Honda hrx217hxa hydrostatic maintenance

• Honda hrx217hxa trans ...
Honda hrx217hxa [vh7a00] transmission maintenance. This is a concise demonstration of how to inspect transmission fluid and function of hydrostatic unit. I refilled it with acdelco full synthetic dexron -VI. 3/3/20 I replaced with the hydrostatic fluid [Honda 08208-HST02 Hydrostatic]. I noticed how strong the trans engage, also fast it is with new honda factory fluid.
When you use motor oil or transmission fluid. The hydrostatic looses maximum performance because those oils are not designed for compression like hydraulic oil is.
Here`s an excellent video detailing removal • Replacing Honda Mower ...

[@thisismee3642]

I recommend that you cycle the transmission several times with the drive engagement to remove all the air. I removed the ac delco transmission fluid and replaced with factory Honda 08208-HST02 Hydrostatic. It launches now like a dragster. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZKcfnaEZaqKl8k

[@dylanshabtai4554]

What if the trans has leaks, any way to fix it? I really don't wanna spend the money for a brand new one

[@thisismee3642]

Most likely it is the seals that leak. You can replace those. Look up part number and order/replace them. If the case is leaking. Take apart and replace case gasket and axle seals. Or replace transmisson

[@tonyalways7174]

Brilliant. Exactly what I needed to know in a short sharp no BS video. Thanks very much 👍🏻

[@ronreahard]

Just wanted to thank you for your video. I have a 16 year old Honda HRX217HXA, and had to replace the clutch cable after using it for the first time this spring. Once cable was repaired, I noticed a distinct growl from the transmission when engaged. Watched your video, ordered Honda hydrostatic fluid, and thought it was worth trying vs. ordering a new transmission. Sure enough, transmission fluid was black, just like in your video. Flushed, refilled, and it runs like new again. No more noise from transmission, and speed is back to normal. Can't thank you enough for video, and for helping others with similar issues. Based on your videos, also greased blade brake bearing (it really needed it!) and wheels. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

[@brucelasuta6176]

Thank you so very much for taking the time to make this video Noone. My HRB216HXC Honda mower that i purchased in March 2003 had really gotten slow over the past years. I put a new drive belt on it about 4 years ago because of noticeable wear but it made no difference in the speed. I checked the drive cable adjustment to my owner's manual specs as well, and I finally took it to our local dealer last year who fired it up in the their parking lot to try the drive speed of the mower. I explained it improved very slightly after a few minutes of warming up, but nothing like when i purchased it new. He told me the drive units are made to just be exchanged (over $400 for the unit PLUS the labor to install). I looked at the new version of what i have but my (wise) wife suggested there were better things to spend $1250 on than a new Honda mower and besides, our lawn is pretty flat and it's good exercise for me to push it a bit... Well, I watched your video, and on my day off today I filled up the unit with fresh 30W oil and WOW, I'm going to need to wear running shoes now to keep up with this mower. It has the speed of when it was new and that Honda motor, except for a new carb, cable control and new wheels over the 17 years I've owned it, has worked flawlessly, starts on the 2nd pull each week, and doesn't use a drop of oil during the entire cutting season, after which I change the oil, run some fresh fuel with stabilzer through for 10 minutes, then run the carb dry and put it away until next year. Your video you shared saved me a bundle of $$. Cheers, Bruce

[@thisismee3642]

Fa'sho, thats why I made the video. Sometimes we just need some insight to whats happening. So we have a better understanding of our equipment.

[@LFCOM59]

Hi. From Puerto Rico. I like your videos. They are very useful.

[@TurpInTexas]

Thank you sir, my 10 year old HRX is still going strong but I noticed a bit of friction when pushing or pulling it as time goes by without the drive engaged so I suspect your suggestion to change the fluid regularly is spot on and good advice to heed. Looks like I will have a project for next weekend. Just trying to get it all done before another mowing season starts. Going to have to watch your other videos too, since it appears you have already blazed the trail for maintaining this version of mower. Thank you again for taking the time to make the video and share it with us.

[@thisismee3642]

Yes check out the bearing maintenance of the wheels and the blade clutch. Yes changing the fluids is a must.

