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Honda HRB217TDA User's Manual

1. optional equipment Valve clearance Check Adjust Throttle cable Inspect Adjust Before See Perform at every each ors 25 50 100 150 page indicated interval use ours hours hours hours hours Inspect condition Blades Check bolt torque Grass bag Check 33 Engine oil Change 1 Check Air cleaner Clean O 1 O 1 35 Replace filter Check Adjust Spark plug 36 Replace Spark arrester Check operation Flywheel brake 39 Adjust cable Drive clutch Adjust cable Shift cable Adjust Combustion chamber Clean After every 250 hours 2 Clean tank Fuel system Check line Every 2 years replace if necessary 2 1 Service more frequently when used in dusty areas 2 These items should be serviced by an authorized Honda servicing dealer unless you have the proper tools and are mechanically proficient Refer to the Honda shop manual for service procedures 28 SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER BLADES Inspection 1 Move the fuel valve to the OFF position page 8 disconnect the spark plug cap from the spark plug 2 Tilt the mower to the right so the carburetor side is up This will help
2. 32 Inspection isnin 14 Part Numbers 65 Removal and Installation 14 Replacement 32 H Handlebar Folding 1 nen 49 Height Adjustment 13 L Leaf Shredder Part Number 65 Leaves Bagging 24 loading eisini 51 M Maintenance Schedule 28 Methanol See Fuel Oxygenated Fuels Mower Deck Clogging 24 Mowing Tips 23 MTBE See Fuel Oxygenated Fuels Mulching Plug Part Number 65 Usage 13 N NOTICE symbol 1 71 INDEX Oil Capacity ccc uns esd 62 Ghiande eei 34 Level Check 33 Part Number 65 Recommended 33 P Paint Part Number 65 Parts Replacement amp Optional 65 Publications 64 S Safety A few words sss 2 Information 2 2 4 Label Locations 6 Message Definitions 2 Safe Mowing Practices 21 Set Up Instructions 54 Shift Lever Cable Adjustment 41 Operati
3. Equipment Owner s Manual Rotary Mower HRB217TDA HONDA Harmony 1997 2000 2002 American Honda Motor Co Inc All Rights Reserved WARNING The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer birth defects or other reproductive harm Keep this owner s manual handy so you can refer to it at any time This owner s manual is considered a permanent part of the lawn mower and should remain with the lawn mower if resold The information and specifications included in this publication were in effect at the time of approval for printing American Honda Motor Co Inc reserves the right however to discontinue or change specifications or design at any time without notice and without incurring any obligation whatever No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission INTRODUCTION Congratulations on your selection of a Honda lawn mower We are certain you will be pleased with your purchase of one of the finest lawn mowers on the market We want to help you get the best results from your new mower and to operate it safely This manual contains the information on how to do that please read it carefully As you read this manual you will find information preceded by a NOTICE symbol That information is intended to help you avoid damage to your mower other property or the environment We sugge
4. Fill with the recommended oil Do not overfill Measure the oil level as shown on page 33 Using nondetergent oil can shorten the engine s service life and using 2 stroke oil can damage the engine SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER Air Cleaner Service A dirty air filter will restrict air flow to the carburetor reducing engine performance If you operate the mower in very dusty areas clean the air filter more often than specified in the MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Operating the engine without an air filter or with a damaged filter will allow dirt to enter the engine causing rapid engine wear This type of damage is not covered by the Distributor s Limited Warranty page 66 AIR CLEANER HOUSING FILTER COVER TABS COVER 1 Press down on the cover tabs and remove the cover Remove the filter from the air cleaner housing Inspect the filter and replace it if damaged E S Clean the filter by tapping the filter several times on a hard surface to remove dirt or blow compressed air not exceeding 30 psi 207 kPa through the filter from the inside Never try to brush off dirt brushing will force dirt into the fibers 5 Wipe dirt from the inside of the air cleaner housing and cover using a moist rag Be careful to prevent dirt from entering the air duct that leads to the carburetor 6 Reinstall the filter and cover 35 SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER Spark Plug Service RECOMMENDED SPARK PLUGS REGULAR RESI
5. BLADES SPECIAL WASHER 2 BLADE BOLT 2 TORQUE WRENCH SEMEN 31 SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER GRASS BAG CLEANING AND REPLACEMENT Grass Bag Cleaning Wash the bag with a garden hose and allow it to dry completely before use a wet bag will clog quickly Grass Bag Replacement Replace a worn or damaged bag with a Honda replacement bag or its equivalent page 65 Bag Removal BAG 1 Unclip the plastic edges of the bag from the frame 2 Remove the bag from the frame PLASTIC EDGE a Bag Installation 1 Insert the bag frame into the bag as shown 2 Clipthe plastic edges ofthe bag onto the frame as shown PLASTIC EDGE 32 SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER ENGINE MAINTENANCE Engine Oil Level Check 1 Unscrew and remove the filler cap dipstick and wipe it clean 2 Insert and remove the dipstick without screwing it into the filler neck Check the oil level shown on the dipstick 3 If the oil level is low add oil to reach the upper limit mark on the dipstick Do not overfill If the engine is overfilled the excess oil may get transferred to the air cleaner housing and air cleaner filter PE UPPER LIMIT Running the engine with a low oil LOWER LIMIT level can cause engine damage FILLER CAP DIPSTICK 4 Screwin the filler cap dipstick securely Engine Oil Recommendations Oil is a major factor affecting performance and serv
6. Height Width at Mower Deck 23 1 4 in 590 mm 39 0 in 990 mm Dry Weight 80 5 Ib 36 5 kg Cutting Width Approximate Cutting Height adjustable 21 in 530 mm 3 4 in 19 mm 1 in 25 mm 1 1 2 in 38 mm 2 in 51 mm 2 1 2 in 64 mm 3 in 76 mm Engine Oil Capacity 0 29 US gal 1 1 0 58 US qt 0 55 Fuel Tank Capacity Grass Bag Capacity 21 9 US gal 2 4 bushels 2 9 cu ft 83 Engine Design and Performance Engine Model GCV190 Engine Type 4 stroke overhead camshaft single cylinder forced air cooled Displacement 11 4 cu in 190 cc Bore and Stroke 2 71 x 1 97 in 69 x 50 mm Compression Ratio 8 5 1 Ignition System Transistorized magneto Maximum Horsepower 6 5 bhp 4 8 kW at 3 600 rpm Maximum Torque 9 74 ft lb 13 2 Nem at 2 500 rpm Transmission Design and Performance Transmission Type 3 speed manual shift Mower Ground Speed with engine at 3 100 rpm 62 1st 1 8 mph 2 9 km h 2nd 2 7 mph 4 3 km h 3rd 3 4 mph 5 4 km h TECHNICAL amp CONSUMER INFORMATION Maintenance Fuel Unleaded gasoline with a pump octane page 43 rating of 86 or higher Spark Plug Type Regular NGK BP6ES page 36 DENSO W20EP U Resistor NGK BPR6ES DENSO W20EPR U 2 950 3 100 rpm Shop Adjust for 3 16 3 8 in 5 10 free play at page 39 flywheel brake lever Drive Clutch Cabl
7. QUICK REFERENCE INFORMATION Unleaded gasoline with pump octane Fuel rating of 86 or higher page 43 Capacity 0 29 US gal 1 12 SAE 10W 30 API SH or 5 33 Engine oil Capacity 58 US qt 0 55 2 Regular NGK BP6ES DENSO W20EP U Type Spark plug Resistor NGK BPR6ES DENSO W20EPR U Electrode gap 0 028 0 031 in 0 70 0 80 mm Carburetor Idle speed 1 700 150 rpm Before each Check engine oil 33 Check air cleaner page 35 Maintenance First 5 hours Change engine oil page 34 Subsequent Refer to the Maintenance Schedule q page 28 HON IDA The power of dreams 31 1300 Printed 00 31 1 3000 Recycled Paper EM3 IPC 53538 20000 2002 11 PRINTED U S A
8. IMPROPER STORAGE ACCIDENT AND OR COLLISION THE INCORPORATION OF OR ANY USE OF ANY ADD ON OR MODIFIED PARTS UNSUITABLE ATTACHMENTS OR THE UNAUTHORIZED ALTERATION OF ANY PART THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER REPLACEMENT OF EXPENDABLE MAINTENANCE ITEMS MADE IN CONNECTION WITH REQUIRED MAINTENANCE SERVICES AFTER THE ITEM S FIRST SCHEDULED REPLACEMENT AS LISTED IN THE MAINTENANCE SECTION OF THE PRODUCT OWNER S MANUAL SUCH AS SPARK PLUGS AND FILTERS Disclaimer of Consequential Damage and Limitation of Implied Warranties AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO INC DISCLAIMS ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES SUCH AS LOSS OF TIME OR THE USE OF THE POWER EQUIPMENT OR ANY COMMERCIAL LOSS DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE EQUIPMENT AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF THIS WRITTEN WARRANTY THIS WARRANTY IS APPLICABLE ONLY WHERE THE CALIFORNIA OR U S EPA EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WARRANTY REGULATION IS IN EFFECT Emission Control System Warranty Parts SYSTEMS COVERED PARTS DESCRIPTION BY THIS WARRANTY Fuel Metering Carburetor assembly Fuel injection pump Fuel injection nozzle fuel regulator Exhaust System Catalyst Air Induction Air filter housing Air filter element Crankcase breather tube Ignition Flywheel magneto Ignition pulse generator Ignition coil assembly Ignition control module Spark plug cap Spark plug Miscellaneous Parts Tubing fittings seals gaskets and clamps associated
9. gasoline If only partially filled air in the tank will promote fuel deterioration during storage If you keep a container of gasoline for refueling be sure that it contains only fresh gasoline 1 Add fuel stabilizer following the manufacturer s instructions 2 After adding a fuel stabilizer run the engine outdoors for 10 minutes to be sure that the treated gasoline has replaced the untreated gasoline in the carburetor 3 Turn the engine OFF and turn the fuel valve to the OFF position page 20 47 STORAGE Draining the Carburetor and Fuel Tank 1 Make sure the fuel valve is OFF page 8 Remove the carburetor drain bolt with a 10 mm wrench and drain the fuel from the carburetor bowl into an approved container A WARNING Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive You can be burned or seriously injured when handling fuel Stop engine and keep heat sparks and flame away e Handle fuel only outdoors e Wipe up spills immediately If you only need to drain the carburetor skip to step 3 2 Todrain the fuel tank turn the fuel valve ON page 8 This will u allow fuel in the fuel tank to Ju drain out through the carburetor bowl 3 After the fuel is completely drained reinstall the drain bolt Engine Oil Change the engine oil page 34 DRAIN BOLT 48 STORAGE Engine Cylinder OIL Remove the spark plug see page 36 Pour a ablespoon 5 10 cc of clean engine oil in
