Just wanted to add a comment since I just changed mine out yesterday. Mine was very difficult to remove. It was because the wax inside it melted out and coated the outer perimeter of it. Once the wax solidified again it made it difficult to remove. The only way that I was able to remove it was to heat it with a torch (be very careful to direct the flame just in this area). Once the wax was hot enough, it started dripping out and, along with pulling pressure on the thermowax, it was able to be removed. I just wanted to share my experience. Thanks again for the video.
I'd avoid using a torch. A lot of these were bonded in place with RTV sealant at the factory and can be difficult to remove, in that case Honda recommends using small pliers or wire cutters to pull the thermo-wax center pin all the way out and remove it, then screw a #6 sheet metal or drywall screw into the thermo-wax body and carefully pry it out.
Great video and thanks for the great insight. Here I am thinking... "There's only 3 things it could be..." forgetting that it's a Honda! Saved me a bunch of money and started literally on the first pull.
For those with a GCV190 engine on their mower do not order the part mentioned without doing a parts lookup for your specific mower. I have a GCV190 and the thermal wax assembly in my engine is round. I have watched a ton of videos on this topic and everyone shows a red colored square shaped wax assembly. The Honda power equipment site is a great place to confirm the part you need
@@timrussell5988 Yes, the engine model code and serial numbers are stamped into the engine block but it is best to go by the model and serial number that is on the cutter deck.
Thank you for your video. It was very helpful. I have that same mower. After the winter and gas stored with Stabil, I couldn't get it to start. So (thanks to TH-cam), I just completely cleaned the carburetor. Good news: I got it to start and it is now running smoothly after letting it run for a few minutes. Bad news: it still takes about 10 pulls to start when I let it cool off for only 1/2 hour (but at least it starts now 😀). So hopefully, your fix is the last missing piece. The part should arrive tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes.
That part is like any part it fails. I also see that many areas of your mower is dirty. To you it is just a mower. But the linkage parts on top the carb and such must be kept clean and lightly lubricated. Not doing so puts extra effort and wear on other parts. I also suggest keeping the wheel axles clean and lubed with light oils and very light greases. The easier it is to push the mower the easier it is for the self propelling system to do it's job. Many times I see folks mowing their grass too short, kicking up all kinds of dust and debris then never take the time to clean their mower. I have the actually shop manual to my Honda mower. All the suggestions I stated are touched on in that manual. These mower have regular necessary maintenance, that for some people seem to neglect. Just trying to help others out there to save them some unnecessary and unwanted breakdowns. By the way, my Honda mower starts first pull ever time, and always has.
This part clearly hasn't failed in your mower. If it had you'd know it's got nothing to do with a dirty lawn mower or proper maintenance or even lubricating stuff. If you want to obsessively clean and maintain your lawn mower go for it, but these mowers can also start first pull every time when they're dirty too. Also, there's no need to lubricate the linkages and doing so will only cause more dirt to stick to them and force you to clean them more often.
I pulled the Carb assembly out just enough to pull out the old themowax without taking the carb all the way off, its tricky, but with needle nose pliers saved me alot of time.
In my case the Honda Thermo Wax costs at least $22.00 but I'll have to change it in order for my lawn mower to start in the first pull. Thanks for demonstrating how the new Thermo Wax should look when compared to the one that has failed.
Check to see if the choke flap is open when it's cold, that should give you a good indication if changing it will help. I also noticed that when mine was warm, it was extremely hard to start. Let me know if you end up changing it out and if it fixes it.
@@ThatDadMike When warm first pull. I know this from refueling from front to back yard. Will check the flap. Due to its age, would think it should be replaced.
Thank you. My neighbor now has lawn service she gave me her old Honda. She said John very hard to start. Maybe the thermometer wax assembly is broken like yours. Thank you.
It's worth a try! Mine was getting to where it took several pulls to start and not starts on the first pull every time. Let me know if you end up trying it and if it solves the problem.
I think mine takes 3 pulls to start. Even when it was new it never started on the first pull. I have remember to turn the fuel valve off after use. If I forget there is too much fuel in the cylinder and it's a bear to start.