[@182436hike]

Thanks for the help. I had the symptoms you described, followed your instructions by doing a triple flush, then a flush with new Honda fluid and then filled it up. My mower runs like a scalded ape now!

[@thisismee3642]

Fa'sho... I just provide info and instruction you do it yourself. You learning your equipment and saving money. Once you able to completely service your equipment and keep it running optimum. It becomes hard to part with unless you want something different.

[@tomg6284]

Good job. Very informative.

[@cptmainwaring]

I changed my hydro fluid today. I used castrol trans fluid and it is working well now. The cover plate with the rubber disk was holed and lots of sand had got in. I dont know how it was driving at all. I sealed the hole with steel putty, flushed it twice, then filled to the brim (making sure to remove air). Thanks for this video, it massively helped.

[@thisismee3642]

Thats why I made the video. So people can save some money.

[@erikhansen7754]

Great video.

[@hj3959]

Thanks for sharing. Regards

[@DisabilityExams]

Thanks - good information.

[@thisismee3642]

Don't forget to grease your clutch bearings while you have the blades off. That should save some money also.

[@nvdubs]

Great instruction man. No one else has any info on these. I just bought a new HRX217K6HZA and am already prepping to do this in a few years as a preventative maintenance. I wish honda made this a little easier, but I guess they can label the trans as a "lifetime" fluid and "no maintenance," until it fails a few years after warranty from broken down fluid and charge you for a brand new one.

[@thisismee3642]

Check this video out for bearing maintence also. I show the blade clutch and wheel bearing service. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnrEkn-GhN-pj8k

[@badtothebone346]

They call it lifetime fluid because it should last the lifetime of the transmission, so it all depends how long is the transmission going to last. Sounds like a scam to me doesn't it.

[@martinradtke5181]

I've worked on small engines for years as a DITY guy. I had no idea that my Honda HRX 217 needed hydraulic fluid change! It's not in the owner's manual. Thanks! My mower is 9 yrs old ~ 600 hrs. I did engine valve adjustment and cleaned / regreased rear pinion gears. Now another job to R&R hydrostatic fluid and belt. FWIW my mower doesn't have the clutch bearing on crankshaft but your advice is good! Thank you. 👍

[@thisismee3642]

You have another job after the transmission fluid change. You need to lube the blade clutch bearings and wheel bearings. To be a complete maintenance job.

[@thisismee3642]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnrEkn-GhN-pj8k

[@billgregory9560]

excellant

[@user-te6rb5to8c]

I was trying to do maintenance on my Hrx217hxa transmission 3 yrs ago and rendered the transmission useless. Thanks for posting this! I don’t think I drained and filled it correctly. I’ll definitely use this to revive it once I get new fluid. Can you post how to refill? Once drained I imagine you just refill slowly while rotating the drive shaft pulley to get the air out.

[@SarahParry-ws8dn]

Nice job! Wish you had shown the proper method for refilling the transmission fluid once this flushing procedure is completed. Also, how to remove the transmission from the mower body would have been a sweet addition to the video.

[@thisismee3642]

You simply fill the hole at the top. I should have shown the refill procedure step by step. I didnt consider the non mechanic when making the video. My bad, but I did link a video that I used to dissemble in the description since he had the factory step by step procedure already recorded

[@paintnamer6403]

This is how you keep a Honda running 30 years. I have a HRX 215 bought in 1991 and I have done all kinds of work on it myself. I have changed the hydro-static fluid three times just because it should be done sooner than later. Funny how the transmission costs about as much as a new Honda mower. Good video!

[@romanescugeorge4263]

What transmision oil di you use ? and how many ml or OZ requires ?

[@paintnamer6403]

@@romanescugeorge4263 I always used the Honda Hydrostatic Fluid All Temperature that comes in a 12oz bottle. This was enough for two changes. I have the older drive and you have to bleed it or burp it to get the air out by rotating the input shaft. I remove the assembly and mount it in a vise as well. Be sure to clean and lube the sprags (one way clutch) at the axle ends. That is important too!

[@romanescugeorge4263]

@@paintnamer6403 thank you. I ve ordered honda hydrostatic oil 12 oz.. Prettty expensive oil 70$ in europe but it s a Hooonda.

[@raymondmichael3077]

Thank you.

