.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

No problem!

[@thomasroche164]

I think too it was the carb, idle circuit and gasket spacer. Plus s good carb clean. With the ultrasonic, I just use plain ole Dawn dish soap. It's a decreased, the clean the birds with it in oil spills. Works well for me. Good luck. Thank you for the video.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks but I do have to remind you that the birds were covered in fresh oil, not varnished gasoline .

[@donvoll2580]

Good day Boy with the grass U found in carb, u would thing that would solve problem Thanks for showing

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you would think so.

[@mattwickert736]

I had the same issue earlier this year with debris in the idle screw/port area. couldn't recall having ever seen that before. Had a gasket tear with a friend's Honda earlier this month - didn't have the blade control separately, but surged the entire time. It also had a cracked insulator (the plastic part). For my Ultrasonic, I use an Orange degreaser and liberal amount of Dawn dish soap. I put the small parts into a tea steeping ball, and the big parts right into it. After about 4 or 5 machines worth, the liquid needs changed. I also put harder plastic parts inside with a lower temperature setting, as it helps get the greasy, oily grime off with a gentle detailing brush. Old gas is an easier option, but I always find cuts on my hands that I didn't know I had doing it that way lol

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you got it, I'm sticking with gasoline or if I get restless, I'll try kerosine

[@watermanone7567]

Hope you don't try to re-invent the wheel. Use the cleaner DILUTED, and why are you using a bag or jar, and rinse really very well. Use the ultra-sonic cleaner as intended. Try Harbor Freight HD degreaser, ( the yellow stuff) or I use purple power sometimes. Make sure the liquid mixture in the tank is hot, not cold. Thanks for the video.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I'm trying to stay away from the HF degreaser for right now, and sticking with gasoline .

[@jsbsmdauto]

I find that using Pine-sol in the cleaner does not tarnish the carbs, however the temp needs to be HOTTTT before you put in the carb. Not sure why your using a bag (saving money) :) but I do not and have great results.

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

I use 20% Pine sol and 80% water and it works great!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks

[@mr1pearl]

Oh c'mon cliffhanger what the .... 😆

[@HomeGaragechannel]

LOL!!! I appreciated that.

[@danwake4431]

my craftsman with kohler mower gets harder to start every year. Normally I put stabil in it and leave it full. Last year I drained the tank completely, drained the bowl, let it airdry and put it back together. Well I couldnt get it to start at all this year. when i took the bowl off, it was full of a whitish crusty substance. i mean full. all in the bottom of the bowl. all over the float, which was stuck. I couldn't believe it. I have no idea where that could have come from. The one year I drain the entire system and somehow get a bunch of gunk build up, yet every other year i left it full of gas with stabil and it never did that. i cleaned it up but it would only run on starting fluid. Even after I got the float free, cleaned all the little pin holes and got fuel to flow into the bowl on it's own. What a mistake. Maybe I should have left the bowl off of the carb all winter instead? I just dont understand what that build up could be, with no fuel in it. The gas tank looked great, dry as a bone and no junk in the bottom.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sorry I wish I could help with this one.

[@Turningwrenches85]

I thought main jet , but then the gasket most likely was the ploblem here .on the cleaner part i had some that left a carb like that i just try to use water to rinse it off quick . But i use ajax dish soap for my cleaner 👍

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice choice!

[@BADD400]

I am thinking it’s the carb and I believe you have it fixed. Also for those carbs I have seen people use all thread I think it’s called so when you pull out one bolt replace it with the all thread and cut a slot in one end for a flathead screwdriver if you want. Love your videos

[@georgepruitt637]

When I was at the L&G shop, I would take carb bolts off a junker, cut the heads off, saw a notch across the bolt [for a flat screw driver] and had the right bolts for dis-assembly/assembly of unit's carb from the unit.

[@BADD400]

@@georgepruitt637 right

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes I've seen the same

[@paule.maurice1521]

Honda ' sandwich ' Use short lengths of threaded rod [ metric ] to hold various parts, and gaskets in place. Block up carb side wheels so gravity works with you , not against you .

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I like the way you put that.

[@jesterr7133]

I hate this carb setup. It is such a pain. They basically made it so that you can't inspect the carb without removing it, and then they made it as annoying as possible.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I couldn't have said it better

[@HomeOrchard]

Some cleaners will darken the aluminum finish as if the part was anodized by the cleaner.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very true and thats what happened here.

