Honda HRC216 Commercial Mower Tune Up and More

DIY tutorial for a complete tune up for a Honda HRC216 commercial lawn mower, including oil change, air filter replacement, spark plug, and other maintenance. Tips to reshape a warped air box and an unexpected discovery at the end.
Honda OEM Air Filter 17218-ZG9-M00 with Pre-filter 17211-ZG9-M00: amzn.to/3pY5ZrV
Honda 10w3 Oil: amzn.to/3t2mhBS
NGK BPR5ES (# 7734) spark plug: amzn.to/3I1Z9YP
Magnetic spark plug socket set: amzn.to/3CzmpvO
Tachometer I often use: amzn.to/3sHibiH
00:00 I'm not Allan
00:59 Gap and replace NGK BPR5ES spark plug
03:36 Oil level check
04:08 Remove and replace air filter
05:23 Check and lubricate throttle and choke cables
05:55 Fuel tap and carburetor bowl check
09:03 Clean gaskets and carburetor exterior
10:17 Clean airbox
10:50 Reshape warped airbox
13:18 Replace airbox, air filter and prefilter
16:15 Drain and refill crankcase oil
18:09 The money shot
19:38 Bonus tip
The tools I like and use most often:
Magnetic spark plug socket set: amzn.to/3CzmpvO
Tachometer: amzn.to/3sHibiH
Vessel Megadora JIS screwdriver set: amzn.to/363RFqO
Channellock Bent Needle-nose pliers: amzn.to/3I5DbnA
Long 1/4 Quick-connect Torx Driver Bits: amzn.to/3HUNgnm
Spark Tester: amzn.to/3CxW2qi
OTC Leak-down Test Kit: amzn.to/3CyUhJn
Compression Tester: amzn.to/3IWd6sp
Wear your safety glasses, or you'll shoot your eye out. Try on some gloves. Take off that spark plug boot. Clean your room. Open the windows, those fumes are nasty. Just 'cause I do it, don't think it's the end all, be all solution. There's plenty more ideas out there, I can't take responsibility if you slice off a few fingers after watching my videos. And don't just pour that toxic stuff down the sewer or in the ditch, dispose of waste responsibly. Just be safe, OK?
Follow along with me elsewhere:
/ thelawnmowerlady
the-lawnmower-lady.blogspot.com/
Titles, opening graphics, and music by AbleVFX.
Any links to products are likely affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases (Thank You!), with no additional costs to you.
Disclaimer: The content of this video is purely for my entertainment, and is available to you for informational and educational purposes only. It's not substitute advice from small engine mechanics with professional training and certifications, nor does it create any kind of relationship between the The Lawnmower Lady and you. Your situation may be different, and the The Lawnmower Lady makes no warranties, express or implied, as to the fit, accuracy, or applicability of the information shown in this video, and implies no guarantee of results. The Lawnmower Lady and any sponsors of this video are not liable for any damages of personal injury, property damage or loss of any kind that may result from the use or reliance on this video and/or any parts and procedures represented in this video. You are using the information presented in this video solely at your own risk.
#honda #HRC216 #tune-up #lawnmower #smallenginerepair #DIY

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

If this video helped you, please consider clicking on the THANKS button above 🙌 Here's how I sharpen the blades on this mower: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKfZlXqKnqpriqM

[@skins2477]

I have learned quite a bit watching your videos over the past few months. You should have many many more subscribers in my opinion. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thanks, I appreciate that. Glad you enjoy the videos. Cheers!

[@jonlambshead5115]

You Do An Excellent Job Stella, Most Mechanics Wouldn't Take The Time To Clean Things Like You Do. Most Mechanics Are Slap Happy. They Hardly Would Clean Stuff. I Cannot Work On Dirty Crap. When I Finish A Job I Will Clean The Mower Thoroughly & Make It Presentable. People Really Appreciate Getting Their Stuff Back Clean, It Shows That You care About Your Work & Their Stuff

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thanks 👍

[@jmb92555]

You're my new favorite lawn mower repair channel. I think a vid on overrevving and possible governor adjustment/repair would br really helpful and clear up a lot of confusion caused by other mower repair channels that really aren't doing it correctly.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I appreciate you watching. I do have one video dedicated to adjusting the governor return spring, but most often that procedure is usually at the end many tune-up videos. I should make some dedicated videos. Cheers!