10. with these listed systems Covered up to the first required replacement only See the Maintenance Schedule on page 28 69 TECHNICAL amp CONSUMER INFORMATION Customer Service Information Honda Power Equipment dealership personnel are trained professionals They should be able to answer any question you may have If you encounter a problem that your dealer does not solve to your satisfaction please discuss it with the dealership s management The Service Manager or General Manager can help Almost all problems are solved in this way If you are dissatisfied with the decision made by the dealership s management contact the Honda Power Equipment Customer Relations Office You can write American Honda Motor Co Inc Power Equipment Division Customer Relations Office 4900 Marconi Drive Alpharetta GA 30005 8847 Or telephone 770 497 6400 8 30 a m 5 00 p m When you write or call please give us this information Model and serial numbers page 58 of the dealer who sold the lawn mower to you Name and address of the dealer who services your lawn mower Date of purchase e Your name address and telephone number A detailed description of the problem TO Accessories See Parts Air Cleaner Service 35 Air Filter Part Number 65 AMING uitium 61 Altitude High Altitude Operation 57 B Bag See Grass Bag Before Operat
11. 22 MOWING TIPS When to Mow Most grasses should be mowed when they have grown 1 2 to 1 inch above their recommended WA height More frequent mowing is required for mulching than for bagging For best results you may need to mow the lawn twice a week during the growing season Cutting Height Consult a local nursery or lawn and garden center for cutting height recommendations and LONG ENOUGH advice about specific types of grasses and growing conditions in your area Fm Fl If you look closely you ll see that most grass has stems and leaves If you cut off the leaves you ll scalp the lawn Let the grass recover between mowings Your TOO SHORT mower will work better and your lawn will look better If your grass gets too tall cut it once at the highest cutting height setting then mow again 2 or 3 days Don t take off more than third of total grass height in any one mowing or brown patches may develop Cutting height adjustment is explained on page 15 Cutting Width For an even lawn finish overlap each mowing swath by a few inches If the grass is very tall or thick use more overlap and a narrower mowing swath 23 OPERATION Blade Speed The blade must spin very fast to cut properly Always use the FAST throttle setting and keep the engine running at maximum rpm If engine speed drops it could mean the engine is being ove
12. An adult should also be present during refueling and maintenance In fact it s up to parents to make sure that the mower is properly maintained and kept in safe operating condition By always placing safety first your youngster will acquire useful skills and a sense of accomplishment And you ll both get the best results from your lawn mower LAWN MOWER SAFETY SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS These labels warn you of potential hazards that can cause serious injury Read them carefully If a label comes off or becomes hard to read contact an authorized Honda servicing dealer for a replacement A CAUTION UNDER NORMAL USAGE THIS BAG MATERIAL IS SUBJECT TO DETERIORATION AND WEAR AND SHOULD BE CHECKED FREQUENTLY FOR BAG REPLACEMENT THIS BAG CONFORMS TO A N S Il STANDARD B71 1 ANY REPLACEMENT MUST MEET THIS STANDARD A WARNING Objects thrown by blade can cause serious injury W Inspect area and remove debris before mowing Keep children and others away W Wear eye protection W Follow all instructions in your Owner s Manual DANGER KEEP HANDS and FEET AWAY CAUTION HOT MUFFLER CAN BURN YOU Stay away if engine has been running CONTROLS FEATURES COMPONENT amp CONTROL LOCATIONS HANDLEBAR SHIFT LEVER FUEL TANK CAP FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER OIL FILLER CAP DRIVE MUFFLER CLUTCH Y RECOIL STARTER GRIP
13. Mower 24 months 3 months Harmony Xenoy Mower Deck 60 months 3 months Parts amp Accessories See your authorized Honda servicing dealer for details To Qualify for this Warranty The product must be purchased in the United States Puerto Rico or the U S Virgin Islands from American Honda or a dealer authorized by American Honda to sell those products This warranty applies to the first retail purchaser and each subsequent owner during the applicable warranty time period What American Honda will Repair or Replace Under Warranty American Honda will repair or replace at its option any part that is proven to be defective in material or workmanship under normal use during the applicable warranty time period Warranty repairs and replacements will be made without charge for parts or labor Anything replaced under warranty becomes the property of American Honda Motor Company Inc All parts replaced under warranty will be considered as part of the original product and any warranty on those parts will expire coincident with the original product warranty To Obtain Warranty Service You must take the Honda Harmony lawn mower and proof of original retail purchase date at your expense to any Honda Power Equipment dealer in the United States Puerto Rico or the U S Virgin Islands who is authorized to service that product during the dealer s normal business hours If you are unable to obtain warranty service or are dissatisfied with the wa
14. SPARK PLUG CAP 2 Wes CARBURETOR 2 a gt HANDLEBAR LOCKING KNOB 2 CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVERS CONTROLS amp FEATURES Fuel Valve The fuel valve opens and closes the fuel passage from the fuel tank to the carburetor OFF 22 VALVE Throttle Lever The throttle lever controls engine speed and opens and closes the choke THROTTLE LEVER x CHOKE Closes the choke use when starting a cold engine FAST For restarting a warm engine and for mowing FB SLOW Foridling the engine 8 CONTROLS amp FEATURES Flywheel Brake Lever This lever is connected to the engine flywheel brake and the ignition switch The engine will not start unless this lever is pushed forward FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER Drive Clutch Lever The drive clutch lever engages and disengages the transmission speed selected by the shift lever page 10 FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER The drive clutch lever should always be fully engaged or released in a quick complete motion The flywheel brake lever must be engaged before the drive clutch lever can be used DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER CONTROLS amp FEATURES Shift Lever The shift lever selects and controls the mower s drive speed 1 slow For mowing thick grass or maneuvering in small areas 2 medium For intermediate self propelled mowing speed 3 fast For maximum self propelled transport spee
15. causes a failure of a warranted part your claim for repair of your engine may be denied If the part in question is not related to the reason your engine requires repair your claim will not be denied To Obtain Warranty Service You must take your Honda Power Equipment engine or the product on which it is installed along with your warranty registration card or other proof of original purchase date at your expense to any Honda Power Equipment dealer who is authorized by American Honda Motor Co Inc to sell and service that Honda product during his normal business hours Claims for repair or adjustment found to be caused solely by defects in material or workmanship will not be denied because the engine was not properly maintained and used If you are unable to obtain warranty service or are dissatisfied with the warranty service you received contact the owner of the dealership involved Normally this should resolve your problem However if you require further assistance write or call the Power Equipment Customer Relations Department of American Honda Motor Co Inc Refer page 70 for contact information 68 TECHNICAL amp CONSUMER INFORMATION Exclusions FAILURES OTHER THAN THOSE RESULTING FROM DEFECTS IN MATERIAL OR WORKMANSHIP ARE NOT COVERED BY THIS WARRANTY THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT EXTEND TO EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS WHICH ARE AFFECTED OR DAMAGED BY OWNER ABUSE NEGLECT IMPROPER MAINTENANCE MISUSE MISFUELING
16. illness or death STARTING THE ENGINE Before starting always release the drive clutch lever so the mower will not move forward when you operate the starter 1 Turn the fuel valve to the ON position 2 Move the throttle lever to the proper starting position COLD ENGINE Move the throttle lever to the CHOKE position WARM ENGINE Move the throttle lever to the FAST position 16 3 Release the drive clutch lever If the drive clutch lever is engaged the mower will move forward when you operate the starter 4 Push forward on the flywheel brake lever and hold it against the handlebar 5 Pull the starter grip lightly until you feel resistance then pull briskly Return the starter grip gently Keep you hands and feet away from the mower deck at all times when starting and running the engine Continue to hold the flywheel brake lever against the handlebar the engine will stop if you release the lever FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER STARTER GRIP 6 Ifthe CHOKE position was used during starting move the throttle lever away from the CHOKE position as soon as the engine warms up enough to run smoothly without use of the choke Set the throttle lever at FAST to mow or at SLOW to idle 17 OPERATION OPERATING THE CONTROLS FOR MOWING Throttle Lever For best cut quality always mow with the throttle lever in the FAST position When the blades rotate at the preset fa
