Honda Tiller FG201

pistonvalve

Hi All,


I have a Honda Tiller FG201 with a Honda GXV50 4 stroke engine. This tiller will not run on regular fuel, only runs on premium fuel costing some £22.10 for 5 litres. I believe this fuel is ethanol free. Surely I should expect this tiller to run on 'normal' fuel, there was no mention of its particular fuel requirement when I purchased.


The tiller has been back to the Honda appointed agents 5 times and they now admit the carburettor jets are too small for 'normal' fuel - A Honda design problem?


I would be interested to hear your comments. The tiller cost over £500 when new, I have had it 4 problematical years!!!


Mike.

DaftyDuck

I've no experience of that size engine, but I am surprised at a Honda engine creating any problems. My "posh" brushcutter has a Honda 4-stroke GX engine (25 or 35cc, I think the latter), and it's never missed a beat, and I've a beaten-up Honda engine on a lawnmower that I've serviced myself for five years, and that starts first time every time. (Mind you, for brushcutters, I also have a Ryobi, and two £60 Ebay jobs, and I have a cheap Champion lawnmower, and all are pretty near 100% reliable, so maybe I'm lucky)!

The brushcutter engine is newish, so I've no long-term experience, but it certainly doesn't mind cheap supermarket petrol that's been stored rather too long. Starts first time, reliable, love it.

The idea that a Honda engine has been misdesigned raises my eyebrows. I'd seek a second opinion from another dealer, or find an independent servicer who can take a look. {Mind you, there is one review on Amazon, reporting just the same as you, so maybe my eyebrows need plucking! :D }

pistonvalve

Thanks DD, I also have a Flymo lawnmower with a Honda GCV160 engine that runs on supermarket petrol with no problems - it has a different carb with adjustable jets that can be easily cleaned.


Mike.

peter_the_piper

Having justb looked at the draawings for the engine carburetter it seems there are 3 different jets so the dealer should be able to change it (assuming I've read the drawing correctly. Try going to Lings, look at the lawn and garden/power equipment/engine parts select the gxv50 and one of the drop down models.