Will It Run? Can We Turn This Customers Honda Mower Trash Into Our Treasure?

[@Chickanic]

Thanks for checking out Chickanic! Find all the tools I use in todays video HERE! ➡ www.amazon.com/shop/chickanic?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_HNJD7DQTZJD735S4Y5XC

[@douglasforsythe5853]

Looking for the puller that was in your video, can't find it in your products.

[@harpintn]

Now that is good old southern style recycling.

[@andrewmillichamp1304]

Hi, you mentioned you have a screwdriver that fits most screws ? The Tip is JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard), it’s used on their motorbikes too 🤓 Cheers Andrew UK

[@mattjones1792]

Just sell the mower and go get a 30 inch Exmark

[@frankjankovich3512]

Add a turbo and some headers it will fly

[@heathboeddeker5401]

As a Northern retired Trucker I used to love running South when they were expecting snow cause they would stay off the highways and out of my way Mrs. Chickanic 😂

[@jacquejecker4435]

Good to see that Ron is up and about.

[@haneyoakie14]

Zip ties are modern baling wire. Zip ties, duct tape (Michigan Sheet Metal) and WD 40 is all you need.

[@ctfan1486]

Duct tape the handyman secret weapon. Red Green

[@michelbrodeur6055]

You forgot chewing gum.

[@matthewwearsch242]

200 mph tape and I've seen a lady pretty much weld with it once

[@MrSimoc1969]

On a Honda engine to check the oil level you remove the dip stick , wipe it then insert it until the start of the thread rests on the tube. You do not screw it in to check the oil level

[@gungadingo]

Absolutely correct. I’m stunned she doesn’t know that.

[@georgepruitt637]

@@gungadingo You should see her rebuild a Tecumseh carb. Scary.

[@ctfan1486]

Some things you screw it in and some you don't. Read owner manuals

[@donh215]

Correct 100%

[@woolval52]

LOL, I love your laughter when it starts up at 17:58, then your excitement when it self propels. Love your videos, keep 'em coming!

[@gregmcclure2640]

Note to your husband--I had a 1972 Norton Commando which used RTV on gasket surfaces. A trick most of us used was to use a small amount of RTV, and embed a piece of thread in it before assembly. Worked 100% every time!

[@RussKlo]

I use thicker stuff on differential covers. Mason’s line.

[@bonniekennedy6969]

Aircraft engine’s use special sealant and a silk thread to seal crankcase joints from leaking.

[@gregmcclure2640]

@@bonniekennedy6969 Thanks! Does give my suggestion some credibility.

[@TaylerMade]

interesting i thought the nortons were the same as triumphs and used paper gaskets. on the old triumphs the best gaskets were made with old brown heavy paper beers bags.

[@boydbob64mcpeek87]

Bree I watch your videos because you explain not only what you are doing to get engines, and mowers in general to run, but you explain for me most importantly WHY YOU ARE DOING IT. Thank you. Bob McP, Peoria AZ

[@garyetodd1]

I believe on a Honda you do not screw the oil cap down when checking oil level.

[@chrisowston8782]

I think you are correct.

[@brianl6964]

Fully correct

[@hereiamu1]

Correct

[@timtimtimmay4654]

My suggestion for everyone is to pick up mowers on the side of the road, fix them, and trade them to neighborhood kids to mow your lawn once, then they make summer money using them if they are safe. That way they have a little skin in the game to start instead of just getting a free mower and selling it to someone else, they get to practice on your yard (help them by mentoring them on a decent pattern or the little things), and you get them into a productive way for them to better themselves. Bonus if they help you fix it and learn basic repairs.

[@thinking6307]

The gist of your comment...reminded me of parts of Robert A. Heinlein's book "Time Enough For Love"..and as I wool gather..a little about John Galt (of Atlas Shrugged). Thank you.

[@karenroot450]

Hello I love this idea. Giving the youngsters a hand up. Perfect!

