If you need more details on rebuilding one of these I highly recommend you check out this video series. I love how you can find detailed instruction on so many different things on RUclips. ruclips.net/video/-B-H5tgxd7E/видео.html
How are you? my lawnmower Honda GCV160' Engine is good , all cable are well, the belt is fine. When Engine runs, but blades not turn, however I see center bolt is turning only . Is the Clutch has problem ? Could you teach me how to clear this problem? Please
I just want you to know I just watched like a dozen videos on how to do this before attempting to replace my mower's crankshaft and THIS is the video I'm using. This is so much more in-depth than anything else I found. Thanks!
Just did this in my Husqvarna Honfa Gcv160la. The crank was $26 and the valve cover was $5. Super easy and cranked on the first pull. Thank you for the video.
I have been a mechanic for many years. I use paint markers and tiny punch marks, even engravers, where critical things need to be matched perfect. It makes life easier. Also, I like that you put bolts and hardware in it's original place. I used to work as a production machine mechanic. I would come to work at night and find a machine down, and right next to it,.... coffee cans full of nuts, bolts, washers, and small parts. And none of it cleaned. Nothing more fun than spending an hour or two doing a filthy grimy metal hardware jig saw puzzle. The way you do it saves time and headaches. I try and clean things as it comes apart. Reassembly is much easier and cleaner,............................ it's already done. Great video.
Awesome, thanks very much. I’m actually almost done with a basic small engine maintenance overview video. Goal is to make anyone comfortable servicing any small engine if they watch the whole video.
I don't usually leave comments, but this video is very clear and to the point. I was power washing the house today when suddenly the engine stopped (has same Honda GCV160 engine). Has no compression, not very used, never abused. So I needed a video on the disassembly. The information contained here is priceless (I think I have a stuck intake valve btw). Very clean and thorough work!..and the info page attached to the description is very useful. Thanks!...Happy to see another one like me, fixing instead of throwing away...keep on wrenching! UPDATE: Problem was indeed a stuck gunked up intake valve. Had to pry open (like a sardines can) the valve cover and remove the carburetor to get to the valve stem and apply some penetrating oil and carb cleaner. Valve is free to move now...compression is back. I don't like this idea of "one use" valve cover. Not because of the money (like $8 something) but because of the down time while awaiting for the new "sardines can" cover to arrive.....oh well....
I have the same mower, I love it. I take care of it. Honda does not make push mowers no longer, what is out there to buy is it. Nice job on the engine repair, mower engines have come long ways since years ago.
Depends where you are located. In Australia, we can still buy Honda push mowers and if you can't find one of those, I purchased a Victa mower with the HOnda GCV160 Honda motor - just as good as buying a Honda but cheaper!
This was an extremely informative video. I am used to Briggs and Stratton motors. This is a whole new ball game for me, thank you so much for this video. I just acquired a Honda pushmower and want to do a complete tear-down and rebuild. Will be definitely saving this video, sir.
Thank you for sharing this excellent and clean video on how to rebuild the GCV170 engine. Mine is still brand new and never used but I'm sure in the very distant future it'll be very handy with the information I gained here. I really liked how you gave great detail into everything done.
Thanks man I jus bent my crankshaft friggin mower isn’t even a month old glad I saw your video very entertaining and informative just glad to know I can fix it!! Thanks !!!
Thanks for the great video! Just did a GCV160 that probably had less than 20Hrs on it. Owner hit a rock shortly after purchasing it. Only problem I had was installing the camshaft pully after assembling the cases. The belt had slid off of the crankshaft pully. I had to split the casings again and put the belt on both pullies before assembling the cases. Started 1st pull ! Thanks Again!
Honda GCV160 and 190 are considered generally not cost feasible to rebuild. This is a homeowner grade engine. Shop labor and parts would meet or exceed value of a used mower.
Thank you for the excellent lighting and camera work on a subject I, too, will be doing. The landscape timber felt threatened by the lawnmower and attacked it and jumped underneath, stopping the blade motion and BENDING THE CRANKSHAFT lol! I highly recommend you wear safety glasses when spraying solvent on surfaces that you have no advance warning as to where the overspray is going to go. A trip to the ER for a chemical burn on your eye will cost you more than 3 or 4 of these mowers.
Thanks a lot for the video I have to replace my camshaft o-ring on a 200. That feeling is so good when you start that engine up I felt good for you thanks for the video good job
The 160 and 190 are now replaced by the 145. 170 and 200. Mainly for emission stuff. Also less parts in the new range. When you tip mower on its side always exhaust side down 👍🏻
Lightweight is good and what did I use it for it’s a lawnmower ruclips.net/user/postUgkxTPN04aT-Qdjr_KS3ql7ng8wnU3wwsCqk also recommend Yes it is lightweight so hence not as robust as our old one. But if you take care it does the job really well.
Thanks Jason, I saw your video back in March, Great video indeed. I had to search for your video again today. You explained everything so flawlessly with your upbeat personality that keeps it light and simple. I've been replacing parts on mine, the next step is to take the engine apart fix the timing as well as valves. I like working on small engines, even my Jeep and getting it up and running great satisfaction in that. It also keeps the Ducats from flying out of your pockets. But sooner or later I will buy a new mower. I'll let you know how it went when I take it all apart and put it back together, can't wait. God Bless +
Awesome video I’ve been trying to get my hands on some parts for this machine yesterday which is the paddle piece that you have in the center of the handle and also the lever for the brake and that’s been a problem to get my hands on to find a cheap going to the Honda is expensive if you have any ideas when you get it for much cheaper contact me thank you
Informative, concise, but still comprehensive. Doesn't get better than that. I would add that the valve cover can be re-used if it's pried off (carefully) while warming the sealant under the perimeter with a heat gun.
