5.5 Honda Fouling plugs ????

[XB 2002]

I have a GX160 that runs fine for a while then the plug fouls and it won't crank till I put a fresh plug in it. The motor had sat up for about 10 years and the pickup in the carb was clogged. I couldn't remove it( jet) so I cleaned it out with a tip cleaner. Maybe I bored it too much ? I have the fuel/air mixture set at 1 .5 turns open and when I give it gas it hesitates like I need to open it more but I am afraid it is too rich as the plugs get black real fast. It smokes a little when I gun it but not all the time. any help is appreciated. I would think a new carb would be the answer but i am open to suggestions.

Thanks,
XB 2002

[Restrorob]

XB,

If you can't get the main jet out for a new replacement I believe your right about a new carb, If it were a non seating float valve the carb would flood after shut down just sitting.

[pugs]

There is no mixture screw on a GX160. There is an air bleed screw which is supposed to be set to whatever it was before you removed it when putting it back in. Honestly you should just never touch it.

If you used a tip cleaner, then yes you probably enlarged the brass jet. At this point I would suggest a new carb.

Never really saw a honda foul plugs like that though, that is kinda odd. They will run on the worst lookin plug you can find.

[Phil G]

I have a GX160 that runs fine for a while then the plug fouls and it won't crank till I put a fresh plug in it. The motor had sat up for about 10 years and the pickup in the carb was clogged. I couldn't remove it( jet) so I cleaned it out with a tip cleaner. Maybe I bored it too much ? I have the fuel/air mixture set at 1 .5 turns open and when I give it gas it hesitates like I need to open it more but I am afraid it is too rich as the plugs get black real fast. It smokes a little when I gun it but not all the time. any help is appreciated. I would think a new carb would be the answer but i am open to suggestions.

Thanks,
XB 2002


I've had a couple of the engines acting like this.

As you say it's smoking, is it using much oil?

In the past I've honed and re-ringed these engines but, they never go back and run like new. I recall talking to Honda about this some years ago and the guy recon's on some of these older engines the bore becomes porous.

What's the engine fitted to?

Have you got a carb off a running engine you can swap over?
It's worth checking the carb cost against a complete engine replacement. If it's on a piece of equipment that's going to be used regularly then the cost is justifiable.

Good luck, Phil:ukflag:

[topsites]

Yeah I would replace that 10 year old air filter first :p
Check the breather hose too, and if it's corroded or cracked, replace it.

[XB 2002]

Air filter is new and breather tube also.....Thanks:hammerhead: