NEARLY NEW! Honda HRN216 won't start

[@mdoggydogg100]

Wow thanks for the video. Followed your instructions and it took 45minutes to fix my lawn mower 👍🏼

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

Thanks for watching! For me, it's all about the subs, so it makes my day when I hear something like this. 👍 45 minutes is pretty good for someone who doesn't do this all the time. Tell friends about the channel, I am always trying to get bigger, and we take requests. 😁

[@OFFICIALUND]

Thanks for this. Nothing worked for me until I threw it in the ultrasonic. Thanks for that tip. I've now ordered a separate ultrasonic cleaner just for the garage.

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

I am glad to hear it worked for you. The ultrasonic can get to places nothing else can get to. You buy a decent ultrasonic once and never buy another carb 👍

[@MadMexism]

Just returned mine to Home Depot today. With only 45 minutes of use, was getting intermittent high pitch knocking, and this morning was vapor locking. Let it sit for five minutes, and was able to start. Wasn’t taking a chance with $600 after tax purchase. Just gonna build my own mower.

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

They really don't make them like they used to. I use a JD D130, and last year, I went looking for a new one, and the S series had less motor and the bagger system was all plastic. You will be much happier if you find a good self-propelled deck and throw a Quantum motor on it.

[@zaheershaikh6834]

awesome buddy This is exactly the same problem I have I think my machine is also very I couldn't use it for one year and not started, I will try this, Thanks a lot.

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

When they sit a while, drain the fuel, clean the carb(focus on the jets, that's where the money is LOL) and they start right up 99% of the time. Let me know how it goes... and feel free to ask questions

[@MikeMike-is2hl]

Don't forget to clean the emulsion tube. That dirty jet you removed has an emulsion tube behind it. Just tap the carb and wiggle it out. It has several small wholes that benefit from a small wire cleaning.

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

@MikeMike-is2hl You are completely correct. I am usually good about showing it, I accidentally edited out that part and didn't catch it until days after it was released

[@waynestefinashen239]

Nice purchase there Bill they build an excellent mower.

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

Thanks. The new ones address most of the service issues. They went from being a pain to work on to being about equal with the legendary Quantum, my favorite to work on. They sure sell fast!

[@Synchrimedia]

thanks for the helpful video. that little phillips screw on top of the carb will not come out on mine. i have a brand new one and it was surging so i was going to try shooting some carb cleaner down there, but that screw will not budge! is there a way to get it out without damaging the carb? it stripped the screw head it's so tight.

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

Hard to say without seeing it. If you don't mind, email me a pic at [e-mail] and I will help if I can.

[@Synchrimedia]

@@GuysPlayingWithTools thanks. I took the carb off today and since the phillips head was stripped, i took my dremel tool and used a cut off wheel to cut a slot in the head of the bolt so i could use a slotted screwdriver on it. that worked, but it was still really tight. that jet was clogged too, just as you described. the rest of the carb was pretty clean but i sprayed it out anyway. thanks for the video. i couldn't believe i actually found someone with the exact same problem.

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

Cool. A lot of videos come from suggestions, so I hit most of the common problems sooner or later. I am glad you got it off 🙂

[@leewarren]

Great video, thanks! What fluid are you using in your ultrasonic cleaner?

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

Thanks. I use 20% Pine Sol and 80% water. It cleans great, doesn't discolor metal, and makes the shop smell clean.

[@Shawnee.Hills.Small.Engine]

Good video Bill. What's the distance you normally drive to pick up machines?

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

95% of them come to me. I try to limit my wandering to maybe 20 miles. I live north of Ft Worth with Dallas 15 miles to my east, driving through Dallas makes almost anything not worth the trip, but going north or west is a nice little scenic ride so if the mood strikes I will go further.

[@haneyoakie14]

I was messing with an older Honda last few days. It sat all winter, and started second pull on Sunday. I cut my front yard with it, all seemed well. Monday it was hydrolocked, with the air filter also soaked in gas. Took the carb off, took it apart, cleaned it in my new Vevor ultrasonic cleaner, and it passed the vacuum test. But the needle/ float combo doesn’t seem right. The base of the needle seems too small, like it could come separated from the plastic float and that is what failed causing the hydrolock I think. Might just be new carb time, I don’t have a good comparison and no idea of the history. It might have the wrong needle in it.

