GXV 120 rings replaced, still smokes a little?

jsalis57

Well-Known Member
All,
I replaced the rings on my 214SX with the GXV 120 engine this year. I have not used the mower much, maybe three hours total since then. I see a little smoke still with startup and sometimes after running. Nothing like it was before I replaced the rings but still some.The cylinder looked good but I did not measure the inside diameter so I went ahead and bought the Honda OEM ring set and had no issue with the installation.
Should I expect a seating time for the new rings? Or could it be the valves? What is the most likely cause for the continued smoke?
 
It could be the cylinder is worn enough to warrant boring it oversize (not very economical),or it could be a valve seal leaking.
 
Because Honda use multi grade oil you generally get a little puff of smoke at start up.
A lot of kawasakis do the same.
Switch to strait 30 and it probably will stop doing it.
One reason why Honda's always start so easy & reliably is the thinner oil when cold.
 
Thanks for the replies. I may try the 30W
It could be the cylinder is worn enough to warrant boring it oversize (not very economical),or it could be a valve seal leaking.

Does worn rings vs a leaking valve seal have different characteristics? Does one do on start up vs. running more than the other?
oil route first.
 
Same rule for mowers as motorcycle & cars.
Rings smoke WORST on accleleration
Guides smoke worse on deceleration

Smoke on start up is usually leakage into the combustion chamber while the engine is not running .
 
I will verify the acceleration/deceleration theory. Are guides on these engines replaceable? Is the GXV 140 head the same as the GXV 120?
 
Back
Top