I Replaced the thermowax and the thermostat and still hard to start when it's hot. After awhile when it's cool ot will start. I've clean and rebuilt carburetor . I think these thermowax choke systems are faulty
Keep us posted on the outcome. You could be right on the carb, I wonder if something is off there. I am sure someone reading the posts will have another idea to try.
So I ran out of gas and after filling my tank, my Honda was trying to start but no luck. I checked the filter, I replaced the oil, and the spark and I cannot make it work. When I spray some gas, my Honda starts for 1 sec and then it dies. What do you think?
That's a tough one. I would check to make sure that there is not a clog in the fuel line from the tank. It is also possible that some sediment from the bottom of the tank went into the carb so you might try taking the carb off and cleaning the various holes and carb bowl with carb cleaner.
Clean the carb. My guess is you are using gasoline with ethanol in it. If you have access to 'Rec' gas, non ethanol fuel, use that in all you outdoor equipment. The ethanol reeks havoc on the fuel system if left in the fuel system too long. It has a tendency to cause water to collect in the fuel. Your Honda has a fuel shut off valve. When you just a minute from done cutting the grass, turn off the fuel and run that motor out of fuel. Most people put fuel stabilizer in their gas and that's good, but I still recommend not leaving fuel in the carb after use. For winter storage empty all the fuel out. That's best practice.
I am not a tech but I don't think that would be the main cause. The thermo wax is designed to close the choke when cool and then open it when warm to allow the right air/fuel ratio to start easy. What I noticed on mine was in some cases I would run the mower for 15 minutes, shut it off for a few and then it was very difficult to start. You might check oil level, and then also engine speed. It's also possible that it's running a bit lean because of some debris in the carb. You might try this in the fuel as directed and see if it helps (they sell it at Walmart as well): amzn.to/45ba6U7
Does it start and then stop running when you use the fluid? I am not a mechanic but it sounds like it could need a new carburetor assembly. Sometimes they get gummed up if the fuel is not shut off each time and it's easier to replace it than to take it apart and clean it thoroughly.
One was the gasket and the other was the spacer. Everything was reinstalled in the reverse order that I took them off in the video. It looks like the transition edit faded the view of my reinstalling the spacer.
Hi Sergii, It works for several engine models. What you need to do is look up your specific lawnmower model (not the engine) and make sure it is the same. There is a listing of the models at the bottom of the page here: amzn.to/3wcTxXS
Wow, that could be a number of things that are best checked out by a small engine mechanic. You might try to remove the spark plug and see if you can pull the rope without the plug in place (assuming nothing is wrapped around the blade preventing it from rotating). That is a good way to tell if it is locked up because of fluid in the cylinder.
The blade lock mechanism that also actuates the kill switch could be jammed and locking the flywheel.The handle has a bracket that you must pull into place against the handlebar to "disengage" the brake and kill switch in order to start and run the machine. When released it locks the flywheel and activates the kill switch. You might want to check that.
Sounds like you're not keeping the oil at the correct level and possibly not changing it every year like it needs. When checking the oil on a GC190, remove the dipstick, clean it off, then re insert the stick back in the oil hole with out turning it in. If you screw it in all the way it will indicate a false high level reading. Looks to see if there are oil leaks. That can be a crank seal or some other possible serious issue. Gook luck. Regular maintenance is always a good idea.
These honda self propelled mowers have a GIGANTIC FLAW! Honda in their infinite wisdom decided a tiny red straw inside the fuel line would work well as a fuel filter. NOPE! it lets crap clog up the tiny little jet inside the carb and your honda is dead in the water. So to avoid this issue you have to put a real fuel filter inline with the fuel hose. Unfortunately I have searched everywhere to find a super short filter with the right inlet and outlets...And let me tell you thats about as rare as hens teeth. The amazon filters i ended up with have a tiny inlet /outlet that are so short they only have 1 single barb so of course they pop off and let all your gas leak out. Had to JB weld the POS filter just to sort of get it to fit! And on a side note I cant stand the jig saw puzzle that is the carburetor and all the crap that mounts to it. I hope yall never have to take one off because you need 3 hands and some reference pictures to put the damn thing back together. I am EXTREMELY disappointed in honda. Will never buy another one of these mowers!!!!
