Honda mower starts but doesn't run very well

[@jme36053]

I have 2x of this same model. Every 2 years change out the plug, air filter, oil and blades. Both still going strong after 13 years although one has suffered a deck crack in a bad-to-repair spot and may only last another season.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

deck cracks happen sometimes, but you might be about to use some fiberglass to fix it.

[@rbarr775]

I put an hourmeter on my HRX217HYA the day I bought it, and bought a Honda shop manual. Oil? Synthetic, about every 25 hours, so twice per season. Takes about three minutes. Most other maintenance (mainly valves) as suggested by the manual. Drive axle bushings get Lucas Red & Tacky every other year. Overall, it takes very little effort, but I'm nearly religious about using fresh fuel.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Wow you're definitely better at maintaining than most people.

[@HsingSun]

That is right! Honda Lawn Mower would not take cheap fuel, the lowest grade.

[@999thenewman]

Great job. I maintain once a year. No need for a spark plug unless it's hard to start as such.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

me too

[@lewiemcneely9143]

@@HomeGaragechannel me 3!

[@RussellBooth1977]

I change the oil once a year in my Briggs and Stratton lawnmower engine regardless of the hours that it has done because last summer it was wet on the East coast of Australia & when it did rain the grass grew like mad so before that we were in drought & the grass barely grew meaning that we didn't do much mowing. In the winter time we don't do nearly as much mowing as we do in the summer when it rains. It's strange how the spark plug ran black in my dads Honda GSV190 lawnmower engine when it was brand new & it had 65 PSI of compression due to the decompression mechanism on the camshaft which decompresses the engine on startup. Now it has 43 PSI of compression & now it doesn't run black in the 18 year old engine but it's tired & it needs a rebuild,it sometimes makes a big smokescreen because it burns oil !

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that pretty interesting,, mine does the same thing.

[@em4703]

Same here, once a year. Oil is cheap, my time and parts to fix a preventable issue due to it would cost me way more.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@em4703 I wish more people thought the same way.

[@bradleygower7181]

I just did a full engine rebuild and mower restoration on my vintage Lawn Chief Model 60. I got it almost 3 weeks ago from my grandfather and decided I needed a project $60 later it is a brand new mower.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

wow, they still make parts for it?

[@bradleygower7181]

Yeah piston rings and gaskets full set then I bought paint and oil

[@watermanone7567]

I do the same as you and a total annual tune up, oil change, blades sharpened, etc. with a weekly oil check and cleaning. I use synthetic oil 10/30. I also find that Honda's need the valve lash checked often. I just had a honda two inch water pump with the valve lash over 24 thousands of an inch. thanks for the video, good job. That engine seems to be running a little slow, but hard to tell on youtube.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

wow. that was way off. Thank you Waterman one.

[@HsingSun]

I have been used Honda Oil 4cc come with a both including spark plug, oil, and filter.

[@tyroneclarke1666]

I enjoy watching your videos. Also like the way you get straight to the point. Carby seemed ok, may be just the stale petrol. Runs nicely now. Cheers from Perth W.A. 🦘🇦🇺

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you Tyrone Clarke I appreciate it

[@mr1pearl]

A Honda , worth the effort ! Can't wait for part 2 ! Its adjusting those valves I haven't got down yet !

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I believe all Honda mowers are worth it. Some may argue but I haven't changed my mind yet

[@siriosstar4789]

@@HomeGaragechannel ALL honda small engines are "worth it" .i have had mowers, trimmers , water pumps , generators etc all with honda engines over a period of about 25 years and not one of them has ever failed . keep in mind that i abused these motors from a maintenance aspect but they refuse to die . 😂

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@siriosstar4789 thanks for the information I appreciate it.

[@butler386]

Great job of diagnosis and repair. Sounds like a good machine now that you have it running ready to mow. Thanks for the video.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you D Butler

[@smallengines1018]

I just looked at your subscriber count and realize that you have 33k subscribers. Awesome job I remember when I watched you when you were only at like 1.37k subs. Your channel has really grown. great job!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

wow, thank you for being with me for this long. I appreciate it.

[@HsingSun]

I am not favor for any brand name, but I am only telling the true. I have Honda HRX216VLA over 5 years and I love it. I need to pull one time and the Honda mower starts.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's a good running engine you've got there.

