We finally get this Honda mower running again but there's a problem.

[@DeanCharles123]

Hopefully, the day will come when you have a REAL bench and REAL inside work area. You deserve something better for the great videos you make! Great job!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Maybe one day! I really do appreciate it Dean Charles.

[@franleck]

This mower is the gift that keeps on giving.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sad to say yes

[@georgemartinez1720]

The ignition is good Fuel system good has good Compression Overall good tou already Repair the other issues I say repair it And denote it to some who needs one or sell it

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@georgemartinez1720 I believe you are absolutely correct

[@ViralMemeMix]

Awesome video! Poor mower I was pulling for this to be a winner. If you find an engine for a fair price I’d say change it. You’ve inspired me to take on more small engine repair projects myself - thank you for all the awesome content.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I appreciate that. Thank you and good luck

[@electroddxful]

You made it look so easy recoiling the spring. Great video. I would keep it and see if I could find a other engine for it. 🙏👍🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks 👍 and it's actually not that hard.

[@lose2live]

I would like to see a rebuild so we could see the damage of what running with no oil can do.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

absolutely

[@jbrou3892]

I would love to see you rebuild it! Love the videos!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I will probably do it later on

[@luisburgos6940]

I always enjoy watching your videos! ! I would try to find another engine on this one !! Trying to rebuild it could be a gambling game and quickly could turn out to be very expensive !! Thank you for sharing !! Take care !! 👍 👍

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you! and you are so right about the cost

[@mrmerhtin3625]

Perfect video for me, I need to change my cord this weekend. Will probably buy one of those ropes from the dollar store, but I'm open to better alternatives. I wanted to get a stronger string than the original, not too thick hopefully.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it's hard to find something like that. the stronger ones I find to be thicker

[@mrmerhtin3625]

Dollar Store rope worked just fine. I should've added a bit more lengh and loops, but it works. It's very likely I will have to replace it sooner than expected because it's exposed to the elements plus I'm using this machine for commercial use.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@mrmerhtin3625 that makes sense.

[@Patrick4959]

I would have a go at replacing the connecting rod.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

That's definitely an idea

[@farmerjackson709]

Yeah a lot of times you can clean up the crank and save it. There are several ways to do this, sanding or acid to remove the aluminum transfer

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@farmerjackson709 nice method

[@diywithreza]

​@@farmerjackson709 Do you watch james condon?

[@tyroneclarke1666]

Thank you for the video. Would be nice to remove the sump to check out the damage. May be a cheap repair. Regards from Perth WA 🇦🇺

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Yes I'm going to look at it soon

[@aussienebula8331]

Yeah I would look for another engine. Thanx for the vid mate.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

No problem

[@alexandercosta1777]

I love the videos man, Also, what is the oldest piece of equipment you have worked on.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks. It's a chainsaw from ... I guess the 60's

[@Meatwad9271]

What was the lube you used for the bearings (black and white can)?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I believe it's lithium grease

[@mjg263]

You’ll find another GCV-160, they’re as common as Quantums. That’s a bad rod knock though! I have a friend with a Honda powered LawnBoy that suffered the same fate. He never checked or changed the oil then called me when it started making horrible knocking noises. It still ran but eventually I swapped in a Quantum before the rod let go and schooled him on checking the oil (I change it for him every season now). That Honda sure is giving you problems!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Nice work

[@rstephe]

I always like to see a rebuild, especially when I am not the one doing it. As for me, if this is my mower I am looking for a replacement engine.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I feel the same way.

[@YukiNeko-Neko]

did you check the valves? can't hurt to do a quick inspection of them.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Yes I believe I checked them off camera.

[@2035jim]

Do you know if the governor shaft is supposed to have a little bit of play in it mine does and it concerns the crap out of me

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I'll have to get back with you on that, I'll check soon.

[@willmorrow375]

How about updates for what you ended up doing?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Do you mean in the fork of a a short?

[@willmorrow375]

@@HomeGaragechannel What exactly is a "fork of a short"?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@willmorrow375 sorry, autocorrected . should have been "form", do you want the updates in the shorts videos?

[@willmorrow375]

@@HomeGaragechannel As a Muskie1 fan I always wonder what happened to a particular project, example; he got a barn find Vespa running but never did a follow up- did he squirrel it away?sell it? junk it? when you ask "what would you do with it?" it begs the question "what did you do with it?

[@Ppp-kk6hw]

Sell for parts or replace engine big up from Scotland 👍 thanks for the tips

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you and Hello Scotland!

