HONDA GX160 ONLY RUNS WITH THE CHOKE ON DIES AND SURGES

[@tspezia]

I followed the "clean the jet" method on a gsv 160 power washer and found a small piece of debris in the jet. I cleaned it with a stripped twist tie and it even fit the emulsifier rod small holes. Cleaned the bowl and I got it all back to together, It started right up and now it works on full run. It was a clogged jet.

[@connieneilipovitz3143]

I dig your style. I have watched a lot of DIY videos and have saved thousands by doing my own minor repairs. Your camera work is great. Dialogue was to the point, clear and easy to understand. No additional unnecessary blah, blah. GREAT JOB !!

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

Thanks

[@patroch4036]

OMG! This repair is brilliant and fixed my log splitter with the Honda Engine. Great video no long dialogue, just to the point! Thanks!

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

Awesome!

[@cheeseboy777]

Man, thank you so much. I have a chipper that I haven't used in six months which ran really rough when I pulled it out to use today. Followed your instructions and had it going again in less than 10 mins. I'm pretty hopeless with tools but your instructions were super easy to follow. Cheers from New Zealand.

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

Glad It helped!

[@andyhodges862]

Thank you sir! it worked perfectly.! I have a GCV 190 pressure washer, and mine’s got probably the exact same jet as yours does inside the carb under the bowl. I cleaned it out with a safety pin and a sewing needle. I didn’t have that nice mini drill bit set you have. But I could see through it after I cleaned it and it worked the first time I started it up, so I appreciate your advice on this! -Andy

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

Glad it helped

[@sootie620]

You would be better taking the carb off, take the jet out and clean but more importantly you need to clean the emulsion tube as well, there are at least 12 microscopic holes in it than need to be clear for the carb to work at maximum efficiency 👍 😎

[@thewarrantza]

Agreed.

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

That’s definitely best practice but I’ve done like 50 of these and the tube holes are almost never clogged.

[@freighttrain7143]

'BETTER' is INCREDIBLY subjective.
Your way takes more time, and might help, might not be necessary at all. His is a 'Yard fix' - very quick and lets you get back to WORK immediately.
Most people using this are trying to do the JOB of whatever the machine is there to help them do, not the JOB of a thorough, detailed maintenance of the machine itself.
The downtime of the machine is just a nuisance to what they are trying to get done today.
So, in the realm of the highly subjective 'Better', HIS way was MUCH better for the reason MOST people are here.

[@jjc6776]

Buddy you are the man. This worked perfectly. I have a ryobi pressure washer with thr honda engine on it. I had to remove the srupid soap tank which added some time and then i dodnt have a drill bit small enough. Took a strand of copper wired stuck it in that jet and bam it was gunked up. Took carb and choke clean and poof it shot right theough it. Took me about 10min. Knowing what im doing now this is no doubt a 5min fix. This is long winded but you are the man. You didnt go into stupid stories explained in short sentences how it works what tools and what to use. I have a big day of chores and you gave me a minster win. Can you tell me why my lawnmower has to be started with starter fluid all the time? It has the same honda motor on it. After running for a bit i can pull and it will start but intitial needs starter fluid.

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

Likely the same issue, a clogged up jet. Engines like more fuel when cold so after it warms up it may run just fine on the partially clogged hole. I had a snowblower that was very cold natured and didn’t like to start in the cold since new -bad characteristic on a snowblower- after I cleaned it I actually upsized the jet by one size with my drill bit set and now it starts first pull on the coldest days

[@happykamp789]

Awesome video. I had the same problem and I did what you showed and it worked great. It was an easy fix. I sure like how simple Honda has made that engine.

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

Yeah its really easy to get at that jet

[@pablogarciat22]

Lets all get together and send this guy a $100 dollar bill..

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

Hey I’m cool with that

[@mattwaters6987]

Excellent video! I suggest only running premium 91 or higher octane non ethanol fuel with stabilizer. It helps avoid most carb issues period. 😊

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

Yes we have 90 ethanol free available here

[@goodmandiad2713]

Honda's do not need anything more than 87. That is according to Honda. The fuel stabilizer is a great idea. If it runs funny I will put it in at twice the concentration and it will clean everything in a tank full.

