Hard starting

Tony Shelton

Tony Shelton

BS Detector, Esquire
Alright, I know I made a mistake turning in a working engine and exchanging if for a new one at harbor freight just because the old on rattled apart.

Now that I've made the mistake I might need some help.

The new one started up perfect right away and with no load. Second pull. The next time it started on the first pull. So far so good.

I got it installed back on the skid and it started ok and I ran it for about 15 minutes to let it settle in.

Now that it's warmed up it's almost impossible to start. The starter will barely turn it. I pulled it about 30 times and nothing along all the spectrums of the choke.

So, just on a whim I took off the air filter, pulled it about 10 more times and it started and ran like a top. I put the air filter back on and we were in business. Idle was good, pressure was good. Everything was great. I even cleaned a few filters in the yard.

I turned it off for about 10 minutes then went back to start it. Same thing again. Starter barely turned it, then wouldn't turn it at all. Pull started it about 30 times and it finally started with the air filter still on.

I left it running for about 10 minutes while I did a PWI search. I went outside and turned it off. Pulled the spark plug and pulled the cord about 10 times. It pulled real easy now. I put the spark plug back in and tried to start it with the starter. After 4 tries it wouldn't turn it anymore. I pulled the cord twice and it started up.

I let it run for another five minutes then shut it off while I cleaned up the area. After that I tried again. Same thing. After 20 pulls I came in here to get on the board.

Any ideas?
 
If it spins well with out a spark plug you might be missing an exhaust stroke. The cylinder fills with fuel and air, might even ignite, but the exhaust valve doesn't open. Then compression stops you from turning over the engine. If that sounds like it could be it, check the rocker arms and be sure the exhaust valve is working.
 
What Kyle said, plus check to see if the exhaust valve is popping open momentarily at TDC. There's a compression release on the cam that should make it do that. Check the exhaust valve clearance at intake full open. It should be at .008 max.
 
take it back and pay another $50 for warranty on the new one
 
Has anyone tried the new Honda GX690 engines?
We need to put together a new machine, and I'm thinking of going with that one. I was considering this har fre one, put I think I'll stick with one I know will start, and stay together, and not need to be replaced, or cause a lapse in judgment and waste a $50 warranty to replace it while it's still working...
 
BlueBliss said:
Has anyone tried the new Honda GX690 engines?
We need to put together a new machine, and I'm thinking of going with that one. I was considering this har fre one, put I think I'll stick with one I know will start, and stay together, and not need to be replaced, or cause a lapse in judgment and waste a $50 warranty to replace it while it's still working...
Click to expand...

Thanks man, kick a man when he's down...... :hang2:
 
BlueBliss said:
Has anyone tried the new Honda GX690 engines?
We need to put together a new machine, and I'm thinking of going with that one. I was considering this har fre one, put I think I'll stick with one I know will start, and stay together, and not need to be replaced, or cause a lapse in judgment and waste a $50 warranty to replace it while it's still working...
Click to expand...

I'm liking this guy more and more.....
 
offdutyfireman said:
Tony, you know I love you, but I gotta say this: No grown, self respecting, mechanically inclined, uses equipment to earn a living man should ever step foot in Harbor Freight, much less admit to buying something there.
Click to expand...

That cut me deep just there...
I'm in there once a week! Likely because anything I buy there breaks. I find it perfect for one of those odd job tools you likely will only need once.
 
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