Honda Lawnmower Maintenance - Oil Change & Sharpen Blade

In this video I will show you how to do a yearly maintenance on your Honda lawnmower. The service only takes about an hour and you can do the work yourself. Honda recommends using 10W30 motor oil for their lawnmower. If you don't need to sharpen the cutting blade, you should at least change the oil once a year. This will help keep your lawnmower running for many years.
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[@TungNguyen-vm9jg]

Lightweight is good and what did I use it for it’s a lawnmower kzbin.infoUgkxTPN04aT-Qdjr_KS3ql7ng8wnU3wwsCqk also recommend Yes it is lightweight so hence not as robust as our old one. But if you take care it does the job really well.

[@raspillade6027]

Anyone who takes time to make a video to help others deserves praise. I would not recommend lifting the mower to drain the oil though, because of the risk of back injury. Instead, just tilt the mower on its side, that works well enough. Also, although I haven't tried it yet, to drain the extra fuel left in the carb, one can also remove the drain bolt per the Honda manual.

[@ItsLRivera]

I got one of these used on Craigslist it was only a couple years old and I Iove it. I had been wondering what I should do to keep it up. Thanks for the great video.

[@craigg9700]

Thanks for the tutorial - followed this step by step with ease! Top man!

[@HandyDandy4u]

Very good video...you covered all the points needed for good annual maintenance or winterization. I will add a few tips based on my experience: First, a flat file gets a much more crisp edge on the blade and reduced the problem you pointed out with imbalance. Grinders remove metal faster and more unevenly and increase the imbalance problem. Filing takes longer, but gives a much better result and stays sharper longer. Second, there is a torque spec for the blade bolts. Honda suggests using it for good reason...you don't want the blade coming loose from under tightening. Third, while you have the plug out, it's always a good idea to spray some fogging oil in the cylinder and rotate the engine to get the cylinder walls coated. Fourth, I always take the screw valve out of the bottom of the carburetor bowl and get every last bit of fuel, sediment and water out. Last, I prefer a protectant that wont attract dust...like silicone or Boeshield and Honda makes a specific spray with carnauba wax just for protecting their power equipment.

[@briand.1694]

Agreed. I use the grinder to get it close then a file to really get it sharp and well balanced.

[@DoNnEgRoW]

might as well make a video Mark Schadler

[@5ATX12]

I know this is really late, but can you provide a video showing all this? I want to take good care of my honda mower and I am looking for ways to properly do so.

[@kennycarter7469]

Enjoyed your step by step to pull maintenance on the lawnmower.

[@sunnysideandy]

Thanks for a great video that shows all the steps of maintenance. You set a high bar

[@AG-vq9dy]

Great video! Very clear and simple enough for folks to follow (and save some money in the meanwhile)! Thank you.

[@dial2fast]

Thanks for your comment!

[@andymoorby9559]

Enjoyed your video, have been ripped off in the past taking my honda lawn mower in for a service so have taken up servicing myself and find your vids very helpful. Cheers from England

[@dial2fast]

Thanks for your wonderful comment!

[@Shahzad5814]

Great video. I'll be doing the maintenance on my lawn mower soon. Thanks for sharing your expertise.

[@dial2fast]

Shahzad Akhund Glad my video was helpful

[@jmiles1960]

Thanks for the video. I have this mower and had no idea how to best service it.

[@carlitosway0077]

Great Tutorial, thank you for this awesome video :)

[@fedguy9182]

I use a Mityvac 7201 evacuation pump to remove the oil. Definitely saves my old worn out back. I also find that fluid film vs WD 40 is specifically designed to condition the plastic shroud and nexite deck. It also keeps the metal handles from developing rust in wear areas. Thanks for the informative video

[@dial2fast]

+Fed Guy Thanks for sharing!

[@maryw6835]

WONDERFUL!!!! Thank you so very, very much for the video!!!! One of the best I have seen on KZbin. Great information!!!