17. numbers in the space below You will need these serial numbers when ordering parts and when making technical or warranty inquiries page 70 Engine serial number Frame serial number 56 TECHNICAL amp CONSUMER INFORMATION Carburetor Modification for High Altitude Operation At high altitude the standard carburetor air fuel mixture will be too rich Performance will decrease and fuel consumption will increase A very rich mixture will also foul the spark plug and cause hard starting Operation at an altitude that differs from that at which this engine was certified for extended periods of time may increase emissions High altitude performance can be improved by specific modifications to the carburetor If you always operate your lawn mower at altitudes above 5 000 feet 1 500 meters have your servicing dealer perform this carburetor modification This engine when operated at high altitude with the carburetor modifications for high altitude use will meet each emission standard throughout its useful life Even with carburetor modification engine horsepower will decrease about 3 5 for each 1 000 foot 300 meter increase in altitude The effect of altitude on horsepower will be greater than this if no carburetor modification is made When the carburetor has been modified for high altitude operation the air fuel mixture will be too lean for low altitude use Operation at altitudes below 5 000 feet 1 500 meters with a modifi
18. or handle the blades Clear Mowing Area Mower blades can throw rocks and other objects with enough force to cause serious injury Before mowing carefully inspect the area and remove all sticks stones pieces of wire and other loose objects Never operate the blades over gravel Keep Shields in Place Guards and shields are designed to protect you from being hit by thrown objects and from hot engine parts and moving components For your safety and the safety of others keep all shields in place when the engine is running Refuel with Care Gasoline is extremely flammable and gasoline vapor can explode Refuel only outdoors in a well ventilated area with the engine OFF Never smoke near gasoline and keep other flames and sparks away Always store gasoline in an approved container Wear Protective Clothing Wearing protective clothing will reduce your risk of injury Long pants and eye protection reduce the risk of injuries from thrown objects Sturdy shoes with aggressive soles will help protect your feet and give you better traction on slopes or uneven ground Turn Engine Off When Not Mowing If you need to leave the mower for any reason even just to inspect the lawn ahead always turn the engine OFF 4 LAWN MOWER SAFETY IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO PARENTS YOUR CHILDREN S SAFETY IS VERY IMPORTANT to Honda That s why we urge you to read this message before letting your youngster operate this lawn mower Lawn mowers are tools
19. the discharge guard remove the mulching plug then install the S a Engine Oil The mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL in the engine A bottle of oil is included in the box with your mower Add the entire contents of the oil bottle into the oil filler opening If not using the supplied oil add enough SAE 10W 30 API service category SH or SJ oil to bring the oil level between the upper and lower limit marks on the dipstick as shown Do not overfill engine oil If the engine is overfilled the excess oil may get transferred to the air cleaner housing and air filter Fuel Refer to page 43 BEFORE OPERATION SET UP FILLER CAP DIPSTICK a do not screw in dipstick when checking oil level lt 4 UPPER LIMIT LOWER LIMIT Before using the lawn mower all mower operator s must read the following chapters and sections LAWN MOWER SAFETY page 4 CONTROLS amp FEATURES page 7 BEFORE OPERATION page 11 e OPERATION 16 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE page 28 55 TECHNICAL amp CONSUMER INFORMATION TECHNICAL INFORMATION Serial Number Locations ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER MODEL NAME AND FRAME SERIAL NUMBER MEETS CPSC BLADE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS 91574 HRB217TDA AG Neo VAEA XXXXXXX AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO INC ALPHARETTA GA 30005 8847 There are two serial numbers one for the mower frame and one for the engine Record the frame and engine serial
20. to prevent fuel leakage and hard starting 3 Inspect blades for wear and BLADE BOLTS damage BLADES A WARNING A worn cracked or damaged blade can break and pieces of the damaged blade can become dangerous projectiles Thrown objects can cause serious injury Inspect the blade regularly and do not operate the mower with a worn or damaged blade A dull blade can be sharpened but a blade that is worn out bent cracked or otherwise NORMAL EXCESSIVELY BENT CRACKED damaged must be HMM replaced A worn or damaged blade can break causing blade pieces to be thrown from the mower When a blade needs sharpening or replacement take the lawn mower to an authorized Honda servicing dealer Or if you have a torque wrench you can remove and install the blades yourself page 30 4 Check that the blade bolts are tight page 31 29 SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER Blade Removal and Installation If you remove the blades for sharpening or replacement you will need a torque wrench for installation Wear heavy gloves to protect your hands BLADE SHARPENING To avoid weakening the blades or causing imbalance or poor cutting the blades should be sharpened by trained staff at an authorized Honda servicing dealer BLADE REPLACEMENT Use genuine Honda replacement blades or their equivalent page 65 Blade Removal 1 Turn the fuel valve OFF Disconnect the spark plug cap then tilt the mower
21. 25 SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTENANCE Good maintenance is essential for safe economical and trouble free operation It will also help reduce air pollution A WARNING Improper maintenance or failure to correct a problem before operation can cause a malfunction in which you can be seriously hurt or killed Always follow the inspection and maintenance recommendations and schedules in this owner s manual To help you properly care for your mower the following pages include a maintenance schedule routine inspection procedures and simple maintenance procedures using basic hand tools Other service tasks that are more difficult or require special tools are best handled by professionals and are normally performed by a Honda technician or other qualified mechanic The maintenance schedule applies to normal operating conditions If you operate your mower under severe conditions such as sustained high load or high temperature operation or use in unusually wet or dusty conditions consult your servicing dealer for recommendations applicable to your individual needs and use Maintenance replacement or repair of the emission control devices and systems may be performed by any engine repair establishment or individual using parts that are certified to EPA standards 26 SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE SAFETY Some of the most important safety precautions follow However we cannot
22. ANDLE BAG 2 Release the discharge guard to secure the grass bag Removal 1 Raise the discharge guard grasp the grass bag handle and remove the grass bag 2 Release the discharge guard 3 When the grass bag is clear of the discharge guard you can lift it through the handlebar opening or you can remove it to the rear of the mower below the handlebar 14 Cutting Height Bagging Side Discharge ADJUSTMENT LEVERS Move all four adjustment levers to the same position Mulching Move the front adjustment levers one position higher than the rear levers To adjust cutting height pull each ADJUSTMENT LEVER adjustment lever toward the wheel and move it into another notch If you are not sure what cutting height to select start with a high setting and check the appearance of the lawn after mowing a small area Then readjust cutting height if necessary 15 MOWING PRECAUTIONS Before operating the mower for the first time please review IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION and BEFORE OPERATION page 11 Even if you have operated other mowers take time to become familiar with how this mower works and practice in a safe area until you build up your skills For your safety avoid starting or operating the engine in an enclosed area such as a garage Your mower s exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide gas which can collect rapidly in an enclosed area and cause
23. ECHNICAL amp CONSUMER INFORMATION Warranty Coverage Honda power equipment engines manufactured after January 1 1995 and sold in the State of California and U S EPA certified engines manufactured on or after September 1 1996 and sold in all of the United States are covered by this warranty for a period of two years from the date of delivery to the original retail purchaser This warranty is transferable to each subsequent purchaser for the duration of the warranty period Warranty repairs will be made without charge for diagnosis parts or labor All defective parts replaced under this warranty become the property of American Honda Motor Co Inc A list of warranted parts is on the reverse side of this warranty statement Normal maintenance items such as spark plugs and filters that are on the warranted parts list are warranted up to their required replacement interval only American Honda Motor Co Inc is also liable for damages to other engine components caused by a failure of any warranted part during the warranty period Only Honda approved replacement parts may be used in the performance of any warranty repairs and must be provided without charge to the owner The use of replacement parts not equivalent to the original parts may impair the effectiveness of your engine emission control system If such a replacement part is used in the repair or maintenance of your engine and an authorized Honda dealer determines it is defective or
24. ERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER Spark Arrester Service optional equipment Your lawn mower engine is not factory equipped with a spark arrester In some areas it is illegal to operate an engine without a spark arrester Check local laws and regulations An optional USDA approved spark arrester is available from an authorized Honda servicing dealer The spark arrester must be serviced every 100 hours to keep it functioning as designed 1 Allow the engine to cool and disconnect the spark plug cap to prevent accidental starting 2 Remove the three flange bolts and the heat shield Remove the two set screws and the spark arrester from the muffler 3 Check for carbon deposits on the spark arrester and the exhaust port Brush carbon deposits away Be careful to avoid damaging the spark arrester screen 4 Installation is the reverse of removal Tighten all hardware securely 5 Reconnect the spark plug cap SET SCREW 2 SPARK ARRESTER FLANGE BOLT 3 HEAT SHIELD 38 SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER CONTROL CABLE ADJUSTMENTS Flywheel Brake Cable Adjustment Measure free play at the top of the flywheel brake lever Free play should be 3 16 3 8 in 5 10 mm If adjustment is necessary 1 Loosen the lock nuts with a 10 mm wrench and move the adjuster up or down as required 2 Tighten the lock nuts and recheck free play 3 Start the engine outdoors Move the throttle to FAST Release the flywheel brake lever the engin
25. STOR NGK BP6ES BPR6ES DENSO W20EP U W20EPR U Resistor spark plugs reduce interference with radio and TV reception Incorrect spark plugs can cause engine damage For good performance the spark plug must be properly gapped and free of deposits 1 Disconnect the spark plug cap SPARK PLUG and remove any dirt from around the spark plug area 2 Remove the spark plug with a 13 16 in 21 mm spark plug wrench 3 Inspect the spark plug Replace it if the electrodes are worn or if the insulator is cracked or chipped 36 SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 4 Measure the spark plug electrode gap with a suitable gauge The gap should be 0 028 0 031 in 0 7 0 8 mm Correct the gap if necessary by carefully bending the side electrode Install the spark plug carefully by hand to avoid cross threading After the spark plug seats tighten with a 13 16 in 21 mm spark plug wrench to compress the washer If reinstalling the old spark plug tighten 1 8 to 1 4 turn after the spark plug seats If installing a new spark plug tighten 1 2 turn after the spark plug seats to compress the washer 0 028 0 031 in 0 7 0 8 SEALING WASHER A loose spark plug can overheat and damage the engine Overtightening the spark plug can damage the threads in the cylinder head Install the spark plug cap on the spark plug 37 S
26. awn mower is on a level surface 11 Check the General Condition of the Lawn Mower Look around and underneath the lawn mower for signs of oil or gasoline leaks Look for signs of damage Check each control for proper operation e Check the blades for wear Replace as necessary page 30 Check that the blade bolts are tight page 31 e Check that all nuts bolts screws are tightened Check the Engine e Check the air cleaner page 35 and oil level page 33 page 43 Check the fuel level Starting with a full tank will help to eliminate or reduce operating interruptions for refueling CHECK YOUR WORK AREA For your safety and the safety of others always inspect the area before operating the lawn mower Objects Anything which can be picked up by the blade and thrown is a potential hazard to you and others Look for things like stones sticks nails and wire and remove them from the work area People and Pets People and animals near the work area can move into your lawn mower s path or into a position where they could be struck by thrown objects Clear the area of people especially children and pets Their safety is your responsibility Work Area Check the condition of the grass Adjust your lawn mower ground speed and mowing swath accordingly 12 GET THE MOWER READY Handlebar Height Adjustment 1 Adjust handlebar height f
27. chase any of these or other genuine original Honda items for your lawn mower Replacement Parts Item Part Number Notes Spark plug 98079 56846 NGK brand BPR6ES Air filter 17211 ZL8 003 Paper filter Mulching plug 76266 VE2 000ZA Upper blade 72531 VE2 020 A torque wrench is required to install blades Lower blade 72511 VE1 020 Grass bag 81320 VE1 TOO Fabric bag only no frame Front wheel tire 44710 1 00 Rear wheel tire 42710 VG3 B00 Optional Equipment Item Side discharge chute Part Number 06814 VE2 010 Notes Use in place of grass bag Deck guards Leaf shredder 06761 VE2 000 81510 VE2 000 Stainless steel guards protect sides of mower deck drilling required Use with grass bag Spark arrester parts 18350 ZL8 000 Arrester and deflector 18356 ZL8 000 ID Plate 90055 ZE 1 000 Screw two required Service Items Item Part Number Notes SAE 10W 30 engine oil 08207 10W30 Silicone spray 08209 0001 Lubricates control cable cores Fuel stabilizer 08732 0001 For long term storage Matte black touch up paint aerosol can 08707 NH105 For handlebar only 65 TECHNICAL amp CONSUMER INFORMATION Distributor s Limited Warranty PRODUCTS COVERED BY LENGTH OF WARRANTY THIS WARRANTY from date of original retail purchase Noncommercial Nonrental Commercial Rental Harmony Lawn
28. d 1 SLOW 2 MEDIUM 3 FAST Cutting Height Adjustment Levers Each wheel of the mower can be adjusted to one of six settings The cutting height figures are approximate The actual height of cut grass will vary with lawn and soil conditions 3 4 in 19 mm 1 in 25 mm 1 1 2 38 mm 2 in 51 mm 2 1 2 in 64 mm ADJUSTMENT LEVER 10 BEFORE OPERATION ARE YOU READY TO GET STARTED Your safety is your responsibility A little time spent in preparation will significantly reduce your risk of injury Knowledge Read and understand this manual Know what the controls do and how to operate them Familiarize yourself with the lawn mower and its operation before you begin using it Know how to quickly shut off the lawn mower in case of an emergency IS YOUR LAWN MOWER READY TO GO For your safety and to maximize the service life of your lawn mower it is very important to take a few moments before you operate the lawn mower to check its condition Be sure to take care of any problem you find or have your servicing dealer correct it before you operate the lawn mower A WARNING Improperly maintaining this lawn mower or failing to correct a problem before operation could cause a malfunction in which you could be seriously injured Always perform a preoperation inspection before each operation and correct any problem Before beginning your pre operation checks be sure the l
29. e Adjust for 1 16 3 16 in 1 5 mm free play at page 40 Engine Oil SAE 10W 30 API SH or SJ page 33 Maximum Governed Speed Flywheel Brake Cable drive clutch lever Shift Cable Adjust for proper shift lever operation Throttle Cable Adjust for clearance on control arm Blade Bolt Torque 36 43 ft lb 49 59 Tuneup Spark Plug Gap 0 028 0 031 in 0 7 0 8 mm Idle Speed 1 700 150 rpm Shop throttle lever at SLOW manual Valve Clearance cold Intake 0 15 0 04 mm Shop Exhaust 0 20 0 04 mm manual Other Specifications No other adjustments needed 6 TECHNICAL amp CONSUMER INFORMATION CONSUMER INFORMATION Dealer Locator Information To find an Authorized Honda Servicing Dealer anywhere in the United States Call 800 426 7701 or visit our website www hondapowerequipment com dealer Customer Service See page 70 Honda Publications These publications will give you additional information for maintaining and repairing your lawn mower You may order them from an authorized Honda servicing dealer Shop Manual This manual covers complete maintenance and overhaul procedures It is intended to be used by a skilled technician Parts Catalog This manual provides complete illustrated parts lists 64 TECHNICAL amp CONSUMER INFORMATION Replacement Parts Optional Equipment and Service Items Contact an authorized Honda servicing dealer to pur
30. e should stop quickly If the flywheel brake does not operate properly with the correct cable adjustment take the mower to an authorized Honda servicing dealer for repair FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER 3 16 3 8 in ADJUSTER 39 SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER Drive Clutch Cable Adjustment Measure free play at the top of the lever as shown Free play should be 1 16 3 16 in 1 5 mm If adjustment is necessary 1 Loosen the lock nuts with a 10 mm wrench and move the adjuster up or down as required 2 Tighten the lock nuts and recheck free play 3 Start the engine outdoors and operate the drive clutch lever Check that the drive clutch engages and releases properly If the drive clutch does not operate as it should with correct cable adjustment take the mower to an authorized Honda servicing dealer for repair 1 16 3 16 in 1 5 mm DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER ADJUSTER 40 SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER Shift Cable Adjustment Shift cable adjustment is necessary if the shift lever will not smoothly select each gear 1 Starting from 3rd gear cycle the shift lever through all three gears and listen for the transmission detent click sound for each gear From 3rd gear move the shift lever back to 2nd then to the 1st gear position and listen for the 1st gear transmission detent click The shift lever should select 1st gear indicated by the click sound just before contacting the stopper plate Actual distance shou
31. ed carburetor may cause the engine to overheat and result in serious engine damage For use at low altitudes have your servicing dealer return the carburetor to original factory specifications 57 TECHNICAL amp CONSUMER INFORMATION Oxygenated Fuels Some conventional gasolines are being blended with alcohol or an ether compound These gasolines are collectively referred to as oxygenated fuels To meet clean air standards some areas of the United States and Canada use oxygenated fuels to help reduce emissions If you use an oxygenated fuel be sure it is unleaded and meets the minimum octane rating requirement Before using an oxygenated fuel try to confirm the fuel s contents Some states provinces require this information to be posted on the pump The following are the EPA approved percentages of oxygenates ETHANOL ethyl or grain alcohol 10 by volume You may use gasoline containing up to 10 ethanol by volume Gasoline containing ethanol may be marketed under the name Gasohol MTBE Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether 15 by volume You may use gasoline containing up to 15 MTBE by volume METHANOL methyl or wood alcohol 5 by volume You may use gasoline containing up to 5 methanol by volume as long as it also contains cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors to protect the fuel system Gasoline containing more than 5 methanol by volume may cause starting and or performance problems It may a
