Repowering an OLD Honda

16 years ago

I've been scouring the web and sent an email to Honda but so far no reply...

I've got an ancient (circa 1988) Honda HRX194 (19"/4hp). Still starts, runs and cuts grass (could have shot video last summer). My Dad bought the unit new and within a couple of years it was my full-time trim mower for daily commercial use for at least 4-5 years. As I graduated away from small time-intensive accounts the Honda was rarely used. The aluminum deck is still intact with no major evidence of damage (ugly yes, cracked no). The wheels have been replaced along with the handle assy. and the transmission was gone over (rebuilt) several years ago.

I needed a bagger mower last summer and turned to the old machine. New plug and air filter, fixed a minor fuel leak and fired her up. It ran but for the life of me I couldn't get it off the choke position so I did only what I needed and parked her. Considering the trusty service to date and overall condition I'm thinking a new powerplant would be worthy of the investment. It's only logged a few hours since the tranny rebuild and other new parts were added (including throttle and transmission cables). Even if the old 4hp were at it's last best I don't think it has enough steam to keep up with the 'bunny' setting on the transmission (pulls strong!). No so much a need for speed, I just think the old powerplant is finished.

Anyone know of a direct replacement? I'll keep Googling away, just hoping maybe someone that frequents the board might know. Thanks!

~Wes

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Comments (5)

andyma_gw
16 years ago
No experience with Hondas, but this sounds just like a dirty main jet. Sitting would do just that, varnish up the carb. I would clean out the carb before I junked the engine.
canguy
16 years ago
The engine used on the HR194 is no longer available. Unless it is knocking or smoking badly, a good fuel system cleaning as andyma suggested will probably do it. I got an old HR215 because the owner thought it was seizing up, the engine was hard to pull and he decided it was time for a new one. I cleaned the grass out of the BBC, best mower I have ever had.
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running_free
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks and certainly worth trying. In a lifetime of mowing this mower was my Dad's 'stand alone' winner amongst piles of Toros and Lawnboys we trashed at homeowner rates through the 60's/ 70's/ and 80's. I had bad pneumonia a few years back when he paid to get her back up and running as he couldn't run my (large) commercial walk-behinds. He passed in November and with the service vs. repairs so far just don't want to retire this unit yet. Just wanting to mow and bag a 1/8 acre plot mostly filled with flowers and veggie beds. Silly, sentimental, sh#t and being a cheap...er...frugal sort. I know the money spent on the tranny and such was likely overkill but it's been a good machine to say the least.

Thanks for the input, I'll get some pics of the old girl for novelties sake sometime soon. Wish I had a scanner, I've got pics of it in use and on my trailer back in 1990!

~Wes
ewalk
16 years ago
Wes: Thanks for the Post and Sentimental References , my condolences on the passing of your Father . Hey I'am a frugal Sort myself , still run my Fathers Old Pioneer Saws
on occasion 1960's Vintage. Hope the advice that CG and Andy have offered does the trick and keeps the Ole Girl Mowing , for no other reason than perhaps the Memories :)
running_free
Original Author
16 years ago
Wes: Thanks for the Post and Sentimental References , my condolences on the passing of your Father . Hey I'am a frugal Sort myself , still run my Fathers Old Pioneer Saws
on occasion 1960's Vintage. Hope the advice that CG and Andy have offered does the trick and keeps the Ole Girl Mowing , for no other reason than perhaps the Memories :)

Thanks man! I've found carbs and parts... I think it would be silly to say Honda didn't over-engineer these things, not so sure that they do now and I'd love to try one of the new units...but all I need is a nice bagger to suck up the mess in a cluttered, fenced backyard. I can pick up and throw away a 'trim mower' for $20-100 anytime. At least one a year, memories are priceless though and this little unit is worth playing with. I'll get some pics of this "antique" up this spring if all works out. If I get her goin' good there's at least one vendor that still has the replacement bag for my bagger frame (clothespins hold it together now).

Not giving up yet!

~Wes