Honda putts but won't stay running

[frankp]

My friend brought over a Craftsman push mower, model 917.378210, with a 5.5hp Honda GVC 160 OHC engine. The engine was seized and had what appeared to be water and no oil in sump. I drained out the water and put oil in. Spun the engine by the blade( plug out) and got her to spin. Finally got it to putt on starting fluid, but could not get her to fire up. Thought maybe no gas wasn't getting through carb. Pulled carb and did quick clean. Expected to see carb full of water but this wasn't the case. It did have a fair amount of junk, but i've seen worse. Put carb back on, and still she just putted. Checked compression and got 75psi. Redid carb, still just a putt. Where can I find what the comperssion should be?

[frankp]

I was looking around the internet and see it makes a big differance taking the compression test with throttle open or closed. i'll have to check this out tomorrow.

[HondaG100]

Did it run without oil? Compression seems enough to run but check the valves for lash and correct amount of lift. Cam lobes may be worn off. Also change the plug.

[KE4AVB]

Being a walk behind SP mower I would also check for a sheared flywheel key. Users are too prone to hitting things.

[frankp]

Still looking around. I see this engine has a cam timing belt. I never knew this. Maybe the belt jumped when the engine seized?

[Buckshot 1]

Did you check for spark?

[frankp]

Like i say, the engine putts on starting fluid. Spark looks good. Acts like no gas getting through carb but the carb doesn't look bad.

[Mek-a-nik]

Muffler plugged? One of the valves not opening fully?

Did you check the key and try a spark plug as requested? We can't know where you're at with the project ifyou don't keep us up to date.

[KE4AVB]

Easy to check if valve timing jumped. Done with piston at TDC on Compression stroke; both valves closed.

[Deere2me]

Like i say, the engine putts on starting fluid. Spark looks good. Acts like no gas getting through carb but the carb doesn't look bad.

Clean the carb again. or better yet replace it. They ain't that expensive anymore. Did you remove /clean the pilot jet, how about the idle mixture screw ( if it has one). Are all the carb/spacer gaskets in place and correctly positioned? Is the intake valve sticking ? You need to double check somethin'!