Honda 3813 Service & Rebuild

www.mytractorf...
This is the "bravo" machine according to the client. This is the 2nd 3813 he has owned, but the first one for me to service. Compared to the 4514 rebuild, I was far more confident in the disassembly and assembly since I knew what to expect. Similar problems such as the need for a new timing belt, water pump, and front driveshaft damper. The charge coils were in good shape and did not need changing.
The battery tray is removable for the 3813, bolted in. Unlike the 4514 which is welded in, forcing you to remove the entire pedestal assembly to get access to the rear of the engine should you want to avoid pulling the engine out of the frame rails. I have seen some videos working on these machines where the person actually cuts the battery tray then rewelds it back in...DON'T DO THAT. I get you are trying to save time, but don't be lazy. Disassemble the machine right and don't be a hack.
These Honda mowers have a great amount of support in the forum communities, despite their exceptional difficulty and tedious nature to service.
Many parts as mentioned before on my 4514 video are NLA from Honda. Ebay and the forums are your best friends for finding these parts.
Quick history lesson about these Honda mowers I learned. They were designed and built by Honda's motorcycle division. Often you find parts like cables and some of the engine parts can be crossed with some motorcycle models. Sadly though because of the high build quality, priced themselves out of the lawnmower market. They built some damn good machines.
I am available for questions as always, Check out my forum posts for more info!

[@stunt509]

These honda tractors are so advanced and way ahead of its time. Super detailed video. Thank you sir!

[@glennsibille7451]

I am so glad that you videoed this repair service on the HT3813. I am currently restoring one from ground up. Sand blasting all parts including frame, but did not take pictures while disassembling the unit. Although I have the service manual, I needed to see harness routing and clip placements. I hope to have a almost like new tractor.

[@keeganmartin1886]

You sir deserve a medal. So thorough. It's incredible really. One never expects to find this much talent from a vid regarding a lawn tractor released almost 40 years ago

[@Bassguitarist1985]

Really appreciate the kind words! Truth be told the owner has the most passion for these machines. This is one of three that he owns. I have rebuilt all three for him. It does take a lot of attention to detail because of how well they are built. Sadly parts are becoming very difficult to find for them

[@WHEELMAN4LIFE]

Great video. I just picked up one of these for free today. The PTO had stopped working and the owner parked it outside for 3 years and left it under a tarp. I will be checking all the things you mentioned.

[@brustar5152]

I found it easy peazy to remove the hood, rad and pick the engine up and put it on a bench to gain access to everything you're servicing. By the time you've removed the battery and it's tray you are still left with a maybe situation of being able to move engine forward enough to get the driveshaft damper off the shaft and out. I bought mine new in 84 and that thing has required only that damper kit and routine oil/filter and one spark plug change in over 36 years of operation, mowing and blowing snow.

[@Bassguitarist1985]

They are very well built machines. Sadly I don't have an engine hoist/ lift, and I am unable to lift heavy stuff due to a double hernia injury. Most of the time it is just me working on machines. I agree with everyone that has said it is easier work wise to pull the engine, and it really is not that difficult to do once you are familiar how they are assembled. Given that this machine pretty much had NOTHING done to it since it was bought, left in a field for over a year with the damper problem, in the rain/elements etc, I know it was worth doing the full tear down. After all that, still impressed how well built this machine is.

[@rangleri]

This tractor seems to be in super good condition! And you did a good job with it. It always seems to be that the front damper wears out first. I think it is because the engine is very badly aligned compared to the gearbox. I tilted the engine on my 3813 backwards a lot, so the crankshaft and gearbox input shaft are almost parallel now. It seems like the damper lasts very well now, but I cannot be 100% sure because it has been less than 3 years since I did it.

[@charltonheston969]

Just bought one for 350 in excellent condition. Just Lets out little smoke until it warms up

[@Bassguitarist1985]

valve stem seals I would say need replacing

[@joet-sk4sw]

I love this engine.....well done video, thanks

[@Bassguitarist1985]

Thank you!

