I have a Honda HRN216VKAD, with the GCV170 engine bought new in the box from Home Depot on line this year. The engine model is GJAUA 2361122MY03 with a punch mark on the data plate and blue dot so the recalled camshaft on these engines was done I assume at the factory. 12 Hours run time, Well I get a nice puff of smoke on startup after it sits a while, way above normal, seems like a valve stem seal but please, (oil levels and all that is correct) the Authorized Honda dealer here here charges $95 to determine if it is a warantee issue. refundable but so I really have to make sure I am right, or at least it is a warantee issue. Would a compression test tell me anything? Thank you
StarTech
Lawn Royalty
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Valve stem seal would only leak if the drain hole are blocked while sitting a length of time. You already said they use a lot of RTV and the rocker still leaks. Should leak unless you had removed it. Most likely it is leaking pass the rings from a slightly overfill of oil. To check prop up the cylinder head higher ie 2x4 or 4x4 under the wheels. After sitting over time and then you start it should not smoke if this is the case.
Now if you are afraid to spend any money on the mower then why did you buy it in the first place. All equipment will need repairs sooner or later. That like the owner of a 20 yr old rider complaining that he has to have a set of new blades.
Now if you are afraid to spend any money on the mower then why did you buy it in the first place. All equipment will need repairs sooner or later. That like the owner of a 20 yr old rider complaining that he has to have a set of new blades.
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Take it back to Home Depot and have them do a one for one exchange, or they contend with a local dealer to get warranty addressed.
You purchased a new mower and that is what you paid for.
You purchased a new mower and that is what you paid for.