[@dial2fast]

Thanks for your wonderful comment!

[@kevinblick9037]

This is a great video. Love this mower and want it to last awhile. Thanks

[@dial2fast]

Thanks for your comment!

[@Harrylechat01]

I have a similar Honda mower in France and always had a problem with servicing because the local guy works on "first come first served" so you can be without a mower for weeks on end (and I always forget to get it done in winter). Now I feel prepared to spend a couple of hours enjoying doing it myself and save money to boot. Great video, thanks

[@dial2fast]

Yes, it's not too difficult. Just need some hand tools. You don't need to sharpen the blade every time. Only if you know the blade hit a lot of rocks and hard objects which may cause it to dull or chip.

[@Harrylechat01]

Took the blade off yesterday. My garden must have a LOT of rocks! Still I bought the mower secondhand and now it's never sounded so sweet nor cut so well. Thnaks again.

[@dial2fast]

Harrylechat01 Good to hear, and thanks for sharing your experience.

[@burropoco]

Excellent video, very informative. Thank you for sharing.

[@smokesgtp]

Good video sir. Any quick detailer you use on the car is great on the mower body fyi. Important to show cleaning the deck with a hose as well. Should do that once every few mows.

[@billbutler9862]

Thanks, great explanation and detail

[@Buick59]

Good and concise, thanks!

[@harshansivaraju1520]

Excellent video! Thank you for the details

[@dial2fast]

Thank you for your comment!

[@buddi54]

Thanks for posting this nice and informative video. I have an similar but older model . In older model the manual recommends to put about one tablespoonful of oil in the cylinder before inserting the spark plug to prevent corrosion when storage. Question : My problem with my mower is it is no longer self propelled. Any hint that you can provide for this ? Thank you.

[@Shasha8674]

Thanks! Very helpful!

[@whereismypipey]

My only suggestions are: which oil to use and the sizing of the socket wrench you use (ie. 14 mm). Thanks for the tips.

[@greenninjalawncare]

Cheers for the tutorial mate..

[@dial2fast]

If your mower is same design as mine, then the rear propel is done by gears in a gear box on the back. I had an issue last year where one side would not spin, I opened it up and saw a small little spring loaded metal piece that was not engaging because the edge got worn and was stuck. I filed down the edges and it fixed it. Sorry I don't have any pics, but you have to remove the wheel and look at it.

[@tomwilson4572]

OK but would benefit from a few details such as spark plug gap and quantity and type of oil (10-30 4 stroke). He likes to wipe deck and body with WD40 but doesn't say why. Maybe personal preference and purely cosmetic purposes. I really liked the blade sharpening section but would like to know if the blades should be tightened to a specific torque (for safety).

[@MyAlejandra1996]

Excelente vídeo .thank s Very much.

[@zottejanne2828]

Very handful, thanks!

[@onthegate7497]

very helpful, thanks

[@readyteddy7620]

Nice video mate I have this job waiting for me, cheers

[@dial2fast]

Thanks for your comment!

[@lucashouchin2222]

thanks for sharing! This mama is going to try this on her own ;o)

[@lucashouchin2222]

Lucas Houchin ps..I'm using my hubby's acct

[@johnranger964]

Nice job. Thanks.

[@anthonyvu749]

honda engines are bulletproof my dad hasn’t changed the spark plug or oil or anything on our mower and is still running strong after 20 years

[@dial2fast]

Motor oil can be stored in the mower over winter with no problem. But you should empty gasoline if possible or put in a stabilizer.

[@82nutcracker]

great video..

[@Thoughtfulbuildsllc]

Sweet thanks for the video!!

[@georgemarks6985]

Thanks a lot. You are quite thorough

[@dial2fast]

Appreciate the comment! Thanks.