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

If you are sure it was tinkered with, replace it, just to be safe. In any case, flush the tank well and replace the fuel line, I am betting the carb is ok and just needed a good cleaning, and the fuel line is the culprit

[@haneyoakie14]

@@GuysPlayingWithTools it just doesn’t look right. Amazon will have me a new one tomorrow. I might take the new one apart to compare.

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

I know the feeling. Keep me updated

[@EverydayProjects]

Another case of old gas clogging up the works. The ultrasonic cleaner is really paying for itself. Another good one, Bill. Something about the lighting in that shop today makes you appear so young!

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

I am only 23, and the light makes me look older so all you old guys will take me seriously. 🤣 Ethanol fuel... the #1 killer of small engines

[@waynestefinashen239]

Are you hitting on Bill?

[@waynestefinashen239]

He is married you know!

[@EverydayProjects]

@@waynestefinashen239 I know.

[@EverydayProjects]

@@waynestefinashen239 LOL just an ongoing little joke about how old he is. But you must admit, he does look much older than 23?? And those lights in the shop...do you notice how it brings out the highlights in his hair" Hahahahahaha

[@Big_Johns]

Bill the first thing I do on a Honda is pull those crappy hose clamps off and put real ones on..... I can't stand those. (JMO) Good job on the cleaning. 👍

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

Sometimes I do too, but this one was only 2 years old, and they were still in good shape. I like to do fuel lines too but...2 years old 🙂

[@Big_Johns]

I was talking about those crappy wire clamps, not the fuel lines.

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

Yeah, they are a bit on the cheap side, I only left them because it was pretty new

[@jfgreen1959]

My older brother once had me hold the coil wire on a Chevy when I was a kid…shocking. I learned to never do that again, and never listen to my sadistic brother again either, must be those German genes from grandpa. 🤬

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

I think that's a rite of passage. I accidentally got my little brother by having him hold a plug against a header to watch for spark. He didn't understand that the plug has to be touching the header.

[@jfgreen1959]

Now Honda is getting out of push mower’s, with the exception of the commercial market, the ones on the showroom floors are the last. I had a Honda riding mower that I bought from a retiring truck driver, I sold it to a friend because I wanted a zero turn. They last sold them in the US in the 1990’s, it still runs great b

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

I have heard that more than once along the way... we will see. I am sad about it, but I can see a day where piston driven mowers are no longer available to buy new from any of the current companies.

[@samohtnotslar]

Had a commercial Toro two stroke run for 20 years without a carb rebuild. It ran excellent, but grandma sold it to the gardner for $100. these new ones are junky, the jet on the top with the screw clogs up all the time.

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

I agree, I feel old when I say it but, they don't make them like they used to. Yours probably went that long without a rebuild because you took care of it, and it was used regularly. Mowers hate sitting around.

[@bigsonslawncare]

The keys to the City🙃🤣{10}Love them Honda's this one looks like new👍🏾

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

😁 It's 2 years old. If I hadn't f promised it to someone I might have kept it.

[@bigsonslawncare]

@@GuysPlayingWithTools I know that feeling I had the same with that Husqvarna rider I found for a friend 👍🏽

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

I bought a mini bike and a toro from the guy who got it. He said, "Let me know when it's done..". I felt I got a good deal on the mini bike and whatnot, so I gave it to him really cheap.

[@rogermcdonald1607]

The Honda mowers are an easy sell, but i never get a Honda mower. Ive had plenty of craftsman, Husqvarnas, toros, lawnboys with honda power and they sell great. Bill, around hear to get a non running 2 year old honda mower i would have to spend $200+. No room for profit! 👍🎥🇺🇸

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

I usually don't make much of anything selling them. I could have gotten $300 fast for this one, but I let it go for $200. I prefer to chase mowers with Quantum motors, but lately, it's been all Hondas and Kohlers. I usually pay between 50 and 100 for a mower that nice. I paid top dollar for this one, but it was an easy fix, and it was already gone when I did the final clip for the video.

[@DIYVariety]

Really good bill, sold in a hour boy oh boy

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

It did, he saw it while I was working on it and I said "I should get at least... or of it" and be said "let me know when it's done" . I realized I lowballed myself but figured I didn't lose anything so... all good. 🙂

[@BrucesShop]

That is a nice mower. 15:27 :-) nice

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

I think I said it was really nice about 3 times 🤣, I liked that one s lot.

[@georgenovotny4421]

Would have taken the emulsion tube out that’s under the main jet. There’s a lot of little holes in it that ultrasonic might not get to.