[@doglegjake6788]

I have found grass in those ports before,, honda carbs are very sensitive to debris and water

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for letting us know I appreciate it.

[@EK--ry3lr]

Love your thoroughness but kinda disappointed with a 13 minute tease.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks

[@gearhead366]

Broken gasket and dirt in the idle circuit... Would that cause the problems observed? I think it definitely could. Sounded like it was running fast, too, which I don't think would be caused by the problems found. An air leak should cause the mixture to go lean. Dirt in the idle circuit should make it even leaner, which, I think, would cause the RPMs to drop, wouldn't it? I'm wondering how the dirt got in there, though.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I think you might be right

[@andersnordsvan7968]

The best carbclener in the ultraconikclener is gasolin!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

agreed

[@dylannyc3323]

If you just do half water an half ultrasonic cleaner an don’t use a bag I can assure you that the carb with work better an come out cleaner

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for the tip

[@tnrodgers]

Your cleaner is too caustic to leave sitting. I like your videos and know content creation is tedious, needing the most mileage from each video, but it would help to see the full repair as success or failure.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you make a good point and yes according to the directions on the degreaser it's extremely dangerous on paint if left on there for too long.

[@sticustom]

I’m pretty sure you have fixed it unless the cleaning solution has corroded something you couldn’t see. I have a Honda mower and the engine rpm is not as fast as it use to be in the operating position. All videos I’ve seen say to bend the governor arm. Is this correct?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes it's the easiest way unless you want to do it the hard way.

[@scottjohnson5449]

Q for ya..... on your vid. @ 1.25 into it, the bottom left corner of air filter looks very dirty like it never really sealed up and same all along the bottom. could this be were the grass go into the carb??

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes I think you might be right.

[@weast6388]

Have you ever worked on a mower that has a harbor freight predator engine on it? I know theyre honda clones but i wonder if theyd made good replacements on old honda mowers

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I've put one on a mower before but as for it being a honda clone, that I don't know about. Maybe someone else can help out with that one.

[@DonaldComp-u7e]

I have a hyper though weed eater that keeps braking the trigger when you give it gas would you have any ideas thaks man

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sure have you checked that the throttle cable and the lever on the carb, is NOT stuck? I ran into the same issue just today

[@Jk-kq6qh]

How much do you dilute the cleaner, and how long do you let it sit before rinsing

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I don't dilute it, and the time on paint is mere seconds. But for bare metal I let it stay on for a minute.

[@robertmailhos8159]

It's going to be running again soon as you can get back to working on it

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes sir.

[@robertmailhos8159]

@@HomeGaragechannel cool beans 🫘 there home garage

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

I have gotten motors with the insulator bit upside down (They won't start that way) 🤣

[@lewiemcneely9143]

WELL!!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I'll take your word for it, as I've never tried

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

@@lewiemcneely9143 I know, right?

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

@@HomeGaragechannelI have never tried myself but I have bought them at auction and found them that way. I give people credit for trying, even when they obviously have no idea what they are doing.

[@lewiemcneely9143]

'Fraid so, Palley!@@GuysPlayingWithTools

[@NightMechanic]

I had a briggs that was running poorly.. I ordered a Plastic Carb and it will not start..I put the old one on and it started but fuel delivery seemed poor.. have you had issues with the carbs they order from amazon? Do you have any advice on where I would begin to take the carb apart and check if its working properly.. is it possible its the part or is it possible I did something wrong?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no I very rarely have any issues with the carbs I get from there, maybe 2% need a bit of work to get to work but they work though. As far as your problem I'd need more information to help out but to be honest it sounds like you have a problem that's not related to the carb. But with the fuel line, fuel filter or the tank and cap.

[@satriatv165]

❤❤❤ wow Like it

[@justincovington4401]

I'm just saying. People like longer videos

[@HomeGaragechannel]

12 minute video takes me 12 hours to produce.

[@ChristianSooklal-x2g]

Hi I wanted to ask about a trimmer I have its a stihl fs85 and it usually works with 2 piston rings however 1 broke when reinstalling it on the piston....Can it still run with one brand new piston ring??

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes you "Could" but I would not.

[@ChristianSooklal-x2g]

@@HomeGaragechannel Hey umm luckily I got the two piston rings any tips on cleaning a gummed up piston ring and the slots for the rings? Or any tips for installing them?

