[Scoop]

I'm struggling with my normally very reliable Honda GX120. The engine drives a WW909 Interpump in a PW config and I use it to clean wheelie bins.

Ideally I could do with a slightly bigger engine (maybe 160) but this one has always done the job. Yesterday however it started labouring very badly and today it stalled. I cleaned the plug, changed the air filter, cleaned out the bits floating in the petrol tank (bit of corrosion and it hadn't been done for a while) and made sure the carb was clear. Got it back working but within 10 bins it stalled again.

The exhaust has suddenly got very sooty and the smoke smells much 'sicklier' than usual - almost as if it's getting too much fuel. Does this sound like a new engine or is there something else I can try?

Thanks.

[Ged]

had similar problem and noticed a broken hair spring hanging down  behind the throttle govenor arm. wasnt obvious at first as it is very thin and behind the throttle control arm. have a look. if its that its only pence for a new one

[BDCS]

If its not carb related check the tappets and valve springs

[Scoop]

Thanks guys. Ged, it could well be related to that. The springs are all there but engine doesn't seem to be throttling up all the way so I think the one you're talking about isn't tight enough. I'm going to have another fiddle now and see if I can get some sweet music out of it 

[Scoop]

That was it. Throttle spring had stretched and it wasn't reaching anywhere near full power. Fixed now from local lawnmower shop. Thanks. Funny how our machines can give us heart failure when they stop working