[@mattwaters6987]

@goodmandiad2713 good to know. I'm just use to running all my small engines that way. Cheers!

[@scottwelch5241]

Absolutely brilliant video Im going to try it now, wish me luck. Thanks.

[@jamesdugan6399]

Great advice and a simple fix. The tip to grind down the side of the screwdriver to extract the main jet was key! Otherwise I would have likely used a too small screwdriver and ruined the soft brass jet. Thanks much!

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

Glad it helped. Its definitely a weird size. I figured that out after I damaged a jet

[@bobchandler6632]

This sorted my lawnmower,many thanks

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

Love hearing this

[@scottwelch5241]

All sorted now ,works a treat. Thanks ahain Scott.

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

Awesome!

[@davidbantle7992]

Hi Thanks for the video great job. I have a GX390 and I even replaced the carburetor with a new one and changed both gaskets and I still need to add a small amount of choke to stop surging. Must be sucking air somewhere but I think I will try adjusting governor mechanism where it attaches to governor lever I know that sometimes helps with a racing governor. Also maybe the insulators cracked or there's gas in the fuel tank but runs great when not idling. Thanks, Dave

[@dbcooper692]

Believe it or not, Richard Anderson is my cousin. You are very young so you might not realize he played the part of Macgyver on the TV series back in the 1970s. Our families are all from Minnesota!!

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

That’s pretty neat, I never actually saw the show however everyone has always told me I’m Macgyver.

[@kennystahl1420]

Beautiful man, works like a charm 👍👍👍

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

Sweet!

[@robertodebeers2551]

Many thanks, Man, I think you just saved my day. Just drained out the full tank of fresh gas, will now check the jet.

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

Did it work?

[@robertodebeers2551]

It was bad gas that I'd labeled as fresh. My bad. @@diymacgyverguy8054

[@waynecourville1318]

you are right, quick and easy. i went through the entire cleaning progress; same problem, but you showed how small that jet hole is; I missed that.

[@peterbennett9169]

Great video.. Thank you so much. I love the modified screwdriver!!!

[@zeru1570]

I didnt even have the same model engine but worked like a charm. solid video

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

Works on most of them for sure

[@RickB1792]

Very nice video! My buddy has a Honda mower that wouldn't run in similar fashion. I knew about cleaning main jets from many years of dealing with equipment anyway, but this is excellent for those who don't have that experience. Good job!

[@paulp6386]

Worked a treat!
Thank you 👌👍

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

Awesome

[@kayakesq]

Usually I will
Use a guitar string “high e “. To unclog jets. Or people often use wire from wire brush or welding files or brush’s. My water pick (dental) works too

[@Manifesto2091]

Awesome video. Same exact problem and this fixed it. Thank you!

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

Sweet

[@bryanschaffer566]

Thanks! Exact same problem on my pump and this fixed it!

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

Good to hear!

[@andrewmusisi7147]

Thanks McGyver I was having the same problem with my Honda GX160 Honda EG2500 Generator, its worked, your advice that is

[@Super1Matt1]

Did a complete carb clean, fuel line clean, new fuel hose. And still not running when i try to take the choke off. Its a pressure washer but was hoping the same symptoms and your video would help. At a loss now. Cant adjust this carb either.

[@joshuawuestefeld2067]

This was exactly my issue! Great video!

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

Glad it helped!

[@ThomasofAkron]

Bought my drill bit set before your video ended

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

Haha smart move I use it all the time

[@paul_cockburn]

I'm going to try this tomorrow, as I have the same issue with a 2nd hand pressure washer, don't have one of those drill bit sets, but I'm thinking a pack of guitar strings might do the same job as a temp fix. Obs it could be a multitude of other issues as I just bought the thing, stale fuel being a potential issue too. Cheers for the video, great quality and well presented, kudos squire

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

Did it work? And if it’s been sitting a long time definitely drain the old fuel

[@PaulCockburn]

@@diymacgyverguy8054 Yes! I had a bad thumb injury, turns out you can't do much without thumbs! But once it healed, did exactly as you said, albeit slightly different set up, guitar strings worked a treat, threaded through the thinnest up until a string that wouldn't fit, put everything back together and it fired up, no stuttering, consistent power. Thanks so much, legend mate!