Great work on this. Although this is not accurate for the GCV200. 1: The case design was change for these so its not a diagonally split case, which isn't a big deal but it's important to realize. 2: The crank for my GCV200 was $140 USD. Absolutely ridiculous. Anyway, it was one of the easiest jobs I've ever done on an engine, that included removing it from the deck. An hour of my time plus the research and waiting for the crank to arrive. Thanks for the tips!
I was going to mention this as well. The GCV200 is a completely different motor from the ground up. All of the other GCV's are overhead cam, whereas the GCV200 is an OHV design that is more comparable to the GXV120/140/160 motors. Honestly Honda should have named the GCV200 something different because based on its name you'd think it's just a larger displacement version of the GCV190.
Nice video J-dawg. I have some oil leaks on mine so I need to reseal it. It's old- so I keep neglecting the motor- expecting it to crap out so I can just go buy a new one and not have to fix mine- but it just keep running. I'm going to have to fix it because it just won't die. This is a good motor. Putting some time and money into it ought to get it to croak though.
Added to my playlist. I just had to troubleshoot the 190 on a pressure washer and I have zero real world experience with any kind of engine. I had a feeling that removing that valve cover would be permanent lol. This engine was seized up pretty tight, was ran with no oil then left to sit and rust. I was expecting it would need a new cylinder and piston. I don't have a flywheel puller so I basically just took off everything I could that used 10mm bolts without getting into the case. Tried to get machine oil on the moving parts, added motor oil to reservoir and into the spark plug hole. Spun the flywheel by driver/hand once the rust was knocked off to try and get some oil on the parts. Hooked it up to the hose for a test run, had to fight with the pull start about 5 minutes, slowly but surely it got more and more resilient and didn't die on me. Beginners luck? Idk, but it felt damn good to get something running that would have likely been considered a total loss. If I'm being real honest I kind of wanted it to be messed up so I would have an excuse to try and rebuild it 😆
@@JasonExplainsThings It really was gratifying. I'm way more interested in tinkering with some engines than I ever was before. I might have caught the bug lol Also great video, I'll definitely be back if anything else happens to that pressure washer. What you got into seems much more complicated, but I know a lot of it can be managed with diagrams and especially videos like this! Im off to research what specific tools I should get for this kind of work besides the basics. Flywheel puller for one!
Thanks very much for that. I have a bent shaft that I need to replace (oh it’s bent) and in Australia we don’t have solid blades! My Honda is USA built with the twin solid blades and versing concrete didn’t go to well. Great work, I’m now a subscriber!
Good video sir. Clear and concise. I assume your replacement valve cover is the new style with the belt guard inside? And the governor arm is pushed clockwise along with the governor shaft to adjust. And I know your video focused on replacing the crank, but fyi- Honda also has an upgraded auto-choke control (16600-Z8D-840) and thermo wax insert (16620-Z8D-305) for that pesky auto choke system that causes problems. Thanks for the video.
Great how-to video ! Thanks. BTW I have a 5 year old seldom used pressure washer powered by a Honda GCV190. Never had any problems w/ it, but it's nice to know what's inside the engine just in case.
Those detaching blades will ruin any engine. Very informative video! I am just curious why the crank lost the tapped threads. The Rockwell hardness must have been low on that crank. The bolt should have given up first.
FYI, I'd never done that repair before. Just followed instructions and took my time. But no shame in having someone else do it. Helps out repair businesses.
I wish the disassembly part at the start was explained with more than a Timelapse music video. You just suddenly had the motor off 😅 The rest was really great!
@@JasonExplainsThings Thank you, Jason. (I'd love to do something like this on my Honda mower or the Toro snow thrower, but know I'd get stuck). Thank you again. God Bless you and all your family.
Thanks for video Jason. However, I can’t get the flywheel nut off as the flywheel keeps turning. How do you hold the flywheel stationary while loosening the nut?
Great video. I just picked up a free pressure washer with a gcv 190 that is stuck. Pulled the pump and still stuck so I guess I will rebuild the engine. The diagram link you have no longer works. So I will try and find that same one. Thanks again. Matt.
maybe already someone suggested but... Valve cover removal heat with heat gun to facilitate removal and can then be reused..thanks for the video be well!
Appreciate the timing of your video. Lots of links in description! About to teardown a GCV160 from an older MTD that is a little leaky from a guy that volunteered his mower. A 4-H, small engine project with my son. Got the motor off of the deck but soon ready to tackle hence watching you, starting with building a square block wood frame for base. Around the 5 minute mark, you're pulling the flywheel off with 3 legged puller... I'd advise to tap(ping) head of puller screw with hammer nigh to breaking bond. Not as wicked then. Are there any bolt holes available for a puller? Can be less binding that way.
Continuing the story of my bent crankshaft. I opened up the engine and found a lot of black soot on the face of the piston and the manifold. Big problem because the manifold is not that easy to get at to clean. Besides, it was probably affecting the valve seats. This engine is fairly new and had always been running smooth. All this crap probably got on there by my running the engine with the bent crankshaft. I ran it several times just to see how bent it was. It became increasingly hard to start. I think what happened is the vibration from the shaft was affecting the timing preventing it from being dead on every time but fluctuating around the correct timing. I say this because when I looked at the timing with the engine open it was perfect and the valve clearances at TOC were OK. I did not find any broken parts to explain mistiming. Lesson learned. Don't run the engine with a bent crankshaft. Would appreciate comments from experienced posters as to whether my theory makes sense. I used carburetor cleaner on a microfiber towel and elbow grease to clean the piston. I had to put the towel on long plastic spoon to get at the manifold and avoid damaging the cylinder. Difficult job. To clean the valve seats I used Permatex valve grinding compound. It's an abrasive. You use the valves themselves (I put in new valves) to clean the seats. Amazon also sells a tool you use to push on the valve and rotate it to grind the seat and valve to match each other. I got the compound at Pep Boys and did not use that tool. I pulled on the valve stem to do the grinding. It took a while but you can feel the friction decreasing as the compound does its job. Then you have to clean out the compound (it's water soluble). All this was probably unnecessary if I had not run that engine. Still haven't had time to finish the reassembly.