[@karlsonvomdach832]

I would use it till it dies Greetings from germany 🙋🏻‍♂️

[@HomeGaragechannel]

hello Germany!

[@tazmun]

You do realize connecting rods are kind of like Russian roulette when they break and exit the crankcase right.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@tazmun you are absolutely correct

[@smallengines1018]

Hi from America

[@benrobles752]

Replace it with a used GCV 160/190. That is a high dollar mower to replace.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Wow.. you just read my mind!

[@benrobles752]

@@HomeGaragechannel I'm psychotic... I mean psychic.

[@billr6983]

Well done and informative videos. Great channel.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you very much!

[@chucky2316]

How much to import a brand new Honda mower from the UK or a good used one from a Honda dealer

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I'm not sure

[@watermanone7567]

Good video, may be worth putting a rod and piston in it if the crank is o.k. A big shame that people treat expensive mowers like that! ! !Thanks for the video.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I know right. The third installment of this video is going to be awesome too.

[@michaelwalsh90]

Agreed. Hopefully the crank bearing isn't to badly damaged

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@michaelwalsh90 hopefully not

[@jonnybumlicker2014]

Found one of these bad boys on the curb. Couldn't pull the cord. Got it unsiezed and it worked for a little bit then seized up now I can't pull the cord again. Seems to have the same exact problems as this one. I'm gonna look at those bearings tomorrow 👍 Edit: it wasn't low on oil tho

[@HomeGaragechannel]

interesting. let me know what you find out.

[@jonnybumlicker2014]

@@HomeGaragechannel well so far I got the smaller Bearing to turn after lubricating. The bigger one is bad missing bbs. Did you put the link for those bearings in the description I don't see them. Edit: your channel is awesome!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Jonny Bumlicker..

[@Disdained_talent1]

Deck looks good, I'd find one with a rotted deck but a good engine and swap them. I would be interested in seeing it taken apart and see what let go internally. So sad to think that people can't even add oil less much change it. Takes me about 5 minutes to change the oil on my mowers.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes decks are much easier to deal with than a bad engine

[@RJLM330]

So if you decided to repair what would it cost in parts vs replacing the engine. I have a Honda from the 80s and face the same issue

[@1999Valkyrie]

Soooooo...those mysterious "wavy washers" go on the inside of the wheels? I learned something!

[@BramVanhautte]

What is the difference between lithium grease and all purpose grease? Lithium grease is better for external components who are exposed to rough conditions?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

The only difference for me is ease of use, it comes in a spray can vs. Out of a tub for multipurpose grease. You can use multipurpose grease if you feel like it.

[@G-GFactoryMade]

I found same mower on the curb. Pulled the motor and tossed the deck. Not sure what condition the motor is in. But im in oklahoma if you want it for free

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice offer, I'll let you know

[@alfredosayon]

I love all your videos!!!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you I appreciate your time

[@williamsnow1531]

You went this far with it so why not go all the way. You can sell it for good money being a true Honda mower and recoup your costs.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

You are absolutely correct about that

[@jesterr7133]

It's a tough call. The work is not terribly difficult and this one would bring decent money for a push mower. I would probably tear it down and find out exactly how bad it is, and how much it will cost to fix. It would also depend on what I have in the parts stash. The amount of damage would determine who far I go with it. If you can get away with just a rod and head gasket, then it's not too bad.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

if memory serves me, I do believe the upper crankshaft support was the part that took the most abuse. That where most of the noise is coming from

[@StudCity718]

I got a question. Does it matter what kind of oil you put in the mower? My manual says SAE30 but what would happen if I put 20?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you mean SAE20 or 5w-20? nothing really but the oil will be too thick once it gets cooler in the fall.

[@StudCity718]

@@HomeGaragechannel ok first, is there a difference between SAE30 and 5W-30?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@StudCity718 Yes SAE30 is only a single weight use on in summer. that means temp range of warm to hot. However, 5W-30 has a very broad working temp range, down to freezing temps. unless you intend on using it in your snowblower, you don't need that broad of a range

[@StudCity718]

@@HomeGaragechannel where can I find SAE oil? All I got is 5w-30

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@StudCity718 walmart or any autoparts store

[@tazmun]

Parts machine…rebuild would need a crankshaft too You could price short blocks,which is basically what you need probably. You know that engine has a timing chain and those can make a racket too, but sure sounded like a rod. I wonder if you can buy Chinesium short blocks for honda? I honestly don’t know but unlike other people I have had good luck with Chinesium!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Yes I'm going with a used engine

[@GeneG-wk2mz]

Do a rebuild on it

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I definitely want to try

[@mr1pearl]

Deck is solid too bad isn't easy finding a Honda engine happy hunting !