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

I agree. The reason I don't is the ultrasonic hasn't failed me yet, so I don't bother with them on carbs where they are pressed in rather than being held in by the jet

[@colinclifton1748]

Did you list part number for carb? I hear its hard to find correct carb online. Love the video

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

I am on the road picking go carts today but I will look it up when I get back. It's a pretty common carb.

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

Sorry it took so long, but it took some digging to find a part #, I rarely buy a carb for a 4 stroke motor and rebuilt this one. The part# I found is 16100-Z9L-811 for that one. If you are buying it, visually compare it to yours before ordering it, just to be sure it's right for your motor. Let me know how it goes. 👍

[@frozentundra7446]

I noticed after cleaning, you did not apply lubricant i.e. oil or silicone to the carborator. Why not?

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

I usually don't, but you have my curiosity. What would you use silicone for in this case?

[@fixitorstripitGardenmachines]

My fav engines. You did a top job getting it running sweet. Great video.

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

Thanks mate! I used to dread Hondas but the newer ones are fun to work on

[@Dallasl_andscaping_.]

Just paid $550 for this mower last week. I hope it stays running lol.

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

Don't bash the valve cover and you should be ok 🤣

[@Dallasl_andscaping_.]

@@GuysPlayingWithTools that’s what happened to my first used Honda I bought!

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

At least it's an easy fix 🙂 I feel for you, working outside is about to get rough I am just west of DFW, and I only do video in the morning during the Summer

[@Dallasl_andscaping_.]

@@GuysPlayingWithTools not really hot this year with all the rain and wind down here currently. I know august is upon us but we are getting some really nice weather due to solar activity FYI.

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

@@Dallasl_andscaping_. It has been a nice summer by our standards but the weather forecast is saying we are about to get back to the usual Texas heat.

[@beckyhicks1058]

Do you use a JIS compatible screwdriver to remove the Phillips head screw from the carb.

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

Probably, it was Phillips, and it fit, so I guess it was compatible. 😁

[@jfgreen1959]

@@GuysPlayingWithToolsJIS is a little different.

[@jfgreen1959]

@@GuysPlayingWithToolsI would post a picture, but no matter what I do it won’t allow camera access. I have an impact screwdriver, two sizes, with JIS heads. They are a life saver for all my Japanese/Chinese equipment. Hit the end with a hammer, and it loosens frozen screws. They are not expensive either.

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

@jfgreen1959 I have a couple sets but they only come out when the Phillips fails me. 👍

[@appleztooranges]

These new Honda mowers are temperamental in cold weather! I been using non ethanol gasoline, new thermowax, cleaned carb. If temps are under 60 it’s hard to start. I got an hrx217hya. Very disappointed

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

There is something to be said about the Briggs motors. They handle handle and cold better. I don't use the non-ethanol fuel, but I am good about draining everything that might sit a while. If you do that, you don't need it.

[@appleztooranges]

@@GuysPlayingWithTools yeah idk what Honda did to their last production mowers with the gcv 170 and 200 engines. I believe they screwed up due to government regulations. Wish I kept my old Honda

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

@appleztooranges As usual, it's a carb thing. The newer ones are leaned out to no end, and it makes them a pain to run in cold weather

[@appleztooranges]

@@GuysPlayingWithTools yeah in the manual it says under 70 degrees f or under it’ll be hard to start.

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

@appleztooranges Well... at least they warn you...I guess? Lol

[@robertmailhos8159]

The gas tank screen looks to be missing I need to get mine out and get it started on my Husqvarna AWD mower

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

What appears to be a pipe sticking up in the tank is the filter. I zoomed in on it so you could see it a little better.

[@robertmailhos8159]

@@GuysPlayingWithTools okay thanks for the update on this matter of the fuel filter in the gas tank

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

@@robertmailhos8159 It's not real obvious if you don't see them all the time

[@Masonfox8272]

Did guys playing with tools get his air conditioning put in if so what’s the btus of your air conditioning also does it keep the shop cool

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

I am still a few weeks out for the air. I am planning on 12k btu. I have a lot of projects(don't we all!), and it's #3 on the list

[@rickthelian2215]

You did check the oil😊

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

Always! I don't want another smoke show!

[@paniagua6650]

I bought one exactly the same and used it once and won’t start

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

How long was it between starts?