Great video but I've bent the crank on my Honda Izzy. Too lazy to be bothered fitting a new crank so I'm gonna drain the engine oil then run it till it goes 'TWANG'. Then get a new mower.
I was very impressed how it was designed. Very enjoyable to take apart and put back together. And as long as you take your time it's pretty easy to not screw up.
Don't worry. My lawnmower with GCV135 engine just turned 20 years this year. 30 hours of use every season. Just make sure you change the oil every year and it will outlast the deck.
Awesome Video, thanks for making it! I have a almost new HRX 217 (GCV 200) with a bent shaft. I wasn’t aware that it would be so involved to replace the shaft, but I’m soo glad I found this video to help along the way!!
Finish of the story of the bent crankshaft. (In my initial post I made the mistake of saying bent crankcase. Sorry.) Finally finished the job. This video and the others that are referenced here were a great help!! Recommend taking lots of pictures during disassembly and putting parts in labeled bags. My GCV160 has some differences with the one in this video. In particular it has the auto-choke mechanism. I found another youtube video that was helpful in reinstalling this mechanism and the carburetor. Also this video does not cover taking out and reinstalling the piston but a referenced video does. Other videos not referenced here cover valve grinding. Bottom line. The thing started first pull!! Runs very smooth. Starts and runs just like new. Guess the bent crankshaft was the reason for the mistiming although I did replace the valves, rocker arms, camshaft and belt in case there was some problem there I was not seeing. A few bucks expense but would have been terrible to have to open up again if the problem was with one of those parts. I guess I could have installed the old camshaft and rocker arms because those are much easier to replace if faulty but, as long as you have access, why not go with new parts. My time is valuable to me.
I also have the GVC160 and mine is about to BLOW, there is so much metal particles in the oil the oil is as grey as JB weld, the engine blows smoke like crazy and is clanking. when I pull the plug and rotate the blade I can feel and hear the grinding and horribleness. I was wondering how much it costs to do a complete replacement of everything in there, crank shaft - piston, everything. maybe i should just replace the engine completely if it's too expensive. This mower is like new condition and it's pissing me off really. how this happened is not even right. I only used it with the bag and one day I set the bag on the fence to dry after cleaning it and someone stole it. so without a bag I was mulching full time. I didn't do anything differently other than the mulching but apparently at some point after a maybe 5 mows, the grass weight has thrown the balance off and it has literally destroyed the engine. It's the only thing I can think of anyway. The thing will start on the first pull if you can get a full pull out it , sometimes it will not start and instead lock up and spin backward for a split second ripping the cord handle out of my hand so hard it has bruised the inside of my knuckles. ( not fun ) Makes me mad , I really liked the way it starts and runs when it was all good. Pretty sure, from the way it acted last time I started it, it's going to blow. I mean, I really think if I let it idle for 5 minutes it would toss the piston rod out the side of the black. OH! and smoke? LOL WOW! It will run all the skeeders out of the neighborhood for sure. LOL Didn't realize how much plastic crap was in thee till I watched this.
Good Video JASON i had a Slight ROD KNOCK on my gcv160 - Lucky Caught inTime . Tear Down ONLY ROD WORN !!!, Wet Sanded the Crank , Ordered NEW ROD : Careful of Orientation of OIL SLINGER ARM working GOOD in My LAWNBOY 22270 ( not the Original GSV190 )
Hey Jason. Would you mind helping show me how to remove the metal timing belt pulley sprocket from the crankshaft? I don’t wanna break mine bu it won’t come off
Great video and very informative. Have a GCV200 with a bent crankshaft. Seems like the design of the GCV200 is somewhat different from the GCV190 as it has no timing belt. Curious if you are familiar with this engine? Is so do you know how to time it? Thanks in advance.
Did the copper silicone hold the oil? I just rebuilt my gcv 160 and used that stuff and it leaks like a siv. Everything was super clean and i let it set up good
Hi. Recently I start having problems with my lawn mower. The problem is that I don't have good compression y check de valves and it moves and seel freely until I saw the piston walls and I discover that it have scratches that I can feel with my fingers nail. So the question is can I rebuld the engine?
If the cylinder walls are scored, you can try and save it by taking it to be bored out. But this being a lawn mower… I’d suggest looking for a replacement.
Jason, how are you? my Honda GCV160' Engine is good , all cable are well, the bell is fine. When Engine runs, but blades not turn, however I see center bolt is turning only . I did not find the Clutch has problem ? Could you teach me how to clear this problem? Thank for your time. San
Jason, I was going to swap engines on my Billy Goat Yard Vacuum from a Briggs and Stratton to a Honda GCV190. The impeller that creates the suction bolts directly into the bottom of the crankshaft. I’m now thinking this could be a problem. Yours won’t hold a blade so how is mine expected to hold a much larger impeller on the shaft? They come from the manufacture with the GCV190 but I have no idea if they use a bracket vs direct attachment to center of crankshaft? Would you make the switch to GCV190 or am I asking for a new headache? FYI the old motor is smoking bad. So the Honda was going to be an upgrade. Thanks
I've worked on or rebuilt practically every known small mower except for a Honda GCV engine, (other than a valve adjustment or valve seals). I've got one that was given to me. It's an old Big Wheel Troybilt Recycler with a GVC160 engine and manual choke. It's smoking with no knocking whatsoever. Compression is borderline, so I doubt replacing valve seals would solve the problem. It's about 15 years old and the frame is like a tank. They don't make em like that anymore. Anyway, I'm gonna go all the way through it since parts are still plentiful and reasonable. I'll get it what it needs and paint the frame. I'm gonna keep it as well. They don't make mowers like this anymore........js
I have a Honda GCV with a bent crankcase after hitting something so hard it broke and bent the lower blade, bent the blade holder and crankshaft. I bought the blades before noticing the problem with the holder and the crankshaft. The holder and crankshaft are on the way to me and your video is very, very helpful but I have a problem. The blade holder does not want to come out of the shaft. It is really stuck in there. It does not budge at all. Why? I have ordered a puller with two jaws. Do you think that is a good idea? Any other ideas for getting it out? Another question. When I turn the shaft, after taking off the spark plug and holding the safety handle in place, the shaft does not turn that easily. It turns easier in part of the cycle but is harder to turn in another part. The engine starts and runs with or without blades but, of course, it has a lot of vibration. When I pull the starter it is not nice and smooth like before but sometimes catches and one has to pull harder. However, it does start and run. What else could have broken to show these symptoms or will replacing the crankshaft cure all of them?
Not having received an answer to my question and after getting the puller, I decided to go ahead and try it. It was a bit difficult since it was not the best puller option but just the cheapest one I could get. However, I was finally successful in pulling out the blade holder. I am not absolutely sure but I have seen other videos where it comes out quite easily without a puller so I think the reason I needed one was the bend in the crankshaft. Another supporting fact for that is that I also needed to use the puller to get the drive pulley out of the shaft. This piece moved quite freely up and down the shaft near its working position but became impossible to move when it was brought down to be extracted. The end of the shaft is bent and that bend makes it impossible to slide pieces in and out. I do not know if I will find further damage inside the engine but at least I am now able to remove it from the frame, open it up to inspect it and replace the crankshaft. Hope this helps others when they encounter a problem similar to mine.
Yes, yes and yes. :-) I mean maybe you could leave the carb and muffler on but it would probably make the job harder. You definitely need to remove the valve cover.
@@MrTumbleweed22they glue it so that you bend it out of shape and have to replace it but if you take pliers to one edge and get that corner pryd up you can use compressed air
Noice ! thanks for the info on how you broke it ! I am documenting re getting my first lawn mower the battle is between thermic and electric(battery), this video helped me figure things out. I can't wait to strip one opened myself now lol, thanks again ! One question: what is the name of the hook-like tool you used to separate the flywheel of the ignition coil from the engine? Greetings from southern France.
![Digital Circus Episode 4 [TRAILER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/abZtsmMUbJo/mqdefault.jpg)
If you need more details on rebuilding one of these I highly recommend you check out this video series. I love how you can find detailed instruction on so many different things on RUclips. ruclips.net/video/-B-H5tgxd7E/видео.html
How are you? my lawnmower Honda GCV160' Engine is good , all cable are well, the belt is fine. When Engine runs, but blades not turn, however I see center bolt is turning only . Is the Clutch has problem ?
Could you teach me how to clear this problem? Please
Very informative video! For all your small engines I recommend Amsoil 10w30 and alkalyte fuel : keeps the engine superior and clean running! Cheers
Im impressed. Ive been repairing lawn mowers for 20 years, Your videos is very detailed and informative.
Wow! Thanks very much.
I must say, this video is just perfect.
The video, the music, the way you talk and explain things. Best video covering a lawnmower engine so far.
Why did I just watch that whole video? I don't even have a mower? But now I can take one apart and reassemble it. 😎
Nice!
Lol, meee too!
You must be a mechanic
I just want you to know I just watched like a dozen videos on how to do this before attempting to replace my mower's crankshaft and THIS is the video I'm using. This is so much more in-depth than anything else I found. Thanks!
Just did this in my Husqvarna Honfa Gcv160la. The crank was $26 and the valve cover was $5. Super easy and cranked on the first pull. Thank you for the video.
I have been a mechanic for many years. I use paint markers and tiny punch marks, even engravers, where critical things need to be matched perfect. It makes life easier. Also, I like that you put bolts and hardware in it's original place. I used to work as a production machine mechanic. I would come to work at night and find a machine down, and right next to it,.... coffee cans full of nuts, bolts, washers, and small parts. And none of it cleaned. Nothing more fun than spending an hour or two doing a filthy grimy metal hardware jig saw puzzle. The way you do it saves time and headaches. I try and clean things as it comes apart. Reassembly is much easier and cleaner,............................ it's already done. Great video.
Thanks Joseph! Much appreciated.
I do the same thing and it saves time also 😊
You explain it very well, nice job from a 72 year old life time mechanic 😊
Well that is a meaningful compliment right there! Thanks for watching and I hope it’s been helpful to others.
One of the best instruction videos for GCV's that I have seen. Thank you for sharing.
Awesome, thanks very much. I’m actually almost done with a basic small engine maintenance overview video. Goal is to make anyone comfortable servicing any small engine if they watch the whole video.
Never heard of him until I needed help working on my GCV 170. He earned a new follower! I’m about to watch every vid this dude has made. Great info.
Happy binging!
I don't usually leave comments, but this video is very clear and to the point. I was power washing the house today when suddenly the engine stopped (has same Honda GCV160 engine). Has no compression, not very used, never abused. So I needed a video on the disassembly. The information contained here is priceless (I think I have a stuck intake valve btw). Very clean and thorough work!..and the info page attached to the description is very useful. Thanks!...Happy to see another one like me, fixing instead of throwing away...keep on wrenching!
UPDATE: Problem was indeed a stuck gunked up intake valve. Had to pry open (like a sardines can) the valve cover and remove the carburetor to get to the valve stem and apply some penetrating oil and carb cleaner. Valve is free to move now...compression is back. I don't like this idea of "one use" valve cover. Not because of the money (like $8 something) but because of the down time while awaiting for the new "sardines can" cover to arrive.....oh well....
Agreed on the valve cover. A little weird how thin it is.
I have the same mower, I love it. I take care of it. Honda does not make push mowers no longer, what is out there to buy is it. Nice job on the engine repair, mower engines have come long ways since years ago.
Depends where you are located. In Australia, we can still buy Honda push mowers and if you can't find one of those, I purchased a Victa mower with the HOnda GCV160 Honda motor - just as good as buying a Honda but cheaper!
Excellent video Jason, thank you for taking the time to capture the content and put it together. Very well done.