[@MonkeyJedi99]

When I was a kid in Phoenix AZ, that's what we did with bicycles. Early on trash day we would peruse the alleys and sidewalks, picking out any non-bent bike parts. Once I had a pile, I started building bikes. Sure, I usually had to buy tubes and seats, and sometimes tires, but hard work and a can of cheap spray paint and I could sell a $40-50 bike, saving some kid's parents $30-100 dollars. That money became BMX accessories for my bike, model rockets and motors, and an occasional model kit.

[@MichaelRei99]

I guess if you know enough children that want to do it. Wouldn’t be wise go looking for them.

[@timtimtimmay4654]

@ I have friends with kids, grandkids, kids at church and neighborhood kids who I know parents of. Never a problem.

[@susandavis5833]

I love fixing and saving old stuff! ❤

[@thinking6307]

Me too!!! This is SO SATISFYING!!!!

[@samueladams2649]

I’ve been watching your channel for about 2 years now. And I love it. I’ve fixed 2 lawn mowers that my neighbors threw out and I repaired them and gave them back to them at no charge. Thanks god for your channel.

[@beaverc2884]

The cupped "blade washer" is actually called a Belleville washer. So if you can't get the size you need, you can go to a fastener sales house and they can get you one. Those things come in every size you could possibly think of. 😊 Fastener sales. Fastenal, Fastener SuperStore, Grainger, ANCO Fastener Sales. And many many more. 😊

[@Standing_horse]

That's good to know, if I can remember it 👍

[@mikek5633]

I have an HRC215 self propelled that I have had since the 90's... still runs like a champ. Super simple to work on... Nice to see you saving it from scrap.

[@marklane61]

Bought mine in 91.

[@RMartin631]

I'll sell a used mower. It comes with a 30-30 warranty. 30 minutes or 30 feet, whichever occurs first.

[@RussKlo]

Seems like a 30-30 is accurate to about 75 yards through the brush. So maybe an extended warranty? 😂🤣😂

[@EdWeibe]

or 30 rev's of the blade.

[@steveb7310]

And if it quits running…out comes the 30-30. Take careful aim.😊

[@gordbaker896]

Cast Iron ??? Pressed Steel. Not enough oil. Don't screw the cap in. I sleeved the calipers on one of my vettes with Stainless Steel tubing. No more leaks! Neat Slide Hammer. Heating the mounting bolts will expand them, making them tighter! Perhaps quench or allow to cool before attempting removal. Were those pulleys the same size? Great choice on used deck. Great Save.

[@Jim-Wade]

Measure the temperature of that snow! Here in north Texas, I measured it two days after it fell. The ground temperature was 38 F, the air temp was 22 F, and the snow measured as low as 7.5 F. We've still got snow on the ground in spite of several days with the temperature in the 50-60 F range. An ice cube will melt quickly but whatever this stuff is it melts much slower.

[@bobwollard9105]

This is what I really love about Chickanic. She is always up for a good challenge. Well done, Brie.

[@hickorystx]

Another high quality video and well done overall! Swapping engine is always tricky but with your guidance and tips, it all comes together. Thank you again and Ron's helpful cameo appearance! Stay warm!.

[@mikechiodetti4482]

Good job! Nice to see another machine ready to go back to work. Looks like the machines will have to wait a couple months before they can be used. Where I live in SoCal it's dry here. I'm not in the fire areas, but this whole southern area from the ocean through Arizona and Nevada need a lot of rain.

[@Snowman-33]

I understand completely. I have an HRC216 that was unwanted by the owner and has a slightly twisted connecting rod. I have that on order with other parts and will get this thing going. Mark

[@SoCalChoppas]

Best residential push mowers ever!, I have a HRZ zero turn version. I finally had to replace the cables and tires. Still runs like a champ 20+ years old.