That's bull shit. I have three Honda engines. They all run fantastic. Usually problems are caused by people not being responsible for there equipment and performing easy simple maintenance. Sounds like a personal problem to me.
Great video, I changed the thermowax on my Honda mower, and it started like new. It was an $8 fix.
Outstanding! Thanks for letting me know!
Just wanted to add a comment since I just changed mine out yesterday. Mine was very difficult to remove. It was because the wax inside it melted out and coated the outer perimeter of it. Once the wax solidified again it made it difficult to remove. The only way that I was able to remove it was to heat it with a torch (be very careful to direct the flame just in this area). Once the wax was hot enough, it started dripping out and, along with pulling pressure on the thermowax, it was able to be removed. I just wanted to share my experience. Thanks again for the video.
WOW, I have not heard of that happening. Glad you got it fixed and thanks for taking the time to comment!
I'd avoid using a torch. A lot of these were bonded in place with RTV sealant at the factory and can be difficult to remove, in that case Honda recommends using small pliers or wire cutters to pull the thermo-wax center pin all the way out and remove it, then screw a #6 sheet metal or drywall screw into the thermo-wax body and carefully pry it out.
Great video and thanks for the great insight. Here I am thinking... "There's only 3 things it could be..." forgetting that it's a Honda! Saved me a bunch of money and started literally on the first pull.
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment - I am glad the video helped!
Purchased one used, 3-4 pull start. New spark plug, new filter, no improvement, replaced thermowax, 1 pull start! Also added Seafoam to gas tank.
Amazing job, thanks for sharing!
For those with a GCV190 engine on their mower do not order the part mentioned without doing a parts lookup for your specific mower. I have a GCV190 and the thermal wax assembly in my engine is round. I have watched a ton of videos on this topic and everyone shows a red colored square shaped wax assembly. The Honda power equipment site is a great place to confirm the part you need
Exactly. It's always best to double check the part number before you order.
I have a HRR. What engine comes with that? Its about 3yrs old. Thanks!
@@riceburner4747 is the engine model not noted on the housing or shroud?
@@timrussell5988 Yes, the engine model code and serial numbers are stamped into the engine block but it is best to go by the model and serial number that is on the cutter deck.
Thank you for your video. It was very helpful. I have that same mower. After the winter and gas stored with Stabil, I couldn't get it to start. So (thanks to TH-cam), I just completely cleaned the carburetor. Good news: I got it to start and it is now running smoothly after letting it run for a few minutes. Bad news: it still takes about 10 pulls to start when I let it cool off for only 1/2 hour (but at least it starts now 😀). So hopefully, your fix is the last missing piece. The part should arrive tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes.
Keep me posted! I am hopeful that that part will fix it.
Sir: You are absolutely brilliant. Going to fix my Honda mower today. Thanks much.
Excellent, I hope this solves the issue for you!
That part is like any part it fails. I also see that many areas of your mower is dirty. To you it is just a mower. But the linkage parts on top the carb and such must be kept clean and lightly lubricated. Not doing so puts extra effort and wear on other parts. I also suggest keeping the wheel axles clean and lubed with light oils and very light greases. The easier it is to push the mower the easier it is for the self propelling system to do it's job. Many times I see folks mowing their grass too short, kicking up all kinds of dust and debris then never take the time to clean their mower. I have the actually shop manual to my Honda mower. All the suggestions I stated are touched on in that manual. These mower have regular necessary maintenance, that for some people seem to neglect. Just trying to help others out there to save them some unnecessary and unwanted breakdowns. By the way, my Honda mower starts first pull ever time, and always has.
This part clearly hasn't failed in your mower. If it had you'd know it's got nothing to do with a dirty lawn mower or proper maintenance or even lubricating stuff. If you want to obsessively clean and maintain your lawn mower go for it, but these mowers can also start first pull every time when they're dirty too. Also, there's no need to lubricate the linkages and doing so will only cause more dirt to stick to them and force you to clean them more often.