[@jjparody8257]

Appreciate your post. I am working on a 3813 & suspect a switch is the problem. Would love to bypass by disconnecting that connection @ 15:45 but I don't appear to have that part. Maybe a different year or something. Is it feasible to jumper the seat, PTO & Neut. & accomplish the same result? I did jumper the seat as you show later in the video because it was easy. BTW, I have tested the ignition switch for continuity (good) and tested the solenoid; ie, I can activate the latter by directing 12V directly to the spade connector thereon.

[@johnnywishbone1349]

Your mechanic skills amazing all while video recording it too takes extreme work. Do you know how many hours this Honda HT3813 has? I’ve found a beautiful one near me that was garaged it’s entire life, but if I can no longer find parts I may have to pass. Assuming if the hours on this tractor shows typical wear then the one I’m looking at will generally be the same. Thanks for posting man!

[@VVK5W]

You can still find parts for them, but you'll have to do some leg work tracking them down. I highly recommend picking up the factory service manual if you do get the machine. These are fairly complex machines and the service manual comes in handy. These were awesome machines. Over engineered in every way.

[@Bassguitarist1985]

No idea on hours, but this one was left in a field for a year in the elements.

[@jonmyers8046]

These are great machines, but too much of a pain to work on. I'll stick with my old John Deere. Great video. Having the same ignition issue. Thanks for the info.

[@lavitabella9069]

I had one...then bought a #scag 🐆

[@Chairman750]

Good video. This was my first time viewing a Honda HT 3813 tractor service. It would have been nice if your video was in two parts to show more of the detail work. Thanks again. Ken

[@Bassguitarist1985]

Apologies, this was back when I was trying to keep my videos as succinct as possible but many have said that they don't mind if the video is extremely long with all the detail. So I've been trying to include more detail in my later videos. Thank you for watching and supporting the channel if you have any questions please let me know.

[@sirjohnahayfalcon]

Where can i get a factory service manual for this.. When i try t turn my key ionly get a half turn at the fan and no start? Thanks for your informative vid

[@Bassguitarist1985]

If you do a search online I know it's readily available or you can check on the mytractorforums.com i think there is a link there somewhere. Those symptoms can be a couple things. I know the starters on these engines tend to not have a very long service life. Another possible issue is the compression release mechanism failed or the valves are out of adjustment.

[@RaztechPowersports]

Very informative! Very cool machine

[@Bassguitarist1985]

Glad you liked it! It really is! Too bad they dont make them anymore. Support is still strong but it takes time to procure NLA parts. With enough looking though they can be found!

[@jeannotbeaudin3829]

Tres Bonne machine

[@garycornell5378]

You are a genius wish u lived close to me!!!

[@Bassguitarist1985]

Well I would not go that far but I appreciate you watching!

[@waqarsyed6641]

AWESOME Machine.. awesome dude.. thank you for sharing

[@Bassguitarist1985]

You are very welcome thank you for watching and supporting the channel.!

[@gordbaker896]

Excellent work and Video. I think the Battery Tray deserved cleanup and Paint though. Is there a clearance measurement for the clutch adjustment at the rear?

[@Bassguitarist1985]

Hello. Yes there is plus a wear limit stated in the service manual. I didnt show it on camera but you measure with a feeler gauge with the clutch disengaged. From there you adjust the nut for the speed of engagement. That way its a smooth shift from gear to gear. The setup is basically shifting on the fly, bout as close to a hydrostatic trans without actually having one.

[@gordbaker896]

@@Bassguitarist1985 Thanks. Start with 0.010"? The machine takes off very slowly. Sometimes runs on 1 cyl so I suspect a new coil is needed. Are they available? I hope there is a safety ground wire to disconnect as you showed. Sometimes starts, sometimes not. Always cranks. New plugs and battery. Coil seems buried! Volunteer work for a neighbour. Thanks

[@andrewchristiansen8311]

I got the 3013 that has a 38 inch deck and 13 hp single cylinder gxv390. I see now why they didn't call it the 3813.