[@jmb92555]

@@TheLawnmowerLady Appreciate the reply and that would be great. The reason I asked mainly is bc once in a while I hear someone say their governor "just started acting up and needs to be adjusted." And I'm wondering "how in the world did your governor just get out of adjustment?" Cheers back atcha and hoping you continue to grow the subscriber audience you deserve

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

@@jmb92555 Some mowers have all that linkage and spring assembly more exposed than others. Using the mower around bushes and shrubbery can bend those parts. Some people treat their mower like a bush hog. 😁

[@patthesoundguy]

I love the UV light trick! I always had a UV light in my kit because I used to buy them in bulk and sell them to the bars I worked in for door staff to check IDs. I should dig one out. Thanks for the tip Stella!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Pure happenchance. I was looking for tomato hornworms in my garden when I videoed this. Thanks for watching Mr Pat!

[@Inisfad]

Cool tip about the warped air box repair!! Edit: and the black light tip, too. Can’t wait to try that one.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Complete happenchance. I was looking for tomato hornworms in my garden.

[@nashguy207]

Great job Stella. I like the trick with the heat gun to get some of the warp out of the air breather. Thanks for sharing!!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thanks!

[@georgemyers6518]

Great video as always and great job bringing that mower back to life Stella. You can’t kill a Honda.they’re awesome machines

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

My personal mower is a similar, yet older one. I hardly ever use it any more. I have plenty of test drives to mow my small amount of grass. Thanks for watching Mr George!

[@tyroune2222]

Followed all these steps and my mower is running smoothly now. Gracias 😍

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Glad it helped Sr. Luis! Salud!

[@hickorystx]

Always enjoy your videos. Liked the black light trick. Nice!!! 😊

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thanks Mr G!

[@BADD400]

Good video and good tip on heating the air box to try and fix the warp.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I wasn't perfect, but certainly much better. Cheers!

[@paulstir]

Well done my lady , great footage as always very useful tips , from 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thank you! 😃

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I like the heat treat to reshape the box, might have to try that myself.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I learnt that a long time ago. There's definitely a point of no return when I use too much heat.

[@BrucesShop]

Great video Stella. There are sure a lot of old air boxes warping on the old stuff eh!!!! Yes the black light is a great idea.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thanks Mr Bruce! Cheers!

[@retrorestore]

Very methodical work. Just as I like to do myself, Well Done Stella.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Many thanks Mr Martin! Cheers!

[@rjh2459]

Great work. It breaks my heart seeing such nice equipment not taken care of. Great job getting the mower working.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

You and me both!

[@edwardburke9181]

Great video as always stella . top light tip too .

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

@@edwardburke9181 Thanks!

[@highdesignfool]

I like that black light tip! Thanks

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I had that black light looking for tomato hornworms, and thought: Why not? Thanks for watching. Cheers!

[@HobbyMotorDK]

Great video and tips as always. Thanks Stella

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

You're so welcome Mr Claus!

[@garygary8645]

Well done Stella. Thanks for the video

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thanks for watching Mr Gary!

[@lamarprice5680]

Spot on with this project. Great job. 👍 you’re one of the best

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I appreciate you watching. Cheers!

[@thebeardedstork432]

That UV light trick is cool! Thanks

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

You bet! Thanks for watching!

[@LewisMowersandBoats]

Gotta love the magnetic socket 😊

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Indeed I do love those sockets. Especially when changing plugs on my Prius. Those ignition coil packs are pretty deep, and I've had to fish out plugs when they drop out of standard spark plug sockets with the rubber grommet. Thanks for watching!

[@garyclifton2180]

Pleasure watching Stella

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thanks Mr Gary!

[@brianmcglew2117]

Great job Stella!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@RaysLaughsAndLyrics]

Thanks for sharing. Best to You and Yours.👍

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thanks 👍

[@henrymurawskibigdogrepair]

Nice tip with that black light 💡

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thanks Mr Hank!