32. er the grass remove the leaves by raking or install a grass bag so your mower can pick them up for disposal Clogged Mower Deck Before clearing a clogged mower deck stop the engine and turn the fuel valve to the OFF position With the spark plug cap disconnected tilt the mower so the air cleaner side is up Clear a clogged deck with a stick not your hands 24 Mowing Patterns Your Honda mower will work most efficiently if you use the following mowing patterns as much as possible Mower deck and equipment design and the direction in which the blade rotates cause these mowing patterns to give the best results Mulching Use a counterclockwise mowing 4 N pattern If the lawn has an irregular shape or many obstacles divide it into sections where you can use yor counterclockwise mowing patterns MULCHING PATTERN Bagging Use a clockwise mowing pattern This will give the best bagging performance leaving the least amount of clippings on the lawn Side Discharge Mowing requires optional side discharge chute see page 65 Where possible use the same mowing pattern recommended for bagging If the lawn has an irregular shape or many obstacles divide it into sections where clippings will be discharged away from uncut areas BAGGING amp SIDE DISCHARGE This will prevent clippings from PATTERN piling up in the path of the mower
33. h up paint part numbers are on page 65 and coat other areas that may rust with a light film of oil Lubricate the control cable cores with a silicone spray lubricant page 65 46 STORAGE Fuel Gasoline will oxidize and deteriorate in storage Old gasoline will cause hard starting and it leaves gum deposits that clog the fuel system If the gasoline in your mower deteriorates during storage you may need to have the carburetor and other fuel system components serviced or replaced The length of time that gasoline can be left in your fuel tank and carburetor without causing functional problems will vary with such factors as gasoline blend your storage temperatures and whether the fuel tank is partially or completely filled The air in a partially filled fuel tank promotes fuel deterioration Very warm storage temperatures accelerate fuel deterioration Fuel deterioration problems may occur within a few months or even less if the gasoline was not fresh when you filled the fuel tank The Distributor s Limited Warranty page 66 does not cover fuel system damage or engine performance problems resulting from neglected storage preparation You can extend fuel storage life by adding a gasoline stabilizer that is formulated for that purpose or you can avoid fuel deterioration problems by draining all the fuel from the fuel tank and carburetor Adding a Fuel Stabilizer When adding a fuel stabilizer page 65 fill the fuel tank with fresh
34. have other rights which vary from state to state 66 TECHNICAL amp CONSUMER INFORMATION Emission Control System Warranty Your new Honda Power Equipment engine complies with both the U S EPA and State of California emission regulations American Honda provides the same emission warranty coverage for engines sold in all 50 states Your Warranty Rights And Obligations California The California Air Resources Board and American Honda Motor Co Inc are pleased to explain the emission control system warranty on your Honda Power Equipment engine In California new utility and lawn and garden equipment engines must be designed built and equipped to meet the State s stringent anti smog standards Other States In other areas of the United States your engine must be designed built and equipped to meet the U S EPA emission standards for spark ignited engines at or below 19 kilowatts All States American Honda Motor Co Inc must warrant the emission control system on your power equipment engine for the period of time listed below provided there has been no abuse neglect or improper maintenance of your power equipment engine Where a warrantable condition exists American Honda Motor Inc will repair your power equipment engine at no cost to you including diagnosis parts and labor Your emission control system may include such parts as the carburetor or fuel injection system the ignition system and catalytic converter Also i
35. hten the lock nuts ADJUSTER 42 SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER FUEL SYSTEM Refueling Fuel tank capacity 0 29 US gal 1 1 If the fuel level is low refuel in a well ventilated area with the engine stopped If the engine has been running allow it to cool first To refuel remove the fuel tank cap and fill the tank with gasoline to the bottom of the filler neck Refuel carefully to avoid spilling fuel Do not overfill There should be no fuel in the filler neck After refueling tighten the fuel tank cap securely WARNING Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive You can be burned or seriously injured when handling fuel Stop the engine and keep heat sparks and flame away e Handle fuel only outdoors Wipe up spills immediately Never refuel the engine inside a building where gasoline fumes FUEL may reach flames or sparks Keep gasoline away from appliance pilot lights barbecues electric appliances power tools etc TANK CAP FUEL FILLER NECK Spilled fuel is not only a fire hazard it causes environmental damage Wipe up spills immediately Move at least 10 feet 3 meters away from the fueling source and site before starting the engine Fuel can damage paint and plastic Be careful not to spill fuel when filling your fuel tank Damage caused by spilled fuel is not covered by the Distributor s Limited Warranty page 66 43 SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER Fuel Recom
36. ice life Use 1017 30 4 stroke automotive detergent oil SAE 10W 30 is recommended for 20 0 20 40 60 80 100 general use Other viscosities shown CN 5207240 320 AMBIENT TEMPERATURE PEs in the chart may be used when the EX O CERTIS average temperature in your area is Vs within the recommended range The SAE oil viscosity and service classification are in the API label on the oil container Honda recommends that you use API SERVICE category SH or SJ oil with the ILSAC starburst certification mark displayed on the container 33 SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER Engine Oil Change Drain the used oil while the engine is warm Warm oil drains quickly and completely 1 2 3 34 Turn the fuel valve OFF 8 This will reduce the possibility of fuel leakage Wipe the oil filler area clean then remove the oil filler cap dipstick Place a suitable container next to the mower to catch the used oil then tilt the mower on its right side AES 5 ip The used oil will drain through the filler neck Allow the oil to drain completely Please dispose of used motor oil and the containers a manner that is compatible with the environment We suggest you take it in a sealed container to your local recycling center or service station for reclamation Do not throw it in the trash pour it on the ground or down a drain
37. id steep slopes more than 20 and be careful when changing direction Mowing on a slope when the grass is damp or wet could cause you to slip fall and lose control of the mower 21 OPERATION Obstacles Use the side of the mower to cut close to large obstacles such as fences or walls Release the drive clutch lever to disengage the drive when mowing around trees and other obstacles Push the mower around obstacles for better directional control Be careful when mowing over obstacles embedded in the lawn such as sprinkler heads paving edging raised tree roots etc Avoid anything that sticks up above the surface of the lawn If the blade hits something or if the mower starts to vibrate stop the engine immediately disconnect the spark plug cap and check for damage see page 29 Striking objects may damage the blades bend the crankshaft and or break the mower deck or other components Vibration usually indicates serious trouble The Distributor s Limited Warranty page 66 does not cover parts damaged by accident or collision Gravel and Loose Objects Gravel loose stones and landscaping material can be picked up by the mower and thrown many feet with enough force to cause serious personal injury and or property damage The best way to prevent potential injury from thrown objects is to release the blade control lever to stop the blades before reaching areas with gravel loose stones or landscaping material
38. ion 11 Blade Inspection 29 Installation 31 Part Numbers 65 C Cable Adjustments Drive Clutch Cable 40 Flywheel Brake Cable 39 Shift Cable eee 41 Capacities netos 62 Carburetor Draining 48 High Altitude Notes 57 GOK ntn et een 16 Cleaning Before Storage 45 Clogged Mower Deck 24 Controls amp Features 7 Customer Relations 70 Cutting Height Adjustment Levers 10 15 Recommendations 23 Cutting Height Adjustment 15 Cutting Width 22 2 2 23 D Dimensions 2222 62 Drive Clutch Lever Cable Adjustment 40 Operation 19 Emission Control System 59 Ethanol See Fuel Oxygenated Fuels INDEX F Filter See Air Cleaner Service Flywheel Brake Lever Cable Adjustment 39 Operation sso 2 9 Fuel Additive icti tea 47 Capacity 2 1 62 Oxygenated Fuels 58 Tank Draining 48 cebat 8 G Grass Bag Capacity cael 62 Cleaning
39. ion 1 Check throttle position Throttle not set to FAST Move throttle to FAST page 18 2 Check grass condition Check under mower deck Grass too tall or wet Mower deck clogged Raise cutting height page 10 cut narrower swath 23 use slower ground speed page cut more frequently or when grass is dry Clear out mower deck page 24 authorized Honda servicing dealer or refer to shop manual malfunction ignition malfunction valves stuck etc 4 Check air filter Air filter clogged Clean or replace air filter page 35 5 Check fuel Bad fuel mower stored without Drain fuel tank and carburetor treating or draining gasoline or page 48 Refuel with fresh refueled with bad gasoline gasoline page 43 6 Take mower to an Fuel filter clogged carburetor Replace or repair faulty components as necessary 52 TAKING CARE UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS VIBRATION PROBLEMS Excessive Vibration Possible Cause Correction 1 Check mower deck and blades Grass and debris lodged under mower deck Clear out mower deck page 24 Blades loose bent damaged or unbalanced by improper sharpening Tighten loose blades bolts Replace damaged blades page 31 2 Take the mower to an authorized Honda servicing dealer for repair Mechanical damage such as a bent crankshaft Replace or repair faulty c
