Honda GCV160 Choke Not Closing | Causes + Solution
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Today’s Honda engines include a manual choke plugged into the throttle control and cable. The choke plate closes when the throttle surpasses the Fast position and enters Choke mode; when the engine warms up, the lever shifts from Choke to Fast, with the choke plate fully open for optimal airflow. So, why does the Honda GCV160 Choke Not Closing?
It is usual for first-time lawnmower users to be unaware of the choke’s overall purpose, let alone how to use it properly for more dynamism. As a result, individuals may confront various startup activities or mowing situations that might be aggravating. Several components linked to startup facilitation could contribute to the user’s confusion and irritation.
The control cable may be snapped or deformed during the folding and storage of handlebars. With an inappropriate choke used repeatedly without understanding, exhaust emissions may degrade. To alleviate the potentially difficult circumstance, lawnmower users might consider automating the choking process on any engine startup.
Honda GCV160 Choke Not Closing
To resolve any issue with the Honda mower, you must first identify the particular problem and its source. Instead of concluding that their lawnmower has an auto choke problem based on hearsay, mower owners should be 100 percent certain of the problem.
Honda’s auto choke systems do have some flaws. The thermowax is adhering, which is the issue. Take your item to your neighborhood dealer if it is still covered by warranty; they will repair it free of charge. Just mention the advisory about the thermowax auto choke.

Most problems may be traced down to a minor issue, such as the choke not being fully opened or closed. Many lawn owners cannot diagnose the problem with their lawnmowers, let alone get the necessary replacement components.
The whole serial number of a Honda lawn mower engine is required to determine the machine’s warranty status. This would provide mower owners more confidence when contacting certified Honda service providers for maintenance on their mowers. If the mower owner keeps track of their commercial mower’s warranty during its servicing period, they can save money.
Honda mower owners should seek help from an authorized Honda dealer or service provider for the proper inspection and evaluation. During the warranty period, any certified damaged part of the mower would be repaired with Honda billing instead of the device owner.
Auto Choke Process
The internal spring exerts steady pressure on the engine choke control when the engine is cold, ensuring that the choke plate is closed. When the engine is started, heat warms the wax cylinder, causing the wax to expand and push the piston out.
The choke control would have to travel oppositely for the choke plate to open, allowing more air into the engine. The wax in the wax cylinder cools down with contraction as the engine cools off. The piston retracts into the wax cylinder for the specified shutdown conditions thanks to the spring inside the choke plate.
Common Autochoke Issues
The Honda lawnmower with the Autochoke system will probably become difficult. An inappropriate malfunction may make starting the lawnmower impossible or extremely difficult. Clogged carburetors, faulty spark plugs, stale fuel, blocked air filters, and a defective Autochoke is all possible reasons for this startup issue.
When the Autochoke system is turned on, it automatically shuts down the engine before fully warming up. Restarting the mower is not possible, especially in colder temperatures. To avoid the automated shutdown and activate the Autochoke, the engine must run for at least 3 minutes to have a thorough warm-up.
It may be impossible to restart if the choke plate is open, especially if the engine is cold and too much air is entering. Cool down the engine until the choke plate returns to its closed position before resuming with a full warm-up of at least 3 minutes to ensure a proper shutdown and restart.
Inspection Of The Auto Choke
The mower engine must be completely cold before removing the air cleaner cover and filter components. The choke plate should be fully closed as well. The engine should then be run for at least 3 minutes to thoroughly warm up before being shut down to guarantee a completely opened choke plate.
Allow half an hour for the engine to cool before rechecking the choke plate condition. To ensure that the Autochoke is working properly, open and close the choke plate entirely. Honda mowers offer a warranty against malfunctioning Autochokes, and an authorized Honda dealer can replace the linkage and wax cylinder for free.
Some Honda mower owners may come upon an affected model and have an expired warranty. Before ordering replacement parts, these mower owners would need to determine the true cause of the problem.
What Is The Choke Position On A Lawn Mower?
If your lawnmower has a manual choke, you can find it by tracing the cord from the trigger to the engine. Like a manual choke, an automatic choke is located adjacent to the carburetor and close to the air intake.
Conclusion
Have you solved the Honda GCV160 Choke Not Closing Issue? Honda lawn mower users should seek out reputable authorized Honda dealers to repair their broken machines. Honda lawn mower users should save their proof-of-purchase receipts and warranty cards to take advantage of potentially free repair and replacement services.
Honda lawn mower owners may have to undergo certain unique procedures and processes. Only trained Honda dealers or authorized service shops can remove the correct lawn mower parts, such as the black ATV silicone, Thermo’s original housing, or even the choke plate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the auto choke on a Honda mower work?
When the engine is started, the engine heat warms the wax cylinder, causing the wax to expand and push the piston out. The choke control would have to travel oppositely for the choke plate to open, allowing more air into the engine.
How do you fix a riding lawn mower with a stuck choke?
To see the choke plate, remove the air cleaner assembly. Pull on the outer jacket of the cable near the clamp with the throttle control lever in the “choke” position until the choke plate opens. With the cable in this position, tighten the clamp. Put the air cleaner back together.
What’s the deal with my Honda lawn mower only running on choke?
If your lawnmower only runs with the choke on, the problem is most likely a fuel delivery or carburetor issue. Air leaks and blockage are the most common carburetor problems. Excessive choke use can also be caused by bad fuel or fuel with too much alcohol content.
How do you unstick a choke?
To increase choke shaft movement, spray carburetor cleaner along the shaft to dislodge the grit. During use, it will be knocked off, restoring normal operation to the choke.