Brand New Honda Mower Runs Lean

[RCBS]

I think the main jet is doing fine. It's the idle jet that's being too restrictive. Once the blades start whirling, the engine runs fine. I assume it's running off the main jet with the engine under load and with the blades engaged.

Check the little black vent with a piece of wire on your wire brush also...the cleaners don't go small enough.

 

[Wonkydonkey]

I will leave these here (pics).

I know a few hrs is short to gather a vid of the mower running. Cutting and running @ full Revs and standing still.
As I said before, I think it’s the automatic throttle control (load no load thing) ie engine governing device.

Btw. That's why. I like vids

However I will leave my chief apprentice (@LAWN BOY )to help you with any more questions .
if he can’t answer your questions ? I guess you could trash it and buy a battery thing As cancerfornia wants everyone to get a bettery everything

 

[bogieboy]

I have a feeling that if I bought a brand new Genuine Honda carburetor for a $100 it would come with the same exact idle jet that's too small.

What is a dental bit?

Yes I bought the mower at the big box store because it's one of the few credit cards I have left.

Dental bits are tiny flexible (usually tapered as well) drill bits, usually used for root canal work... honda main jet included for scale...

 

[bogieboy]

I think the main jet is doing fine. It's the idle jet that's being too restrictive. Once the blades start whirling, the engine runs fine. I assume it's running off the main jet with the engine under load and with the blades engaged.

I agree, it is either a pilot jet issue, or a slight airleak from a missing/improperly installed/torn gasket

 

[EFSM]

I agree, it is either a pilot jet issue, or a slight airleak from a missing/improperly installed/torn gasket

Agreed. Sounds like a piece of manufacturing dirt in their insanely small idle circuit jet. And their intake gaskets are frustrating to all get in position while installing the carburetor and filter housing.

 

[Loony661]

I think you’re overthinking and creating a problem that isn’t really a problem. It starts easy, and runs without skipping a beat when you engage the blades. It’s likely just not up to operating temp when the choke shuts itself off. That, and the EPA has these little engines on the edge of lean all the time.

 

[Merkava_4]

Agreed. Sounds like a piece of manufacturing dirt in their insanely small idle circuit jet. And their intake gaskets are frustrating to all get in position while installing the carburetor and filter housing.

They fixed that by going with threaded cylinder studs. It's actually quite easy now.

 

[EFSM]

They fixed that by going with threaded cylinder studs. It's actually quite easy now.

That's extremely great news!!