Will it Work? Making a Honda GX390 / Clone Compatible

[@cuttheknot4781]

I love how pragmatic and methodical James is and the relaxing (almost Mr. Roger's like) cadence that he carries his work out with. He is very relaxing to watch. He is also very tenacious and determined...great qualities to have.

[@johncourtneidge]

Yes! A Maritimer I expect!

[@mattilindstrom]

And of course his good habit of cleaning everything (within reason). Quite important to spot future leaks in use. About the relaxation part, I fully agree.

[@RuneLar]

Find yourself a therapist that cares for your mental health the way James cares for the operation of generators and small engines.

[@Justicesdad]

Or a wife/husband 😮

[@basedWisco715]

Don’t find yourself a therapist

[@tomsing6384]

they do not exist, the only thing that works in the long run is The Savior!

[@Kinann]

@@tomsing6384 Which one? There's literally THOUSANDS!

[@mikesbarn1858]

My therapist said I was a lost cause and fired me as a patient. lol.

[@KaldekBoch]

2021! Should have done an old timey black and white filter on that footage. Feels like a lifetime ago.

[@samjackaman1928]

James, I hold you and Mustie1 both personally responsible for my ever expanding small engine obsession! 😂, I’m constantly trawling face book market place for small bargains. Thanks to you both, I find repairing anything like this quite therapeutic and a good way to unwind, and watching you and Mustie1 takes all the fear out of getting stuck in, as I know what to expect. Keep the videos coming James. 😊

[@WJCTechyman]

I could definitely add both to my list but also there are composition of Donyboy73, Chickanic, Taryl Fixes All, Steve's Small Engine Saloon and Home Garage/Inside House Garage to name a few.

[@octaviofigueroafigueroa9794]

Hello. I watch exactly those channels!!😊. Saludos from Mexico

[@Eluckyme]

You should find a local construction company. They always need things worked on.

[@bruceyoung1343]

I love the sound of a clicking torque wrenchs in the morning

[@jeffjackelen744]

Sounds like...victory....

[@1marcelfilms]

Sounds like another dreadful and horrible long day at work.

[@DeadKoby]

This is one of those situations that you don't know if you can until you try. I hope this encourages others to think outside the box when fixing stuff.

[@johncourtneidge]

Yes!

[@Sarah_Swede]

Started watching (listening) to this channel because of the voice. For over a year I went to sleep to the methodical repair and diagnostic procedures of generator repair. I have been brain washed me thinks. Within 20 months, I found myself the proud owner of 3 fully operational generators, non worked upon purchase, and just bought my first new generator. Honda 2200i ! Zen and the Art of Generator Repair. Love this channel.

[@GNX157]

Impressive the ability to reach back in archive footage and link the past and present in a cohesive manner. That’s high production value.

[@richardphelan8414]

Good show Jim I do remember the first part in 21 ,,your series are always informative and matter of fact you cut no corners and do things the right way ,complete with instructions of Why

[@bigrickyricks]

Not related to this video specifically, but this week I fixed a go kart using the James-Condon-gas-tank-derusting method! Your videos definitely help lots of people, I’m sure.

[@MikeGervasi]

There's no lame in your game, James. 3 years but you got it running again.

[@craigvenard2507]

I’m glad the magnet on the flywheel made you chuckle!!

[@WJCTechyman]

I thought that was funny, he reinstalled the flywheel but didn't align the magnet away from his work.

[@RiverratGoRVing]

Great save James can't wait for update on powerhead install and test run. Keep posting and hopefully some small engine shops see this and hold on to parts that can be reused and sold. Tks as always for your information that you put out there for those that still DYI our equipment. Michael

[@rx78nt1alex]

You don't know how helpful this video is. I have a BlackMax that has the exact same engine and weird 2 part crank case cover with a bad stator thats discontinued. If this goes well for you, it looks like a way to bring that BlackMax back to life.

[@EvaderGuy]

Well, Professor, I wouldn’t blame you a bit if you charged tuition for these classes, uh, I mean videos. What a great learning experience watching you work! Thank you.

[@MitchEllis-dn9lf]

@@EvaderGuy yes some junior college is missing a heck of a small engine and generator instructor.

[@lot27a]

Blown away by this video James. I wish I had half your knowledge. This is my retirement hobby in the making. I'm convinced these motors (Vanguards, GX's) should last forever for the average consumer with just the minimum maintenence.

[@jcondon1]

They usually do, if taken care of.

