OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Walk Behind Lawn Mower Frames Four Stroke Lawn Mower Frames HONDA HARMONY HRM215

GOOD MORNING
I HAVE A HONDA HARMONY HRM215 K4 SDA
SN# MZBB 6503531
WITH A GXV140 ENGINE
I'M AFRAID TO ASK!!!
LOW COMPRESSION--80
FOUND DIRT ON TOP OF ENGINE WHERE HEAD GASKET IS---SEEMED SIMPLE
REPLACED. STILL AT 80
IF I SPRAY GUMOUT INTO CARB IT STARTS AND RUNS GREAT---IF I SPRAY IT BACK BY HEAD GASKET --SAME EFFECT STARTS RIGHT UP
IF I PUSH ALL THE WAY TO CHOKE IT RUNS GREAT ALSO DOESN'T STALL OUT
ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED WHETHER IT IS GOOD NEWS OR NOT
THANKS
RANGER

Ranger,

It sounds like a blown head gasket. What you will have to do is remove the cylinder head and check. You will see straight away if it is blown as it will be marked on the gasket or the cylinder head.

When you replaced the cylinder head gasket did you reface the head and check for piston slop or scoring in the cylinder wall?

Let me know what you find in the cylinder.

thank you for your response.
i did clean off piston top and top of cylinder as well as head--replaced gasket. there was not really any movement in piston side to side. i also saw no wall scoring.. i feel better about myself, i actually checked all of that!!! i have a comp tester and it reads 65#---could the cylinder or crank case have a crack???--it runs when you give a little shot of gumout and stays running true even when you put into choke(plate does close)
thank you again

Ranger,

It sounds like you might have a damaged inlet valve.

Did you check the valves when you had the head off?

Have you checked the carby as well i.e removed bowl and cleaned the jets (especially the one under the idle screw)?

Check this stuff first and let me know what you find.

Ranger,

I will be hopefully uploading workshop manuals in the next couple of weeks to the parts list and manuals area which will have step by step instructions for repairs to all Honda engines.

good morning and thank you once again
i did check the carb----the bowl and the main jet, they were completly clean and clear---did not know about the other!!!
the valves intake was messy----cleaned and relapped
exhaust was cleaner,but cleaned and relapped anyhow. i will look at the other jet--is there any special setting for the screw when done or any special removal tips----my luck things will fly!!!
thanks again
ranger

Ranger,

I will upload carby information in a minute.

bruce
sorry so long ,i did check that jet and it was clear but i did go back and check the intake valve i must not have lapped it in good enough. that did it!!!
thank you for all of your assistance
ranger

Ranger,

Glad to be of assistance.