Honda GCV 190 Im working on has 2 keyway notches and when I line it up the piston is at the bottom, so this wont work for me mine keyway looks to be at bottom then the piston is at top.
Thanks for the video Donny. I have an older Honda OHV engine on a Craftsman mower that is about 15 years old. I have never had a bit of trouble with that engine until recently. The throttle hunts on no load. It likely needs a new carb, but it runs perfect under load, so I have not fixed it. As much time as that engine has on it, I am not complaining. A little over a year ago, I bought a Honda mower. Three times this year, the engine has run away on start up. The throttle is not stuck, and there is no play between the arm, and the governor shaft. The only way to fix the issue is to shut the engine off, and then work the governor arm back and forth several times. The engine will then run normally. Moving the governor arm back and forth while the engine is running, does not fix the problem. I also noticed that I can hear a slight, uneven whirring noise from the engine while the problem is happening. I have read that this is not an uncommon issue, and that the governor gear can come loose, and spin on the shaft. Have you experienced this issue? If so, could you do a video on the fix? I am pursuing a warranty repair, but the video would be very helpful none the less.
Scott M Hmm, strange. I've never seen that before, but my engines were all GXV120s, did you contact your local dealer? Is the machine still under warranty? This sounds like you should talk to the dealer first.
Thanks you Sir, in your discription you didn't discuss how the belt was fited is there a release tenchener to get the replacement belt into position ?? Kind Regards Snell
Great video. I have just put in a new crankshaft and put it all back together but i realised i had the piston in the down position opposite to TDC, (I am blind and was rushing) Can i change the time belt position by just removing the rocker cover with the engine still on the machine or do i have to split the crank case again
Great video! My mower was running so poorly and it sounded like the insides wanted to be outsides. I found the timing must have skipped, because the marks were way off. Hopefully this fixes it.
Dony, mine is a hrx217 with blade clutch. Crankshaft only has cutout for woodruff keys. I used them as guide for key way cutout but piston was not a TDC. Since it did not have key cutout I moved piston to TDC and aligned marks on cam. I removed the valve rocker arms also. Before it was off because I used key for mark. Letting rtv dry on valve cover overnight and will see if it will start this time.
Thank you so much for that informative video,I have a knock on start up on this engine after I replaced the blade with a de thatching blade.The blade does not touch any part of the deck,oil is up to level and fresh gas,however the noice will go away when I engage the front wheel drive.I did not have any problem before when I used the same de thatching blade last year,but this year I did.Any idea of what I’m facing will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.... my engine ran without oil and the oil ring got stuck. No catastrophic failure though just needed some tlc. I almost winged the timing though. Thanks again.
Thanks Dony! So very important question for me... is it necessary to take everything past the valve cover apart then to replace the plastic cam shaft pulley. Which is broken ?
Donyboy, I have a question. I have a honda gcv 160 engine on a black max pressure washer. When pulling the starting cord, a lot of compression is present. When I did get it to start, the backfire thourgh the carburetor blew the filter and cover off. I was thinking it might have jumped time. After watching this video I'm not do sure. Any thoughts? Pulls easy without spark plug. Thanks for your help. Not sure how I'll get your response. Thanks
great video. will you be doing compression release video in the future?? i have a generator. when the compression release goes under exhaust valve, the valve slams shut and i still have so much compression that i can not rope pull it to start. compression release is not broke.
Really enjoyed your video, I have a question. On the belt itself could you install it upside down or backwards? Some of the videos I have seen on the GC 160 on the engines when they took the belt off a mark it so they could reinstall it the same way. I'm replacing mine so I don't have that luxury of marking it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Donny: Do you have a video on the new Walbro spiral diaphragm carburetor kits yet. It's pretty new and fits all of the old type of diaphragms. Thanks
Is it possible or likely for the valves to come in contact with the piston and bend a valve if you have belt failure at normal RPM on the Honda GCV engine? Thanks!
Possible, but probably not. Reason is as soon as the belt breaks, it would be almost impossible for a cam lobe to be at top dead center whenever the belt gave up, and is probably a pretty dafe bet. Stranger things have happened, though. If you suspect this, I would just pop the valve springs and turn the valve at the seat. Can't miss it, if you came up snake eyes. Nice vid Don; looked like you have a lot going on right now. Good Luck and God Bless rev don
Good information Donyboy73. I have this engine on my 1 year old mower. I now feel better acquainted with the GCV engine thanks to this video. My only issue with mine is that after running for about one minute or so from a cold start it begins to surge with no load on it. As I mow the surge is still there but not as noticeable. Not sure if there is a fix for it or if a new carb would straighten it out. Thanks for sharing the vid on the GCV.
