Tru-Cut C-25 Need Help

15 years ago

Hello,

Just got a used (3yr old) Tru-Cut 25" C-25 H10 (10-blade, Honda GX160 engine) mower and wondered if someone out there has one of these? I called TC and got a manual, but it had nothing about the engine or the throttle lever mounted at the base of the handles. So I downloaded the engine manual separately, but it doesn't seem to be the exact engine and of course doesn't reference the mower's throttle! What I

want to know is how I am supposed to set everything to start and run the mower properly... when cold and when warm.

Here is where my confusion lies: the engine has a petcock (fuel) lever and a choke lever, which are self-explanatory, but then there is a throttle lever on the mower itself up by the handles. At the top of the mower's throttle lever's range is "STOP" and at the bottom, "CHOKE". This lever manipulates an entirely separate arm or lever down on the engine that is just above the engine's designated choke and petcock levers.So why does it say "CHOKE" on the throttle?? And where is this throttle lever supposed to be set for running?

I did start the mower and mowed the entire lawn, and it ran good, but I'm not sure I had it set right, as the choke on the engine itself was set to about 1/4 off the "CLOSED" position (according to the manual anyway)... and SHOULD have been (per the manual again) set all the way to the OPEN position once warm... which would have put it in the same position as the petcock lever. But if I moved the choke to that position, the engine raced like it would explode. IOW, it sounded like the choke was ON in that position instead of OFF! ?>

If I backed it all the way off the other way, the mower idled nice and slow and even, but when I engaged the thumb-button drive (rod) to propel forward, the mower moved too slowly (almost not at all)... so I moved the choke lever on the engine to (like I said earlier) about 1/4 off CLOSED. And I THINK the throttle was about halfway between STOP and CHOKE.

But maybe I should have the choke all the way OFF and use the throttle lever on the mower to manipulate the speed of the thumb drive? And if so, I guess I would move it down towards "CHOKE" ... I didn't do that b/c I was afraid that was putting the choke on, but now I don't think it has anything to do with the choke, but it just supposed to be set all the way there when starting, right? Then once warm, if the drive is too fast, you can back off on the throttle lever... ? Is that right?

I'd appreciate any help!

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Comments (2)

Greg Goyeneche
15 years ago
Unless they've changed, the Honda professional engines GX120, GX160, and GX200 use separate choke and throttle (governor) controls.

Correct starting procedure is to open fuel petcock, set choke to "closed" position, and set throttle (on the handles) to about 1/2 way. Ignore the "Choke" markings. Tru-Cut uses a generic throttle cable and level. Most engines (like Briggs) have an integrated choke and throttle.

When the engine fires, back off choke to 1/2 and let run for another 30 seconds until it smooths out and then turn choke off.

The throttle control should permit any speed between idle and maximum governed speed (about 3300 rpm). Appropriate speed for mower is as fast as you can comfortably follow and control the mower. Generally a faster engine speed spins the reel faster producing a better cut, and throws better into the basket.

There is no right or wrong speed. It depends upon your comfort level and your ability to control the mower. Only caveat is not to run so slow that you lug the engine, and it won't pull properly with reel engaged.

There are differences of opinion on this forum, but for me best shut down practice is the close the fuel petcock and run engine at idle or 1/4 throttle until it dies from lack of fuel. This gets rid of most fuel in the carburetor, reducing the amount left to evaporate and turn to varnish. Honda also has drain screw on the float bowl of the Keihin carburetor, which you can remove to get the gas out. I would use the drain screw and treat the gas in the tank with Stabil for off-season storage.
Susan_TC
Original Author
15 years ago
@ggoyeneche:

Thanks so much for that very helpful information. I really appreciate it. FTR I am in So CA, so no "off-season" for mowing. But that is good to know, about the float bowl screw, and starving the carb by running to kill. I used to do that with my dirt bike, but didn't think it was necessary with a mower that gets used every 10 days or so. I guess I will reconsider!

Again, thanks for your very detailed response!! It was exactly what I needed to know!!
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