[@ronsteitz4535]

Should of cleaned up battery tray and painted before reinstalling. Great job and video👍

[@Bassguitarist1985]

Good call!

[@Bassguitarist1985]

And thank you for watching!

[@andrewdickson9964]

Fantastic video great detail 👍

[@williamwilliams3200]

Can you elaborate on how to clean and adjust the transaxle clutch? Thanks.

[@Bassguitarist1985]

Cleaning the clutch is spraying it completely down with brake cleaner. Adjusting the tranny clutch there is a 10 or 12mm bolt located in front of the right rear tire. CCW increases the clutch engagement delay, CW decreases it...but too much and the clutch will never disengage so be careful.

[@williamwilliams3200]

Thanks so much for the quick response.appreciate your help!

[@xalisco58]

Nice Video. In my HT3813 it is very hard to switch the speeds. Any comments?

[@Bassguitarist1985]

Naw not really its very smooth.

[@MrDavew402]

What did you mean, 'cleaned up" rear clutch & clutch shock thing ? taken apart & sanded? wire-brushed, oiled ? Adjusted cable? Mine is taking way too long to go into gear, 10 seconds or more.

[@Bassguitarist1985]

All of the above and sprayed down with brake cleaner. There is an adjuster bolt to change the time delay the clutch engages you may want to look at

[@8lazingSaddles]

I'm wondering how much all this servicing is going to cost? I have one and so far no problems, just a little soft when engaging the mower. I'm pretty sure that is the adjustment of the belt.

[@Bassguitarist1985]

It was a considerable amount of work to disassemble repair and reassemble. Thankfully these machines are built so well that they can go for a very long time before needing these parts changed.

[@8lazingSaddles]

@@Bassguitarist1985 That is my overall impression. I used to be an auto technician before and I can sense the quality compared with those with a Briggs and Stratton or other air cooled engine. It was as if everything was designed together. Typical for Honda, actually and they didn't skimp at any expense. I bet they cost a lot when new.

[@Bassguitarist1985]

@@8lazingSaddles exactly why you do not see them being made anymore they price themselves out of the market back in the late 80s early nineties and decided it was no longer profitable. The machines were actually built by the Honda motorcycle division and many of their parts are cross referenced to those parts if one takes the time to research.

[@KevinCampbell-o1t]

Are parts still available for this machine?

[@Bassguitarist1985]

@@KevinCampbell-o1t some parts but not all of them depends on what you need. The ones that are no longer available you will have to get them off of a junk parts machine

[@natedawg6510]

Awesome video, mine had a mouse nest in the engine, in over my head, but this will help. Anyone out there in Connecticut want to help me tackle this project lol

[@Bassguitarist1985]

@@natedawg6510 where in Connecticut? That's where I live too

[@josephmars20]

I have one in my city stating it runs but doesn’t drive for $275. Seems in alright condition from photos. In your opinion would you get it or pass?

[@Bassguitarist1985]

I'd say its worth it for that cost, just be prepared to pay a lot in parts, and what parts that are NLA from Honda, you will have to try ebay or the interscreens!

[@Funminotaur]

Good video!!

[@Bassguitarist1985]

Thanks!

[@jeanmarcpisapia5346]

I'm trying to remove the driveshaft with all six bolts loosened (front and back) but it doesn't seem to want to budge. Is it normal? What do you suggest I do? Thank you!

[@steved8714]

Hit it

[@johngouker3887]

Can you still get parts for the 3813

[@Bassguitarist1985]

Some parts yes not all unless you get a junk machine

[@landerobasurto4234]

Great video

[@wallergrauen1277]

Where did you get the water pump from I am looking for my Honda HT3813

[@Bassguitarist1985]

Boats.net

[@jorelsmith1985]

Hi I just got 1 of these and the pto clutch is shot and I can't get it started with the key ignition? The only way I can get it started is if I take a screw driver to the solenoid... do u have any info on them 2 things ????