[@andersforrad]

You rock Stella - thanks for a nice video 👍

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

My pleasure 😊

[@johnc1593]

Gr8 tips, thanks, keep up the videos

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Cheers! Thanks for watching Mr John!

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

Great video, very thorough as always!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I appreciate that Mr Bill !

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

@@TheLawnmowerLady Always with the "Mr Bill". LOL Now I am going to have to go look for old Saturday Night Live videos. Some of my friends that have known me all my life still call me "Billy"... Mr Bill is better.🤣

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Haha! No SNL reference meant, but I'll admit that's funny. I've a habit of addressing everyone as Mr or Ms... I guess it's a southern thing.

[@lostboater2186]

Great video

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Cheers Ken!

[@robertmailhos8159]

Thanks for the saving this mower for these mowers are getting hard to find 👌👍😎

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

You bet, awesome machines.

[@robertmailhos8159]

@@TheLawnmowerLady yes they are that 👍👌😎

[@robertmailhos8159]

Thanks for the heart young lady 💐

[@ChubbyButcher]

What a great video. Love all your videos... chubby butcher. This video came in handy

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Happy to help. Cheers!

[@MikeJones-jr5hb]

Black light trick good to know!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thanks Mr Mike!

[@Big_Johns]

Very nice video Stella, many years ago when I was on the Crime Scene Unit we used black light flashlights, I won't say what for though. 🤣🤣🤣

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Somehow, I just knew you would go there. As someone we all know and love says... Leave it, leave it. 😹

[@Big_Johns]

Yes ma'm, for you I'll surely abide by those magnificent words.

[@vkhiev]

Very detailed

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thanks!

[@Turningwrenches85]

I thought at first clip of the video that Honda engine was toast lol. But in all great tune up video on this Honda mower and I like the heat gun on that air box.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

It sure did sound bad. Thanks for watching!

[@Turningwrenches85]

@@TheLawnmowerLady your welcome lawnmower lady 🔧🙂

[@mr1pearl]

I thought something was loose ! Hec its good for a life time its a Honda !

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I have even an older commercial Honda myself. Great machine. Thanks for watching Mr Bill !

[@joeortiz3455]

Well how about that a blacklight ,that was really cool ! hiya byya !Stella see you on the next project !

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thanks Mr Joe!

[@CompetentSalesUSA]

Thank you

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Welcome!

[@jamesherder3712]

Another great video I've used these mowers n the past but preferred my self-propelled HRC216K3HXA sadly it was stolen with the rest of my lawn care equipment ending my lawn care business my engine had the oval 2 stage air filter that I liked much better

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Wow Mr James! That's terrible, all you gear got nicked. Those older Hondas are great. I appreciate you watching. Cheers!

[@philliphall5198]

Use a peace of board and make a block of plate and pressure wash it Fast and easy to clean

[@SeanBaker]

I've been cleaning up and tuning up and greasing up my lawn mower recently and the number of times I've left the fuel shut off engaged or the spark plug disconnected, I've lost count. 😂

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Happens all the time for me LOL

[@rogermcdonald1607]

Nice video Stella! Wonder way the customer didn't want the self propel feature. That carburetor looked like it had never had a bath before you cleaned it.👍🇺🇸Roger

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I asked him, and he only said he didn't think he needed it. 🤔 Those machines are very heavy, and can't imagine pushing it all around, especially on those crusty wheels missing most of the balls in the bearings! Thanks for watching Mr Roger!

[@beakittelscherz5419]

Hahaha the compressor... Gives you f#&+'n heartatack just when you have a silent moment thinking about woodstuff in the shop... 😅😅😅🤪

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I jump every time. LoL. Cheers!

[@beakittelscherz5419]

Love your content😎🏳️‍🌈👍🌹

[@rickthelian2215]

I was just about to say fuel tap is off, black light a good trick, hate clear oil, difficult to see but we live with it.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I know it's hard to see in person, let alone on the video. Thanks for watching!