[@LAP1050]

Bree, thanks for another great video. Always enjoy watching and learn something. Looking forward to the next lesson😊. Lou from South Florida- No snow ❄️ here. 😅

[@jamietoro8373]

Good video glad switching decks worked out.

[@MrKl1978]

Very nice. It's always nice to see people as interested in lawnmowers or more than me. I like the Volkswagen too.

[@coobay4786]

After 30 years of running Lawn Boy 2 cycle lawn mowers (I love anything 2 cycle) 2 years ago I switched to Honda. I find this a great mower.

[@lonhoschar1943]

Another great job! I'll be looking forward to seeing that video on the induction heater. Sounds interesting!

[@DJBigBobofTallOrder]

When I look at that cast housing, it reminds me of a Sunbeam gas push mower we once had! Cast with a VERY deep housing. Very little stuck on it with a huge pillow of air under there! No rust, either!

[@stevepelino5986]

Great video!!! It’s awesome when you get them running and keep it out of a landfill. Keep it up. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@krisl9717]

My father purchased a Honda HRS21 in the early 1980s. The mower reliably started on the first pull for 40 some years. Recently, I moved to a condo and was able to sell the mower for $225.

[@himsnakebit1749]

Toro mower runs sweet! You are so talented.

[@charlesloar3210]

Just a tip for the hubby on the sealing an aluminum case. I work on VW's and Yamabond sealant works great. Much better than RTV. Another great video!

[@Lilbugr]

We always used aviation form a gasket AKA bear poo.

[@gungadingo]

I wholeheartedly endorse Yamabond #4. I just can’t believe people use RTV on an engine.

[@charlesloar3210]

@ I have used aviation sealant also. Both are very good

[@billharris6886]

Hi Bre, thanks for the video. There is more frigid weather forecast for this coming Tuesday (-10 or so degrees expected). I bought the same Honda mower in 2012, it has been by far the worst mower I have ever owned. It cost a fortune so, I have made several modifications to make it more reliable and civilized to use. That deck is actually sheet steel. My 1969 Lawn Boy mower I used as a teenager easily outperforms this mower. That induction bolt heater looks really nice, I will look into getting one.

[@artyfhartie2269]

You know, I had a lawnmower with a cast iron deck. It broke into pieces gradually when I went over pine cones or some hard tree seeds. I bought a second hand Masport later with a steel deck. No problems. Still going strong.

[@johnnybegood9285]

My brother has a Honda just like that. He leaves it outside uncovered all winter long in the snow with gas in it, and it always starts first pull in the spring. It's no wonder the US lost the small engine market. BTW. I love that hand dolly in the background. It looks like you could move a storage container with that thing!. I love your videos!

[@gomerhondo7249]

Oil check procedure: for mine it is checked WITHOUT screwing back in, If screwed in to check oil, the level will be low.

[@rogeralan6260]

Greetings from West Michigan! We have some cool weather coming your way this weekend. For us, the high for Monday and Tuesday will be 5 and 4 degrees. Get your big coat out and keep an eye on the water pipes. Nice Video, I always appreciate a Honda engine. RG

[@bretroberts5013]

I have a 13 year old Honda Self-self-propelled with that same engine and other than regular maintenance and keeping the deck clean it starts first pull every time all the time. Those engines are bullet proof.

[@galengarber9525]

back in 95-96 I think it was close to that year, I purchased a brand-new Honda mower with mulch deck, bagger, was just over $500 at that time, the first Honda mower with a timing belt. good running mower. my only complaint was having to drain the carb bowl if it sat around more than a month, it would foul the plug if you didn't drain the bowl first to get fresh fuel in it. for some reason Honda engines don't like old fuel, not for the average homeowner that has no simple mechanical ability, otherwise it was an excellent running machine, gave it to a neighbor when I moved, he is still running it till this day, bullet proof little engine if you keep the maintenance up on them.

[@Stihlalive044]

We have no snow here in Rhode Island, the Arctic Cold was a blessing and felt good.