[@bLkShAd0w]

I usually store mine over the winter with the gas ran out of the mower. If you let it sit in the carb over winter it will gum up and come spring most likely wont start. I would run it out on your last cut in the fall. Then you have the winter to do your maintenance and come spring just add gasoline and go.

[@bxp1696]

Good video.

[@HarinderSinghAman]

thanks mate...

[@samuelbigger2924]

Great video and information, thank you. I just picked up my Honda yesterday...looking forward to maintaining it per the video for the next two point five decades.

[@dial2fast]

Also if you are just cutting grass yearly, you don't need to change/sharpen the blade every years. Just check it for nicks and damage.

[@dial2fast]

Thanks for your comment.

[@jean-baptiste9230]

no oil Filter??? thx awesome tuto!

[@briand.1694]

To AVOID getting a hernia, you can buy a few disposable aluminum (low-profile) baking pans to drain the oil into by just tilting the mower on it's right side. I would imagine 'lifting and tilting' the mower could be dangerous for some people.

[@daceja]

How much and what type of oil did you refill the mower with. Thanks

[@jacoblang2712]

Found one of these on the curb..air filter was so clogged it wouldn't run soap and hot water cleans the air filter good and oil looked ok ,its been doing my yard 5 years for no money at all in it

[@andyhamilton8940]

These have paper disposable filters. Do not wash them. Just replace. A few taps on the concrete as needed and they will last for years.

[@Godshole]

Honda recommend that if you are putting the mower away for winter to put a few tea spoons of oil down the plug hole while you have the plug out and turn the engine over a few times to stop the bore and rings rusting over winter. It will splutter and smoke briefly when you refuel and first start in the spring but it will extend the life of the engine and valve seats. Makes sense to me.

[@briand.1694]

Try 'fogging' it with SeaFoam b4 putting it away for winter.

[@CompetentSalesUSA]

Thank you.

[@ivanhmunguia5576]

Nice mower

[@johntanker5480]

very good thank you very much.

[@dial2fast]

Thanks for your comment!

[@InDaBurbs]

Good video, BUT - I was taught to position the blade in the other direction when sharpening. There is potential for the blade to catch and kick back the way you are doing it. Potential disaster. Unlikely as you're only grinding lightly, but better safe than sorry. I've sharpened probably 100's of blades as I owned a commercial landscape maintenance company. Otherwise. thanks for posting. I just bought a Honda and could not find the drain plug. Now I know why. Looks like good ol' Briggs and Stratton one upped Honda in this case

[@moose64]

Your rear tires are almost bald like mine. Great video.

[@floridafyme]

Glad you used a ratchet installing the blades. I once used an impact and stripped the threads.

[@justlookinforU]

Thank you for a great teaching video. My question: Does oil need to be drained [also] when storing over winter which can be 7-8 months here in the northeast.

[@volt8684]

Definately not. Leave it in and change in Spring. No oil may cause corrosion and ring seizure

[@federicolopez8807]

thanks good video \

[@dial2fast]

Thanks for your comment!

[@ckkelby]

Great instructional, thanks. I've got to get mine done this week, this was perfect

[@dial2fast]

Chris K Glad my video was helpful, cheers!!

[@Dallasarcher]

Is it easy to see howvthe blade go back on?

[@robertrager2691]

You should include torque specs on a video like this 👍 just a little reminder non detergent motor oil only

[@reid1713]

This Honda blade requires 40 lbs with torque wrench. He failed to mention that

[@tonychow3848]

Great informative video! How much should I tighten the nuts on the blades? Also how much on the spark plug? Thanks!

[@dial2fast]

Blade bolt: 36-43 ft-lbs Spark Plugs: not spec by Honda, but probably give it a 1/4 turn after the plug makes first contact (don't over tighten it)

[@richardshippful]

I heard 14 ft/lb for the plug

[@Big_pl65]

How often should you change oil on a lawn mower like this? and is it any different for Honda engine? I used to have a lawn mower with briggs and stratton engine and in use for 14 years I have never changed oil and it still works fine so I am curious to this maintenance...