This was an extremely informative video. I am used to Briggs and Stratton motors. This is a whole new ball game for me, thank you so much for this video. I just acquired a Honda pushmower and want to do a complete tear-down and rebuild. Will be definitely saving this video, sir.
Awesome! Glad to help. My parents have the mower now and it still runs great to this day.
Love the videos. Very clear and detailed. Great enthusiasm. Makes me want to fix my lawn right away. Keep up with the videos!
Thank you for sharing this excellent and clean video on how to rebuild the GCV170 engine. Mine is still brand new and never used but I'm sure in the very distant future it'll be very handy with the information I gained here. I really liked how you gave great detail into everything done.
Sir, the gcv170 is very different from the 160cc. Honda changed a lot of things, including having way less moving parts
@@warrenfogleman9962 Yes I know. I really Ike the 170 build. Glad I got it. It's a breeze to work on.
A quality video. Well detailed with the right amount of humour. These engines are fun to work on. Not very complicated. Thanks for making it. Roger
Absolutely fascinating, and so satisfying to be able to complete a job like that!
Thanks for the video. I found one of these at Goodwill. Paid $20 for it it runs but needs some care. This is great info to help me.
That was the best video for Honda mowers....I am going to get one now... that is a real rebuild-able engine.
Thanks man I jus bent my crankshaft friggin mower isn’t even a month old glad I saw your video very entertaining and informative just glad to know I can fix it!! Thanks !!!
Thanks for the great video! Just did a GCV160 that probably had less than 20Hrs on it. Owner hit a rock shortly after purchasing it. Only problem I had was installing the camshaft pully after assembling the cases. The belt had slid off of the crankshaft pully. I had to split the casings again and put the belt on both pullies before assembling the cases. Started 1st pull ! Thanks Again!
Yeah when it starts right up that’s the best feeling. 👍
Honda GCV160 and 190 are considered generally not cost feasible to rebuild. This is a homeowner grade engine. Shop labor and parts would meet or exceed value of a used mower.
Thank you for the excellent lighting and camera work on a subject I, too, will be doing. The landscape timber felt threatened by the lawnmower and attacked it and jumped underneath, stopping the blade motion and BENDING THE CRANKSHAFT lol! I highly recommend you wear safety glasses when spraying solvent on surfaces that you have no advance warning as to where the overspray is going to go. A trip to the ER for a chemical burn on your eye will cost you more than 3 or 4 of these mowers.
Great tutorial! One of the best I've seen on how to rebuild a small engine.
Thanks! It was a fun project. I'm going to keep an eye out for broken Honda mowers around town.
Great and informative, I don't even have a Honda lawnmower, and watched the whole thing anyway! I think that deserves a sticker! 😉
Good camera angles, good content. really good video. Thank you.
Thanks a lot for the video I have to replace my camshaft o-ring on a 200. That feeling is so good when you start that engine up I felt good for you thanks for the video good job
Thanks, mate. I’m in the process of replacing my shaft too. Good job.
Best video for this mower I have same problem and have to replace crankshaft as well.Now thanks to your video I can do it cheers David in Australia
The 160 and 190 are now replaced by the 145. 170 and 200. Mainly for emission stuff. Also less parts in the new range. When you tip mower on its side always exhaust side down 👍🏻
Lightweight is good and what did I use it for it’s a lawnmower ruclips.net/user/postUgkxTPN04aT-Qdjr_KS3ql7ng8wnU3wwsCqk also recommend Yes it is lightweight so hence not as robust as our old one. But if you take care it does the job really well.
Thank you for sharing. I bought a new hrx217 last year but will be rebuilding my hrb215 this winter to keep around for back up.
Dude! That was awesome video! Thank you for your help. (I got one of these, but fund another one in a random dumpster- I’ll rebuild it for fun)
Thanks Jason, I saw your video back in March, Great video indeed. I had to search for your video again today. You explained everything so flawlessly with your upbeat personality that keeps it light and simple. I've been replacing parts on mine, the next step is to take the engine apart fix the timing as well as valves. I like working on small engines, even my Jeep and getting it up and running great satisfaction in that. It also keeps the Ducats from flying out of your pockets. But sooner or later I will buy a new mower. I'll let you know how it went when I take it all apart and put it back together, can't wait. God Bless +
Like the bug in the background. 😊 Thanks for the video.
Thanks! There’s a playlist of videos about it.
Awesome video I’ve been trying to get my hands on some parts for this machine yesterday which is the paddle piece that you have in the center of the handle and also the lever for the brake and that’s been a problem to get my hands on to find a cheap going to the Honda is expensive if you have any ideas when you get it for much cheaper contact me thank you
Informative, concise, but still comprehensive. Doesn't get better than that.
I would add that the valve cover can be re-used if it's pried off (carefully) while
warming the sealant under the perimeter with a heat gun.
Good tip. It would be difficult to reuse I’d imagine. I was a little surprised it was so easy to deform. But I didn’t heat up the gasket.
Great video, I've to rebuild my engine as well and will definitely use it. Thanks!
Great work on this. Although this is not accurate for the GCV200.
1: The case design was change for these so its not a diagonally split case, which isn't a big deal but it's important to realize.
2: The crank for my GCV200 was $140 USD. Absolutely ridiculous.
Anyway, it was one of the easiest jobs I've ever done on an engine, that included removing it from the deck. An hour of my time plus the research and waiting for the crank to arrive. Thanks for the tips!
I was going to mention this as well. The GCV200 is a completely different motor from the ground up. All of the other GCV's are overhead cam, whereas the GCV200 is an OHV design that is more comparable to the GXV120/140/160 motors. Honestly Honda should have named the GCV200 something different because based on its name you'd think it's just a larger displacement version of the GCV190.
@@StephenPaul1160 couldn’t agree more
Nice video J-dawg. I have some oil leaks on mine so I need to reseal it. It's old- so I keep neglecting the motor- expecting it to crap out so I can just go buy a new one and not have to fix mine- but it just keep running. I'm going to have to fix it because it just won't die. This is a good motor. Putting some time and money into it ought to get it to croak though.
