Honda GX390 in the winter, not good

[ottawarob]

I've had so many problems with this engine, attached to a BCS 853 snow blowing in the Canadian winter. Bought the system 2 years ago for a lot of cash, and it's just one problem after another in the winter. I really don't like writing negative stuff on the internet, but I wanted to post this up as my experience with the system. My ATV w/ a plow blade gives me almost no problems, where as the BCS + GX390 is constantly freezing up, running poorly. Defrost it, works well again for a while. I think a plug just fouled itself last night, now it won't start. They shouldn't sell blower attachments for these units with these motors, totally unreliable for places that actually get snow.

 

[wesp521984]

I've had so many problems with this engine, attached to a BCS 853 snow blowing in the Canadian winter. Bought the system 2 years ago for a lot of cash, and it's just one problem after another in the winter. I really don't like writing negative stuff on the internet, but I wanted to post this up as my experience with the system. My ATV w/ a plow blade gives me almost no problems, where as the BCS + GX390 is constantly freezing up, running poorly. Defrost it, works well again for a while. I think a plug just fouled itself last night, now it won't start. They shouldn't sell blower attachments for these units with these motors, totally unreliable for places that actually get snow.

They have always been cold natured engines. But they are very reliable. It's the best small engine that money can buy. What temps do you store it in? Also... I'm not a master mechanic but if you're running high octane fuel, stop. You're obviously having combustion issues. High octane fuel has a lower BTU output. Run 87 octane if possible. Lower octane burns hotter.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I do believe they make a cold weather kit for that motor, it directs heat to the carb.

SR

 

[oosik]

That is unusual. I have Honda engines on my generator, pressure washer, trash pump & walk behind self-propelled lawn mower. All four have been super reliable.

 

[ottawarob]

They have always been cold natured engines. But they are very reliable. It's the best small engine that money can buy. What temps do you store it in?

Yeah, I invested in the system because of the good reputation of the GX390. It's just sad to see it work so poorly and need so much babying. I do store it outside, but covered in an unheated barn. The biggest problems I have are during operation if the governor starts to freeze up. I can have it running fine, and 20 to 30 minutes in the governor starts to freeze up, gotta limp mode it back to defrost it. I really dislike these kind of crabby posts, but I'm about $1.5k Canadian out, and have a snow blower I totally can't depend on. :/

 

[ottawarob]

I do believe they make a cold weather kit for that motor, it directs heat to the carb.

SR

Interesting! I'll have to see if I can find one....

 

[ottawarob]

That is unusual. I have Honda engines on my generator, pressure washer, trash pump & walk behind self-propelled lawn mower. All four have been super reliable.

Yeah, these are all summer activities. My gripe is primarily with it in the winter.

 

[wesp521984]

Yeah, I invested in the system because of the good reputation of the GX390. It's just sad to see it work so poorly and need so much babying. I do store it outside, but covered in an unheated barn. The biggest problems I have are during operation if the governor starts to freeze up. I can have it running fine, and 20 to 30 minutes in the governor starts to freeze up, gotta limp mode it back to defrost it. I really dislike these kind of crabby posts, but I'm about $1.5k Canadian out, and have a snow blower I totally can't depend on. :/

So it's just a mechanical problem with the fuel linkage? Does it freeze up after the engine has already warmed up?

 

[firemech]

Any Honda dealer in your area should be able to get you a cold weather kit. I'm also in ontario and have seen numerous berco/ kimpex ATV snowblowers with hondas that experienced similar issues with the govenor linkage. The cold weather cured them all

 

[downslope]

They have always been cold natured engines. But they are very reliable. It's the best small engine that money can buy. What temps do you store it in? Also... I'm not a master mechanic but if you're running high octane fuel, stop. You're obviously having combustion issues. High octane fuel has a lower BTU output. Run 87 octane if possible. Lower octane burns hotter.

Also try ethanol-free, if possible, at least in cold weather.