[@WJCTechyman]

Honda engines for sure, Vanguards still don't hold a candle to Honda or Kohler Command Pro...Honda clones, you name it, it will beat Briggs. Briggs engines were incredibly temperamental at times and the one Vanguard was no exception. Now that they are made in the States instead of Japan, I can see no good happening to the Vanguard line. Toyota Group knows how to make engines, it's one of if not the largest auto makers on the planet. That said, Toyota doesn't produces nearly as many engines as Honda and Honda produces more engines than Briggs. Granted, Briggs has been known to produce more single cylinder air cooled engines but Honda has more experience as it makes engines for almost anything including cars, motorcycles, power equipment, marine, combined heat and power units, performance racing, air craft etc. It's also funny that Briggs and Stratton companies also use Honda engines on some of its top of the line equipment. The Ferris FW15 wide-area lawn mower is powered by the vertical shaft variant of the engine in this video. Snapper's top of the line walk behind 21" mower is powered by Honda's GXV160.

[@tomsing6384]

the problem is it runs on Gas, got to get ride of the gas

[@CrimeVid]

@@tomsing6384 not in your lifetime !

[@DanKoning777]

Like always another great video-and one of the best parts was at 1:24:20 "...in the next few weeks you're going to see this engine again..."

[@drunkingsailor2359]

Jim, thats some fine work you did there. Much appreciation to you for being meticulous in your procedures.

[@MikeeonYouTube4]

James,a piece of Perspex,tap the edge with hammer will create a razors edge,it wont damage Ali,this is used in the fibreglass industry to clean moulds it’s very successful,all the best from Perth 🇦🇺👍

[@generessler6282]

That sounds like a great idea. You mean snap the edge off by hitting it?

[@MikeeonYouTube4]

@@generessler6282 yes,hang the edge over something solid,tap with hammer it brakes off @an angle,when it gets blunt do the same again 🇦🇺👍

[@melkiorwiseman5234]

Arrived in time to give "like" number 225 and finished the video at "like" number 512... and counting. Good work, James. Not that you need me to tell you that. 😄

[@guataco]

You really are a Dr. Frankenstein of small engines. Congrats.

[@swallowinn4410]

Hello James: Well done again. Your attention to detail missed a small bit that surprised me. Possibly you corrected the bent fins on the starter housing off camera. It will not make the engine run any better but esthetically it would look better if they were straightened. Still another unit saved from the land fill and ready for another 30 years of service. Keep the quality up and the videos coming.

[@martyb3783]

Its always interesting watching you work your magic on these engines. Well done.

[@christophermarshall5765]

Runs great!! 12V charging works properly too. Nice job!!

[@brianwood5220]

Great job, James. At least it didn't cost you too much to get it back to top running order. Thanks for sharing.

[@johncourtneidge]

Super gorgeous, James! Lovely work! Highly enjoyable! Well done! Thank-you!!

[@donnaber4918]

James you need to repaint the front cover to Generic orange. Overall you did a super job.

[@jcondon1]

The engine is going to repower a yellow champion. Hopefully will get that video in the works soon.

[@mjg263]

Wow, I’m really surprised the Honda clone oil sump section fit the genuine Honda engine with no issues. I always thought they changed things just a little bit on the clones to prevent legal trouble, or at least to cut manufacturing costs. Amazing job!

[@bryangilmer671]

Came here to say this

[@michaelmichaelh6103]

Hi.. I've been a mechanic for decades, much easier to remove gaskets with products like crc gasket remover..saves time, just have to be cautious of sensitive materials that may be damaged...better then hitting gear teeth with scaper...keep up the great work you do sir...cheers.

[@TheShawna1]

For blind hole removal try packing with heavy wheel bearing grease behind the bearing with a very close fitting wooden dowel wack it with that heavy hammer hydraulic pressure will pop it right out.

[@geoffmolyneux9173]

Wet small chunks of paper works when heavy grease goes through the bearing. Pound in the paper chunks using a bolt that fits the bearing id hole. Another trick when installing the bearings is to grind old bearing race that is tight, and use that old bearing to tap new bearing in

[@robertgad3269]

You are a talented guy. That is hardly news, and some of the talents are obvious. However, you have one more talent that, frankly, is a surprise to me and something I’m sure you never thought of: for some inexplainable reason, you are able to hold my attention watching you scrub old oil off engine parts with WD40, a scrub brush, and a handful of paper towers. I, for one, find that impressive. Thanks.