[@loopylucas]

Hey I just ran into a issue with my royobi wipper snipper, I tried to pull the cord and the fuel start spitting out of the exhaust and the pull cord is extremely hard to pull like you can’t even pull it. If anyone has an idea let me know thanks

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sure, the carb is leaking fuel into the engine and hydro-locking it. Replace the carb and you should be good again.

[@loopylucas]

Ok thankyou!!! I’ll let you know how it went

[@lawnmowinggoalie]

I am mad that battery is taking over🤬😡😡

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it's certainly not for everyone

[@nickflopper]

Why only one video today

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I'm glad you asked, and thank you for watching both channels. It's basically the off season for views , that and the requests for services has increased because it's not the peak in mowing season. Basically I need the time from double uploads a week to film more.

[@martinburgess4814]

I belive pinesol is ok but rinse

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks

[@marshallcollins3376]

I think you found the problem.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I hope so we'll find out soon

[@jesterr7133]

Do you know anything about Powermore engines? This on a Cub Cadet self propelled I am working on. This is the first of this type I have messed with. It will run about a second and then die. It will start from the pull rope, but will run for a second, even if I put gas directly in the engine. Starting fluid or brake cleaner makes no difference. It doesn't seem to be a fuel related issue. It's really weird. I have no idea where to start. I have been getting a lot of weird issues lately. I can't really find any information at all online about these engines. It doesn't even have a label or model number on the engine. The issue is very similar to this, except it dies more quickly. It doesn't even get up to speed.

[@crisprtalk6963]

Bit the dust. Pretty strong words when talking about a lawn mower! 🤣🤣

[@HomeGaragechannel]

LOL!!!

[@paule.maurice1521]

I soak carbs in Vinegar for a couple hours . Than I fill the Ultrasonic with Hot Water, and add a pinch of Baking Soda . Carbs sparkle, no corrosive chemical residue .

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you for that advice, I'll have to try that!

[@adammosher1115]

I have a older snapper with a Briggs quantum 4 and it's doing that same thing but I drained the gas and put fresh gas cleaned the carb still does it so I need to get a new carburetor altogether

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

Could be losing spark when it gets hot. The Quantum carbs are pretty bullet proof.

[@adammosher1115]

@@GuysPlayingWithTools no it not getting gas at all it will run off starting fluid and as long it goes through the air port otherwise it will not run on the carb way I even thought it was the needle and seat but it works I can blow air and carb cleaner through it e no gas goes in and yes gas flows out of the gas line

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

@adammosher1115 I would go straight to the jets in that case. On that motor, there is a bolt holding the bowl on the very bottom of the carb, take that bolt out and clear the holes on the top and sides. I usually push a thin wire with lots of kinks in it through them and it usually works like a charm. I see this a lot and would bet a nickle that will fix it for you. 👍

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you're making a great choice

[@adammosher1115]

@@GuysPlayingWithTools I did all that and still no run I even took a carb off one I know runs and still not running only when it goes through the air port

[@ajmunn1229]

This is my exact problem, intently watching.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

hope it helps

[@speedgray7496]

Because the oil level was very low on the dipstick, does this mower have the oil minder function to keep it from running with not enough oil. I would have checked this first; and maybe a comment by you would have been helpful. I really enjoy your channel and you do a great job! Thanks! Speed Grand Rapids, MI

[@HomeGaragechannel]

unfortunately this mower doesn't have that system on it.

[@ryandormann9621]

If that was "purple power" I'm pretty sure it even tells you on the package it's not safe for aluminum. I think alkaline cleaners corrode aluminum...

[@HomeGaragechannel]

ah,.. you make a good point

[@williamsnow1531]

I really think you will solve the problem from cleaning the carb.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I hope so

[@brianking1138]

I am pretty sure the carb was the problem. I have been thinking about getting an ultrasonic cleaner but after seeing your experience with one I have decided not to.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I wouldn't do it again.

[@AlessandroGenTLe]

To me it looks that the cleaner fluid was more then ok. But all those harsh cleaners need care when using on metal, and you never let them in contact with metal parts for more than 10 minutes... I'm pretty sure it's also written on the flask :)

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes i have to agree with you, so need to be a bit more careful now.

