Honda Lawnmower Motor Troubleshooting

Your Honda lawnmower speed can drop when you cut too much grass.

Some of the ways you can keep your Honda lawnmower in exceptional condition and cut down on repairs include cutting your lawn properly, keeping the mowing blades sharp, and using fresh fuel in the fuel tank. For example, the motor in your Honda lawnmower runs most efficiently when you use unleaded gasoline, which has an 86 or higher pump octane rating. Save money when you troubleshoot your Honda lawnmower motor, and save time in service repairs.

Things You'll Need

• 10 mm wrench

Instructions

1. Turn the fuel valve down to the "On" position if you notice the engine will not start.

   Turning the fuel valve on allows the fuel to reach the carburetor from the fuel tank. Look for the fuel valve on the left side of the motor area.

2. Turn the fuel valve to the "Off" position using a 10 mm wrench to remove the carburetor drain bolt, then turn the fuel tank to the "On" position, and drain the fuel tank through the carburetor bowl into an approved container. Use UL-approved red containers for gasoline. "UL" represents Underwriters Laboratories, a company who tests products for public safety. Refill the fuel tank with fresh gasoline by removing the fuel tank cap, and then filling the tank to the filler neck bottom.

3. Push the flywheel brake lever forward against the handlebar when you notice the engine will not start. Pushing this lever against the handlebar causes the blade to rotate and causes the engine to run. You will find the flywheel brake lever on the right side of the handlebar.

4. Move the throttle to the "Choke" position to start a cold engine on your Honda lawnmower. Move the throttle lever to the "Fast" position when starting a warm motor. Look for the throttle lever just under the shift lever, beneath the left side of the handlebar.

5. Raise the cutting height while you mow at a slower pace if you notice the engine speed dropping. The cause of the speed drop could come from trying to cut too much grass.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact an authorized Honda dealer, if necessary, by calling [phone], or visit the Honda website.

• Never start your lawnmower in an enclosed area, such as a shed or a garage. The exhaust from your lawnmower creates carbon monoxide which can lead to death.

• Turn your Honda lawnmower motor off, whenever you leave it, even just for a minute.

References

• LawnMowersWorld.com: Honda Power Equipment Owner's Manual Rotary Mower HRX217TDA
• Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources: Liquid Fuels: Safe Management of Gasoline, Diesel, and Other Fuels
• UL The Standard in Safety: Welcome to Underwriters Laboratories
• Honda Power Equipment: Frequently Asked Questions

Resources

• Honda Power Equipment: Dealer Locator
• Consumersearch: Honda HRX217K2HXA