Added to my playlist.
I just had to troubleshoot the 190 on a pressure washer and I have zero real world experience with any kind of engine. I had a feeling that removing that valve cover would be permanent lol.
This engine was seized up pretty tight, was ran with no oil then left to sit and rust. I was expecting it would need a new cylinder and piston.
I don't have a flywheel puller so I basically just took off everything I could that used 10mm bolts without getting into the case. Tried to get machine oil on the moving parts, added motor oil to reservoir and into the spark plug hole.
Spun the flywheel by driver/hand once the rust was knocked off to try and get some oil on the parts. Hooked it up to the hose for a test run, had to fight with the pull start about 5 minutes, slowly but surely it got more and more resilient and didn't die on me. Beginners luck? Idk, but it felt damn good to get something running that would have likely been considered a total loss.
If I'm being real honest I kind of wanted it to be messed up so I would have an excuse to try and rebuild it 😆
That's the best feeling in the world.
@@JasonExplainsThings It really was gratifying. I'm way more interested in tinkering with some engines than I ever was before. I might have caught the bug lol
Also great video, I'll definitely be back if anything else happens to that pressure washer. What you got into seems much more complicated, but I know a lot of it can be managed with diagrams and especially videos like this! Im off to research what specific tools I should get for this kind of work besides the basics. Flywheel puller for one!
Thanks very much for that. I have a bent shaft that I need to replace (oh it’s bent) and in Australia we don’t have solid blades!
My Honda is USA built with the twin solid blades and versing concrete didn’t go to well.
Great work, I’m now a subscriber!
Very informative video and cheat sheet. But I have to ask why not retap end of crank?
The Honda "cheat sheet" in links and mentioned in the video gives you the fastener torque specifications. So that's good.
Unfortunately the link does not work anymore.
Thanks and greetings from Germany
Good video sir. Clear and concise. I assume your replacement valve cover is the new style with the belt guard inside? And the governor arm is pushed clockwise along with the governor shaft to adjust. And I know your video focused on replacing the crank, but fyi- Honda also has an upgraded auto-choke control (16600-Z8D-840) and thermo wax insert (16620-Z8D-305) for that pesky auto choke system that causes problems. Thanks for the video.
Great how-to video ! Thanks. BTW I have a 5 year old seldom used pressure washer powered by a Honda GCV190. Never had any problems w/ it, but it's nice to know what's inside the engine just in case.
This is a great vid, my only suggestion would be to use a tach to check the RPM.
Those detaching blades will ruin any engine. Very informative video! I am just curious
why the crank lost the tapped threads. The Rockwell hardness must have been low on that crank. The bolt should have given up first.
Ok Jason Got it! Thank you not sure how I overlooked that!
Great, great instruction class, but I'm gonna leave my repair of crank shaft to the experts, like yourself. Off to the repair shop soonest. 😊
FYI, I'd never done that repair before. Just followed instructions and took my time. But no shame in having someone else do it. Helps out repair businesses.
I wish the disassembly part at the start was explained with more than a Timelapse music video.
You just suddenly had the motor off 😅
The rest was really great!
agree wtf
Jason, thank you for making and posting this video. Good work on that engine. (You made that look easy, but I know it's not). Thank you again.
Thanks Tony! It wasn’t so bad. Only part I had some issue with was getting the case to come apart. I had to pry on it a little.
@@JasonExplainsThings Thank you, Jason. (I'd love to do something like this on my Honda mower or the Toro snow thrower, but know I'd get stuck). Thank you again. God Bless you and all your family.
Thanks for video Jason. However, I can’t get the flywheel nut off as the flywheel keeps turning. How do you hold the flywheel stationary while loosening the nut?
Awesome video. Thanks for taking the time to make this.
Thank you for this!!! My same motor is crazy hard to turn over right now and I’m about to investigate why. This should be super helpful.
Good luck Shane... if you need more info the video series I linked to in the description is crazy in depth.
Great video. I just picked up a free pressure washer with a gcv 190 that is stuck. Pulled the pump and still stuck so I guess I will rebuild the engine. The diagram link you have no longer works. So I will try and find that same one. Thanks again. Matt.
maybe already someone suggested but... Valve cover removal heat with heat gun to facilitate removal and can then be reused..thanks for the video be well!
Appreciate the timing of your video. Lots of links in description! About to teardown a GCV160 from an older MTD that is a little leaky from a guy that volunteered his mower. A 4-H, small engine project with my son. Got the motor off of the deck but soon ready to tackle hence watching you, starting with building a square block wood frame for base. Around the 5 minute mark, you're pulling the flywheel off with 3 legged puller... I'd advise to tap(ping) head of puller screw with hammer nigh to breaking bond. Not as wicked then. Are there any bolt holes available for a puller? Can be less binding that way.
Hey , great video ,just interested what is torque for engine bolts who go to plastic hrx hausing tnx
Just keep them level when checking oil or the exhaust valve will stick in the head. Got one in shop now 😊
Continuing the story of my bent crankshaft. I opened up the engine and found a lot of black soot on the face of the piston and the manifold. Big problem because the manifold is not that easy to get at to clean. Besides, it was probably affecting the valve seats. This engine is fairly new and had always been running smooth. All this crap probably got on there by my running the engine with the bent crankshaft. I ran it several times just to see how bent it was. It became increasingly hard to start. I think what happened is the vibration from the shaft was affecting the timing preventing it from being dead on every time but fluctuating around the correct timing. I say this because when I looked at the timing with the engine open it was perfect and the valve clearances at TOC were OK. I did not find any broken parts to explain mistiming. Lesson learned. Don't run the engine with a bent crankshaft. Would appreciate comments from experienced posters as to whether my theory makes sense.
