Honda Harmony 215 Transmission Fix

[@jeffb2592]

Awesome Eddie. I had a similar problem with my Honda 215 which I bought in 1999. I checked the lever and sure enough it was loose on the bolt. I had a sheet of copper and I fashioned a shim, not quite like yours, but it did the trick. I did try a piece of steel, but it seemed too hard and when I tried to ram it in it kept falling out. The copper seemed to form nicely in the gap and the lever seemed a whole light tighter on the bolt. Once I put everything together and started it up, it propelled like new. Your video was very informative and I learned a lot about transmissions. Thanks again. I was ready to pull the trigger on a new Honda HRX217HYA, which would have cost me around 800. My only cost fixing this mower was my time and a sliver of copper!

[@PowderhoundTully]

Hi Eddie - Thanks for the video. I have a HRM215 that slipped in second gear but runs perfectly in first gear. Then later on in time the drive lever started staying engaged when you let go of the drive clutch bar. Eventually it disengages which seems to happen while it is going down hill or if I lift the handles up and then down. Wondering if my issues are the same as you had with the clutch lever and gear shift lever? Where can you order new levers as I believe that is my problem because when I shift to 2 gear the handle doesn't "lock' in place. Not sure why the drive stays engaged yet I can't get second gear to stay engaged (the wheels do spin when lifted up but NOT every the time). I think my issue is reverse of yours in the sense my shift lever has more issues than my clutch lever. Would greatly appreciate your thoughts. Also I'm confused on getting the transmission out. Would appreciate help on that step by step instructions. FYI I tried the wheel fix on the left rear you posted which helped with the wheel at least spinning in Second gear but the stop when they touch the ground. THANKS FOR THE HELP ON THIS as you are right this is a great mover because I really dislike the new mowers because the government forced the mower to turn off when you let go of the blade drive which stinks if you have to go over an area you don't want to blade running. Really stupid in my eyes. Why do you need the motor to stop along with the blade. Isn't stopping the blade enough?

[@MrToupsClassroom]

Inspired by Eddie, took my hr215 transmission apart and removed the axle....the rear bearing went bad and eat a groove into the axle. I welded a patch and used my grinder...ordered some bearings from china and replace those and put the transmission back together.............I had to use electrical tape to hold gears in place to put both sides together......his transmission all the gears lie flat....mine was vertical to casing a little tricky.....use blue sealant with o-ring gasket works like a charm.......Thanks Eddie.

[@EddieCarrara1]

Hey Brian, that's great news! That's what's great about this place, I can make a video, share my uncommon repair, someone else can add to the repair with their own uncommon fix and make it all work. The thing with these mowers is they are broken, so just try something to fix it, if it doesn't work, you have only lost time. Thanks for the update Brian, it's really good info :)

[@EddieCarrara1]

Hi Andy, If you have the same transmission like the one in the video, it's most likely the engagement lever on the transmission. My mower had the same problem, I tried adjusting the cable, but it would not engage completely, If I lifted the wheels of the ground, they would spin, no problem, but as soon as they hit the ground, the transmission would slip out of gear and ratchet. Watch the video completely and I explain it in detail.

[@prrevo4884]

Hey Eddie. Thanks for these vids. Ive changed the spur or pinion gears on my moms hrm 215 serial # 642000 the later model. Uses same tires as the 216. But now i realize the rear right tire( opposite side of pull rope) right rear as your pushing that is.. . Is not pulling as the left rear is. Can you help me out? I dont want them to have to buy another mower. WM thank u

[@EddieCarrara1]

Hi Predator Revo, Check the gear behind the wheel, it maybe on backwards, I have put them on backwards myself. Let me know if this helps, thanks.

[@prrevo4884]

I dissasembled wheels again now see the axle and trans is moving back and forth about a 1/8 inch maybe a little more and theres a spacer on the trans side opposite side of the body from the outside 2 snap rings that takes the plastic guard off. Could that be it? When i wiggle the axle back and forth the engage cable pulls back and forth also. Last question i promise if you have a link or a word to help me. Thank you sir

[@prrevo4884]

Can i mention one thing. I had issues with knowing if when stating the gear should click when moving clockwise if people meant when the wheel was mounted ...or simply turning the gear clockwise without the wheel. And issues grasping if they meant clockwise on both sides or on only one. I figured it out but it is confusing in those respects. IMHO anyway. Just a idea you could list as I searched many places and never found it clearly listed. Maybe I overlooked it also who knows?

[@jcruzazul93]

You you know where I can get parts for this transmission? Thanks for he video on my transmission the part that engages firs and second gear one of the little arms broke

[@EddieCarrara1]

Hi Jaime, I don't know where to get parts, but you can find complete transmissions on Ebay and through Honda directly. You can also check craigslist for junk mowers for free or cheap cheap.

[@jcruzazul93]

Thank you for your help and the video help me alot to put my transmission back together

[@EddieCarrara1]

You're welcome.