I love this video. A 10 minute fix in 5 minutes and 57 seconds.
Thank you!
Lol
A 10 minute fix will take me 68 minutes 😊
I pulled the Carb assembly out just enough to pull out the old themowax without taking the carb all the way off, its tricky, but with needle nose pliers saved me alot of time.
Great suggestion!
In my case the Honda Thermo Wax costs at least $22.00 but I'll have to change it in order for my lawn mower to start in the first pull.
Thanks for demonstrating how the new Thermo Wax should look when compared to the one that has failed.
Glad the video helped - thanks for taking the time to comment!
Never even knew about this until now! Thank you so much for the vid!
Thank you for taking the time to comment - glad the video helped!
Really, really good instructions! I am sure this repair is in my future, can't thank you enough.
Thank you so much - keep me posted on how it goes!
Thanks a bunch man. Got one of those nowers from my neighbor and will order the part today!
They are great mowers - hopefully this fixes the issue you have with the one you have!
@@ThatDadMike thank you will let you know
Great video! Is that the same on ALL Honda's? I have a HRR. I consider myself mechanically inclined but how would I ever know THAT?🤔 Thank u! 👍
Thank you! I assume they probably changed to this design at some point in time when they started using automatic choke.
Great video! Well done!
Thank you!
Have one slightly older than yours. Can tell by the handlebar controls. Takes me 3 to 4 pulls.
Check to see if the choke flap is open when it's cold, that should give you a good indication if changing it will help. I also noticed that when mine was warm, it was extremely hard to start. Let me know if you end up changing it out and if it fixes it.
@@ThatDadMike When warm first pull. I know this from refueling from front to back yard. Will check the flap. Due to its age, would think it should be replaced.
I bet you are right. I think my mower was about 7-8 years old when it failed.
@@ThatDadMike Ran all the gas out. Installing tomorrow. The OEM part including tax was $13.25
Awesome, fingers crossed this fixes it for you. Keep me posted!
Found this video to be helpful Thank You
Excellent, glad the video helped!
Thanks for the video, I'm up and running again!
Excellent glad the video helped!
Thank you. My neighbor now has lawn service she gave me her old Honda. She said John very hard to start.
Maybe the thermometer wax assembly is broken like yours.
Thank you.
It's worth a try! Mine was getting to where it took several pulls to start and not starts on the first pull every time. Let me know if you end up trying it and if it solves the problem.
Thanks
I think temperature matters too. If it’s under 50 degrees f or cool out the mower won’t start easy
Very good explanation. Thank you.
Thank you, I appreciate you taking the time to comment!
I think mine takes 3 pulls to start. Even when it was new it never started on the first pull. I have remember to turn the fuel valve off after use. If I forget there is too much fuel in the cylinder and it's a bear to start.
I Replaced the thermowax and the thermostat and still hard to start when it's hot. After awhile when it's cool ot will start.
I've clean and rebuilt carburetor . I think these thermowax choke systems are faulty
Keep us posted on the outcome. You could be right on the carb, I wonder if something is off there. I am sure someone reading the posts will have another idea to try.
I replaced mine, seems like it went bad again right away.
Never knew this. Thanks
Happy to help!
So I ran out of gas and after filling my tank, my Honda was trying to start but no luck. I checked the filter, I replaced the oil, and the spark and I cannot make it work. When I spray some gas, my Honda starts for 1 sec and then it dies. What do you think?
That's a tough one. I would check to make sure that there is not a clog in the fuel line from the tank. It is also possible that some sediment from the bottom of the tank went into the carb so you might try taking the carb off and cleaning the various holes and carb bowl with carb cleaner.
Clean the carb. My guess is you are using gasoline with ethanol in it. If you have access to 'Rec' gas, non ethanol fuel, use that in all you outdoor equipment. The ethanol reeks havoc on the fuel system if left in the fuel system too long. It has a tendency to cause water to collect in the fuel. Your Honda has a fuel shut off valve. When you just a minute from done cutting the grass, turn off the fuel and run that motor out of fuel. Most people put fuel stabilizer in their gas and that's good, but I still recommend not leaving fuel in the carb after use. For winter storage empty all the fuel out. That's best practice.
