Honda motor on Craftsman Mower

[peabodyn]

I have a Craftsman M140 mower with a Honda GCV 160cc engine.

The mower is difficult to start - usually takes 4 pulls.

I have cleaned out the carburetor, gaped the plug to .30 and the gap between the flywheel and the coil looks right,- but the first start of the day is always difficult.

I have also removed and cleaned the gas tank and made sure the gas line is clean.

Any ideas on how to get this mower to start easier?

Thanks

.

 

[sgkent]

pul it slowly until you fell resistance then pull hard. If there isn't enough rope left let it back in at the point of resistance and then pull.

 

[bertsmobile1]

REmove the air filter & check that the choke butterfly fully closes
Over time the cable ends up sliding towards the carb so when the choke is applied it does not quite do the job

 

[peabodyn]

Thanks for the replies.

I went on Youtube - there is a piece that is part of the automatic choke 16620-z8d -305 that pushes the choke open after the engine is warmed up.

Mine was not working, so at start up the choke is not closed.

I ordered the part on e bay (around $10.) After I took the old part out, the mower started right away.