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks

[@thomasdoyle8094]

I don't want to hijack this post so how do I post some pics of my Honda"s tire ummmm. Axel breakage. Thanks!!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

the only way would be to upload the pics in video format to this platform and post the link to it in the comments

[@tazmun]

I’m not sure if you’re selling these or what, but out of just pure curiousness I snooped around and I found one on eBay a used engine supposed to be in good shape pulled off a power washer with a bad pump low hours hundred percent rating. It’ll cost you $100 to buy it and get it shipped to you. Problem is if that all works out that’s probably about the most that whole mowers worth, just guessing don’t know your market. Just searched for gvc 160 short block

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I was able to find one already

[@nashguy207]

I have an old hrx honda pushmower that the engine is good that might fit that mower.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks for the offer, but I have an engine for it already.

[@rileysindt6689]

I'd use the chassis for parts. At the bare minimum, save the transmission, recoil, carburetor, and wheels.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very good idea

[@Maxpower-lg3ju]

Yeah I reckon you should try and rebuild it it would make a good video in my opinion

[@HomeGaragechannel]

possibly but the cost would be high

[@Maxpower-lg3ju]

@@HomeGaragechannel true

[@brucecoleman7412]

I’m guessing that it needs a rod, crankshaft, and rings. With a knock like that, that would probably be the minimum that I would do. It might get by without the rings, but if I was going to resell it, it would get them anyway.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I don't remember If I took this one apart, or a different one, but it was only the top bearing support, that took all the damage.

[@ZivFox]

I'd go for rebuilding it. once you get it open you'll be able to see if there is too much damage, then you can cut your losses there.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

good idea

[@Kyle-bb9zp]

That's what I would have done couple right size washers all good

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you !

[@truckdriver3126]

Worth mentioning, these engines have oil-bathed timing belts.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Yes they do

[@crisprtalk6963]

Such a nice mower, too bad it was neglected.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

agreed

[@hunter1953]

Maybe tare the engine down to see what is causing the noise and if the parts are to much then that's less you have to take apart for parts. Don't forget its a Honda and they are always worth money on a resell

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you are absolutely right about that

[@gavincooper9307]

Love the videos

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Gavin Cooper

[@TheDominic079]

Nice video easy knowledge.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you!

[@weedeaterkid666]

I just watch your previous video like 45 minutes ago

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@ee1897]

my throttle cable is stuck on my string trimmer

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Then replace the cable

[@finallythetruthisout761]

I wasted money on a new Honda mower last year. I cut grass twice and the engine froze. I am getting rid of it. Failures this early on a lawn mower that stays inside unless used is a bad sign.

[@arnoldreite1843]

If it was me I'd just go ahead and rebuild it then u know it will be right

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you're right about that

[@davidcoudriet8439]

Small engines are not hard to fix...

[@HomeGaragechannel]

then what do you suggest?

[@davidcoudriet8439]

I suspect it needs a rod, and hope crank is ok.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@davidcoudriet8439 I think you're right

[@rbarr775]

I've seen the GCV160's on listings like Craigslist for around $50 or so. If the lawn is fairly even, I suppose I'd be willing to put an engine in it; however, that single-lever adjuster would be the deal-breaker for me. On an uneven lawn, even if the mower were perfect, mowing would be a constant battle. It's just a very badly designed chassis.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks

[@sweetlou5902]

Poor thing needs a connecting rod

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you're right about that.

[@channelqu]

great video sir

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks

[@davids8449]

I have to say the build quality of that Honda lawnmower is awful, I have a 43 year old mower with a Briggs engine all I do is change the the oil and it starts third pull, spark plug was charged 5 years ago ( comment from England)

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks for the comment

[@oldsrocket6097]

Use it until it stops. Just like all the other equipment out there. Why should this mower have different treatment Oh, wait a min, it's Honda, let's built it a monument and give it participation trophy

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that is definitely an idea

[@b286guy]

Used and abused! It would be interesting to see you tear the engine apart and rebuild, but it would probably be cheaper and easier for you to replace it. What about one of those Predators from Harbor Freight? 😄

[@HomeGaragechannel]

unfortunately the shaft size is too narrow to be used on this mower.

[@b286guy]

@@HomeGaragechannel Gotcha. Well, there are lots of good GCV160 engines out there.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@b286guy that's the idea thanks.

