First off - this is an awesome website and am happy to be a new member. About me - I have about 5 acres to mow. When it gets too high for the riding mower my solution is a Stanley brush mower (with the Honda GXV530). Starting today the GXV530 will not start normally (in the past it always started right up). If a small amount of gas is put in the carb it will fire up, but stop as soon as the fuel depletes. The gas line up to the carb will drain gas out of it as expected (when disconnected) and the gas tank is 2/3 full. I found what I believe is a approx 1/4" vent hose (?) off the bottom of the carb - not sure what if any impact this may have had on the engine starting problem - assume it came off when previously cutting high brush (just now put it back on). Believe the problem is with the carb but not sure? There is a fuel cut solenoid valve that screws into the carb. Not sure what operates it or if it is even functional (California only?).
Thank you in advance for your help.
Are you getting spark okay to both plugs?
If so, then you are probably right, an issue with the carburetor is possible. Step 1 is to drain out all the old fuel and re-fill with fresh. Even fuel that is 30 days old can sometimes decay to the point where it can clog up the carburetor.
The GXV530 has a vacuum-style fuel pump on
some applications. If you have one on your engine, confirm it is operating.
The fuel-cut solenoid is mostly an anti-backfire device, FYI. When 12V DC is applied, the plunger should retract.
Confirm the choke is closing properly when starting a cold engine. The choke should not close completely (some air must pass through)
Any debris or slime inside the carburetor will cause poor running, surging, or even a no-start condition. Sometimes, the main jet and nozzle can be plugged (happens all the time on many small gas engines)
If you want to remove and overhaul the carburetor, a shop manual is essential; Honda sells paper copies direct on Amazon and eBay:
Honda Power Equipment Shop Manuals on eBay
Honda Power Equipment Shop Manuals on Amazon