[@thisismee3642]

Fa’sho

[@filejsens-geist1582]

Thumbs up ! and nice to know 'we' are out there - Us how likes to changes the oli... livetime trany' Oil is ... shit, on cars and in general... great video, took me one hour to find information on Honda Trany'.. thanks :-)

[@thisismee3642]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZKcfnaEZaqKl8k

[@mattb9664]

Thanks for the video! My March 2022 Honda HRX217HYA self-propel feature never quite felt powerful enough even after drive cable adjustments- sure enough turned out the "factory fill" was barely a filled. I cleaned out the transmission with 5w30 2 times, then filled/bled air from it with Honda Hydrostatic fluid. I made sure to turn turn the drive shaft and the input pulley (clutch engaged) in every possible direction possible to get the air out, and I did the transmission swirl as well to get more out- then I let it sit for 10 minutes for more air to come out. I now have to adjust the cable again because I'm running behind the machine to keep up with it! Makes less groaning noise, and actually sounds like an actually transmission under load now while pulling the mower. No leaks either. It was bad before.

[@dorian6843]

Nice job Bro. First video I could find of someone actually replacing the fluid. My mower may not have drain plug and I think I have to order a new assembly. Are you using regular transmission fluid?

[@thisismee3642]

No using honda 08208-hst02 hydrostatic fluid. It works best. I tried to full synthetic from gm transmission fluid. It never really allowed power output fully. Then I tried the amsoil 0-40w 100%synthetic and it never was able to reach full operating temperature because it was resisting heat so well. Therefore I just when with the original honda fluid. It is strong and fast now.

[@davefangman379]

My HRX217 has leaking seals, loss of speed and torque- also had a growling noise. Replaced seals, flushed and refilled transmission. This improved the speed and torque issues but still growling. Any help on that would be great!

[@allenmarshall9061]

Do you have to use the Honda fluid? Can you refill using the drain plug holes?

[@yzhang8629]

How did you remove the pulley?

[@mgomez5606]

How do you disconnect cable end from transmission. Trying to connect mine.

[@ericmarini2739]

Great video. What if you are tryping to cycle the transmission to get the reserve cleaned and the shafts don't want to turn? It feel like it builds pressure then binds up.

[@thisismee3642]

You must engage the lever with the spring to maximum for the shafts to spin. These transmissions are always active, lever controls the flow for speed.

[@meuestilovivi2172]

Can you make a video showing the process of refilling with fluid.

[@ghost-4230]

Wowwww

[@pdiddy823]

@@ghost-4230 lol 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@hixnada8278]

It is possible to change the fluid without removing the entire drive system from the mower?

[@jimduk]

Hi, many thanks for the great video, what do you recommend as replacement oil ? I replaced mine with 10w40 synthetic oil but there is no power i.e the wheels turn when wheels not touching the ground but when on the ground they do not turn, I am wondering if the replacement oil was to thin, any thoughts about what could be causing the issue ? Many thanks

[@thisismee3642]

I did the same thing replaced with 100% synthetic motor oil because alot of forums was saying regular oil. But results was not satisfactory. I then replaced with honda specific oil. Worked proper but is not duty oil. Meaning continuous work oil. Breaks down real fast. Only intended for 1 (30min. Max) yard, once a week for 4 months out year. And yard must not be loading the drive system. You must remove all the air from system. And be certain that internals aren't worn. I then found out about amsoil hydrostatic synthetic. That is what I refilled with. It takes about 5min to warmup. Then it is a duty machine just ready for anything. My experience with worn internals. I watched a lawnmower man using new hrx217, that convinced me to buy one(used). I replaced fluid then showed him how much it improved my used hrx. His was dreaded slow til he was pushing hrx. I sold a transmission service. Replace with the amsoil but his 8month old still was pushing slow. Ended up giving him an extra transmission that I know was good because I sold the service job. That transmission(used) is still working like new today.

[@wren59]

Great video and information my friend, I am wondering however, how much fluid are you supposed to put in there ?? Thanks...

[@thisismee3642]

Its 8-9oz. Just fill to the fill hole

[@snaplash]

I used my 2 year old HRX to push a heavy trash bin up my steep driveway. It made it to the top, but it moved a lot slower than normal, even with the speed control on maximum. Was the oil just leaking past the pistons, or does it have a pressure release valve that's bypassing the motor half under high load? I need to see if my dealer has an old one I can get hold of and disassemble, just to learn more about what's inside.