[@dial2fast]

Change the oil once a year.

[@importcarenthusiast]

What size socket do you use on the spark plug? Do the new ones come pre-gapped?

[@dial2fast]

The socket is 5/8" and you should check the gap to be 0.7 to 0.8 mm.

[@philc5735]

Thank you for the video. I just bought my first new gas lawn mover and it's honda. I will follow your video for maintenance. I don't think I will plan to buy the tool you use in the video to sharp the blade, so do you know what other tool i can use?

[@dial2fast]

+Phil C Dremel make a sharpening attachment for their tool. Check out Home Depot

[@philc5735]

+dial2fast great, i will check it out. thanks.

[@InDaBurbs]

+Phil C A file will do it. More work, but it will do the job. Good if you have a vice to hold it.

[@MrForfar]

Now i know how to give my honda an oil change woohoo. Thanx

[@dial2fast]

MrForfar Glad you found my video helpful! Cheers!

[@billallen7716]

When you replace the oil do you use 5 W 30 or 10w 30 in a Honda lawn mower

[@dial2fast]

I use 10W30. You can also find the link to where you can buy it in the video description.

[@_VC93]

Hey, thanks for the video. I was just wondering whether there's a specific amount of oil you're suppose to put in (like a car or a bike). It seems like you were winging it

[@dial2fast]

You have to fill and check because it takes less than a quart. Of course you can use a measuring cup if you want but don't overfill. This engine takes 12 to 14 oz.

[@gracielarosas4562]

+dial2fast ,

[@mdkarnish]

Good video, however, I would not use WD-40 on the surface of your mower as it will collect dust and dirt. I simply use 50/50 vinegar/water solution on a rag and get wipe-happy. It's acidic enough to clean and is environmentally friendly. I gave this a thumbs up.

[@briand.1694]

Right. WD-40 looks good while the mower is still clean but will attract dust/dirt like crazy. You can re-clearcoat the surfaces if you need your mower looking like new.

[@pangayee]

My honda is leaving a thin grass trail on the RHS as I am moving the grass, any ideas?

[@dodomorgan75]

Blade needs sharpening

[@mike.golden]

I turned my lawnmower to the wrong side (filter side down), and now it won't start. How do I fix it?

[@mxka100]

What size socket did you use to remove the spark plug? looks like its larger than 5/8. Great video, I paid $90 last year to service mine. thanks

[@dial2fast]

The socket should be 5/8"

[@jhorn7960]

@@dial2fast socket needed for blade bolts is 14mm

[@thugrus]

Good video....what kind of oil did yu use tho?

[@dial2fast]

The Honda engine can use regular 5W30 motor oil.

[@nellymateeva2175]

the other video said 12-13.5 oz of oil, 10W30. if you overfill badly, there will be big white smoke of the exhaust. if this happens, do not panic, just remove the extra oil.

[@middleclassic]

Nelly Mateeva : Thank you! I couldn't believe he didn't say how much oil to use.

[@cbernatt2010]

What do you do if the blade retaining screws won't budge?

[@dial2fast]

Guess treat it like any stubborn nut on a car. Soak it with rust penetration lubricant. Use an impact gun. Use a long breaker bar. Use heat (torch).

[@thegaryjay_yt]

Though you take good care of your mower, I was wondering if you have had any issues with the throttle cable sticking or the self propelled wheels failing to engage? Mine is a hand-me-down which wasn't stored in the best of conditions so I'm trying to make fixes

[@dial2fast]

Gary J Smith My throttle cable never failed, but the self propelled rear wheel did have a problem with not engaging. Took it apart and found the mechanism gear inside was not engaging. Cleaned it up and file down some of the parts and working now.