I used carburetor cleaner on a microfiber towel and elbow grease to clean the piston. I had to put the towel on long plastic spoon to get at the manifold and avoid damaging the cylinder. Difficult job. To clean the valve seats I used Permatex valve grinding compound. It's an abrasive. You use the valves themselves (I put in new valves) to clean the seats. Amazon also sells a tool you use to push on the valve and rotate it to grind the seat and valve to match each other. I got the compound at Pep Boys and did not use that tool. I pulled on the valve stem to do the grinding. It took a while but you can feel the friction decreasing as the compound does its job. Then you have to clean out the compound (it's water soluble). All this was probably unnecessary if I had not run that engine.
Still haven't had time to finish the reassembly.
A wet belt at that. Very efficient set up. Cool vid.
Great video but I've bent the crank on my Honda Izzy. Too lazy to be bothered fitting a new crank so I'm gonna drain the engine oil then run it till it goes 'TWANG'. Then get a new mower.
Over head cam on a small mower, pretty cool.
I was very impressed how it was designed. Very enjoyable to take apart and put back together. And as long as you take your time it's pretty easy to not screw up.
My Robins Subaru engine on a pressure washer is ohc with a chain driven cam.
Great vid! Thanks for sharing and all the details! Real cool
LOVE your video's!
Make more please!
Take care,.
🤓 -Thomas
Western Washington State
Thanks TK! I'll keep on keeping on. Please share the videos with anyone you think would enjoy them! It helps a ton.
@@JasonExplainsThings Will do bro!
Great details in the video. Just recently made the same mistake.
Happens to the best of us. Try a tap and die set and an oversized bolt if you want. Otherwise it’s a pretty easy job... for an engine rebuild.
3 years? sorry to hear that man, I just bought one Honda hhh25, hope it can keep many years working
Don't worry. My lawnmower with GCV135 engine just turned 20 years this year. 30 hours of use every season. Just make sure you change the oil every year and it will outlast the deck.
Awesome Video, thanks for making it!
I have a almost new HRX 217 (GCV 200) with a bent shaft. I wasn’t aware that it would be so involved to replace the shaft, but I’m soo glad I found this video to help along the way!!
Happy to help.
On the crankshaft, blade side, was there 2 keys in shaft?
Finish of the story of the bent crankshaft. (In my initial post I made the mistake of saying bent crankcase. Sorry.) Finally finished the job. This video and the others that are referenced here were a great help!! Recommend taking lots of pictures during disassembly and putting parts in labeled bags. My GCV160 has some differences with the one in this video. In particular it has the auto-choke mechanism. I found another youtube video that was helpful in reinstalling this mechanism and the carburetor. Also this video does not cover taking out and reinstalling the piston but a referenced video does. Other videos not referenced here cover valve grinding.
Bottom line. The thing started first pull!! Runs very smooth. Starts and runs just like new. Guess the bent crankshaft was the reason for the mistiming although I did replace the valves, rocker arms, camshaft and belt in case there was some problem there I was not seeing. A few bucks expense but would have been terrible to have to open up again if the problem was with one of those parts. I guess I could have installed the old camshaft and rocker arms because those are much easier to replace if faulty but, as long as you have access, why not go with new parts. My time is valuable to me.
I also have the GVC160 and mine is about to BLOW, there is so much metal particles in the oil the oil is as grey as JB weld, the engine blows smoke like crazy and is clanking. when I pull the plug and rotate the blade I can feel and hear the grinding and horribleness.
I was wondering how much it costs to do a complete replacement of everything in there, crank shaft - piston, everything. maybe i should just replace the engine completely if it's too expensive. This mower is like new condition and it's pissing me off really.
how this happened is not even right. I only used it with the bag and one day I set the bag on the fence to dry after cleaning it and someone stole it. so without a bag I was mulching full time. I didn't do anything differently other than the mulching but apparently at some point after a maybe 5 mows, the grass weight has thrown the balance off and it has literally destroyed the engine. It's the only thing I can think of anyway. The thing will start on the first pull if you can get a full pull out it , sometimes it will not start and instead lock up and spin backward for a split second ripping the cord handle out of my hand so hard it has bruised the inside of my knuckles. ( not fun )
Makes me mad , I really liked the way it starts and runs when it was all good. Pretty sure, from the way it acted last time I started it, it's going to blow. I mean, I really think if I let it idle for 5 minutes it would toss the piston rod out the side of the black. OH! and smoke? LOL WOW! It will run all the skeeders out of the neighborhood for sure. LOL
Didn't realize how much plastic crap was in thee till I watched this.
Good Video JASON
i had a Slight ROD KNOCK on my gcv160 - Lucky Caught inTime .
Tear Down ONLY ROD WORN !!!, Wet Sanded the Crank , Ordered NEW ROD : Careful of Orientation of OIL SLINGER ARM
working GOOD in My LAWNBOY 22270 ( not the Original GSV190 )
Nice job!
Hey Jason. Would you mind helping show me how to remove the metal timing belt pulley sprocket from the crankshaft? I don’t wanna break mine bu it won’t come off
ÚNICO VÍDEO QUE ENCONTREI NA INTERNET PRA PODER FAZER A MANUTENÇÃO DO MEU MOTOR AQUI NO BRASIL!
Great video and very informative. Have a GCV200 with a bent crankshaft. Seems like the design of the GCV200 is somewhat different from the GCV190 as it has no timing belt. Curious if you are familiar with this engine? Is so do you know how to time it? Thanks in advance.
i also have a gcv 200 with a bent crankshaft. how did the rebuild process go for you?
Did the copper silicone hold the oil? I just rebuilt my gcv 160 and used that stuff and it leaks like a siv. Everything was super clean and i let it set up good
Did you follow the instructions on the permatex for setup waiting an hour before setting the torque and what measurements on your 2x4 block stand
Well it hasn't leaked in over 3 years so let's say yes.
최고에요~ 감사합니다^^
Can you tell me where to buy the parts?
Great video. Can you please help me with the spec sheet you mentioned? I'm not finding it.
