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Hello everyone. My 2016 Hrx 217 with a GCV190 motor is beginning to concern me. First off, the oil (Honda SAE30) is turning black fast 1-2 cuts. I live in Florida and mow a half acre with her. I have used it in Rhode Island, Alaska, and now here. Also noticed every time I start it, a puff of black smoke comes out. Also I have noticed when the mower is cold even though it starts up first pull, it blows blue smoke until it is warmed up, usually 15-20 seconds. I have been running 89 non eth with k100 stabilizer. I have been changing the oil religiously all its life. Never had a carb problem besides the wax cart and a weak choke. I recently adjusted the valves because the cam sprocket shaft o ring that the valve cover rests against underneath went bad and started leaking oil. Can anyone tell me what is happening? Her compression is 80-85 psi cold. Is she giving out on me? Is it even worth it to rebuild? Thanks.

Sounds like you are burning a little oil. If it quickly burns off after start-up and runs strong, I wouldn’t worry about it. It’s possible that you got a little oil in the exhaust side when you messed with the valves. If so, it’ll burn off no problem. It’s 8 years old so it’s possible there is a little wear in the rings or valve guides. But again, if it runs strong and the smoke clears up quickly after start-up, just run the thing. You should be checking your oil level before each use so you will see pretty quickly if you are using excessive oil. I had a Honda commercial with the GCV160, which is very similar to the 190, and it puffed blue smoke on start-up for 15 years, then I gave it to a friend 8 years ago. It still runs great and still puffs blue smoke.

I would try 10W30 and see if the problem clears up. Why? because straight SAE30 has almost no additive or detergents to soften and remove built up carbon deposits from the rings. It may take a couple of oil changes, but I'm sure it will resolve some of your issues.

10w30. Sounds good. I just changed the oil last week. I always fill the sump with 13 oz. It leaves roughly 2 hashmarks on the dipstick that are not covered in oil when I pull it to check. I ran her for about 2 hours yesterday. Oil is still brown, but now I have 4 hashmarks that are uncovered. Poor thing is burning oil. I hoped for a 20 year old mower, like my old snapper. I guess it will make it with just pouring more oil in, but I hate to see her burning oil. My wife keeps telling me to buy a ride on, so it doesn't take me 2 hours. As far as rebuilding her, is it worth it? Probably not right? Wouldn't it be cheaper to just throw another motor on her? Would a gcv200 fit?

Flo_rida said:

10w30. Sounds good. I just changed the oil last week. I always fill the sump with 13 oz. It leaves roughly 2 hashmarks on the dipstick that are not covered in oil when I pull it to check. I ran her for about 2 hours yesterday. Oil is still brown, but now I have 4 hashmarks that are uncovered. Poor thing is burning oil. I hoped for a 20 year old mower, like my old snapper. I guess it will make it with just pouring more oil in, but I hate to see her burning oil. My wife keeps telling me to buy a ride on, so it doesn't take me 2 hours. As far as rebuilding her, is it worth it? Probably not right? Wouldn't it be cheaper to just throw another motor on her? Would a gcv200 fit?

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If it takes you 2 hours to mow with a self-propelled mower, you should strongly consider getting another mower.
Rebuilding this engine, unless you really want the experience, is not worth it.
Before replacing the engine with a similar one, be sure everything will work. Honda can be tricky to convert parts, etc.

rebuilding or replacing with a new mower comes close to the same cost if rebuilding is done right. 2 hours is a long time to push mow. The hard part will be finding someone qualified to replace the guides and redo the valves - that is likely where your problem is. if you go that route, be sure to clean the deck first, and inspect it for cracks. Make sure the drive wheels work perfectly too. Adding in those repairs will put you over the cost of a new mower.

Alright then. Replacing with a ride on is the answer. Thanks. Time to start researching which brand to buy and from where. Thanks.