[@paul_cockburn]

@@diymacgyverguy8054 PS I bought my pressure washer way too cheap, the seller clearly knew the thing wasn't running properly as his wife said he wasn't around, he wasn't there when I picked it up and paid for it, I should've tested it running when I arrived to purchase it, but I didn't and took a risk, I'm glad I did, as I probably wouldn't have bought it, probably paid half of what it was worth. Can't thank you enough man. Win win win!

[@dorito6574]

This Fixed my Honda 200 engine that is for racing kart. Wouldn’t accelerate except on choke , so not too high

[@blueboy1973]

I’ve been building a go cart with a 190 pressure washer motor and I hit 30 today by doing this but I think it’s probably more of the other jet for me it won’t stay running unless I’m on the gas still but goes really fast

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

yes that is probably your idle jet

[@mygreenmtns1749]

Excellent video. Super helpful. Thanks very much.

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

Awesome did it work for you?

[@ferdinand2506]

same idea
Mate,i Just
Use
different injection needle Sizes
from my clinic !!!

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

“Scalpel!”

[@mariofelix6182]

Good tutorial...I have the same problem with my gx 390..I,ll get back to You and let You know if it worked for me...

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

Almost always does, motors are pretty simple they just want some gas!

[@goodmandiad2713]

I have an 8Hp . It would start up on first pull. Then had your issue . Took the carb off and it looked like yours. Now everything is clean and put back together and it starts and runs fin but It takes at least 5 minutes before I can go to full throttle and put a load on it without dying out. There are 2 screws on the carb one is black plastic. Not sure what they are for or the settings are. Any help is handy.

[@douglasbonilla683]

Perfect video thank you ❤

[@ski6712]

got it.......that explains why sometimes the mtr. has a mind of its own.

[@northjerseykevin3915]

You’re the man. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@pathfinderoutdoors350]

Bro I need this thank so much 👍👍👍💯💯💯🙏🙏🙏

[@defan2105]

The main nozzle is just behind the Jet you took out...why not clean that too? OH, and I enjoyed the video but now that I am retired...I can attempt to do some of this stuff myself (when I'm not working 60+ hours a week for 40 hours pay).

[@frankroberts-qw9ut]

Thanks, works perfect

[@user-xi2il7un7q]

Looks easy,,,I will give it a try...

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

You can do it. just make sure you have a good fitting screwdriver so you dont round the jet off if you pull it out

[@derekadams729]

Better if you remove and the emulsion tube and clean it as well. Just a suggestion.

[@OldBarkerRanch1981]

Something better than small drills is a torch tip cleaner set. Those number sizes are not the same as a jet size.. that motor should be running an .032” jet.

[@madhavanravikumar3329]

Thanks, tomorrow I will do it...

[@user-bm2ce6mx4q]

Great instruction 👍. I followed your procedure to work on my snow blower's engine. I got the jet hole cleaned and put it back in place. But after I put the cup back the gas is pouring down. I didn't touch anything else and don't know what went wrong. What do you think the problem is? Thank you very much!

[@SergD31]

I have that same problem but I installed a new carburetor. Could it be a different reason why my machines shuts off after closing the choke???

[@robertkesslerTx]

Mine has a a brass "rod" or "sleeve" with tiny holes about the jet? I followed your direction and the jet came out with this other piece . Any idea ?

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

Clean those holes too! Ultrasonic cleaner or soak in carb cleaner overnight

[@JohnDoe-td2ug]

Thats the emulsifier tube, the holes in that usually need to be cleaned too. Sometimes you have to take the carb out to get it to fall out as it gets stuck.

[@KENFEDOR22]

@@JohnDoe-td2ug well said. To me, it's worth it to remove this tube as there's a decent chance those holes are plugged too.

[@SeekerFor1000]

Well done!

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

Thanks!

[@boosterhuiz2779]

I might have the same issue. Will let you know the result! Nope, that wasn't the issue. Have 2 carburettors and took both jets out, one clear, one new.......problem persists. Dies the second I apply throttle.

[@davinminar4131]

Try to change the spark plug boot

[@blackeaglefabrication2369]

I’ve done all that you suggested but I’m still having the same problem. Any other suggestions?

[@craigseib3578]

Thank you !!!!!!🎉

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

Hope it worked for you!