Just had a customer's Husqvarna self propelled mower with Honda GCV160 timing belt come of cam. Belt, cam, and crankshaft gear are all in good shape. My question is this: what would shop labor time be to replace belt? My estimate is 3 to 4 hours. Thanks Don.
Hi Donnyboy. I've got an issue with a GCV190. I run Shrewsbury Small Engine Repairs, and would like, as a fellow small engine tech, your opinion on something....how can I send you a video and info on the issue?
Absolutely a great video. I have been a small engine mechanic for some time and this was a new one for me! Alot of people are not aware of timing belts on a lawn mower. Thank Goodness they last the life of the engine!
Nice video. Thanks for sharing. I don't know if it's before your time or not. Have you ever worked on a Toro Sports Lawn 18? It's an engine reel mower.
I have a pressure washer with the GCV 190 engine that I just picked up from a neighbors trash. After trying to start the engine I diagnosed a timing problem. Upon opening up the valve cover i confirmed that the timing marks were way off. I slid the belt off the gear and lined up the keyway slot and the cam gear and put the belt back on and it fired right up with the first pull! My BIG QUESTION is WHY did it jump timing!!
Do the valves and the piston hit each other when the belt snaps? Or is the design of the engine that there is some space between the opened valves and the piston?
Wow, I didn't know they had timing belts.. I just got a new Honda lawnmower, good to know! Thanks Donny! Oh, they only go out with normal wear and tear right?
Josh Lamotte They're good for the life of the engine. These engines are the residential version of Honda engines, aluminum cylinder walls. If you want cast iron, look to the GS(V) (light commercial) or GX(V) (commercial/industrial) engines.
It has cogs. It can not slip even when wet with oil. The materials are made to withstand the oil exposure. The belt will never be exposed to dust and dirt, so wear is vastly reduced. It is a good system.
Yes seemed steep. What happened was the belt rolled off the cam when it was cranked. Luckily the engine wasnt running. It did no damage to the engine. I have since learned that there is an interchangeable valve cover with a guide to retain the belt. So I have put these on my mowers as a precaution. I know belt problems are rare but the cover is cheap insurance. Nice vid Don, great info.
Hi Dony, I striped down the mower again and had a look at the connecting rod but it is in great condition (compared the condition to one in your later videos). During this process i was moving the engine around and found that the flywheel was loose. I tightened the nut up and then fired it up, to find that the problem had been sorted. No nocking at all. Thanks very much for all your help. Your videos are great.
I have been binge watching these videos lately , You do a great job making it all look simple , kind of makes me want to be a small engine mechanic haha. Are you in Canada?
Hi Dony! A big question: the crankshaft from GCV 160 is the same with the GCV 190 crankshaft? Many thanks and keep going with the videos, you're a very good teacher :)
Alex Hickey briggs are using plastic camgear in the motors with a decompression funktion to make the motor eseyer to start so i say that to day so this is a better way. So I stick to my Hondas 😊😊
Totally agree. In my experience, Honda small engines are over-engineered and don't take neglect and hard use too well. Who the hell thought overhead cams were worth it, especially belt-driven??? I got an '89 Briggs Classic that probably got 2 oil changes in it's lifetime and runs better than the neighbor's 10 year old Honda that get's a tune-up yearly.
Phil3555 my briggs 3.5hp flathead from 1990 is still going with well over 1000 hours of use on just an oil change and a sparkplug each year. Airfilter was only changed twice. In fact the airfilter cover bolt still has the original galvinised coating on it!
Very interesting, I never knew such a small engine even had a Timing Belt. I've only seen chain, gear, pushrod.
Honda GCV 190 Im working on has 2 keyway notches and when I line it up the piston is at the bottom, so this wont work for me mine keyway looks to be at bottom then the piston is at top.
Thanks for actually showing what no one else seems to show.
Thanks for the video Donny. I have an older Honda OHV engine on a Craftsman mower that is about 15 years old. I have never had a bit of trouble with that engine until recently. The throttle hunts on no load. It likely needs a new carb, but it runs perfect under load, so I have not fixed it. As much time as that engine has on it, I am not complaining.
A little over a year ago, I bought a Honda mower. Three times this year, the engine has run away on start up. The throttle is not stuck, and there is no play between the arm, and the governor shaft. The only way to fix the issue is to shut the engine off, and then work the governor arm back and forth several times. The engine will then run normally. Moving the governor arm back and forth while the engine is running, does not fix the problem. I also noticed that I can hear a slight, uneven whirring noise from the engine while the problem is happening. I have read that this is not an uncommon issue, and that the governor gear can come loose, and spin on the shaft. Have you experienced this issue? If so, could you do a video on the fix? I am pursuing a warranty repair, but the video would be very helpful none the less.
Scott M Hmm, strange. I've never seen that before, but my engines were all GXV120s, did you contact your local dealer? Is the machine still under warranty? This sounds like you should talk to the dealer first.