It’s in the description:-)
Hi Jason. Brilliant vid!
I just subbed before I even got past the 5 minute mark. I was pre-armed with the knowledge that you follow Mustie1. 👍🏼
Ha! Thanks Cliff! Mustie1 is the man. I may be doing a series of videos on a bike he made videos about later this year.
For the governor, did you push it to the left or right to get to full throttle?
Hi. Recently I start having problems with my lawn mower. The problem is that I don't have good compression y check de valves and it moves and seel freely until I saw the piston walls and I discover that it have scratches that I can feel with my fingers nail. So the question is can I rebuld the engine?
If the cylinder walls are scored, you can try and save it by taking it to be bored out. But this being a lawn mower… I’d suggest looking for a replacement.
Is the timing belts rubber or kevlar?
Jason, how are you? my Honda GCV160' Engine is good , all cable are well, the bell is fine. When Engine runs, but blades not turn, however I see center bolt is turning only . I did not find the Clutch has problem ?
Could you teach me how to clear this problem?
Thank for your time.
San
I have a gcv 160 that the seal under flywheel came out and is leaking oil. Can you tell me what holds the seal in. Thanks
Jason, I was going to swap engines on my Billy Goat Yard Vacuum from a Briggs and Stratton to a Honda GCV190. The impeller that creates the suction bolts directly into the bottom of the crankshaft. I’m now thinking this could be a problem. Yours won’t hold a blade so how is mine expected to hold a much larger impeller on the shaft? They come from the manufacture with the GCV190 but I have no idea if they use a bracket vs direct attachment to center of crankshaft? Would you make the switch to GCV190 or am I asking for a new headache? FYI the old motor is smoking bad. So the Honda was going to be an upgrade. Thanks
On my gcv 190, my mower blade stays engaged. Any suggestions?
Do you have to wait a bit for the gasket maker to harden to add oil?
I'd check the RTV packaging for that info.
I've worked on or rebuilt practically every known small mower except for a Honda GCV engine, (other than a valve adjustment or valve seals). I've got one that was given to me. It's an old Big Wheel Troybilt Recycler with a GVC160 engine and manual choke. It's smoking with no knocking whatsoever. Compression is borderline, so I doubt replacing valve seals would solve the problem. It's about 15 years old and the frame is like a tank. They don't make em like that anymore. Anyway, I'm gonna go all the way through it since parts are still plentiful and reasonable. I'll get it what it needs and paint the frame. I'm gonna keep it as well. They don't make mowers like this anymore........js
I have a Honda GCV with a bent crankcase after hitting something so hard it broke and bent the lower blade, bent the blade holder and crankshaft. I bought the blades before noticing the problem with the holder and the crankshaft. The holder and crankshaft are on the way to me and your video is very, very helpful but I have a problem. The blade holder does not want to come out of the shaft. It is really stuck in there. It does not budge at all. Why? I have ordered a puller with two jaws. Do you think that is a good idea? Any other ideas for getting it out? Another question. When I turn the shaft, after taking off the spark plug and holding the safety handle in place, the shaft does not turn that easily. It turns easier in part of the cycle but is harder to turn in another part. The engine starts and runs with or without blades but, of course, it has a lot of vibration. When I pull the starter it is not nice and smooth like before but sometimes catches and one has to pull harder. However, it does start and run. What else could have broken to show these symptoms or will replacing the crankshaft cure all of them?
Not having received an answer to my question and after getting the puller, I decided to go ahead and try it. It was a bit difficult since it was not the best puller option but just the cheapest one I could get. However, I was finally successful in pulling out the blade holder. I am not absolutely sure but I have seen other videos where it comes out quite easily without a puller so I think the reason I needed one was the bend in the crankshaft. Another supporting fact for that is that I also needed to use the puller to get the drive pulley out of the shaft. This piece moved quite freely up and down the shaft near its working position but became impossible to move when it was brought down to be extracted. The end of the shaft is bent and that bend makes it impossible to slide pieces in and out. I do not know if I will find further damage inside the engine but at least I am now able to remove it from the frame, open it up to inspect it and replace the crankshaft. Hope this helps others when they encounter a problem similar to mine.
I have to make the same exact repair and this video has helped a ton. Is it necessary to remove the carb, muffler and valve cover?
Yes, yes and yes. :-) I mean maybe you could leave the carb and muffler on but it would probably make the job harder. You definitely need to remove the valve cover.
hi the instructions aheet you had ia no longer there any chance you have a copy of a link to were you got ut please
I would say that you don't have to throw away the valve cover if you're careful when removing it. It is reusable and will save you a bit of money.
It’s hell to get them off but can be fixed with a tad of time. Lolol
@@philliphall5198 i didn't find it difficult to get off btw. Harder to clean up the sealant that was left
@@MrTumbleweed22they glue it so that you bend it out of shape and have to replace it but if you take pliers to one edge and get that corner pryd up you can use compressed air
@@natdizzle4259 couple of screwdrivers helps too. Working your way round the edge and it'll come off eventually like you say
Very good....like your informative video.....thank u
Engine rebuild approved as EPIC
You the BEST IN ALL RESPECT 👍👍👍👍😱😱😱✌️✌️✌️
Noice ! thanks for the info on how you broke it ! I am documenting re getting my first lawn mower the battle is between thermic and electric(battery), this video helped me figure things out. I can't wait to strip one opened myself now lol, thanks again !
One question: what is the name of the hook-like tool you used to separate the flywheel of the ignition coil from the engine?
Greetings from southern France.
I think you're referencing the gear puller or three-jaw gear puller. It came with a kit with several different sizes. Thanks for watching! :-)
after how many years did this engine need service ? how many motor hours ? thank u for answer
I service it seasonally. A full rebuild was because I broke it.
Nice job. Just curious why did you not replace the timing belt while you had it apart? Reasonable? Not reasonable?
Not a bad idea. I did inspect it for cracks and wear and there was none.