[@thisismee3642]

I can't say for sure but the original honda fluid is not for duty work! Which means anything beyond simple cut 1-2 week for 4-6months out the year. That transmission will not work properly because the fluid breaks down. The transmission is actually what is in duty tractors. Just on smaller scale. First change the fluid and remove air from system. Before you buy a new transmission.

[@punchogunter2362]

Always measure how much fluid came out so you'll know how much to put back in it🤔

[@jimmykeenan8766]

How did you remove the pulley on top of the trans? Having a heck of a time trying to get mine off.

[@edhawkins1]

I know this is late but for others: i put a large screwdriver thru the pulley hole to brace it. Then with a wrench on the nut, strike with a hammer counter clockwise

[@martinradtke5181]

We must be related! I laughed when I saw your temporary bandage on thumb...I do the same thing with cuts working on my cars/ mowers / whatever. Wrap paper towel & tape with black electrician tape or 3m blue painting tape. Wife freaks out. You're bleeding! I say "Yeah" you married a real man! Only after I'm done working do I get a band-aid.

[@Cueball3]

Do you know how many fluid ounces is needed to fully replace the trans fluid for this model (HRX217)?

[@thisismee3642]

About 8oz. of fluid is what it consumes.

[@sparkola]

Do you have to remove the drive assembly to drain the fluid?

[@thisismee3642]

A lil ingenuity may overcome the obstacle of removing the transmission. Check this comment section cause someone overcame it with good results. Read carefully and ask that person questions. Thats between yall 2!

[@janhudson2211]

I am so frustrated with my mower. Honda HRX217HXA. Has been running fantastically for over 14 years. Well maintained, and serviced regularly. Just had the drive cable replaced and the machine tuned up. Brought it home and after only a few minutes of use the mower will not self propel. Engine is strong and runs smoothly. Could it be that after all these years it needs the transmission fluid changed? To replace the transmission is extremely expensive($245) - Looking for something more plausible and perhaps easier. I so appreciate your help. You are so good at explaining things, and I hope to solve this dilemma without having to get rid of the mower. It's otherwise just fine.

[@thisismee3642]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZKcfnaEZaqKl8k

[@gregkilmer7193]

How much fluid does it take to refill? How do you check you have the correct amount back in? Thank you.

[@thisismee3642]

You cant over fill it. It takes loke 7-8oz to refill. Just fill to the brim and cycle the lever while spinning on highest speed with drill.

[@mackenzierough]

Hi Noone, for some reason I can not reply to your message about you using my video on your channel, yes I'm happy for you to do that. Regards, Ian Rough (Mackenzierough Channel)

[@djchino]

Quick question, my mower which is this same one here, makes a wired noise when the mower is rolling but when it has resistance, in other words. When it’s rolling me helping push the machine it doesn’t make a noice that much but when it has resistance then make a wired noice like if it’s really putting the transmission to work, I replaced the belt thinking it was the belt but it’s still makes the noise, any suggestions? I’ll really appreciate it

[@thisismee3642]

Cant really diagnose over the internet without hearing. Based off the probable things that could go wrong. 1 could be that the drive gear for the wheels could be dry and sticking. The ratchet gear spring slots may need greased. 2nd one of the ratchet gear may be on backward. So that is why the noise is still present when self propelled is engaged. 3 grease the pass through for the drive shafts for the gears. Other than seeing and hearing it my self.

[@djchino]

@@thisismee3642 thanks for the reply and the help, I’ll try that

[@davidscanlon3458]

Hi I have done all this but still slow. How do I bleed air from the system after refill. Thanks. Air is in the transmission

[@thisismee3642]

Your transmission could be worn beyond maintenance. Therefore it doesn't build and keep maximum pressure. Fluid is escaping the seals internally. That is my hypothesis from across the web with your given information.

[@axelgutierrez5475]

What’s the fluid capacity? Forgot to measure how much fluid came out when doing a seal.

[@thisismee3642]

8oz. Fill it to the little hole cycle a few times and top off

[@georgewillingham3687]

Thank you, thank you.