[@vjosephtrost]

You people down south have a different type of "snow blower" ;) Nice job building up that Frankenstein mower. And it's front wheel drive so it will be good in the snow!

[@iamanme5976]

That is so cool..I got one just like it in my yard..Love watching the great one in action...

[@dennislamers986]

Im from Wisconsin and you got way more snow than us. If we get snow it gets warm (over 36 degrees) and melts. Great job on the mower.

[@crazzywolfie]

i did the same engine swap on my ariens lawnmower. it had a kohler with a bad governor. the kohler, honda and larger hp(5-7hp) briggs seem all use a 1" crankshaft. i have actually been saving a few honda mower engines for personal use since honda seems to be getting out of the small engine game.

[@michaelbaumgardner2530]

That made a good looking mower, and it's hard to kill a Honda, glad to see Ron moving well.

[@kenbaker3300]

You're sucsess rate is darn right impeccable keep up the good work Bree 👏 🙌 👍 👌 💪 from the old man in Australia 🇦🇺

[@papatonysworkshop6584]

You just have to love a "Franken mower"!

[@motojoe5421]

Just went thru a repower on a Husqvarna AWD mower pulled the Briggs off and got a used Honda GCV 160 motor only issue was finding a blade adapter since the Honda had a larger PTO shaft . Great video keep up the good work.

[@greg.goergens6315]

I like your trash to treasure videos! I hate throwing things away and will bend over backwards and make every effort to save whatever it is. Good video. Sounds like engine might be running a little slow also? Thanks for taking us along as usual.

[@gregforster5913]

Greg from northern Michigan. So down South, they use 'anti-freeze' on their bolts ... Up north, we use 'anti-sweat' on our bolts. In-between, they use 'anti-seize' on their bolts. Great video. Well done !

[@disturbedmaynard3873]

Yeah, those Frankenstein projects are usually fun to do. As I watch you out there dealing with 40 degree temps and a tad bit of snow, we are preparing for a drop in temps where the high in a couple of days is supposed to be -7 degrees. I will take your 40 degrees in January any day. My wife will be going nuts trying to deal with her chickens in the cold, to make sure they don't freeze any body parts for the next several days.

[@jdhtyler]

Great video and Funny Liquid to stop bolts seizing ... Takes me back to the 1970+ blacksmiths shop were we repaired everything in a farming and Cotton weaving town in Lancashire UK.

[@JanHoeglund]

I love your trash to treasure videos!

[@kawazukisoddbits2717]

We (in the UK at least) call them Slide Hammers . . . for obvious reasons LOL's Southern Folk with snow - who'd believe it!

[@danbelden7354]

I had a Honda Hrx mower for over 10 years and it stated on second pull every time. I gave it to my son three years ago and he still uses it. The only issue I ever had was with the rear drive.

[@mschulz55]

Not surprised the Honda started I currently have one like that and it’s 30+ years old and still runs like a champ along with an Honda snowblower also about 30 years old

[@thinking6307]

Yep...and so do my Briggs & Stratton motors. I've got several that are on their 3rd decks.

[@marklane61]

Bought my Honda mower in 1991

[@tomessary4099]

What a wonderful recovery!!!! The red deck and the red shroud just snap!!!!!!!!!

[@burtnelson1987]

Sheesh! Here I am in southern Michigan, and we have about three inches of snow for the season so far. And there you are in ARKANSAS with eight inches or more with ONE storm! We are going to get some very cold weather in the next few days, but I don't see us getting much more snow. I guess you should have kept that snow blower you fixed a while back. I haven't even started mine in two years. Anyway, keep warm and dry and keep putting out the great videos.

[@aussiechique798]

I"m a retired mower mechanic in Australia and I can't believe how cheap your parts are in the states I guess it's the size of your market

[@notajp]

Any time you are removing steel bolts from an aluminum casting, it’s best to heat the aluminum with a propane torch. You want to expand the aluminum, not the the bolt.