40. ire more frequent service 60 TECHNICAL amp CONSUMER INFORMATION Air Index An Air Index Information hang tag label is applied to engines certified to an emission durability time period in accordance with the requirements of the California Air Resources Board The bar graph is intended to provide you our customer the ability to compare the emissions performance of available engines The lower the Air Index the less pollution The durability description is intended to provide you with information relating the engine s emission durability period The descriptive term indicates the useful life period for the engine s emission control system See your Emission Control System Warranty page 67 additional information Descriptive Term Applicable to Emissions Durability Period Moderate 50 hours 0 65 125 hours greater than 65 cc Intermediate 125 hours 0 65 Extended 250 hours greater than 65 cc 300 hours 0 65 500 hours greater than 65 cc The Air Index Information hang tag label must remain on the lawn mower until it is sold Remove the hang tag before operating the lawn mower 61 TECHNICAL amp CONSUMER INFORMATION SPECIFICATIONS Mower Model HRB217TDA Honda rotary mower 21 inch mower deck 6 5 bhp three speed transmission zone start USA market Dimensions Weights and Capacities Length 68 1 in 1730 mm
41. ld be 1 64 5 64 in 5 2 mm If the above conditions are not met loosen the lock nuts with a 10 mm wrench and move the adjuster up or down as necessary Tighten the lock nuts and recheck shift lever operation Operate the mower outdoors and move the shift lever into each gear Release the drive clutch lever before moving the shift lever Make sure the transmission shifts properly into all three gears If the transmission does not shift properly with the correct cable adjustment take the mower to an authorized Honda servicing dealer for repair SHIFT LEVER 1 64 5 64 in STOPPER PLATE ADJUSTER 41 SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER THROTTLE CABLE INSPECTION Throttle cable adjustment is necessary if the throttle lever does not operate the choke properly Perform the inspection and adjustment with the engine stopped You can inspect choke operation by observing the movement of the choke arm which is located on top of the carburetor 1 Move the throttle lever to the FAST position 2 Remove the air cleaner cover page 35 FAST THROTTLE LEVER 3 Use a feeler gauge and measure the clearance between the control choke arm and the control lever The clearance should be 0 0 040 in N 0 4 mm 0 0 040 in Ai CONTROL CHOKE ARM 4 To adjust the clearance loosen the lock nuts with a 10 mm wrench Move the adjuster up or down as required to obtain the proper clearance Tig
42. lso damage metal rubber and plastic parts of your fuel system Fuel system damage or performance problems resulting from the use of an oxygenated fuel containing more than the percentages of oxygenates mentioned above are not covered under warranty 58 TECHNICAL amp CONSUMER INFORMATION EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM Source of Emissions The combustion process produces carbon monoxide oxides of nitrogen and hydrocarbons Control of hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen is very important because under certain conditions they react to form photochemical smog when subjected to sunlight Carbon monoxide does not react in the same way but it is toxic Honda uses lean carburetor settings and other systems to reduce the emissions of carbon monoxide oxides of nitrogen and hydrocarbons The U S and California Clean Air Act EPA and California regulations require all manufacturers to furnish written instruction describing the operation and maintenance of emission control systems The following instructions and procedures must be followed in order to keep the Honda engine emissions within the emission standards Tampering and Altering Tampering with or altering the emission control system may increase emissions beyond the legal limit Some acts that constitute tampering e Removal or alteration of any part of intake fuel or exhaust system Altering or defeating the governor linkage or speed adjusting mechanism to cause the engi
43. mendations Use unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher This engine is certified to operate on unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher Unleaded gasoline produces fewer engine and spark plug deposits and extends exhaust system life Never use stale or contaminated gasoline or an oil gasoline mixture Avoid getting dirt or water in the fuel tank Occasionally you may hear light spark knock or pinging metallic rapping noise while operating under heavy loads This is no cause for concern If spark knock or pinging occurs at a steady engine speed under normal load change brands of gasoline If spark knock or pinging persists see an authorized Honda servicing dealer Running the engine with persistent spark knock or pinging can cause engine damage This is considered misuse and the Distributor s Limited Warranty 66 does not cover parts damaged by misuse For oxygenated fuel information refer page 58 44 STORAGE STORAGE PREPARATION Proper storage preparation is essential for keeping your lawn mower trouble free and looking good The following steps will help to keep rust and corrosion from impairing your lawn mower s function and appearance and will make the engine easier to start when you use the lawn mower again Cleaning 1 Wash the lawn mower including the underside of the mower deck Engine Wash the engine by hand and be careful to prevent
44. ncluded may be hoses connectors and other emission related assemblies Manufacturer s Warranty Coverage The 1995 and later power equipment engines are warranted for two years If any emission related part on your engine is defective the part will be repaired or replaced by American Honda Motor Co Inc Owner s Warranty Responsibility As the power equipment engine owner you are responsible for the performance of the required maintenance listed in your owner s manual American Honda Motor Co Inc recommends that you retain all receipts covering maintenance on your power equipment engine but American Honda Motor Co Inc cannot deny warranty coverage solely for the lack of receipts or for your failure to ensure the performance of all scheduled maintenance As the power equipment engine owner you should however be aware that American Honda Motor Co Inc may deny you warranty coverage if your power equipment engine or a part has failed due to abuse neglect improper maintenance or unapproved modifications You are responsible for presenting your power equipment engine to a Honda Power Equipment dealer as soon as a problem exists The warranty repairs should be completed in a reasonable amount of time not to exceed 30 days If you have any questions regarding your warranty rights and responsibilities you should write or call the Honda Power Equipment Customer Relations Department Refer tq page 70 for contact information 67 T
45. ne to operate outside its design parameters Problems That May Affect Emissions If you are aware of any of the following symptoms have your engine inspected and repaired by your authorized Honda servicing dealer Hard starting or stalling after starting e Rough idle e Misfiring or backfiring under load e Afterburning backfiring Black exhaust smoke or high fuel consumption 59 TECHNICAL amp CONSUMER INFORMATION Replacement Parts The emission control systems on your new Honda engine were designed built and certified to conform with EPA and California emission regulations We recommend the use of genuine Honda parts whenever you have maintenance done These original design replacement parts are manufactured to the same standards as the original parts so you can be confident of their performance The use of replacement parts that are not of the original design and quality may impair the effectiveness of your emission control system A manufacturer of an aftermarket part assumes the responsibility the part will not adversely affect emission performance The manufacturer or rebuilder of the part must certify that use of the part will not result in a failure of the engine to comply with emission regulations Maintenance Follow the MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE on page 28 Remember that this schedule is based on the assumption that your machine will be used for its designed purpose Sustained high load operation will requ
46. not toys As with any equipment bad judgments can result in serious injuries You can help prevent accidents by making good decisions about if when and how your youngster operates this equipment The first question you ll need to ask is whether your youngster is capable of operating this mower safely Remember young people vary widely and AGE IS NOT THE ONLY FACTOR Physically a youngster must be LARGE ENOUGH AND STRONG ENOUGH to easily start the mower and control its direction The youngster also needs enough size strength and coordination to comfortably reach and operate the controls Another tougher question you need to ask is if your youngster has enough MATURITY AND RESPONSIBILITY to safely operate this mower Does the young person think through problems and come to logical solutions Be honest Anyone who takes unnecessary risks and doesn t obey rules should not operate this lawn mower If you decide that your son or daughter can handle the mower safely CAREFULLY READ THE OWNER S MANUAL with your youngster Make sure you both understand all instructions and safety information Also be sure your youngster wears sturdy shoes and other protective clothing when operating or handling the mower SUPERVISION is also very important Walk with your youngster during the first few minutes of mowing Even after the youngster has become confident with the mower do not let the young person use the mower without good adult supervision
