I have extensive experience with small engines but this one has me puzzled. I installed a new GCV160 on my Snapper this past year and it was working fine. Now it wont start. I checked the spark plug and checked for spark.
When I prime the engine, I get backfire from the carb but when I remove the spark plug and rotate the engine while watching the valves, it appears as though the timing is ok. Is there a posibility that the timing can slip a notch on these. Oh yeah, I already adjusted the valves.[FONT=Arial]

check the flywheel key

That was the first thing I checked. I left that out because I figured that was an obvious first step. Sorry. I looked on the main small engine posts and I see a lot of people do not like Hondas. I can see why. I could have a Briggs back running in no time but this thing is a piece of s__t. I thought Hondas were of higher quality but now I know. When I went to pick up a new engine, I wondered why the B&S were pricier than the Honda. You get what you pay for.

this is a gcv, should have a timing belt and could be off timing, they are the low grade home owners, their ohv engines seem to be alright.