Thanks you Sir, in your discription you didn't discuss how the belt was fited is there a release tenchener to get the replacement belt into position ?? Kind Regards Snell
Great video. I have just put in a new crankshaft and put it all back together but i realised i had the piston in the down position opposite to TDC, (I am blind and was rushing) Can i change the time belt position by just removing the rocker cover with the engine still on the machine or do i have to split the crank case again
Great video! My mower was running so poorly and it sounded like the insides wanted to be outsides. I found the timing must have skipped, because the marks were way off. Hopefully this fixes it.
Dony, mine is a hrx217 with blade clutch. Crankshaft only has cutout for woodruff keys. I used them as guide for key way cutout but piston was not a TDC. Since it did not have key cutout I moved piston to TDC and aligned marks on cam. I removed the valve rocker arms also. Before it was off because I used key for mark. Letting rtv dry on valve cover overnight and will see if it will start this time.
Does the key slot on the top side with the pulley correspond to the one at the bottom which goes into the waterpump?
Thank you so much for that informative video,I have a knock on start up on this engine after I replaced the blade with a de thatching blade.The blade does not touch any part of the deck,oil is up to level and fresh gas,however the noice will go away when I engage the front wheel drive.I did not have any problem before when I used the same de thatching blade last year,but this year I did.Any idea of what I’m facing will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.... my engine ran without oil and the oil ring got stuck. No catastrophic failure though just needed some tlc. I almost winged the timing though. Thanks again.
Thanks Dony! So very important question for me... is it necessary to take everything past the valve cover apart then to replace the plastic cam shaft pulley. Which is broken ?
Is there a way i can change the crankshaft in my honda gcv160 pressure washer engine to a lawnmower crankshaft
Great tip, Dony. I've got a Honda mower and string trimmer and they are both bulletproof, worth the extra money to buy.
Donyboy, I have a question. I have a honda gcv 160 engine on a black max pressure washer. When pulling the starting cord, a lot of compression is present. When I did get it to start, the backfire thourgh the carburetor blew the filter and cover off. I was thinking it might have jumped time. After watching this video I'm not do sure. Any thoughts? Pulls easy without spark plug. Thanks for your help. Not sure how I'll get your response. Thanks
I would check valve adjustment
great video. will you be doing compression release video in the future?? i have a generator. when the compression release goes under exhaust valve, the valve slams shut and i still have so much compression that i can not rope pull it to start. compression release is not broke.
Really enjoyed your video, I have a question. On the belt itself could you install it upside down or backwards? Some of the videos I have seen on the GC 160 on the engines when they took the belt off a mark it so they could reinstall it the same way. I'm replacing mine so I don't have that luxury of marking it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
The cam sprocket is timed about the same way on small Honda motorcycle engins. Thanks for the video.
Hi Donny: Do you have a video on the new Walbro spiral diaphragm carburetor kits yet. It's pretty new and fits all of the old type of diaphragms. Thanks
Is it possible or likely for the valves to come in contact with the piston and bend a valve if you have belt failure at normal RPM on the Honda GCV engine? Thanks!
Possible, but probably not. Reason is as soon as the belt breaks, it would be almost impossible for a cam lobe to be at top dead center whenever the belt gave up, and is probably a pretty dafe bet. Stranger things have happened, though. If you suspect this, I would just pop the valve springs and turn the valve at the seat. Can't miss it, if you came up snake eyes.
Nice vid Don; looked like you have a lot going on right now. Good Luck and God Bless
rev don
Good information Donyboy73. I have this engine on my 1 year old mower. I now feel better acquainted with the GCV engine thanks to this video. My only issue with mine is that after running for about one minute or so from a cold start it begins to surge with no load on it. As I mow the surge is still there but not as noticeable. Not sure if there is a fix for it or if a new carb would straighten it out. Thanks for sharing the vid on the GCV.
I have a gcv 190 with a tuliped exhaust valve. Have you ever seen this failure?
I have a GCV 190, can the belt jump time if the engine stopped hard? It still runs but very slowly as though choke was on...
it could yes
Just had a customer's Husqvarna self propelled mower with Honda GCV160 timing belt come of cam. Belt, cam, and crankshaft gear are all in good shape. My question is this: what would shop labor time be to replace belt? My estimate is 3 to 4 hours. Thanks Don.
My knowledge of those engines , would agree with your estimate of 3-4 hours . I hope that helps
Hi Donnyboy. I've got an issue with a GCV190. I run Shrewsbury Small Engine Repairs, and would like, as a fellow small engine tech, your opinion on something....how can I send you a video and info on the issue?
I didn't know they had a belt .thanks.
Absolutely a great video. I have been a small engine mechanic for some time and this was a new one for me! Alot of people are not aware of timing belts on a lawn mower. Thank Goodness they last the life of the engine!