47. omponents as necessary MOWING AND BAGGING PROBLEMS Poor Cut Quality or Poor Mowing Bagging Performance 1 Check that the throttle lever is in the FAST position Possible Cause Engine speed is too slow to cut well Correction Move throttle lever to the FAST position page 18 2 Reduce forward speed 3 Check cutting height adjustment levers Mower is moving too fast for lawn conditions Adjustment levers set at different positions Shift to slow speed page 19 or push slower Set all levers at the same cutting height position page 15 4 Check grass bag Grass bag overfilled or clogged Empty the grass bag Wash the grass bag if clogged with dirt page 32 5 Check mower deck and blades Mower deck clogged Clean out the mower deck page 24 Blades dull worn or damaged Sharpen or replace blades if necessary page 30 Wrong blades installed Install correct blades page 31 53 SET UP Unpacking Remove all the cardboard from around the handlebar Handlebar Setup Loosen the two knobs on the lower handlebar enough to raise the handlebar into the mowing position Select a desired handlebar height adjustment position and tighten the knobs securely Grass Bag Assembly Slide the grass bag frame into the grass bag and install the clips as shown GRASS BAG PLASTIC CLIP BAG FRAME Lift the
48. on 19 Side Discharge Chute Part Number 65 Spark Arrester Part Numbers 65 NIE 38 Spark Plug Part Number 65 IIR 36 SPECIFICATIONS 62 Specifications Dimensions 62 tenter 62 Maintenance 63 63 Speed Ground Speeds 62 Starting the Engine 16 Stopping the Engine 20 Storage Placing in Storage 50 Preparation 45 Removing from Storage 50 72 T Throttle Lever Cable Inspection 42 Operation 18 Troubleshooting Enge ara teile 52 Mowing and Bagging 53 oto 53 Tuneup Specifications 63 U Unloading 2 2 51 V Valve Clearance 63 Warnings See Safety Message Definitions Warranty for Emission Control System 67 for Lawn Mower 66 for Xenoy Mower Deck 66 Getting Service 70 Washing Grass Bag 32 MOWEDP itinere ceti eniin 45 Weights sette tee vin 62
49. or a comfortable operating position 2 Loosen the handlebar locking knobs Spread the lower ends of the handlebar to release the locating pins 3 Move the handlebar up or down so the locating pins engage other holes on the handlebar mounting brackets 4 Tighten the handlebar locking knobs securely HANDLEBAR LOCKING KNOB 2 Mulching Plug The mulching plug contours the mower deck for efficient mulching You can quickly remove the plug to install the grass bag or an optional side discharge chute Raise the discharge guard to remove or install the mulching plug When installing be sure the plug is fully inserted and the discharge guard is closed MULCHING PLUG 13 Grass Bag A lawn mower works like a vacuum cleaner it blows air through the bag which traps the grass clippings Always empty the grass bag before it becomes filled to the limit of its capacity Bagging performance will diminish after the bag becomes about 90 filled Also the bag is easier to empty when it is not packed full Inspection Inspect the grass bag for tears holes and excessive wear The grass bag wears during normal use and will eventually require replacement Grass bag replacement is explained 32 Installation DISCHARGE GUARD 1 Raise the discharge guard and remove the mulching plug if it is installed Hook the grass bag onto the mower deck as shown GRASS BAG H
50. ower with its wheels on a level surface Tilting can cause fuel or oil leakage The handlebar can be folded for compact storage page 49 With the engine and exhaust system cool cover the mower to keep out dust A hot engine and exhaust system can ignite or melt some materials Do not use sheet plastic as a dust cover A nonporous cover will trap moisture around the mower promoting rust and corrosion REMOVING FROM STORAGE Check your mower as described in BEFORE OPERATION page 11 If the fuel was drained during storage preparation fill the tank with fresh gasoline If you keep a container of gasoline for refueling be sure that it contains only fresh gasoline Gasoline oxidizes and deteriorates over time causing hard starting If the cylinder was coated with oil during storage preparation the engine will smoke briefly at startup This is normal 50 TRANSPORTING BEFORE LOADING If the engine has been running allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before loading the mower on the transport vehicle A hot engine and exhaust system can burn you and can ignite some materials 1 Turn the fuel valve to the OFF position This will prevent carburetor flooding and reduce the possibility of fuel leakage OFF 2 2 2 If installed remove the grass bag LOADING AND UNLOADING If a suitable loading ramp is not available two people should lift the mower on and off the transport vehicle while holding
51. rloaded by the blade trying to cut too much grass Mow a narrower swath move the mower slower or raise the cutting height Blade Sharpness A sharp blade cuts cleanly A dull blade tears the grass leaving shredded ends that turn brown When your blade doesn t cut cleanly anymore have it sharpened or replaced Dry Grass If the ground is too dry mowing will stir up a lot of dust Besides being unpleasant to work in too much dust will clog the air filter If dust is a problem water your lawn the day before mowing Mow when the grass is dry to your touch but the soil is still moist Wet Grass Wet grass is slippery and can make you lose your footing Also wet grass clippings will clog the mower deck and collect in clumps on the lawn Always wait for wet grass to dry before mowing Fallen Leaves Your mower can be used to pick up fallen leaves for disposal If using the mower to bag large amounts of fallen leaves and not for mowing set the cutting height adjustment levers so the front of the mower deck is one or two settings higher than the rear An optional leaf shredder is available page 65 fthat is used with the grass bag Be sure there are no obstacles including rocks hidden under the leaves If you want to mulch fallen leaves into your lawn don t let the leaf cover get too deep before you begin For best results start mulching while grass still shows through the leaf cover In places where fallen leaves completely cov
52. rranty service you receive take the following steps First contact the owner of the dealership involved normally this should resolve the problem However if you should require further assistance write or call the Power Equipment Customer Relations Department of American Honda Motor Co Inc Refer td page 70 for contact information Exclusions THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT EXTEND TO PARTS AFFECTED OR DAMAGED BY ACCIDENT AND OR COLLISION NORMAL WEAR FUEL CONTAMINATION USE IN AN APPLICATION FOR WHICH THE PRODUCT WAS NOT DESIGNED OR ANY OTHER MISUSE NEGLECT INCORPORATION OR USE OF UNSUITABLE ATTACHMENTS OR PARTS UNAUTHORIZED ALTERATION OR ANY CAUSES OTHER THAN DEFECTS IN MATERIAL OR WORKMANSHIP OF THE PRODUCT MOWER BLADES AND MOWER DECK HOUSINGS ARE SPECIFICALLY NOT WARRANTED AGAINST DAMAGE INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ABRASIVE DAMAGE Disclaimer of Consequential Damage and Limitation of Implied Warranties AMERICAN HONDA DISCLAIMS ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOSS OF TIME OR USE OF THE PRODUCT TRANSPORTATION COMMERCIAL LOSS OR ANY OTHER INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGE ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF THIS WRITTEN LIMITED WARRANTY Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts and or do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages so the above exclusions and limitations may not apply to you This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also
53. st speed it creates a strong fan action that lifts and cuts grass more efficiently Do not try to increase the preset engine speed the blade could fracture and come apart Flywheel Brake Lever The lever must be pushed forward against the handlebar to start the engine The blade starts to rotate when the lever is pushed forward against the handlebar and the recoil starter grip is pulled Continue to hold the lever against the handlebar to keep the engine running and the blade rotating Release the lever to stop the engine and stop blade rotation 18 THROTTLE LEVER FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER Drive Clutch Lever Push the drive clutch lever forward and hold it against the handlebar to propel the mower forward FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER Release the drive clutch lever to stop the mower s forward movement Always release the drive clutch lever before starting the engine If the drive clutch is engaged the mower will move forward when you operate the starter DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER Operate the drive clutch lever with a quick and complete motion so the drive clutch is either fully engaged or released This will help to extend the service life of the clutch mechanism Shift Lever Use the shift lever to select the SHIFT LEVER forward speed at which you wish to mow You can shift gears without releasing the drive clutch lever but the transmission may not shift smoothly if the mower is p
54. st you read the Distributor s Limited Warranty page 66 and Emission Control System Warranty page 67 to fully understand coverage and your responsibilities of ownership When your mower needs scheduled maintenance keep in mind that an authorized Honda servicing dealer is specially trained in servicing Honda mowers and is supported by the parts and service divisions of American Honda Your Honda dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction and will be pleased to answer your questions and concerns Best Wishes Power Equipment Division American Honda Motor Co Inc INTRODUCTION A FEW WORDS ABOUT SAFETY Your safety and the safety of others is very important And using this lawn mower safely is an important responsibility To help you make informed decisions about safety we have provided operating procedures and other information on labels and in this manual This information alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others Of course it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the hazards associated with operating or maintaining a lawn mower You must use your own good judgment You will find important safety information in a variety of forms including Safety Labels the lawn mower e Safety Messages preceded by a safety alert A symbol and one of three signal words DANGER WARNING or CAUTION These signal words mean HURT if you don t follow instructions HURT if you don follo