[@prrevo4884]

Yes i already tried that .both sides spin and click the way you said they should. I checked each with those images you linked for somebody. The right wheel just is weak compared to the left. The left burns rubber but the right no.... im looking for the levers you said to check when you said sometimes its yhe simple things first. Thanks for your reply so far

[@EddieCarrara1]

Hi Undertake, Once you remove the torx bolts, you need to tap the case lightly at the seam with a small hammer and pry it open with a screwdriver like an oyster. You could weld the shift levers on, but you may damage the internal parts of the transmission from the extreme heat. Let me know what you end up doing, thanks.

[@jonb7911]

Hey Eddie, there is a cable that goes from that arm to the shifter on the handles. What is that part number?

[@ascensioncasares4160]

hey man i got a mower just like ur when u tele trassmission a part u got to have oil on trassmission or grease man

[@EddieCarrara1]

Thanks for the info

[@tiffanygoodness117]

ED, my wheels do not spin when I lift them off the ground. I have ratcheting sound coming from the wheels when I am pushing it forward (thanks to your video). When I engage the self propelled lever, essentially, nothing happens. Can you please help me. thanks.

[@MrToupsClassroom]

Hey Eddie, thought of one last option on watching your video again....just weld the gears in the speed you like and don't worry about shifting or problems ever again.....Do you thing that would work?

[@EddieCarrara1]

It sure would, you still can use the clutch to stop the wheels from turning.

[@johnmcgrath8673]

I've repaired similar lever controls. I have found the easiest solution is to make sure the shaft fitting is flat sided and square (or close). Use a hand file. Then "peen" the level square hole to shrink the size of the hole. I use a hardened round chisel and a vise to peen the metal. It takes a few times until its tight. Then put the nut back on with a star toothed lock washer. No need to remove the trans.

[@EddieCarrara1]

John McGrath Thanks for the tip John, I love hearing success stories and new tips and tricks, the feedback is priceless :)

[@EddieCarrara1]

I had that same situation with a Toro mower, I ended up removing the wheels and lubing the crap out of the axle shafts where the wheel rides. The axle should have some tension, but it should spin freely. If the axle doesn't want to spin easily with the wheels removed, the transmission may be binding internally.

[@jasminezhu6012]

I might have the same problem it was skipping i thought it was a belt but i guaranty, the engaging level is worn out.Thanks

[@linozamarripa1708]

i have a honda mower with hydrostady trsmission did you have a vidieo how to change the oil on hydrostady trsmission thankyou

[@EddieCarrara1]

Hi Lino, no I only own a 2 speed and it is filled with grease, so there is no need to replace it.

[@cameronyoung3942]

with the crankcases separated put half with the largest section with axle in the vise. Put oil in the half crankcase, this you will have all the shafts and parts assembled into it. I don't think that it is possible to change the oil without dismantling the gearbox, I also don't think that you ever need to. The oil doesn't do very much work.

[@robueleubor]

How about using a welder shoot a couple of tacks and using a file squaring it back up again.

[@EddieCarrara1]

I like your way of thinking Robueleubor, if I had a welder I would have definitely tried that 👍

[@RichJ_youtube]

Awesome video. I’m excited to pull my trans out and see if this is my clutch issue. Thank you!

[@undertake782]

What ended up happening is that I found out the bronze looking wheel with the pulley has a gear that broke off so as I was trying to take it off, the gear inside ended up breaking off inside. So there's no gear to turn the pulley on the inside. Do you know if I can buy one of those and put it in? Or do I need a whole new transmission? All my things didn't even show any wear, I guess the gear inside just broke, the small curved one that transfers movement from the shaft to the gears.

[@powerking73]

....should you be able to spin the shafts easily by hand? Mine is very tough to spin...in fat it barely wants to freewheeel bacwards when I pull the mower backwards

[@GordonSux]

Awesome video. Nice to see how the transmission works. I think this might be what is wrong with my Honda HRZ.

[@tiffanygoodness117]

found what the problem was. After fixing the wheels and the drift keys and the made that soft clicking sound as I indicated in my first email, the self propel didn't work. After I sent you that email, I flipped the mower over and noticed that the belt was off its rockers and lose. Had that connected last night and the mower is sweet again. Thank you for saving me from tearing up the transmission . Question for you, do these transmissions usually go bad? I mean the gear box. Is the problem usually the drift keys? Thanks for your help. Great work!

[@EddieCarrara1]

Hi Tiffany, welcome back :) The transmission in my video seems to be indestructible, just a few wearable parts like the levers and cables, the transmission itself is heavy duty. Thanks for coming back with an update, I really appreciate it. Sometimes the most obvious problem is over looked because we think the repair needs to be more complicated lol, glad you figured it out so quick :)

[@fixt100]

Eddie Carrara i am having the problem of the "spider gear" that is the input into the trans has worn out its bushing/bearing and honda does NOT sell a replacement for it... they will sell me a trans for 400$ tho....