[@WJCTechyman]

Interesting video, as always. I am not at all surprised that a 29 year old Honda still starts and runs as I have a Honda GXV120 powered Honda HR214 lawn mower that still starts after roughly 40 years and even older Honda flathead G and GV engines on two Honda snow throwers and a Honda tiller, over 40 years old a piece that are the same. The tiller was also once a piece of rental equipment and well used and/or abused. Of all of the engines I have had over the years, I put Honda at the top of my list (and that includes the clone engines I have bought as well, one of them being a direct clone of the GX390 you have in this video that's on my 5500VA running generator as well as the 420 cc monster on my Cub Cadet snow blower). Closely following are Echo, Kohler Command Pro (my two 12.5 hp Kohlers are getting harder to find parts) and Tecumseh and dead last by a fair distance is Briggs and Stratton.

[@realimike1971]

James, you just saved me time and money....THANX ALOT I watched several of your videos on drilling out jets to resolve surging problems, my pressure has always surged and never knew how to fix it, until I watched your videos in idle circuits, I found my idle circuit and took your advice to the letter and was patient, till I fixed the issue. I had to drill out the idle jet 3 times to get the results I wanted. Thankyou from California. Liked, subscribed and donated.

[@jcondon1]

Thanks I appreciate it. Glad to hear it running well. A lot of new engines surge from day one. I find drilling that jet is the only way to get it running right.

[@Bradleyscience]

Very well done, we appreciate all of your insights, thoughts, shortcuts and experience, it truly makes it much easier for many people. Cheers

[@donprater2754]

The master did it again. Good video James.

[@rodneymiddleton9624]

I always wondered how close the castings were to the original Honda casting. I use a transmission assembly lube tacky grease that holds the lifters in nicely. Great job!!!

[@vernt4583]

Great job on your expertise on Honda engines 🎉❤. Enjoying your videos from East Texas.

[@davidmonteil6340]

Great work James!! I never thought I would see you kind of downgrade (of sorts) a Honda engine lol, but hey it worked! Your patience, knowledge, skill, and tenacity are quite admirable. Hopefully that cover will be in similar quality to the rest of the Honda motor. It should be no problem. You saved that engine, electric starter and all to work with a clone power head! At some point I was listening to hear you say "scalpel" but "razor blade" is close enough. I will enjoy seeing that motor powering up a large generator in the future. James has rebuilt it. He has the technology! I think that doctors should also have some additional experience rebuilding motors, and be successful at it before working on us...Yep...lol

[@nicklutz61]

Very interesting video. A "ClonDa" is born! Keep up the great work. Closing in on 200K subs - congrats!

[@jcondon1]

Thank you!

[@williambikash6645]

When banging new bearings into the endplate, Chill the bearings which you did. A little lube on the bearing outer race and and in the endplate and heat it a bit longer. Put a solid piece of hardwood on the concrete floor and carefully hit the bearings with your large hammer. Your lift absorbs a lot of the energy from the hammer blows. I saw the large bearing fall into place but the small one took to much pounding.

[@RC-fu6hg]

Amazing as always! 👍 now that’s some recycling ♻️ at its finest! Often have I wondered if swapping out covers could work. 🤔 Well you answered that question with one awesome video!

[@RichardLiebert]

Attention to detail(s), as ALWAYS! great Video!

[@generessler6282]

Nice as always. As you said looks like it had quite a few hours with wonky oil at the end. Hope all your good work won't be for naught due to something else going sideways in the near term.

[@jeffreyandreas7514]

Great job and great video Jim! Very informative and we’ll be looking forward to seeing that engine powering a generator again!

[@wb8ujb]

I have been working on engines for many years. I always wondered what that spring was on the governor linkage. Thank you for that information. Thanks for your video's as well. I find them very informative.

[@GNX157]

23:40 A suggestion for if you needed to use a socket to tap in, is to put some grease in the back of the seal in the cavity where the lip seal tension spring is (if it uses one?). The grease will help keep the spring from popping off from vibration when you hit the socket, which you may not see happen since the backside is hidden by the bearing.

[@alanstalker5499]

An excellent video. Thanks Jim.

[@scottpace578]

It’s all about having parts! Great video!

[@AMAZING-nx4ex]

Nice work so easy to watch you doing your work. You make it sound special and happy with what is going on.

[@paulravitsky2898]

Measure the voltage on the charge coil. If it AC, then you will need a diode in series to charge the battery. If the output is DC, you should be good to go. You might b able to use the diode test on your meter depending on the coil resistance. If you get the same reading whilst reversing leads, you will need a diode. If you get a low reading one way and a high reading the other way, there is probably a diode in the lead. My experience with 2 cylinder Honda engines with the same charge coil is you're gonna need a diode. Great save!