[@catchacow1927]

Great video Stella, thank you and the black light tip was great! You ex CIA or something lol

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Nope, just hunting tomato hornworms in my garden, and I got a bright idea. 😎

[@robhutson5451]

Thank you so very much for sharing your wisdom, knowledge and understanding of small engines. I was wondering if you would tell me what is a good website to order parts from. You may have given that info already however I must have missed it. I just started working on small engines also and I truly appreciate your helpful videos. Please keep up the awesome work. I really like all those shirts with the different names. That is funny!!! Your thankful friend Rob

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thanks Mr Rob. I appreciate you watching! There are several large parts suppliers that will pop up online when you enter almost any parts number in a search engine. I usually pick the one closest to me ( for shipping times) has product on hand, and has the best price. Sometimes that ends up being ebay or Amzn. Don't forget to try and form a good relationship with your local dealers. Sometimes their expertise is invaluable. Cheers!

[@robhutson5451]

@@TheLawnmowerLady Thank you so much.

[@almclean4835]

How did you discover the trick with the black light? Great tip👏👏

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Pure happenchance. I videoed this when I still had tomatoes in my garden. I was hunting for tomato hornworms, who apparently glow bright green under UV light. I thought why not try to decipher the model number, and it popped up clear, the video really doesn't do it justice. It was very easy to read under UV light.

[@Glc805]

I was looking for a bag for this model but can’t find it? Have any pointers on where to order one from

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I would suggest any of the major parts houses to get the correct part no. Use the model # on the deck sticker. partstree, ereplacementparts, jackssmallengines, etc., should give you the correct part no. for the bag. If they don't have the part on stock, then you are empowered to search the correct number on ebay, etc. Good luck. Thanks for watching.

[@waynestefinashen239]

Nice UV tip there Stella and by the way you said that plug was running rich i thought it was always running brave or was that dave?

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

LOL Mr Wayne!

[@jesusdrummer21]

Still consider that a 1st pull. Fuel valve exhaust we all forget it sometimss

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I appreciate you watching. Cheers!

[@erichammond2466]

Honda HRC216 under 2 yrs old. The mower is used for my residence. The mower will not start. I have changed the fuel, removed and thoroughly cleaned the carb and jets. Could it be an ignition coil issue?

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Could be. I don't often advocate throwing parts at a machine, but spark plugs are cheap. It's either spark, fuel, or air. Thanks for watching.

[@cheerfullpizza1949]

Is that a Kohler engine? The linkages and well as the air box reminds of my lawn-boy with a Kohler xt-6. That mower also has an issue with the metal inserts from the air filter base coming out.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Nope, It's a Honda through and through. I appreciate you watching. Cheers!

[@cheerfullpizza1949]

@@TheLawnmowerLady ok! Interesting similarities, huh?

[@jasonchioino1557]

Ive watched a lot of your videos looking for a particular answer...what do you do if the boot for the spark plug is full of gunk or whatever it might be filled with? How do you clean it out?

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Interesting, Your spark plug boot should not have anything in it. The rubber part of the boot should make a tight seal around the porcelain part of the plug to keep moisture and dirt out. I sometimes will add a thin smear of dielectric grease on a plug boot that is showing sign of deteriorating, but never enough to get to the electrode. If it feels greasy, maybe try some cotton swabs? Thanks for watching!

[@jasonchioino1557]

@@TheLawnmowerLady thanks!

[@brewster3987]

Fellow LML fans: I would like to propose a friendly competition (subject, of course, to the dear lady's approval). I propose that we submit the most ridiculous (but polite) names for Miss Stella to use in her opens. I'll start: "Mortimer". 🤣 Okay people, what you got?

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

😄😂😬

[@appleztooranges]

Would you take this over a brand new Honda HRX217HYA? My buddy said he give me this but it’s in bad shape

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I'd take which ever one has the blade clutch. Much easier to start. That said, I don't know if the brand new machines cheaped out on the wheels without bearings, and the inferior cable terminations like the HRN series. The older commercial mowers were far superior. I appreciate you watching. Cheers!