[@usernamedapro806]

Great video! i would love to see you fix a Honda Commerical though. That would be amazing.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes me too, thank you Username DaPro.

[@WJCTechyman]

When I do maintenance on my equipment, specifically my Honda stuff, I check the oil once in a while, check and clean the air filter elements fairly frequently, I try to change the oil every 100 hours/twice a season (light commercial use) and check and sharpen the blades when necessary. I also pressure wash the underside of the deck about once per week or more often when encountering wet grass.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very nice maintenance you put me to shame!

[@williamsnow1531]

I had one Honda mower and believe me, it was junk. It would take about 4 or 5 pulls to start it even after it was warmed up. It did this since day one. I brought it back to the dealer and they had a look at it and told me nothing was wrong with it. Besides being very heavy to push, it didn’t impress me at all. I sold it.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

wow, you must have gotten a lemon. Oh don't worry, the dealer will never give away free service.

[@HsingSun]

Did you use cheap, lowest grade fuel? If so, it would take few times to start. It happened to me after I bought one year later. Now, it works only one pull.

[@williamsnow1531]

@@HsingSun I use premium fuel in all my machines.

[@guitargod259]

I change the oil every other year. I use Mobil one fully synthetic. It's a bit overkill for a lawn mower but I find it lasts longer and it seems to start easier. I change the plug ever other year as well and run 91 octane no ethanol gas. I bought my mower brand new in 2010 and it still runs just fine.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very nice! your maintenance schedule is great!

[@nashguy207]

Those are great mowers. I have one and love it. I also have the one made after this one and its a great mower as well. The ones with auto choke if it gets hard to start check the auto choke they can go out from time to time and need to replace it,

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Yes you are absolutely right about the auto choke. Thank you Nashguy207

[@gdcatalyst7812]

I maintain once a year. Kawasaki sells tune up kits, and since I run my mower commercially I change all of the filters and spark plugs. If I notice I've put 100 hours on it since the last service I will change the oil early.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very nice GD Catalyst, I appreciate it

[@trentwilliamson4509]

I just fixed a 216 to give to my friend. Great videos

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you Trent Williamson

[@TecumsehRulesbcserk]

You really can’t go wrong with a Honda. Sure they are expensive, but they are absolutely worth the price.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

My thoughts exactly

[@Patrick4959]

for me i do my good oil changes when needed and here in Australia we are nearing the end of our Mowing Season but yes once a year is very ideal as it,s better for the piston rings and cylinder and i don,t use the E10 (Ethanol) type fuel as it does not burn in the engine as well plus it does not provide engine protection when using the right oil etc.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Excellent explanation

[@em4703]

Ethanol gas is all I got in the pump around here, luckily no issues so far, 4 strokes seem to not care much about it. Can't say the same about my 2 stroke tools, since all I have are pro grade models I pay the extra price and use alkylated gas. I'm not gonna cheap out. For my lvl of use, it's well worth the price.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@em4703 you're absolutely right

[@paulburns3788]

Hello Home garage I can't believe people don't take care of the lawn mowers especially very expensive ones I can't believe people don't change the oil or the air filter anyway how you been I hope you get that mower running perfect again

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I know right. I really don't understand it.

[@mjg263]

Nice. I like Honda mowers too but I sold all of mine because they don’t cut high enough. Well built though.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Wow, how high do you cut? And what do you use now?

[@mjg263]

@@HomeGaragechannel Around 3 3/4” to 4” in the dry hot summertime. I now use a Toro TimeMaster and a Toro SR4. I liked the Honda’s but you could tell where I trimmed with them because the grass was all yellow and short. Great mowers, just wish they cut a little higher.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@mjg263 thank you I appreciate the information

[@b286guy]

I follow the manufacturer guidelines. On my Toro SR with a Honda engine, it gets new oil (synthetic) every year before it goes away for winter. Rear wheels get greased twice a year, and the plug/filter get replaced on schedule.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Wow fantastic maintenance routine. You put me to shame. Thanks for the comment.

[@Hamza-ek8xy]

Hey, it says on my Troy bilt to use “light oil”. I’m not sure what is that

[@b286guy]

@@Hamza-ek8xy for what?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@Hamza-ek8xy where does it say light oil?