[@thisismee3642]

Fa'sho, I know what its like to want to solve a problem & get something accomplished. Just nobody has the answers except those with hand out for money.

[@dylanshabtai4554]

I believe I have a leak and my transmission just like this 1. Any ideas on how to fix a leak is it possible?

[@thisismee3642]

Besides having a hairline crack in the transmission case. The only other places for leaks to occur is shaft seals, transmission case gasket(s), or the various screw plugs threads. You will have to pull the unit out to find specifically where it is leaking

[@dylanshabtai4554]

@@thisismee3642 thanks! Pulled it out, replaced the o-ring and its working! Took a long time though...

[@maximx1933]

hi i have 2 honda hrx217 mowers and either one doesnt do anything when i engage the self propelled does that mean the transmission is run out of fluid

[@maximx1933]

@@thisismee3642 thankyou I checked the cable first adjusted it and made sure it's good tension didn't make any difference I'm not hearing or feeling anything when engaging so would that just mean it's the fluid not building enough pressure?

[@g4l430]

I have the same issue. Did you ever figure it out?

[@stevejette2329]

@@g4l430 I am having this problem also. This channel helped me more than any other about a year ago. I tried adjusting the cable but no difference. Now I am just hoping that the trans fluid can be added without taking trans out.

[@maximx1933]

@@g4l430 not yet

[@PhiTruong-wf3ye]

Hi there, I just replaced the fluid for my Honda HRX217HYA. Everything went smoothly. Tested the mower, when engine running I pull back the mower easily but when engine stops I CANNOT pull the mower back. What is your recommendation? Thank you.

[@thisismee3642]

Pull off the wheels. The metal gear connected to that drives the wheels may be backwards. Simply turn it around. Sounds like the ratchet mechanism is in the wrong direction.

[@thisismee3642]

Do one wheel at a time. First the right (standing holding the handle bar)side. Test it, if it solved stop. If not do the other side. Other than that I cant diagnose over the internet. But that is likely

[@PhiTruong-wf3ye]

@thisismee3642 I pulled both gears on both sides off, I used pliers to rotate the axle but it just rotate one direction (forward). When engine is running, everything is normal, pushing forward, pulling backward are normal without drive engaged. Thank you for your response.

[@PhiTruong-wf3ye]

I remove the transmission from the mower. I try to rotate the axle by hand, the axle just rotates counterclockwise direction, and can not rotates clockwise. I try to rotate my friend mower (same model) axle and it rotates both directions easily. What wrong with my transmission and what do you recommend. Thank you.

[@thisismee3642]

I cant diagnose this aspect over the internet. The metal gears being backward would cause that symptom. That us the only diagnosis other than the drive mechanism being jammed and keeping the rotation going forward. I sold my hrx217 when someone offered my profit for my unit. I am rough with my mowers and the fiberglass body is easy to break. I have a hr215 master with a metal mesh gear drive and aluminum body.

[@stevejette2329]

Is that drain plug on the bottom of the trans as it sits in the mover ? Could it be done IN THE MOWER ? Taking the trans out is SUCH A PAIN !!

[@thisismee3642]

Yes it is at the bottom of the transmission/mower. Thing is refilling is where it becomes difficult. I lil enginuity may overcome that obstacle.

[@stevejette2329]

@@thisismee3642 HMMM Thanks !! I may just turn the mower upside down ! Thanks again. You have helped me SO much !!

[@jfedorek86]

Pleas let me know if you can make it work without removing the transmission

[@stevejette2329]

I just did add oil without removing trans. Got a 6mm Allen wrench. Drilled a hole thru plastic wheel backup plate and two layers of plastic housing (easy) to reach one of two drain holes. Sat on a slight hill to drain oil. Then I just laid it on it's right side to add oil. Need long thin funnel. Axel must be turned while adding oil. Takes 7 ounces of oil. Only 5 went in. Bought 12 ounce Honda trans oil. $10.

[@thisismee3642]

@@stevejette2329 whoooa that is extreme but hey! You accomplished your task. You should have made a video with a disclaimer of course. It worked for that way, cool!

[@Brian-ff7tw]

8-10 years!

[@thisismee3642]

No!