55. the mower level Position the mower so all four wheels are on the bed of the transport vehicle Tie the mower down with rope or straps and block the wheels Keep the tie down rope or straps away from the controls adjustment levers cables and the carburetor he handlebar can be folded so the mower will take up less space page 49 51 TAKING CARE UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS ENGINE PROBLEMS 1 Engine Will Not Start Check control Possible Cause Fuel valve OFF Correction Turn fuel valve ON page 8 spark plug improperly gapped positions Throttle lever in wrong position Move throttle lever to CHOKE position unless the engine is warm page 16 Flywheel brake lever not Engage the flywheel brake lever engaged page 18 2 Check fuel Out of fuel Refuel page 43 Bad fuel mower stored without Drain fuel tank and carburetor treating or draining gasoline or 48 Refuel with fresh refueled with bad gasoline gasoline page 43 3 Remove and inspect Spark plug faulty fouled or Gap or replace spark plug page Ba Spark plug wet with fuel flooded engine Dry and reinstall spark plug Take the mower to an authorized Honda servicing dealer or refer to shop manual Fuel filter clogged carburetor malfunction ignition malfunction valves stuck etc Replace or repair faulty components as necessary Loss of Power Possible Cause Correct
56. to the cylinder Pull the starter rope several times to distribute the oil in the cylinder Reinstall the spark plug Pull the starter rope slowly until resistance is felt then return the starter grip gently This will close the valves so moisture can not enter the engine cylinder SPARK PLUG HOLE Handlebar Folding The handlebar can be folded for storage or transport by loosening the handlebar locking knobs 1 Remove the grass bag if so equipped You can place it on top of the engine with the bag opening to the front 2 Loosen the handlebar locking knobs Spread the handlebar struts to release the locating pins then swing the handlebar forward Prevent the cables from getting pinched or kinked When unfolding the handlebar be sure to tighten the locking knobs to secure the handlebar in the mowing position 49 STORAGE PLACING IN STORAGE If your mower will be stored with gasoline in the fuel tank and carburetor it is important to reduce the hazard of gasoline vapor ignition Select a well ventilated storage area away from any appliance that operates with a flame such as a furnace water heater or clothes dryer Also avoid any area with a spark producing electric motor or where power tools are operated If possible avoid storage areas with high humidity because that promotes rust and corrosion Make sure the fuel valve is in the OFF position to reduce the possibility of fuel leakage Place the m
57. to the right side so the carburetor side is up This will help to prevent fuel leakage and hard starting due to carburetor flooding 2 Remove the two blade bolts with a 14 mm socket wrench Use a wooden block to prevent the blades from turning when removing the bolts Remove the blades UPPER BLADE 77 a RY B Nie SN Vlde EO SPECIAL WASHER 2 LOWER BLADE 30 SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER Blade Installation 1 2 Clean dirt and grass from around the blade mounting area Install the blades using the two blade bolts and special washers as shown Be sure to install the special washers with the concave side toward the blades and the convex side toward the bolts The blade bolts and washers are specially designed for this application When replacing bolts and washers use only genuine Honda replacement parts Tighten the blade bolts with a torque wrench Use a wooden block to prevent the blades from turning when tightening the bolts Blade bolt torque 36 43 ft lb 5 0 6 0 kg m 49 59 N m If you do not have a torque wrench have an authorized Honda servicing dealer tighten the blade bolts before you use the mower If the blade bolts are overtightened they could break If the blade bolts are not tightened enough they could loosen or come out In either case it would be possible for the blades to fly off while you are operating the mower BLADES
58. ulling hard For smoother operation release the drive clutch lever before shifting gears For maximum mowing performance use 1st and 2nd gears for mowing and 3rd gear for transporting Do not use the throttle lever to adjust your mowing speed The throttle lever must remain in the FAST position for good mowing performance Otherwise cut quality suffers 19 OPERATION STOPPING THE ENGINE 1 Move the throttle lever to the SLOW position THROTTLE LEVER 2 Release the flywheel brake lever and the drive clutch lever FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER CLUTCH LEVER 3 When the mower is not in use turn the fuel valve to the OFF position 20 SAFE MOWING PRACTICES For your safety keep all four wheels on the ground and be careful to avoid losing your footing and your control of the mower Keep a firm grip on the handlebar and walk never run with the mower Be very careful when mowing uneven or rough ground If stuck do not kick or shove the mower with your foot Use the handlebar to control the mower A WARNING The blade is sharp and spins at high speed A spinning blade can cut you severely and can amputate fingers and toes Wear protective footwear Keep your hands and feet away from the mower deck while the engine is running Stop the engine before performing any adjustment inspection or maintenance Slopes Mow across slopes not up and down Avo
59. w instructions 2 HURT if you don t follow Safety Headings such as IMPORTANT SAFETY REMINDERS or IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Safety Chapter such as LAWN MOWER SAFETY Instructions how to use this mower correctly and safely This entire book is filled with important safety information please read it carefully CONTENTS CONTROLS amp FEATURES COMPONENT amp CONTROL LOCATIONS BEFORE OPERATION ARE YOU READY GET STARTED 11 IS YOUR LAWN MOWER READY TO GO 11 PLACING STORAGE REMOVING md STORAGE BEFORE LOADING LOADING AND UNLOADING TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS ENGINE PROBLEMS VIBRATION PROBLEMS MOWING AND BAGGING PROBLEMS LAWN MOWER SAFETY IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Most accidents with walk behind mowers can be prevented if you follow all instructions in this manual and on the mower The most common hazards according to accident statistics are discussed below along with the best way to protect yourself and others Avoid Rotating Blades Rotating blades can cause serious cuts and even amputate fingers hands toes or feet Keep away from the mower deck whenever the engine is running If you need to adjust the cutting height or work around the deck for any other reason always shut off the engine Wear heavy gloves and disconnect the spark plug cap when you need to clean the mower deck
60. warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in performing maintenance Only you can decide whether or not you should perform a given task WARNING Failure to properly follow maintenance instructions and precautions can cause you to be seriously hurt or killed Always follow the procedures and precautions in this owner s manual Safety Precautions Make sure the engine is off before you begin any maintenance or repairs This will eliminate several potential hazards Carbon monoxide poisoning from engine exhaust Be sure there is adequate ventilation whenever you operate the engine Burns from hot parts Let the engine and exhaust system cool before touching Injury from moving parts Do not run the engine unless instructed to do so Read the instructions before you begin and make sure you have the tools and skills required e To reduce the possibility of fire or explosion be careful when working around gasoline Use only a nonflammable solvent not gasoline to clean parts Keep cigarettes sparks and flames away from all fuel related parts Remember that an authorized Honda servicing dealer knows your mower best and is fully equipped to maintain and repair it To ensure the best quality and reliability use only new genuine Honda parts or their equivalents for repair and replacement 27 SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE REGULAR SERVICE PERIOD First
61. water from entering the air cleaner Using a garden hose or pressure washing equipment can force water into the air cleaner Water in the air cleaner will soak the filter and can enter the carburetor or engine cylinder causing damage Water contacting a hot engine can cause damage If the engine has been running allow it to cool for at least half an hour before washing Mower Deck If using a garden hose or pressure washing equipment to clean the mower deck be careful to avoid getting water into controls and cables or anywhere near the engine air cleaner or muffler opening Before washing the underside of the mower deck be sure the fuel valve is in the OFF position Disconnect the spark plug cap Rest the mower on its right side so the carburetor side is up This will help to prevent fuel leakage and hard starting due to carburetor flooding Wear heavy gloves to protect your hands from the blades Grass Bag Remove the bag from the mower and wash it with a garden hose or pressure washing equipment Allow the bag to dry completely before storage 2 After washing the lawn mower wipe dry all accessible surfaces 45 STORAGE 3 With the mower in an upright position start the engine outdoors and let it run until it reaches normal operating temperature to evaporate any water remaining on the engine 4 Stop the engine and allow it to cool 5 After the lawn mower is clean and dry touch up any damaged paint touc

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