[@milfordcivic6755]

I have one of these mowers. The issue is that the screen on the gas tank lets all the dirt into the carb and clogs it. If you mow in a dusty area, the dirt accumulates around the gas cap under the vent and gets into the tank when removing the cap. Between that, the deck that has started to rust and peel paint, and the rear wheel cogs that get stuck, I'll never buy another honda mower. Its worse than the Husqvarna I had!

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

I can't(and wouldn't) take credit for the design. I am not a huge Honda fan either. IMHO, a Troy-Bilt with a Briggs Quantum motor is all anybody would need, and if it's stored in a shed and given basic maintenance, it will usually last longer than the owner. 👍I kinda like the Toro deck better but if we are talking about basic mowers, it costs a little more(and usually has the same motor)

[@mr1pearl]

Cha ching quick sale 💰the only kind to have !

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

I sold it really, really cheap. It was a nice guy and I bought a mini-bike from him last week so I didn't mind.

[@RachaelHendrix-k3q]

your not supposed to empty the fuel tank that way or oil will go into the carb and engine

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

Yeah, the Golden rule is to go away from the carb, but when you already plan on taking the carb off for a rebuild it's pretty harmless.

[@bmfilmnut]

I know genders are a big thing lately but you have the only mower that has genders for its parts. Besides that, I'm surprised you didn't just take the nozzle out to clean out the center hole and the little side holes. It makes no sense to me to not do that.

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

@bmfilmnut Genders aren't a big thing here, we are old school. 🙂 I do tend to mostly call machines "her", that's my old school showing through. Even my drone has a female name (Penelope). I usually do the whole carb because most would rather see it that way and it's easier to video. 👍

[@SaveAmerica-TRUMP2024]

These honda self propelled mowers have a GIGANTIC FLAW! Honda in their infinite wisdom decided a tiny red straw inside the fuel line would work well as a fuel filter. NOPE! it lets crap clog up the tiny little jet inside the carb and your honda is dead in the water. So to avoid this issue you have to put a real fuel filter inline with the fuel hose. Unfortunately I have searched everywhere to find a super short filter with the right inlet and outlets...And let me tell you thats about as rare as hens teeth. The amazon filters i ended up with have a tiny inlet /outlet that are so short they only have 1 single barb so of course they pop off and let all your gas leak out. Had to JB weld the POS filter just to sort of get it to fit! And on a side note I cant stand the jig saw puzzle that is the carburetor and all the crap that mounts to it. I hope yall never have to take one off because you need 3 hands and some reference pictures to put the damn thing back together. I am EXTREMELY disappointed in honda. Will never buy another one of these mowers!!!!

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

I prefer the Briggs motors too. Honda came up with the carb design 30+ years ago, and it hasn't changed a bit. I am in Texas, so dirt and dust can get into the fuel. If I have a mower going out that I am sure it's heading into a dusty environment, I pull the shutoff and replace it with a 1/4 filter from the local auto parts store. Pulling a Honda carb gets easier with practice, but when you work on ANY Briggs motor, you remember what a pain the Hondas can be.

[@billbright1755]

Probably nine times out of ten it’s gummy gas and jets and passages in carb. Clean it and fresh gas away she goes.

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

Yup. I get sooo many of these...

[@rentsource9797]

that tester does not show the sparkplug working. It does show that the coil works. massive fail mate Also when you dumped the fuel it is air filter side up always. use a fluid extractor . another massive fail removal of the fuel line, you do not wrench it like that from side to side. use a flat head screwdriver and gently pry the hose up. Yet another mistake you forgot to remove the emulsion tube boy you are really a hack

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

@rentsource9797 I was still learning camera angles and lighting when I did this one. It was sparking, but it was washed out by the lights. If you zoom in, you can see it. 😁

[@garykolbo7228]

Come On rentsource, stop with the insults. Where is your video? enough already, Anyway {Guys playing with tools), I have not seen the carb configuration on a HRN model before only on the HRX model. shouldn't there be more gaskets than what I seen on yours. should be like 6 of them total. Also, I think someone added the threaded studs holding the carb and gaskets to the engine block, great upgrade from the factory bolts. Thank you for posting your video and just wave off the rude people with tasteless comments. Next time. Have a great day

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

Thanks Gary. I don't pay much attention to trolls. I probably see more motors every day than he(she?) did last year. The studs are stock, some models have them, some don't. I don't remember how many gaskets it had, but keep in mind that sometimes they stick and aren't obvious in the vid. 🙂