[@EddieCarrara1]

fixt100 Fixt100, you can buy a brand new Honda Harmony for $450, if the bearing is gone, I think it's time to trade up. That sucks!

[@fixt100]

Eddie Carrara i went and looked and they now have a "home owner" line and a "commercial" line mine is from before they split the 2 and has all of the commercial features AND the lightness of the homeowner series too,, but i would def buy another Honda i dont care at this point, the weight difference when taking them in and out of the back of the truck is unbeatable when i looked at other mowers (this bought used mower lasted for 2 years being used commercially and the only reason i have to replace it is because they dont happen to make 1 single part not because the mower is shot at all)(grey plastic deck with the commercial setup for the handle)

[@EddieCarrara1]

I know what you mean fixt100, I have used mine commercially for about 4 years and haven't had a problem, but if I ever do, I'm going for the commercial grade, lol. Thanks for the feedback fixt100, it really contributes to the conversation and helps other reader :)

[@andymartinez1341]

Hi, I am currently working on my honda harmony215 transmission. Everything seems to be ok except the rear wheels power. They will spin when the clutch engages but will not push the mower. any sugestions??

[@EddieCarrara1]

Hi Suckeyedontcry, Sorry so late for the response, it's a snap ring, and yes, you can buy a pair of snap ring pliers at HD or any automotive store, I recommend buying a set or ones that have interchangeable tips and also they have to be reversasable, either open or close the snap ring, but most sets go in both directions. Let me know if this helps.

[@dongray3463]

Thanks you just saved me hours in the shop

[@prrevo4884]

Its the 3 speed transmission one pull start from the side of mower not from the push handle bar.

[@EddieCarrara1]

Hi MrMikeds, you can't get parts for this trans, you will be lucky to find the transmission as one unit, that's why I created the video, let me know if you have any questions or go to eddiecarrara.hubpages.com I have a few more articles, videos and a lot of pictures about this mower that will help answer a lot of questions. Take care Eddie

[@JerryLynch2]

Eddie! Are you still out there? Do you have any idea what engages the actual lawn mower blade? The Armature goes up into the motor obviously but I'm just curious. The lawn mower starts the belts are good but the blade won't engage. It's the same one in the video

[@undertake782]

how do you open the tranmission? I removed the torx bolts but its still not coming apart.

[@prrevo4884]

I think the shaft was moving to far to the left and missing the passenger side gear. I added a washer to tighten to that side and bam its all good.

[@EddieCarrara1]

Awesome Predator, Thanks for coming back with an update :)

[@stanjablk5275]

honda harmony transmission pulley -- does it have a key to lock it, so it does not slip! My honda does not seem to have the power to drive the whells. What eles could the problem be? Please reply.

[@EddieCarrara1]

stan jablk I recommend starting out by checking the shift cable, clutch cable and shift forks on the transmission.

[@gtty111]

Nice yard! Thanks for the in-depth explanation.

[@MrMikeds]

Where can I get parts for one of these trans?

[@andydesoiza6912]

Hey Matt, You forgot to mention that there is a minimum $25.00 order when ordering parts from the website you listed.

[@Angelplayz2009]

hi and tell me in this gear box was oil or grease?

[@EddieCarrara1]

TheThetomasso You can use high temperature wheel bearing grease.

[@KVUSMC-KU4SMC]

Great Video Chief Top Notch

[@undertake782]

How about I soder the thing back on?

[@EddieCarrara1]

Hi Lawnboy, no it's not the same, it might be a bit similar, but definitely not the same.

[@Vfh........y]

great vid dude!

[@quocducnguyen]

Nice video. Thanks for sharing.

[@EddieCarrara1]

Quoc Nguyen Thanks, I really appreciate the feedback :)

[@galantefam]

Thank you . Great video .

[@gregorypierce6703]

great job

[@urbanitesgarage3299]

Thank you so much

[@larryleisuresuit9584]

I was thinking, maybe make a whole new arm out of something better that the crap they used to make the OEM one, a hardened part, that one receives all the wear because of stopping and starting , the other ones fine since you only use it to shift from one speed to the other but really, most people have a speed they like and it stays there , every single time you stop and start though or just disengage to mow a sharp turn or whatever, that arm gets abuse. The other thing I thought of was if you are and with a welder or ya have a friend that is, bore that rectangle out and weld in a new better rectangle or even add a Key to slide into the side of the bolt so it can't slop out ever. For what Hondas price tags are i would think they would think of this crap really. I mean i just did and I am no engineer by trade. One other thing I thought of was a top and bottom thin washer. i don't think it will be long before the shim you made gets worn a little and finds its way to the bottom of the case and you get your original slop back.. nice vid though, really gets the wheels turning.. LOL

[@colbybenites7164]

I have a Honda harmony 215 and that fixed my problem. Thanks bad and stay corona free

[@EddieCarrara1]

Awesome Colby! Thanks for leaving some feedback and sharing your story 👍

[@catsshadows]

Thanks for this.

[@dicksdan3942]

clutch stuck in drive