[@BB2009LZ]

Gary J Smith I had a problem with only one rear wheel being driven. Removing the wheels I saw that the small pinion gear that drives the wheel was chewed up and the teeth were not meshing with those on the wheel. I just picked up a replacement part and will reassemble tonight. If you do a google search for Honda Lawnmower Parts, find your model and look at the drawings to see how it goes together and get a feel for which parts might need replacing (a drive belt for instance).

[@Martrix64]

Hi, you need to get yourself a diamond wheel dresser from ebay to clean up that wheel on your bench grinder. It looks really loaded which is not cool in many ways. Did you grind aluminum on it?

[@dial2fast]

+Martrix64 Yes, I have since cleaned it. Thanks

[@davidhind6119]

The best way to tilt your mower is by using eather a 4inch would block or a couple of blocks.

[@badjujuR6]

This video was very well done. I do the same thing to my tools that get general use. Tools like my Honda lawn mower, Honda 4 cycle gas trimmer, Honda gas edger, and my Honda leaf blower/mulcher. Doing maintenance on your tools after a season of use, and preparing your tools for winter storage just makes sense and will ensure that the tools last as long as possible with out the need for serious repair or replacement. I go around to garage sales (and now apps like Offer Up, Facebook Marketplace, and Let Go) and find old tools/equipment that people are selling as basically "trash" that won't work. After about an hour or so of work and cleaning, the tool usually works just fine. Then I sell it for a pretty penny on FB Market place, Let Go, or Offer Up. $😁

[@NonStopMagic]

Question , I have the same one and I use it once a week how often do I change oil ? And what type? Thanks

[@dial2fast]

I also mow my lawn once a week and I will do this service once a year in Dec. Just use regular motor oil 10W30.

[@NonStopMagic]

dial2fast thanks 👍

[@laceystratton6489]

why do u use wd 40 to wipe it? how do i know when its time to change the oil. the push mower i have is a briggs & stratton motor and i can crank it & start cutting but after its on for about 10 minutes it dies. every single time. i took the gas out and let it dry then replaced with new gas. but it still dies after running for 10 mins or so. so i figured the oild needed changing

[@georgenettlesjr1466]

need new carb

[@johnsimpson3708]

Oil change- How much oil do you put in without going over and having to remove excess oil?

[@dial2fast]

John Simpson Your owners manual should tell you the capacity. But usually I just pour a little at a time until the oil reaches the dipstick and check it.

[@josephhampel5002]

When you buy the spark plug do you have to mess with the gap, or do you just plug it in? Aesome vid! I have this same model!

[@dial2fast]

Joseph Hampel Most spark plugs these days claim to be pre gapped but you can always check it with a spark plug gauge which you can pick up at most automotive stores for a few dollars.

[@josephhampel5002]

K TY!

[@SpiritQD]

What is the power tool that you're using to remove the bolts? Obviously, I am new to some tools, but the hand ratchet doesn't work very well.

[@dial2fast]

Stephanie Meadows That tool is an air impact wrench that is connected to a compressor. You can also buy cordless electric impact wrench that will do about the same. They sell them at most hardware stores. It just makes removing tight bolts easier.

[@mdkarnish]

Stephanie Meadows Hi Stephanie, the air impact wrench requires an air compressor to operate these types of tools. This setup is an overkill to remove lawn mower blades. The most common way to remove blades and per manufactures recommendation is to place a block of wood between the deck and blades. Use a ratchet and socket to remove and replace the bolts. Hope this helps.

[@MikeB-lx7nt]

+Stephanie Meadows As others have said that is an air impact wrench. You could also get an electric version. However I have both and the tool I like even better is 3/4 inch socket wrench. It's handle is much longer(~2') and thicker(~1" in dia) than a standard socket wrench. It is great for removing bolts on anything, especially car wheels and old stuck on bolts. You'll just need to get a 3/4 inch to 1/2 inch step down so it will work with your standard 1/2 inch sockets. No noise, no power needed, and it can apply so much more torque on the bolt than a standard socket wrench, or even air/electric impact wrenches, you don't need to be strong to use it. In fact, it applies so much torque, if you are straining with a socket wrench like that, best to back off as you're likely to rip the head off the bolt.

