GX50 takes 3-5 pulls to start when cold?

[ilikeslowbikes]

I have a friction drive motorized bike powered by a Honda GX50. Bike has about 3100 miles on it and a little over 200 hours of run time. I've noticed when it's been cold and sitting for a couple days the GX50 takes 3-5 pulls to start even with the choke on. I've done oil changes every 35 hours, replaced the air filter every 50 hours, and adjusted the valves every 100 hours. The bike runs great, but it just takes a few pulls to start when it's been sitting.

Is 3-5 pulls normal when cold? When the engine is hot it starts up right away. I know my spark plug is original, will 200 hours of almost always wide open throttle mean it's probably time for me to change it? If this is normal behavior though, I won't bother with it.

 

[ImpulseRocket]

I have a friction drive motorized bike powered by a Honda GX50. Bike has about 3100 miles on it and a little over 200 hours of run time. I've noticed when it's been cold and sitting for a couple days the GX50 takes 3-5 pulls to start even with the choke on. I've done oil changes every 35 hours, replaced the air filter every 50 hours, and adjusted the valves every 100 hours. The bike runs great, but it just takes a few pulls to start when it's been sitting.

Is 3-5 pulls normal when cold? When the engine is hot it starts up right away. I know my spark plug is original, will 200 hours of almost always wide open throttle mean it's probably time for me to change it? If this is normal behavior though, I won't bother with it.

The 3-5 pulls isn't that unusual after sitting imho. If it sits with fuel in the bowl for days at a time on the regular it may have a little varnish buildup in the carb. Maybe give it a quick blast with some carb cleaner to make sure the jets are clear.

 

[Gordy]

Yeah, just pull the carb apart and give it a good clean. If you aren't in a hurry you can also pull it apart and soak it in vinegar.

 

[Sidewinder Jerry]

Let's hope after 5000+ hours of use your engine is still doing the same thing. Maintaining a good maintenance schedule it more than likely will. I do suggest using ethanol free gas only.

In very cold ❄ weather remove the air filter, use a cordless hair dryer on low heat to blow warm air into the carburetor. You'll need to make an adapter to hold the dryer in place while you pull the cord. Once you've gotten it started put the filter back on.

By the way my 4 stroke engine is 15 years old and still working great. Starts with 5 pulls or less from a standard cold start.

 

[Cavity]

I have a friction drive motorized bike powered by a Honda GX50. Bike has about 3100 miles on it and a little over 200 hours of run time. I've noticed when it's been cold and sitting for a couple days the GX50 takes 3-5 pulls to start even with the choke on. I've done oil changes every 35 hours, replaced the air filter every 50 hours, and adjusted the valves every 100 hours. The bike runs great, but it just takes a few pulls to start when it's been sitting.

Is 3-5 pulls normal when cold? When the engine is hot it starts up right away. I know my spark plug is original, will 200 hours of almost always wide open throttle mean it's probably time for me to change it? If this is normal behavior though, I won't bother with it.

Same with my GX-50. Totally normal IMO.

 

[Darwin]

Are you priming the fuel lines? If you have see through fuel lines, make sure there's no air bubbles in them. Using the choke? If you're using the primer bulb and still hard starting it's time for a new $12 carb in my experience. Those carbs are like taking a watch apart and repairing it. Have you checked your plug? 3100 miles it might be time for a new one.