Honda gxv390
- Thread starter john2189
- Start date
I would guess that your choke isn't closing all the way if it is running good once it gets going. Do you have the ability to partially disassemble the air intake side enough so that you can seal your hand over the intake of the carb to choke it and see if that works? You could inspect the operation of the choke at that time too.
I've used starting fluid only in limited occasions. If you have to use if every time, it's worth digging deeper to solve the underlying problem. That said, there probably isn't any concern with using starting fluid. As an alternative, you can put some gas in a small spray bottle (of a variety that won't decompose from the gas) and use that instead. It's much cheaper! As always, beware using either starting fluid or a spray of gas as any residual bit that doesn't make it in the carb can ignite if the engine backfires or if you have a stray spark.
I've used starting fluid only in limited occasions. If you have to use if every time, it's worth digging deeper to solve the underlying problem. That said, there probably isn't any concern with using starting fluid. As an alternative, you can put some gas in a small spray bottle (of a variety that won't decompose from the gas) and use that instead. It's much cheaper! As always, beware using either starting fluid or a spray of gas as any residual bit that doesn't make it in the carb can ignite if the engine backfires or if you have a stray spark.
I found some information at this link: https://www.outdoorking.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=36768
Reading down through it, some people replace the choke spring with a weaker one to resolve this problem. You'll want to pull your air cleaner off to look at the choke operation and see if this is causing your problem.
Reading down through it, some people replace the choke spring with a weaker one to resolve this problem. You'll want to pull your air cleaner off to look at the choke operation and see if this is causing your problem.
John *.?-!.* cub owner
501 Club
Don't overlook the possibility of the carburetor bolts being loose, that will give the same symptoms
Ahh, if it won't idle, then you need to clean or rebuild the carburetor.
I have in a few instances 'cleaned' a carburetor without taking anything apart. I drain the fuel bowl, then fill the fuel bowl (through the fuel line) with carburetor cleaner. Full choke and crank it over to the point of flooding. Walk away for an hour, then reattach fuel line and try to start it.
I have in a few instances 'cleaned' a carburetor without taking anything apart. I drain the fuel bowl, then fill the fuel bowl (through the fuel line) with carburetor cleaner. Full choke and crank it over to the point of flooding. Walk away for an hour, then reattach fuel line and try to start it.
Don McCombs
501 Club
I’m not familiar with that carburetor, either. But, you can do some degree of cleaning, while the engine is running, with Deep Creep. It’s basically Seafoam in a spray can. Follow the label instructions.
staninlowerAL
501 Club
You could check the valve clearance. I had a B&S engine once that the valve clearance was next to nothing and would not let the valves seat. Adjusted the clearance and solved the starting problem.
I have one of them too---- they are a bear to work on--- Honda made them EXTREEMLY hard to get the carb off.---Thats why I only use Kohlers and B & S for important stuff. These 2 hondas I have are just to see how complicated a company can make stuff!-- have the 160 so it will fire but not run---gas tank is nasty and I still have not had time to take it off---another complicated mounting of the tanks on them.
I would say your carb needs to come off, take apart and clean. IF real nasty---I would suggest a re-placement one then it should run.
I would say your carb needs to come off, take apart and clean. IF real nasty---I would suggest a re-placement one then it should run.