[@luissimmons654]

Thanks for been so kind i love watchin your videos please let me know each time you put up a new one

[@andrewgrace4410]

Awesome troubleshooting James 😊

[@CheapThrills66chevy]

James, you should try a pull gasket scraper. I have the Wilde Tool 516 I got off Amazon and I found it to work really well. I feel like it gives me more control and it is much less prone to gouging when scraping gaskets on softer substrates like aluminum. The carbide scraper is great on harder material. Love your videos. Keep up the great work.

[@jcondon1]

Will take a look. I have a carbide scraper. Works great, but on aluminum not my first choice.

[@watermanone7567]

Excellent work James. Thanks for the video.

[@EugenMoisa]

minute 13:30, stop hammering the sockets.. if you worked in Germany and did that, you'd probably be fired 😅😅 Great video as always

[@almclean4835]

Another great video James.

[@neiltheplayer]

not sure if someone has asked this before, why don't you use a pressure washer and degreaser to save the hand scrubbing? then use the brush afterwards. Might save a bit of elbow grease in the long run. Thank you for posting this.

[@amilian74]

great job as always, interesting the way you changed the bearings and oil caps from both sides of the engine, I think this is the first time I´ve seen you do that

[@davidschipsi1316]

The balance shaft like you showed needs to be timed. The crankshaft counter weights balances the piston weight and momentum at top dead center and bottom dead center. When the crankshaft counter weight is at 90 degrees now the weight is too much and causes crankshaft counter weight vibration because the weight and momentum is much different and is out of balance at that point. Here is where the balance shaft does its thing, it counter balances the crankshaft counter weight at the right time 90 degrees with opposing force.

[@jcondon1]

I did time it. Also out of time besides the vibration the crank counter weight will hit the balance shaft weight.

[@grahammctygue724]

Hope staying cool n dry 🎉🎉😊😊

[@YukonHawk1]

I love your videos. I learn something new everytime.

[@ceejay6882]

The exacto knife kits have mini chisel shaped blades. They work really well in tight spots.

[@jaydee7454]

heya James Is it time for a shop press..... also you should get yourself a deburing tool to run around the bearing and seal openings

[@jcondon1]

Definitely past due.

[@angusshapland2273]

There’s a difference between back fire and after fire. The solenoid valve on the carb main jet is to reduce the possibility of after fire caused by unburnt ( ignition killed) fuel being sucked into a muffler may have red hot rough internal flanges etc that then ignite the raw fuel with a quite violent pop.

[@OnTheEdgeNow]

They used to make a spray gasket remover I used for gaskets like that when I worked on cars in the 80s. Spray it on, let it set for 15 minutes, and it would soften the gasket right up. I am not sure, but I think it was made by Permatex. Don't get any on an open cut if I remember right.

[@loucinci3922]

Enjoyed the video. Thanks for sharing

[@MitchEllis-dn9lf]

The magnet on the flywheel was giving you competition to insert the bolt and to get you socket and extension back. LOK

[@MitchEllis-dn9lf]

As usual an excellent video.

[@peterouellette3874]

Nice going, James

[@myrandabrown]

Another great video ❤

[@johnsalmon2501]

Great video! Enjoyed watching it. Thanks

[@jcondon1]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@oemytech]

Great video.. But, would have put the second coil in as it would be a lot of work to do it later.

[@jcondon1]

True, but I have a generator in mind for this engine and the second coil is not needed. Actually I don’t think it needs any coils.

[@oemytech]

@@jcondon1 that makes sense.

[@ron827]

Before removing a dirty cover, "I" prefer to remove as much dirt as possible from the area to prevent internal contamination.

[@mnemonicmoniker4101]

James Condone is the Bob Ross of small engine repair. If you’re old enough, you know what I’m talking about.

[@mnemonicmoniker4101]

Sorry. Condon. Dang it. Well, he put a happy little bell housing over there.

[@jcondon1]

I used to watch him on PBS

[@benrobles752]

Another enjoyable video, James. BTW I'm down here out of Houston running my B&S 8250/5500 Storm Responder. Going on four days, shutting engine down to refuel about every ten hours and checking the oil. I am using Mobil 1 full synthetic 5W-30. I need to get your shipping address to send you some parts from an aborted generator repair project.

[@Joserocha-wm9de]

Hi James💡 , we are back 🙃🙂

[@LostDeadSoul]

It would be lovely if you had/used an hydraulic press for those bearings. I mean I myself have hammered many bearings in. But having an hydraulic press brings more satisfaction, I think. Anyway, keep on keeping on bringing good content.