[@TheRastler]

Given the cracks in the Honda deck I am surprised your first check was not the crankshaft, but hey ho different folks different strokes.

[@anthonygonzalez7488]

I found a Honda self propelled lawnmower at a garage sale. The guy said it was 2 years old, but it would not stay running , he wanted $ 100 for it. I offered him $ 40 because I thought it might need a carburetor. I took it home and removed the carburetor , I could see that the choke plate was stuck open I cleaned the carburetor, reinstalled it, pulled the rope and it fired right up. It doesn't get any better than fixing up a $ 500 mower for $ 40 + 1 hour labor and a $ 7.00 can of spray carburetor cleaner.

[@bertonfeuchtwanger9779]

Great job on making a serviceable mower out of two headed for mower heaven. The tool you used for removing the blade adapter is commonly called a slide hammer. Looks as if most of the country is in for some cold weather, thanks Canada. Stay warm and stay safe. The other lady small engine mechanic I follow “Married to Small Engines”. She also works with her husband and is in Canada.

[@frios011]

I just love watching your videos and get to see equipment spared from the landfill!

[@johnday6434]

I love my Hondas for my little neighborhood side hustle ( 2 HRR 1 HRX & 1 HRC) all with the blade BBC

[@buydirectusa4954]

You got more snow than we did in the MO Ozarks. Great find for the mower.

[@ivantruckman1]

Glad Ron is doing good . God bless You guys

[@a.c.king-dk5yl1ep2m]

Don't you just love it when a plan comes together!

[@aaronblackford981]

As I lived about 60 miles north of AR but grew up and lived most of my life 150 north of her roughly, I know she’s right. I think Tx deals with any weather, specially snow and ice better than AR but I haven’t lived in Tx so what do I know about that. Free day for projects without customers. Sounds kinda fun.

[@FrankRuiz66]

Oh and you might want to silicon bronze braze those cracks if you want to try and save it.. Then you can add fender washers and spread the load out

[@kpdvw]

ok now we know Bree is all Decked out.... never mind the snow......

[@DavidFisk-q8d]

YourHammer puller is also known as a slide hammer down under. Cheers y'all it's 32 C or 90F here today.

[@RC-fu6hg]

Wow so cool. In August I rebuilt my mother’s 1994 Honda harmony. Its was fun. Loved the video. 👍

[@johnashton1737]

On honda mowers you don't screw dip stick in to check oil level. It will give a wrong reading. The start of the dip stick tread should just touch engine housing.

[@mohabatkhanmalak1161]

In am also about to swap a holed, rusted deck on our mower for another better deck. Thanks for posting chickmechanic!🐸

[@EnthusiasticTruck-xh7ss]

Awesome job I can't wait for spring I love watching your videos I'm getting my prostate cancer injections something different that they're doing now these days The Big C stayed away for 8 years. so watching all you guys is videos really help out keep my mind off of it thank you so much for the video I'll be watching that other one video

[@AmandaGelien-gd8kd]

Everything you save helps OUR Planet AND WE ALL LIVE THERE

[@badbob]

Love your excitement when something works. I don't understand why you just don't sell it for a reasonable price as long as the customer understands the circumstance's and agrees to the condition. Its better to make something than nothing. Hey just my opinion anyway. Keep on wrenching I always enjoy the vids.

[@BG-vq9fd]

My Honda commercial self propelled is hydro static drive and has a blade brake clutch. The stamped metal deck has sacrificial steel parts on each side that can be replaced as they wear. Handle tubing is a larger diameter than their consumer models and the bag says commercial on the sides.

[@jdhtyler]

We had one in Wales UK... I did cut the grass but my Brother in law had left with wet grass under the deck and garaged it every time till it rusted away as a mess.