[@edmundohillary]

how often do you need to change the oil?

[@dvdfrnzwbr]

edmundohillary I change my oil and sharpen the blades after 20 to 25 hours of use.

[@mrkrabs3273]

Searched for turd boi420 lawnmower review but i got hit with this

[@nathanmarshall7523]

I have the same mower. What is the best oil to put back in?

[@dial2fast]

Regular engine motor oil 5W30

[@robluce2111]

Honda recommends 10w30

[@oscarolguin1970]

Wat kind of oil does it take

[@dial2fast]

You can use regular automotive 10W30 oil.

[@joseph2367]

Chrome sockets with impact

[@MrKidsysco]

Why did you remove the gas and use it up?

[@dial2fast]

Depends how long you store the lawn mower. You can either put gas stabilizer in the gas tank or drain it.

[@jeffthompson8663]

put clean rag in fuel tank to remove ALL remaining gas/water out of tank...then start to empty all fuel out of line.

[@irfaan7868]

What you used to coat the underneath deck?

[@dial2fast]

I don't coat the deck.

[@irfaan7868]

@@dial2fast how do you deal with the rust on the deck? Mine is only 2 years old and deck is rusting badly :-(

[@Rooster7six]

There is no oil drain plug under the mower?

[@dial2fast]

Rooster 7six No on this Honda.

[@Rooster7six]

dial2fast Well that sucks!!!

[@DougHinVA]

I would run all the remaining fuel until the engine stops and remove the spark plug boot and gently loosen the spark plug (no compression means no blade flip!). Mark the blades as Inside and Outside R and L.... so you see how to put them back on. But he didn't say how to loosen the 2 nuts if no power wrench is available on an older mower....

[@tagrav]

WD40 isn't a good lubricant. If you're spraying it on your wheels to lube them it's not going to be effective and could make things worse over time. use some sort of lubricant. they make a garage door type lubricant that is supposed to be low on dust collection which may work better or just general purpose grease would work but would be harder to apply, maybe even white lithium spray. honestly, any lube but WD40 would do better than WD40. PB makes a garage door lubricant but i think they've re-branded themselves recently so it'll probably be under "BLASTER" brand now. the stuff is amazing on garage door wheels and hinges and doesn't collect a lot of dust like white lithium has in the past.

[@dial2fast]

+tagrav Thank you for sharing. Those are very good tips!

[@wisestudent1463]

You didn't mention what weight of oil to use !! Multiple??

[@dial2fast]

Just use regular motor oil. I used 5W30.

[@dailystruggle2762]

Are you swedish?

[@richardw7912]

I thought running a motor dry would kill the carb?

[@biggedybiggedybong8032]

When i park up my bikes for the winter layup i drain the tank then flush with panel wipe...i then run the carbs dry n flush them also with panel wipe...then open the drain screws n drain an residue.. same with my lawnmower...

[@whothat2733]

THIS IS THE SECOND SEASON FOR MY ELECTRIC (GRANNY) START HONDA MOWER HOW DO I CHARGE THE BATTERY

[@whothat2733]

+WHO THAT I HAVE PULL STATED FOR AN HR AT A TIME AND IT WON'T START(DON'T HAVE LONG ENOUGH ARMS OR STRENGTH BEIN A GRANNY)

[@imGlobL]

Wouldn't it be easier to drain the oil using your transfer pump? Instead of risking injury to your back........

[@sgomez3047]

How about you use the hand pump to also drain the oil..🤔 What a novel idea.

[@byronnix1628]

Good video. But you don’t have to drain the fuel to change the oil. You just turn the fuel shut off valve to off. Even says in the manual, that the mower can be tipped on the engine oil side for cleaning the deck as well 👍🏻