[@Hamza-ek8xy]

@@b286guy for the wheel hubs and axles and the drive control

[@smallengines1018]

That's the same exact mower my dad has. The HRX 217 VKA and it's a little older. It has the smart drive system instead.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I much prefer the smart drive system. very intuitive.

[@smallengines1018]

@@HomeGaragechannel same. I find this one difficult to use because I'm used to the smart drive system and sometimes I forget to release the clutch and I get close to running into things

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@smallengines1018 that makes sense.

[@stan1027]

Good job! Yes, Honda carburetors ARE a pain in the butt to mess with.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Stan

[@aeson33]

I feel like these hrx Hondas are superior for home use. I change oil twice a season. Halfway thru summer and after mulching leaves season usually mid November.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very nice, 2 oil changes a season, will make sure it will last for a long time. thank you J G.

[@Jdjd12288]

Well done thanks again for your time

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you John Daye

[@2035jim]

I blow out the air filter 3 times a season and run the gas out in the winter and change the oil every spring I also replace the spark plug every couple years and replace the air filter every 5 years

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very good technique

[@arthurwilkinson7318]

You a do a good job I have a mount field sp474 the tension Spring it come off drive shaft

[@HomeGaragechannel]

what did you do about it?

[@jamess.putman1779]

I service mine at start of mowing season every year.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice!

[@craigorlikowski2507]

So mine this season has been getting worse and worse not holding a high rev (I'm assuming) while mowing. Most times i gotta mow the lawn 2 different directions to get most of the random stragglers. Extremely irritating!! 3x and it still leaves a few!! That same lever you pull, mine only runs darn near in choke zone. Anything outside of that sweet spot, she dies. ..as in Fast mode. ...nope dies. Why? Nobody has yet figured this out for me. Took it to one shop last year. Replaced carb, etc, nothing. Its getting worse and worse it seems!. About to pitch it to the curb!! Yes blades sharp, yes, I tried, have been, slowing down mow walk, nope! Its this HRX217 too btw.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

have you checked that the choke opens after the engine gets warm? Also is the deck clean?

[@craigorlikowski2507]

@@HomeGaragechannel Cleaned deck. she doesn't suge while running. Should I still check? I'm assuming maybe belt is an issue or leaning towards cable being the issue but don't know how to adjust.

[@raresr4092]

Oh! you got a hold of the good Honda. Always curious though if they collected a lot of grass under them. Like after a mow or two in dry grass. Love the setup and had the aluminum deck one from 84 that's almost like that one that's why i was wondering. still would like to buy one but the price shot up around 900 and something... Plus really hard to find at the moment.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it mowing dry, there's hardly any grass build up, but use it in the morning after some dew, and it will start to build up like any metal deck mower. Thank you Rares R.

[@JasonJayJJ1]

I have a 2021 HRX217 with 200cc engine. I love it, it has 65 hours on it. I've been using Honda brand 10w/30 regular oil on it. Could I switch to synthetic oil if I do an oil change or will the residual conventional oil from before mix with the new synthetic oil and cause problems? Thank you!

[@davids8449]

Mr Honda why does my lawnmower start first or second time for 40 years even with petrol that is 6 months old?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

6 month old gas is still flammable but it's less Volatile than if it was fresh from the pump.

[@davids8449]

@@HomeGaragechannel Hello from England, the engine is a Briggs and Stratton and I suppose less complicated then the Honda, you are quite right petrol is not as volatile after 4 or 5 MONTHS and I was surprised myself how well it started. Very interesting item you posted as I have had trouble starting my Honda water pump

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@davids8449 hello David S. Have you looked into the carb yet on the pump?

[@davids8449]

@@HomeGaragechannel Hello, yes indeed I have looked at the starting problem on the Honda a little while ago, it turned out to be the carburettor jet body was full of compressed swarth very unusual, I always had trouble starting the engine, but now it starts first or second pull. The pump was purchased new from a shop in Chester. Regards David...........

[@alexandercosta1777]

I think Honda mowers has the nice cut next to the toro. Now my question is, would you prefer synthetic oil or would you just go regular oil. I think synthetic is the best but some people can’t afford the price, do you have any good synthetic brands that are quality but at a price point to where people can afford it without breaking the bank on a small project like this or any other piece of equipment. Thanks again for making awesome content.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Synthetic oil for small engines is best. How Ever for as many changes I do, I use conventional. Just have to change it more often.