[@bobbrandon9653]

I had a Honda self propelled last 10 years, best engine ever made. Advertised as a 1 pull start, and it did. Too bad they stopped selling them. Couldn't in California if if they still made them.

[@mattwickert736]

On a positive, you have a spare set of the super rara used Honda drive wheels with tread left on them! I need to get me one of those heater tools for the bolts.....worst feeling is breaking off the head on the engine you need to use.

[@Techno_Nomadic]

Honda GCV160 on a "Lawn Boy" branded deck. Same blade adapter, same spacer in the bottom. If it's been sitting a while, remember these have that expanding wax plug behind the carb that pushes the choke off. Thermowax or something they call it.

[@FullersOutdoorCountry]

We enjoy watching you. Like how you explain everything. We have a hard time on our KZbin page getting people to watch a detailed video 📹

[@garyangelstad5212]

You guys got a bunch of snow. Up here in calgary we have just a skiff but our big snow and cold usually comes febuary/ march or not at all. Edmonton is a whole other story. For their weather check out cold war motors. Kinda fun bunch of guys that go way to far on bringing old iron back to life

[@edorofish]

I’d buy that mower all day long for the right price. Good build!

[@jaypino2642]

I have that mower and winterize it the way you tell us. It’s still a great mower.

[@fair2middlin]

Another push mower repair video I loved!

[@dfields9511]

reminds me of the Honda HRZ216 I picked up at a Estate Sale, it sat under a deck outside for a very long time. Since it didnt run they were just going to take it to the scrapper/landfill, etc. I was able to talk them into letting me get it. and yes I got it to run. I mowed my own yard with it to test it out. I had to replace the Carb with a Use carb I had for it. and it was missing Air Filter and Box Cover. Its bag was in good enough condition. when I first got it to run I was out side my garage with the garage doors open. It smoked enough to set off the smoke detectors inside my garage. and Smelled horrible. but after a while it cleared up. It was low on on so I had added some used oil I had around, then finally changed it. and it was able to mow yards again. (of course I got a new air filter and box cover)

[@OneWildTurkey]

If they're aluminum bolts, how does an induction heater work on them? I understood it took ferrous (iron) material to respond to induction heaters.

[@dankoopman4616]

I think it was a huge mistake to work on that snowblower last month. Now you jinxed the whole winter. It's going to keep on snowing. I hope you still have that blower

[@swoopulater]

zip ties are like vise grips, they can be used for all sorts of stuff 👍 and... about that anti-freeze (sieze) thing? works either way 😆

[@ronbeatty516]

Honda machines are things of beauty.

[@dilbertgilbert]

It's always exciting when you have a great deck and a proper sized bolt hole.

[@EdWeibe]

That induction heater is the bomb.

[@mordeth1964]

I love this video. In just the last week I've created three perfectly serviceable Frankenmowers by swapping Briggs flat heads off rusty decks onto some good Victa utility decks I got from the local council buy back👍

[@mrcryptozoic817]

I have a Frankenmower too. Wheels off a pull-along golf cart, pull starter is now adapted to allow a 11/16" socket over the blade shaft so I start it with my 1/2" DeWalt drill. For a long time I called it the worlds only electric start mower. Only trouble is now (after 22 years) I need a new primer bulb.

[@billbaber6653]

3 inches in N Ga, I have Honda 217 good unit thanks for class.

[@joemiller2629]

Interesting use of old kitchen sink brackets.

[@tedbiernacki376]

So your in Arkansas. I'm in western Massachusetts. You have more snow than I have ! Go figure ! But wait ! The weather guessers are saying we've got snow coming , Sunday into Monday. 2 to 12 inches depending on who your favorite guessers is !

[@EdWeibe]

drop the bowl. In my area of the country, if its sitting even without gas in it, the bowl will get condensation in the bottom and some corrosion 'could' be there. Gasket dry rot? the other silent killer. As far as reverse hammers go, watch your hand placement on the back plate.