[@lastnickever4440]

Nice video. I face the same problem with my G100 engine and the carb looks identical. I will try to clean the main jet and report back. Where can I get this drill set? Greetings from Germany.

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

I got it on Amazon search for Gyros carburetor drill bit set. It’s a 20 piece set matched to jet sizes and covers #61-#80 let me know how it goes!

[@lastnickever4440]

@@diymacgyverguy8054 Thx for the reply. I have to order the set from the USA.

[@lastnickever4440]

@@diymacgyverguy8054 Reporting back: I used a .55mm sewing needle to clean the my #62 main jet (should have .62mm diameter). I also cleaned all other carb passages but my engine still dies without choke. I also ordered a new carb from eBay (Honda clone) but there is no difference: the engine still dies without choke. The spark plug is a new one (name brand & correct type according to the manual).
Any guesses?

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

@@lastnickever4440possibly gasket leak between carb and motor, possibly gas cap vent is clogged but if that’s the case it’ll usually run good for a couple minutes before acting up. The other possibility is low compression.

[@lastnickever4440]

@@diymacgyverguy8054 I already tried to run it without the gas cap but without any change. I will investigate the gasket leak as I reused the old motor side gasket (it was stuck). I will also test for low compression a a garage nearby.
Thanks for all the hints. I appreciate that.

[@user-uc5cx6nf5s]

The problem with my engine is, I start it and it will run for about 2 seconds with or without choke then shuts off, I have tried everything from replacing the spark plug to getting a whole new carb, I’ve cleaned the jets multiple times nothing works, any ideas?

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

Maybe the exhaust screen is clogged

[@JNC1973]

I hesitate to believe this is what is causing my 196cc to stall out when I turn the Choke off only because the Carb I have on it is fairly New and really I've only ridden the Bike a handful of times since I put the Carb on. It should be clean enough to eat out of it still lol. Now the New Carb I got on it is a Stage 3 Racing Carb with a 650 Venturi if that makes any difference on how I should be adjusting the brass Air/Fuel screw so it gets the proper Fuel/Air ratio but I was fiddling with it for a while and just couldn't find that sweet spot. I'd start it up after 2 or 3 pulls and it would sound good at first but then once I turn off that Choke it just stalls. I know they say turn the Brass Screw out 2 1/2 turns from all the way in to start out but how many turns out should I keep going ? Like is it possible I need to turn it out like 5 turns or would that be way too much ? I just finished putting the engine back together after upgrading and modifying the internals and really want to take it for a test ride but can't have fun till I can get it to stay running. 🤔😮‍💨🏍☁☁☁

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

If it stalls when you turn the choke off, it's not getting enough fuel. You have the original carb?

[@user-mz9rv6pu4y]

Do you have a link to the drillbits on Amazon?

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

www.amazon.com/Storage-Carbon-Jewelry-Plastic-Rotary/dp/B000SKRR76/ref=sr_1_3?crid=35BZ99KO2Q2M9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.yfb_JU5joEUiggTtUO5OKFo2JTpqZYY7LprfGQBu9kvDw555hM_OdX4fgdneGrqa3tNJl3TjuP8z88Tzckg8jVBPsDyt32tGWcoxNC-tdZmHjnJzMoCkCAW2fpgohVoCdYL4ZkVwebVduioJrSkVedZyXqn6DLHNNItLPqMRR-8VxfmhOcqkvp6moHoysQgX3x7GIoMZQgvFKCoJRBGD0P0EGhZStkU3jHrwVgXFsTg.NKfOiPHCvqbOio4VlxTp-bw_vZp0vhg7xCzdcR0N9cI&dib_tag=se&keywords=drill%2Bbits%2Bcarburetor&qid=1723213007&sprefix=drill%2Bbits%2Bcarbuerator%2Caps%2C146&sr=8-3&th=1

[@lincolnandellietime9175]

Thank you

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

Once you learn to clear the jet they are all pretty easy to fix. Even the harbor frieght clones are great motors and rarely have any other problem

[@Ahch.]

Thanks!

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

That’s a first for me thanks!

[@philhamric]

Can you give provide details on how you modified the screw driver and provide the link for the carb jet tools you used?

[@Really-Willie-]

Thanks for the help.