[@graemehutchison5696]

I have a brigg Stratton carb bolt snapped in half, have about 3/4 inch bolt sticking out rusted into aluminium housing. Wgat the best way to remove remaining part bolt ? Duns,Scotland.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I've never had to deal with that, but I guess I would use an "easy out" tool.

[@MrGattor33]

Nice video. I would have to say that I am kind of the type that just fixes what's broken when it's needed and then continue on....lol

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Me too.

[@electroddxful]

Great job as always. 👍🙏👍🙏👍

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you RayFpv

[@Christian29587]

Hey I got a free pressure washer from. Neighbor with this engine. I got it running after replacing the carb but now it wants to leak gas. Can you help me by chance?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sure, You didn't mention if you bought a new carb, is it a used carb then? if it's used, I would replace it with a new carb. Otherwise you'll need to buy a rebuild kit for the carb.

[@Christian29587]

@@HomeGaragechannel so I bought a brand new carb and it ran once just fine but then I started it this season and now it’s leaking gas. Can I email you some pictures?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@Christian29587 [e-mail]

[@TeresaGVore]

Thank you

[@HomeGaragechannel]

No problem

[@highbloxplayz7186]

I am planning one getting a honda mower, and I don't know how much engine oil I should add, and how do you check the spark plug? lastly, how do you sharpen the blades, do you need a impact drill to take them off?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

depending on your model number, you can find the exact amount by doing an online search for oil capacity. For checking a spark plug, I use spark plug tester, where you test it, out of the engine, and in the tester. There you'll be able to see if it will make any sparks at the tip. No you don't need an impact, a medium piece of 4x4 post, would help to keep the blade from spinning.

[@keithkilps8250]

nice. useful video thanks

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem

[@RubyDash_]

Hello home garage, I know it’s hard to tell by just describing it to you, but I have the same exact Honda you showed In this video. I have a brand new oem carburetor on it, and it surges like crazy. What would cause the surging despite me putting a new carb on there? Thanks and take care

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Aj for the question. the other reason for surging would be slow fuel flow from the Carb. The causes could be a fuel that, that's swelling and reducing fuel flow, and the last thing is be the fuel cap vent is covered in dirt. Try leaving he gas cap mostly loose, and see if the surging stops. otherwise you go the wrong carb, and it was for a smaller engine .

[@kimlau6662]

do you have video of changing transmission of HRX honda or gear lube of toro super recycler self drive? thanks

[@HomeGaragechannel]

not for the HRX, just of an HRR

[@edwardburke9181]

Nice video

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you Edward Burke

[@JohannZ100]

I like honda but the gcv gc engines are not my favorite the reason is they are not easy to work on and how they are built and designed but I'd say they are fairly good engines but that's from my experience I like briggs the best for push mower engines the 675 exi is my favorite model from briggs the best honda engine is the gx gxv engines or even the old school g series flat head side valve engines what weight and brand of oil do you use

[@HomeGaragechannel]

You know, I'm go agree with you too

[@glenndallinger4596]

Hi, just found your channel. I have this mower and it runs well but the propulsion cable has gotten slack. I've adjusted it about all I can using the 10mm nuts under the lever, but I still don't get much speed out of the mower. I suppose it needs a new cable, but was wondering if there is a trick to take more slack out of it without replacing. Maybe you could do a video on tightening up or replacing the propulsion cable? Thanks.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

if you've already adjusted the cable to it's max and it still doesn't work better, the best thing would be to replace the cable.

[@FerrisBueller-lj9zj]

Could the governor spring be worn out?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

the governor spring only effects the engine when it's running and not when starting. Or are you talking about when it's running?

[@alpharaptor7510]

I got a free lawnmower It has a Briggs and Stratton engine The reason why it was free because the coil was dead but I replaced the coil and now it runs like new And yes I did give it a Service

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice work Alpha Raptor.