[@keithmiller3120]

Well Honda being a good Quality motor and that mower is still in good shape I would rebuild the bottom end if it was mine but someone else I would tell them the price and let them decide if they want to fix it

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Excellent point

[@mikehrdlicka8635]

I fix and sell mowers I often wonder if people check oil

[@HomeGaragechannel]

they don't

[@Subzero9767-u2g]

Personally I would find a new engine to use but the choice is yours

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I always appreciate your thoughts Moses Rodriguez. thanks

[@paulburns3788]

I think you should get new engine that is my opinion like I said before I love my Honda mower

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's the plan

[@dominoespizza1756]

I've got the same mower and it started knocking yesterday, I had a look in it and it would need a new rod but the bore has some scratches and because it's aluminium I don't know if I want to hone it. Also on mine the plastic bushings have moved so now the axle and carrier have worn down quite a bit, in my opinion you should just leave the engine for spare parts and try to find a suitable replacement engine

[@HomeGaragechannel]

excellent idea

[@thomasambers9977]

It’s a Honda rebuild

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Thomas Ambers

[@Dom-e92]

A predator engine would be cool

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes it would except the drive shaft is too narrow compared to the Honda one.

[@rogergonsoulin9675]

Rebuild with parts only

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Roger Gonsoulin

[@jeffcox2446]

I knew you could

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks

[@Marty1959]

I would fix it it's a Honda

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Me too

[@joeortiz3455]

Ageeed get another engine ,tear this one down to see how bad its damaged 😫

[@HomeGaragechannel]

oh yes that's a good idea

[@mikespain8655]

I think an engine tear down to see damage internally is in order for a great upcoming video. Replace engine with good used engine. Not cost effective to repair.

[@joeortiz3455]

My guess is the the crank cap bearing is done galled really bad

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@mikespain8655 you are absolutely correct

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@joeortiz3455 more than likely

[@cdos9186]

If it’s more than just the rod I would put it back together till it blows.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's a good idea

[@AngryRanger4.0]

Why don’t you rebuild it would be good content

[@HomeGaragechannel]

actually I tore the engine down, it's an upcoming video.

[@slpip4365]

Operator problem. I never have problem with my Honda engine lawn mowers use motor oil from my vehicle oil change of the Mobile One motor oil.

[@Jim-ie6uf]

Honda parts are relatively cheap. I’d open it for an inspection, and go from there. This is an expensive mower, but it does have front wheel issues.Hmmmmmm.....

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Yes an inspection is on its way.

[@TecumsehRulesbcserk]

It is absolutely amazing how much abuse these things can take

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I know right. still keeps working

[@dukesworld3020]

The cost is too high for rebuilding it, I would just keep it for parts or maybe try and find another engine.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

You are a very wise person. I completely agree with you.

[@jcadult101]

I'm sure you want to know what broke inside just as much as we do.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

absolutely

[@johncrable3349]

I would confirm the problem before making the decision.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very smart choice

[@stephenbridges2791]

If it were mine, I'd change the rod and put rings on it.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that makes sense, thank you Stephen Bridges

[@paulburns3788]

That mower don't sound too good it sounds like it has a knock in it

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you are absolutely right about that

[@thomasharris7696]

I replace them.. I end up with mowers that have rotten decks but good engines. So I keep the engines to swap when I get one with a knock.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's a great idea. Thanks Thomas Harris

[@tiger121372]

you should take a non working honda mower to the honda car dealership and see if they will service it

[@HomeGaragechannel]

That's an idea

[@carsonator023]

I would find another engine and then strip this one down to see what the lack of oil did to the engine as an educational video

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you read my mind

[@martint766]

Parts mower.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Martin T.

[@chrisrichard8194]

save all hasseles......change motor

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Chris Richard

[@robertyearian227]

Trash it i hate those mowers so hard to work on then they break down again

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I understand your feeling.

[@mjg263]

Autopsy video!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Coming up

[@stevesmith6058]

Rebuild it since Honda quit making lawnmowers rebuild it

[@HomeGaragechannel]

good choice

[@chadvalliere8697]

Engine is trash. I’d do an autopsy on the engine auto see how bad it is. Then strip it of good parts to reuse on other projects.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Is it the Chad

[@smallengines1018]

Get a new engine for it

[@HomeGaragechannel]

do you mean New or used?

[@smallengines1018]

@@HomeGaragechannel either one just another one you can find probably not new

[@davidanderson2523]

donor engine!!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks

[@williambowden1509]

Find a new motor

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I think I will

[@owentoal989]

run it till it dies

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's the idea

[@gavincooper9307]

First

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I appreciate it