[@redneckbryon]

42:38, you drop something right around this point in the video. I had to watch it twice to make sure it was you and not me, lol 1:02:20, did you know just because it meets that rating, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s that old, it’s just in compliance. I have a Craftsman Tractor it meets the 1998 emissions compliance, but it’s a 2003.

[@raymondsmith4808]

Very nice of you to explain.

[@tomsing6384]

Hi, James, could you do a little teaching on the Loading in's and out's of home generation, would the old rule of 80% work in most cases?

[@MitchEllis-dn9lf]

If you got the cam back in with the valves and springs in tact odds are the push rods are fine.

[@benkanobe7500]

(Mustie1 would be proud of your flywheel removal...)

[@Histandard2011]

I think you took both of the tappets out and if you installed the original exhaust tappet in the intake tappet hole this would explain why both rockers were way out of adjustment in opposite directions.

[@jcondon1]

It would, but I put them back where they came from. But it’s possible I mixed them up.

[@walkertongdee]

Now everyone knows why the Honda GX series is the most copied engine in the world, but most people prefer low-quality cheap crap that doesn't last, well not me I will always choose Honda quality. I have two 20-25- year-old Honda GX series engines and I never replaced a part.

[@jcondon1]

The generator I am going to put this on had a 2 year old clone engine with about 200 hours that failed. This Honda is much older and I bet will run the generator for many more years.

[@walkertongdee]

​@@jcondon1 I longtail (mud motor) deep into the Thai jungle, I need a Honda...

[@jesterr7133]

I can really appreciate how thorough you are with your work. It is nice learning how to do things properly. It is a pleasure learning from you. I think you are a perfectionist. I recently worked on an engine for a push mower where I was unable to remove the blade adapter. I could only open it about 16 inches. I was barely able to clean the gasket surface at all. Even after breaking one of the sump cover bolts and tightening all of them by hand with no torque wrench, it is still sealing perfectly and doesn't leak a drop. I have never owned a torque wrench. What is the benefit of using them? I am looking to purchase one soon when I sell my next machine. I don't understand the benefit of using one, but i would like to understand it. Why is it necessary to use one?

[@jcondon1]

For some things you need it, like on the connecting rod and flywheel. Most you do not. But I use one if the manufacture specified a torque value. Just helps ensure you do not break a bolt and applies even pressure on the part being secured.

[@HerHid-h4p]

You do good work!

[@myrandabrown]

Well, that exhaust valve explains the leaky seals at least.

[@JpJp-zd7vu]

Another superb revival James & a plethora of knowledge right along w it , as usual ! Referenced you're MZ360 swap to Responder gen head last week , and pulled off an identical swap . Currently finishing up a Generac 5500EXL , carb kit & filters due in a few days . Have a Techimcal question, need a complete cyl head for a Honda clone 18hp single cyl , Gen 2 . Unit is a DuroMax XP 10,000 EH . BLOCK #'S - MF192FD *170913337* Curious if a cyl head from say a 15 , or 16hp would be the same head ? Or even a cyl head from a twin cyl emgine of slightly lower ratimgs . I've found the actual cyl head on Generator GuRu , but its upward of $240 + . Customer wants to try a cheaper route of possible ?

[@billcrocker1054]

James, you should make a video on how you make videos. Please show us how you record, edit and post? What software do you use? Over the years you have gotten very good and I have watched them all.

[@arthurbiringer5676]

Another great job!

[@ronaldtodd4819]

I grew up in my grandfathers small engine repair shop and enjoy your videos a lot, however I do think you get carried away with the torque wrench.

[@Vinny-i8o]

Nice job James 👍

[@MitchEllis-dn9lf]

I’m kinda shocked that you got the cam back in with the pushrods and I assume the valve springs still in tact.

[@geraldharkness8830]

excellent james

[@jimdavis6833]

The only time the polarity of a DC solenoid is important is if one side is grounded, in which case it would need to match the polarity of the battery.

[@richardtaylor7199]

Great job

[@philliphall5198]

Good job 👍

[@bstamand1985]

It looks like the genuine Honda casting overall looks smoother with nicer fillets in the casting. But china is so crazy to copy everyone down to the mm.

[@jerryhouston5400]

What is the degreaser you use for scrubbing off the caked on oil?

[@w.ottopeck9619]

Great video! Do I have to wait a week till you finish the build? I’m looking forward to it

[@jcondon1]

Next week starts a video series on a go cart, then will use this engine after that on a generator with a blown engine.

[@woody95124]

My gosh u do amazing work bud...Everything is done correct way..or u don't do it...

[@fascistpedant758]

@24:25, You could have tilted the engine to the right so the lifters wouldn't slide out.