[@alpharaptor7510]

@@HomeGaragechannel thank you It’s a 3.5HP Briggs on a Australian built lawnmower Chassis

[@slpip4365]

No need to change motor oil. I only use Mobile One motor oil from my vehicles oil change for my Honda engine lawn mowers. Never have problem with my Honda engine mowers.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice

[@tazmun]

It’s much improved but still sputtering, I don’t believe in cleaning spark plugs it’s too cheap of an item to mess with like that, just replace it already with every tuneup. I have seen a lot of weird stuff cleared up just by replacing a spark plug that looks just fine. And even if you do clean it there’s no way you can get down deep inside which could still be shorted out partially.

[@LJ-kr4iz]

Where is part 2?😢

[@HomeGaragechannel]

unfortunately I didn't film it but I did do the testing. The valve lash was spot on and the compression was just fine. Since the lash was perfect I didn't need to adjust it which Is what most people want to see.

[@stevenchandler4218]

Yes I agree HG HONDA'S are a great machine.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you Steven Chandler

[@kevinphillips2009]

So what was the problem? Any smoking gun? I didn't catch it....

[@HomeGaragechannel]

this video could have been produced better, but in the end, there it has old gasoline, a dirty air filter, and A spark plug that had too much carbon it, Basically they did none of the maintenance on it.

[@500-x7f]

Great video brother

[@500-x7f]

You mind telling me your drill and your ratchet model ? How good do you find the drill?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you 500

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@500-x7f the impact is a 3/8" snap on and the ratchet is a craftsman

[@500-x7f]

@@HomeGaragechannel awesome thank you

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@500-x7f no problem

[@mateobrainardo4770]

I’ve been running a 1.75 hp Briggs, 20” mower since 2004. Only had to change the oils once, sharpened the blade one time cause it got bent, and replaced a wheel cause it fell off (broke off when my cousin got mad at it), and it works real good. My uncle told me that it vibrates because I sharpened the blade wrong. Is this the truth? I think he secretly wants to inherit my prized possession. Does anybody know how to valance a balade?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Mateo Brainardo.

[@baileyhatfield4273]

Some people will put the center (where it bolts up) on a nail in the wall, hang it and see where it tips and then make the other side lighter with a few passes on a grinder disc, it could very well be unbalanced, you may of taken too much off of one side and not enough on the other. The perfect fix is just throwing a new blade on it, but you could try to see how far off it might be.

[@harrygregory6227]

hondas cars are awesome

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes I think so too

[@jamess.putman1779]

Almost sounded like a knock when you first started.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it did didn't it.

[@timtoro244]

The apple juice comment was very clever and funny lol.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks

[@NOAH_HINMAN]

Are you using a new Microphone

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it depends which video you're comparing it too. last Year I was using a different mic, this year since Jan, I've been using the same mic

[@NOAH_HINMAN]

@@HomeGaragechannel ya from last year I can't believe I didn't notice it before

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@NOAH_HINMAN thank you for noticing.

[@NOAH_HINMAN]

@@HomeGaragechannel ya it sounds real good and maybe a new camera and I'm sure you will get a big boost in Views

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@NOAH_HINMAN yes you have a good eye and ear. The Idea is to get a new camera this year. Thank you Noah Hinman

[@aussienebula8331]

Great vid again mate, thanx for sharing.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem and I appreciate it.

[@martint766]

I maintain my machines every year. They last longer that way.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I completely agree.

[@stuartmurray2094]

I have a different model it's a job mate

[@tkbotsss7564]

Anyone notice he spelt doesn’t wrong

[@unisol2287]

After 50 working hours or once a year...

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that sounds right to me

[@astindersinghera766]

Once a year

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you

[@MrTtillub]

Choke was not setting should have been closed ...!

[@tonym6920]

Treat your equipment casually, it will become a casualty.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Nice one

[@phildelgiudice3448]

Purring like a kitten. Another case of homeowner neglect. 45 minutes of basic maintenance folks. Keep it simple.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you would be correct!

[@Grahams-Grass]

Briggs and Stratton all day 35 or 450👍👍 ... not the 450e 🤮💩 2 oil changes 2 spark plugs. 4 blade sharpens she's a happy mower ...

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Geeman's World

[@conner5611]

Briggs sucks these days there only decent engines where the flatheads but even then they had tons of problems unlike hondas

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@conner5611 I hear that a lot