[@appleztooranges]

@@TheLawnmowerLady I did get the blade clutch stop and the machine comes hydrostatic. Hopefully last forever. Paid almost $1,000 for it

[@norge696]

You were not kidding about those wheels... $30-50 each.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

They are crazy expensive. Thanks for watching!

[@majorpayne5289]

👍and there ya go! That’s how it’s done :-) (SUBd)

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Cheers!

[@sproles88]

I have same lawnmower is it needed to use the honda 10w 30 oil or could i grab a 10w 30 oil from the auto store

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

10w30 from auto parts store is OK. Thanks for watching.

[@sproles88]

What was the model number i couldnt see in your video? Thanks a lot​@TheLawnmowerLady

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

@@sproles88 HRC216KPDA

[@abebe1001]

Are you giving a class ?

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

With every video I upload 😺 I appreciate you watching. Cheers!

[@charlestucker5903]

Why do you use a magnetic socket to remove the spark plug?

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Depending on the diameter of the ceramic and the often times not matching size of the rubber boot in regular spark plug sockets (some too small, some too large), it's too easy to either 1) break off the ceramic or 2) drop the plug altogether. Not such a big deal on small engines, but trying to dig out a dropped spark plug from the depths of a coil pack recess on most cars today is a challenge. I find the magnetic plugs have a large enough opening to accommodate larger sized ceramics, and well as grasp firmly on skinny plugs.

[@appleztooranges]

My Honda hrx217hya which is relatively new doesn’t start within a few pulls. Why would you say it does this? I’m thinking it’s the thermowax like millions have said. Should I just swap itV?

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Bad fuel? You can check that thermowax thingy by looking into the venturi to see if the choke butterfly is closed fully when the engine is stone cold. If it's closed, It's good. Beyond that, it's the basics: spark, fuel, and air. Thanks for watching.

[@appleztooranges]

@@TheLawnmowerLady I’m shocked. Been using star tron and mixing it with high premium gas for last 10 years. Never had issues before. I always let it starve at end of year with some star tron so not much fuel is inside the carb. Mechanics around here swear by star tron

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Even a little bit of moisture (condensation from heat/cool cycles) can cause problems. Nothing can stop the gel that accumulates from the detergents added to gasoline. If you've not pulled the carb for a thorough cleaning, that might help?

[@appleztooranges]

@@TheLawnmowerLady got any videos of a hrx217 carb clean?

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I don't think so on that particular mower, however I think this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXuzfpJ3p7GGnck is the same carb set up if that HRX has that control plate bolted to the side for a throttle cable and choke cable. If your mower has the auto-choke thingy, this video covers this type of Honda carbs on mowers: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHuVcopmhNGAj9U

[@TecumsehRulesbcserk]

There is one thing I absolutely despise on this mower and that is how you get the carburetor off, I am really not a fan of bending linkages

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Yep, I do my best not to bend them. Thanks fir watching. Cheers!

[@thewiseguy7100]

Is this mower more expensive than a Honda HRR216?

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Probably, as it has a few more beefy commercial adaptations.

[@pierreballou5438]

I have worked on many small engines and enjoy watching you work, the cleaning with gasoline scares me as I know of many shops that have burned down and mechanics severely burned. I know you know what you are doing but even experts make mistakes. Please be careful 😊

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I appreciate you watching my videos. Cheers!

[@thebuyingseller]

Only thing missed was the valve adjustment.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

No valve adjustment unless there are some other starting or running issues.

[@thebuyingseller]

@@TheLawnmowerLady Except the manual says to do every X hours…I think 500? That thing looks like it has run a lot.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Could be, I honestly have not looked it up. Although this is a commercial mower, it is used in a residential setting. It does not have that many hours on the machine, just a really poor storage situation. Thanks for watching.

[@mgomez5606]

So it's not self propel?

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

The guy that owns this actually special ordered it *without* the self-propel mechanism. I don't get it?

[@mgomez5606]

@@TheLawnmowerLady was it easy to push?

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

@@mgomez5606 Not too bad as I recall.

[@philliphall5198]

Honda know theses engines are not going to last long and got out of mower business before warranty flood

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I did read a press release, they will continue to make small engines, just not for mowers.