[@Bassguitarist1985]

I know the PTO clutch is available but it's pretty pricey. It sounds like your key switch may be faulty. If you jump the solenoid and it starts up its not the starter motor. I would be suspect of the solenoid as well. The solenoid in the starter motor are one unit so that will have to be inspected

[@jorelsmith1985]

@@Bassguitarist1985 ok thanks sooo much I'll check it out this afternoon when I get off

[@jorelsmith1985]

I'll let you know what I come up with..

[@jorelsmith1985]

@@Bassguitarist1985 what else should I look for ?

[@Bassguitarist1985]

@@jorelsmith1985 pretty much every electrical component. Given the age of these machines anything small could be suspect

[@ernieschroeder7591]

🎉

[@jamesguralski5156]

I'm grabbing 1 of these for 100$. Hope I can fix it

[@ganggan9359]

same here

[@Will24three]

How’d it go?

[@antondatzmann7782]

Which transmission oil is necessary?

[@Bassguitarist1985]

10w-40 engine oil

[@kirksmith3815]

How did you remove the flywheel

[@Bassguitarist1985]

Remove the nut and lock the flywheel with a strap wrench. Then with a little prying pressure, do a quick smack with a 5 pound sledge, popped right off.

[@laujvang581]

Are the front and rear dampners for the shaft the same part?

[@Bassguitarist1985]

Yes they are

[@garydetaeye7081]

i bought one of those parts are unavailable

[@farmer-sw1he]

How on earth do you remove the starter on a 3813 machine?

[@Bassguitarist1985]

Motor has to be pulled since the starter is part of the motor mount. That or support the engine weight with a jack and remove the starter. Hard that way IMO though.

[@farmer-sw1he]

@@Bassguitarist1985 Thank you for the info, much appreciated. This is going to be fun. One last question...can starter internals be pulled to rebuild it without removing the whole thing? Thanks.

[@Bassguitarist1985]

@@farmer-sw1he sadly no, but I know internal parts could be replaced. The issue is sourcing then from Honda

[@elisancere3578]

Looks like the exact same motor as my Honda generator!

[@Bassguitarist1985]

Let me guess, an ES6500?

[@elisancere3578]

Yep !

[@Bassguitarist1985]

@@elisancere3578 the client i fixed this 3813 for has the same generator too. It's due for a timing belt and water pump change too!

[@elisancere3578]

I just did a water pump , timing belt, spark plugs, oil change, and starter . Runs very smooth and quiet.

[@Bassguitarist1985]

@@elisancere3578 they are amazing machines. Sadly many parts are NLA, but plenty on the used market and potentially overseas. Many of the Honda motorcycle parts cross with the riders and generators.

[@ronsteitz4535]

Do you know anybody that needs a mower deck that is in good condition?

[@itsforeewe7184]

My '91 needs a better one, where are you located?

[@marshmower]

A powersports dealer has an old used faded pink one that's been out there for 7 years. He believes a sucker will buy it one day. Dude is the only cat in town. I say more power to him. You won't be in business long giving things away. But he charged a restock fee for a motorcycle visor that didn't fit. $8 whatever. But he had an old 97 50cc scooter back in 2009 and wanted the new $1200 price on it and it was all rusted. I turned over a Ninja 250 in the showroom and it was embarrassing. Everyone run out and asked was I ok. I'm done. I believe that was a sign.

[@Bassguitarist1985]

Some are very passionate about these machines and keep them running. Its only getting harder to find parts for them. Just spent 3 weeks looking for spindle pulleys that are NLA for it. Not fun. I did wind up finding two NOS ones in MS, but thats after calling half a dozen dealers that said online they had it in stock. The guy paid me for my time so I'm not complaining ha!

[@frios011]

MASSIVE OVER ENGINEERING!!!

[@Bassguitarist1985]

Yessir!

[@charltonheston969]

It's basically a small car that cuts grass & doesn't go very fast