How often should the belt be replaced?
Thanks that was very informative
Nice video. Thanks for sharing.
I don't know if it's before your time or not. Have you ever worked on a Toro Sports Lawn 18? It's an engine reel mower.
no I haven't
I have a pressure washer with the GCV 190 engine that I just picked up from a neighbors trash. After trying to start the engine I diagnosed a timing problem. Upon opening up the valve cover i confirmed that the timing marks were way off. I slid the belt off the gear and lined up the keyway slot and the cam gear and put the belt back on and it fired right up with the first pull!
My BIG QUESTION is WHY did it jump timing!!
Yes, why??? On a washer too..?
Good information
Great video as always :-D, similar to motorcycle engines with timing chain.
Honda make good motorcycles.
Do the valves and the piston hit each other when the belt snaps? Or is the design of the engine that there is some space between the opened valves and the piston?
I'm not sure on this one
@BertPie It's a "Non-Interference" engine. Belt breaks, engine stalls. New Belt and Plenty of Disassembly to do the replacement.
mc2whls Thank you for the answer!
Great video watching your videos I repaired hedge long reach trimmer and chainsaw by Tanaka not run for 7 years found in an old shed
how could I increase compression ratio since head doesn't come off? ? ? ?
Solved my problem!
Wow, I didn't know they had timing belts.. I just got a new Honda lawnmower, good to know! Thanks Donny! Oh, they only go out with normal wear and tear right?
Thank you
Gracias por su información pude armar él motor con el tiempo correcto eliminar mis dudas y el motor encendió correctamente
Would a timing belt like this have a service interval like cars have?
Josh Lamotte They're good for the life of the engine. These engines are the residential version of Honda engines, aluminum cylinder walls. If you want cast iron, look to the GS(V) (light commercial) or GX(V) (commercial/industrial) engines.
won't the belt slip when you put oil in the crankcase 🤔?
no, it's a cogged belt
Do these engines "hit " , if cam sync is lost ? Is there a tentioner ?
thanks for this Dony ...
A timing belt that runs "wet" with engine oil?
It has cogs. It can not slip even when wet with oil. The materials are made to withstand the oil exposure. The belt will never be exposed to dust and dirt, so wear is vastly reduced. It is a good system.
Had one of these belts go on a Honda hrx . it was just off warranty. Dealer billed me $350 to replace it. A bit much I thought.
yes a bit much
Yes seemed steep. What happened was the belt rolled off the cam when it was cranked. Luckily the engine wasnt running. It did no damage to the engine. I have since learned that there is an interchangeable valve cover with a guide to retain the belt. So I have put these on my mowers as a precaution. I know belt problems are rare but the cover is cheap insurance. Nice vid Don, great info.
Replaced one of these belts on a GCV engine but have some knocking coming from the engine once started. Anyone know what it could be?
make sure bolts are tight on mower, could be connecting rod wear
zack1010109 like what don said. Could be a worn con rod
Was it knocking before the belt was replaced?
Hi Dony, I striped down the mower again and had a look at the connecting rod but it is in great condition (compared the condition to one in your later videos). During this process i was moving the engine around and found that the flywheel was loose. I tightened the nut up and then fired it up, to find that the problem had been sorted. No nocking at all. Thanks very much for all your help. Your videos are great.
I have been binge watching these videos lately , You do a great job making it all look simple , kind of makes me want to be a small engine mechanic haha. Are you in Canada?
yes Ontario canada
Hi Dony! A big question: the crankshaft from GCV 160 is the same with the GCV 190 crankshaft? Many thanks and keep going with the videos, you're a very good teacher :)
i think so but you're best to verify part numbers online
have you ever seen these engines jump time before
I haven't but if someone hits something hard it could throw the belt off
Plastic ohc cam? Ill stick to briggs flatheads thanks
Alex Hickey
briggs are using plastic camgear in the motors with a decompression funktion to make the motor eseyer to start so i say that to day so this is a better way. So I stick to my Hondas 😊😊
Håkan Andersson im talking about briggs engines from the mid 90s and earlier. New briggs engines are just alright
Totally agree. In my experience, Honda small engines are over-engineered and don't take neglect and hard use too well. Who the hell thought overhead cams were worth it, especially belt-driven??? I got an '89 Briggs Classic that probably got 2 oil changes in it's lifetime and runs better than the neighbor's 10 year old Honda that get's a tune-up yearly.
Phil3555 my briggs 3.5hp flathead from 1990 is still going with well over 1000 hours of use on just an oil change and a sparkplug each year. Airfilter was only changed twice. In fact the airfilter cover bolt still has the original galvinised coating on it!
Well Alex the Briggs motor has a plastic cam gear too. (But they don't have a belt as they are a flathead as you say)
Have you ever had one skip a couple of teeth?