[@aaax9410]

You'll find the right cleaner to use with that ultra sonic machine surely they work a lot of people use them , hmmm

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I think I've already found a good one, but I'm always looking for better.

[@sterling9313]

What causes some of these mowers to hiss when pulling them over? I’d like to see a video fix on it

[@HomeGaragechannel]

as long as it starts I'm not worried about it. But if it won't start and it hisses I'd have to confirm the hiss is the problem

[@deebee3901]

I'm betting that the spark plug needs changing!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

wouldn't hurt

[@FZ52023]

Would you show us what strimmer and lawn mower you use, and why, a whole vid on it?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's a good idea, I might do that thanks.

[@999thenewman]

This was painful to watch. Good that it's gone now.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes I agree

[@lewiemcneely9143]

The last time we used the pressure washer it did just like that mower, even though it had the plastic cam Briggs and it was the main jet stopped. Cleaned it out and away it went. I still haven't gotten the tank drain on it because my Sweetie is threatened me with capitol punishment because of my ailments but it's still waiting. As far as the battery big mower, I've mowed our obstacle course at least 4 times (a good solid hour, drive on low which is plenty fast and blades on economy) and the battery meter is down one bar. Can't tell much difference in reducing the rear tire pressure from 30 to 11 but that's understandable. I run 11 on the opposed, no problem. I got out the Armor-all and went over the plastic. You're methods are rubbing off on me. Happy weekend and Blessings.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Nice, nothing wrong with a little pride.. walk to the machine and it's clean, get done doing the work and she's covered in dirt and grass,.. just means something got done.

[@lewiemcneely9143]

True but the fenders have been rubbed on limbs and whatnot getting zeroed in so the Armor-all took care of that. None on the seat because it's slick enough BUT you never know!@@HomeGaragechannel

[@twofeathers6540]

[@SA-iw4ci]

In my ultrasonic cleaner I use glass jars filled with enough gasoline to completely submerge carbs. There's no harm done if left in gas overnight. I recommend you use the basket in your ultrasonic cleaner. I'm pretty sure the manufacturer recommends it as well.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you must have a larger cleaner then? I have the 3 liter and the glass jar that's large enough for a honda carb won't fit with the basket in

[@SA-iw4ci]

@@HomeGaragechannel Mine is 2.5L and tank size is 9.7" x 5.8" x 3.1" (L x W x H) I use jars that have lids that are the same diameter of the jar itself.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I see

[@liljoeii6091]

Thank you for the video

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks for watching!

[@RussellBooth1977]

No, I think that you found out that those grass clippings were the problem !

[@HomeGaragechannel]

agreed

[@RussellBooth1977]

​​@@HomeGaragechannel One thing that I must add,there's a difference between the gasket paper which you buy at the auto parts store & the cardboard from a cereal box,the latter will cause an oil leak whereas the proper oil jointing or gasket paper won't although it may be good for stopping air leaks at the carburettor !

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very true

[@SwayNotZay]

I've been using super clean on my mowers and other lawn equipment until I noticed that it tends to strip wax off of the plastics and paint making it look dull and faded. I've since switched to a non-wax-removing cleaner even if I have to spray it down 2-3 times. Have you had this same problem?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes I have and I need to be extra cautious when using it.

[@georgenovotny4421]

Yep the hf degreaser will eat paint and oxidize engine block if you don’t really rinse it good, then spray some wd40 on it and wipe it down. At least that’s what I found. But, it does degrease crud really well!

[@SwayNotZay]

@@HomeGaragechannel You may not have the time or the need to, but a great way that I've found to bring back the glossy appereance to lawn equipment is by spraying 303 Protectant on the plastics and applying just about any automotive wax to painted metal.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes that works too

[@SHOINOFF]

Use a consentrated degreaser mixed 50/50 with hot water in the ultrasonic.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I'd rather just use gasoline or kerosine

[@SHOINOFF]

@@HomeGaragechannel lmao i can imagine using gasoline in an ultrasonic cleaner. Hey it may work lol. Im just messin with ya a bit.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no for real, water in the basin, and the gasoline or kerosine is in the glass jar where the parts are. It works great so far, way better than dish soap or degreaser

[@SHOINOFF]

@@HomeGaragechannel not gunna lie, i thought that would be dangerous to do. I just ordered me a ultrasonic cleaner and i will try that now lol. I have to do the carbs on my motorcycle so that will be the first test subjects lol