My Honda Black Max with GCV 160 engine has performed like a beast on several lawns, though I got it from Craigslist a month or two ago after I had a mower stolen from my trailer. Some of the lawns quite large, no quitting problems; and, even today, I did a dry, dusty central Texas lawn, no problems, just before I came to my current small ("Lawn Love") lawn. (Lawn Love is sort of an Uber-type phone app, for folks who want to mow lawns or have them mowed, & I get paid direct deposit plus a 1099 form at year's end & THEY get you customers). I decided to mow this lawn despite the (rare) August rain that just began; did half the yard, (no choking needed due to previously mentioned lawn I just did). Doubt sparkplug issues developed instantaneously as I mowed either. Halfway thru, it quit, not exceptionally heavy grass or hot weather today; I then refilled gas, tho not yet empty, started it with choke, it died 2 min later, repeated; then repeated & I cleaned dust from paper air filter which was wet but only 1/2 wet, on bottom side; repeated & stalled; removed filter entirely (in case any remaining damp dust in paper filter was somehow choking engine) - also added oil: though bigger Honda engines have oil level cutoff switches if oil is low or engine tilted, I'm virtually sure this one doesn't, but again died after a minute. Letting it cool, hoping to finish back yard 1/16 at a time so as not to have to return; hope engine runs well again after drying; one person at least mentioned wet grass...hoping electrical issue but no permanent damage is cause... it's been great til today! Conclusion: rain cleared; left mower on covered porch while I edged; 15 min was enough for it to finish full last half of back yard: did run a little rough and surged a bit; in still thinking rain was an issue & possible ignition related - I'll find out after the rains clear in a day or two, and update this post.

Update on Cam / Valve Cover swap: Just wanted to let everyone know that the cast aluminum valve cover for the GSV190 will replace the pressed sheetmetal cover for the GCV160. I paid $9 for the cast aluminum version, which isn't too bad; unfortunately, the gasket cost me an additional $9 (kind of a rip off, but whatcha going to do?). Anyway,it's pretty much a bolt on change, other than having to get 4 longer bolts, due to the 1/2" thicker flanges on the cast aluminum cover. Went with M6-1.0 x 25 mm. This is a fairly cheap, easy mod. Would be even cheaper if using gasket maker vs the real gasket... The new cast cover is very thick and should hold up much better than the thin pressed sheet metal cover. Again, I'm surprised by how thin and flimsy this part is to be in such an exposed area. I guess that's why the GSV series has the better cover...

I've had two OHC Honda engines and they both leaked oil from the governor shaft where it enters the crankcase. Do not pull the starter cord unless you plan to use the mower. I've seen mine spit a gout of oil out past that shaft when I pulled it through in the winter just to turn it over. Also, the engine does not take 20 oz. of oil - it takes 18.56 oz (0.58 qt), so make sure it is not overfilled at all. In fact, you might set the hot level just a hair under the max line on the stick. I say this because I noticed that mine would leak until the oil level got to that point, and I had been putting in 20 oz.

I don't know what this hole is you refer to unless it is where the cams shaft come through. It is sealed from the inside with an o-ring. I would suggest taking the mower to a mower shop who is a Honda dealer. They can do any warranty work to the engine and they are the ones who can contact Honda about a good will warranty on an engine just shortly out of warranty. Honda is pretty liberal in these regards. The Honda dealer doesn't have to go to bat for you in getting consideration so don't go in there all cranky and loaded for bear. It takes the dealer some time to contact his rep and get approval for out of warranty coverage and since you didn't purchase it from him a bad tude is gonna get you nowhere. Be nice, have your sales slip verifying purchase date and you have a better then even chance of having it taken care of. Another option is to find the owners manual from Honda that should have been included with the mowers manufacture manual. Most mowers come with both manuals as the engine carries a seperate warranty. In that Honda owners manual you will find the consumer contact number which you can call and explain the situation. It is quite possible they will direct you to a Honda shop to have it looked at. Once again, be nice and make sure to ask about warranty consideration on a recently out of warranty engine.