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

You're welcome

[@TheAirheaded1]

Thanks buddy....Cheers

[@loganmarshall64]

Hey buddy, do you have an amazon link for the bits you used to clean the jet?

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

a.co/d/1t4y6CV

[@jjc6776]

I used a strand of copper wire from a 12g wire. Pushed it in and cleaned it out. Did that a bunch of times then sprayed with carb and choke cleaer. Bam

[@user-uu7cl9vm8l]

Thanks

[@blakek1043]

So today I took apart Troy bilt 2410 snowblower and it wouldn't start. I took bowl apart and cleaned it up started 1 pull. BUT as soon I took it off choke it would die. Would this be the part where I did not clean the jet?

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

Yep, Exactly. If the choke makes it stay running then the problem is it needs more fuel.

[@jimgreyard6623]

Thanks - I removed my sediment cup like you showed. The Honda GX160 is new and first used 9/1/22 (so lest than a year). The sediment cup looked like brand new and was clean. I was able to fit a small (not sure if it was a # 73) bit up through the jet hole and just sort of clean anything if there was any. Put the parts back on ... still the engine will not start now. Do you think with my "off season" on our bermuda lawn that I may not have kept the gas fresh enough? Would it help to drain all gas out from the mower? If so, is there a good video on exactly how to do that safely? Thanks DIY

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

if the carb bowl is off and you turn the fuel cutoff "on" does fuel start coming out of the bottom?

[@brennandc]

Awesome

[@mariofelix6182]

Well I am back Mr. Mv Gyver..I did exactly on cleaning the Main yet..and it wasn't dirty..machine is still the same...apreciate if any other tips....thanks

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

how exactly is it running?

[@jonashorst20]

theres another piece above that jet you see from the other end of the carb try pushing that out and checking it

[@commercialfishingnet2188]

​@@jonashorst20,exactly you have to clean both of them

[@timayscott8450]

Awesome job wow free is always great 😂

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

It sure is!

[@DRCProductions]

I tore down the engine and put it back together and now it won’t start, even with starter fluid. What could be the problem. I lined up the timing mark and I have spark. Doesn’t even try to start.

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

spray starting fluid in there and see if it starts then report back

[@user-gq8zo7kf5d]

try valve adjustment

[@chrismoore9672]

Can you clean the jet like that without removing it?

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

Yep

[@KENFEDOR22]

meaning, with carb cleaner/gas additive? If yes, probably not. My version of the GC 160 (~ 15 years old) requires removing the air filter and all the gaskets to access the carb. I believe most newer versions of this engine do too. This is the first video I've seen with the carb being this accessible.

[@cjoakman7715]

So a #72 was too big and a #73 was just right.....huh?

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

Exactly

[@matthewsaffran6103]

Hey cjoakman turn in your man card if you don't get it

[@fdeguilla]

What they're trying to say is, as far as drill bits, the higher the number the smaller the diameter of the drill bit. Example: #40 drill bit is smaller than a #30.

[@paul_cockburn]

I don't know imperial drill bit size classifications, but I'm guessing it's one 73rd of an inch? we usually have 0. decimal of a millimetre when it gets that small

[@chandrasekhar3824]

Hi brother

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

Hi

[@Joeygirltodd]

My generator will run about 10 15 20 minutes and then die

[@KENFEDOR22]

Mine too. If it's older, the gaskets around the carb could be deteriorated. You can find those replacements as a kit for $10. If a gasket is cracked or otherwise leaks air, it could stall the engine after 10-20 minutes.

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

After it dies, I would start it on starting fluid and make sure it continues to run properly on starting fluid. If it does, I would then pull the fuel line and make sure fuel is coming out without restriction. If it is, then I would pull the carb and suspect the float needle is stuck or the passage from the fuel line to the float hole is clogged. When it sits for a while the carb bowl refills. When you start it it uses up the fuel in the bowl and turns off.

[@diymacgyverguy8054]

If after it dies it will not restart on starting fluid then I wouod suspect the coil is getting hot and no longer sparking after it warms up. But I'd bet on the float issue I mentioned above

[@user-mb5ht8zv2i]

Didn’t fix it at all.

[@janderson4423]

i am so tired of videos with such horrible sound😡