I needed to replace the carburetor
Does it run good now?
@@ThatDadMike, yes! No issues
Thanks!
Glad the video helped!
Is it possible that because a thermal wax is sticking out, a lawn mower gets hot and stalls?
I am not a tech but I don't think that would be the main cause. The thermo wax is designed to close the choke when cool and then open it when warm to allow the right air/fuel ratio to start easy. What I noticed on mine was in some cases I would run the mower for 15 minutes, shut it off for a few and then it was very difficult to start. You might check oil level, and then also engine speed. It's also possible that it's running a bit lean because of some debris in the carb. You might try this in the fuel as directed and see if it helps (they sell it at Walmart as well): amzn.to/45ba6U7
It's hard to see without more light on the actual parts being talked about.
I got a Honda push mower it will start only with starting fluid but won’t start with out it what could that be
Does it start and then stop running when you use the fluid? I am not a mechanic but it sounds like it could need a new carburetor assembly. Sometimes they get gummed up if the fuel is not shut off each time and it's easier to replace it than to take it apart and clean it thoroughly.
You took out 2 parts behind the filter housing but only show 1 gasket put in what happenned to the other part???????
One was the gasket and the other was the spacer. Everything was reinstalled in the reverse order that I took them off in the video. It looks like the transition edit faded the view of my reinstalling the spacer.
Where can I buy this parts?
Here is the link I put in the video description: amzn.to/3lXCsMJ
@@ThatDadMike thank you this parts is good for model Honda 170 ?
I would do a quick Google search for your lawnmower model number and check the number to be sure.
@@ThatDadMike I have model honda GCV 170 please check out , this parts is good for my model?
Hi Sergii, It works for several engine models. What you need to do is look up your specific lawnmower model (not the engine) and make sure it is the same. There is a listing of the models at the bottom of the page here: amzn.to/3wcTxXS
Mine is the blades locked up and cant even pull the rope what do i do
Wow, that could be a number of things that are best checked out by a small engine mechanic. You might try to remove the spark plug and see if you can pull the rope without the plug in place (assuming nothing is wrapped around the blade preventing it from rotating). That is a good way to tell if it is locked up because of fluid in the cylinder.
The blade lock mechanism that also actuates the kill switch could be jammed and locking the flywheel.The handle has a bracket that you must pull into place against the handlebar to "disengage" the brake and kill switch in order to start and run the machine. When released it locks the flywheel and activates the kill switch. You might want to check that.
Sounds like you're not keeping the oil at the correct level and possibly not changing it every year like it needs. When checking the oil on a GC190, remove the dipstick, clean it off, then re insert the stick back in the oil hole with out turning it in. If you screw it in all the way it will indicate a false high level reading. Looks to see if there are oil leaks. That can be a crank seal or some other possible serious issue. Gook luck. Regular maintenance is always a good idea.
These honda self propelled mowers have a GIGANTIC FLAW! Honda in their infinite wisdom decided a tiny red straw inside the fuel line would work well as a fuel filter. NOPE! it lets crap clog up the tiny little jet inside the carb and your honda is dead in the water. So to avoid this issue you have to put a real fuel filter inline with the fuel hose. Unfortunately I have searched everywhere to find a super short filter with the right inlet and outlets...And let me tell you thats about as rare as hens teeth. The amazon filters i ended up with have a tiny inlet /outlet that are so short they only have 1 single barb so of course they pop off and let all your gas leak out. Had to JB weld the POS filter just to sort of get it to fit!
And on a side note I cant stand the jig saw puzzle that is the carburetor and all the crap that mounts to it. I hope yall never have to take one off because you need 3 hands and some reference pictures to put the damn thing back together. I am EXTREMELY disappointed in honda. Will never buy another one of these mowers!!!!
👍
Hard to see what he is doing g. Too far away and going too fast.
Honda has made there mowers into junk and 10 bucks every year from now on to start it
That's bull shit. I have three Honda engines. They all run fantastic. Usually problems are caused by people not being responsible for there equipment and performing easy simple maintenance. Sounds like a personal problem to me.
👍