Honda HRX - engine problem?

20 years ago

I'm certain that my mower problem is something simple, but I just can't seem to put my finger on it......

First off, it's not the mower, it's a "small engine problem."

I have a Honda HRX that's about two years old, but not used that much - once every three weeks , or so.

PROBLEM

The engine starts fairly easily, but sputters whenever I give it gas and eventually stalls.

Even after "warming up" just above the choke position, it won't take any more throttle. I could never engage the blade at this low speed, so it hasn't cut a blade of grass this year.

CONDITIONS

* Fresh fuel (emptied old fuel)

* New air filter

* New spark plug

Have been through the owner's manual but can't find anything about a fuel filter, though. The mower did not come with a separate engine manual, as some do.

I'm reeling at the thought of bringing this to a shop!

Seems like I'm missing something that should be obvious.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance......

Mark

Featured Answer

nevada_walrus

20 years ago

Like most small engines, the fuel filter is a screen molded in the tank at the opening for the hose nipple. Cleaning is done by removing tank, draining and back flushing with compressed air, followed by rinsing.

Both are probably going to need to have the carb removed so the main jet and nozzle above the bowl nut can be removed and cleaned. Honda carbs do not use a chinky bowl nut jet like others, they use a proper brass jet and nozzle. While off remove the cover screw over the idle jet(not removable), which is on right side of carb. GC carbs are a bit tricky to R&R, be very careful to return gaskets, insulator block and heat shield exactly as they come off. They do tend to stick together so let them do so if they cooperate.

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Comments (7)

1saxman
20 years ago
Did you let it sit over the winter with fuel in it? You may have water in the fuel bowl of the carburetor, and/or gum and varnish from storage with fuel in it. There is a bowl drain nut off to the side of the bottom of the fuel bowl (not the center nut). Turn off the fuel valve, loosen/remove the plug and drain the fuel bowl. Replace it, turn the valve back on and try again. Part of the fix may involve making sure the fuel valve is okay and not blocked, by loosening the plug again and letting gas flow. You should get a good flow through the carb. If it still doesn't run, the jet in the carb may be blocked. That's the bottom center nut. Maybe someone else will chime in on whether you can just pull that and clean the orifices as you would a Tecumseh - I'm not sure, so I won't tell you to do it.
leon1
20 years ago
Could you share the fix? My honda hrx is doing the same thing, it sputters and dies after running for just a short while. With just one pull, it starts right back up for a very short time and then dies again. My guess is that it is the fuel filter, but the owners manual does not show how to replace it. I would really appreciate hearing how you resolved the issues with your mower. Thanks.
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hondahooked
20 years ago
I have an HRX217 and it is a hard starting beast. two or three pulls at choke then at slow generally makes her sputter for a moment and die, same procedure again then work the throttle back and forth will get her to going but she'll die if you engage the blade right then. Afetr she's warmed up she'll start easily at slow but I am the only one in the family who can get hewr going so you know what THAT means. I'm the ONLY one who mows the yard/ 14 yearold step-son too. Something's gotta give.
comillsmall
19 years ago
Honda HRX has major enine problems. It should be recalled.
It is your gas, and this year will be everyone's gas.
The Honda authorized repair shop mechanic told me the forth time it was returned (2nd season).
It appears that the new EPA gas additive started up here in the high altitudes last year ahead of the rest of the nation.
It makes the valves sticky. After several trips to the Honda authorized repair shop (and seeing the literally dozens of HRX waiting for repair) they told me the secret.

They take out the spark plug and spray lots and lots of carb cleaner in the master cylender to lubricate the valves.
It does work, but gosh only knows what damage it does to the rings.

Honda Lawnmower warranty ranks among the worst experience in my lifetime. You may learn that you don't have a warranty as described in an English dictionary.
For those of you beginning this nightmare, this advice is offered:
Customer Relations Office
4900 Marconi Drive
Alpharetta, GA 30005-8847
(770) 497-6400 fax (678) Â 339-2519
Write a letter and FAX it to this secret Fax.
Honda does not beleive in e-mail.
Your not going to enjoy the phone tree.
Or the short calls from Honda between 8 & 5 asking you to "call them again" and go through the phone tree.

The first year, Honda was a dream lawn mower.
Never, ever again will I buy any product with the Honda name on it. The night sweats from the lawnmower are just beginning to subside.
1saxman
19 years ago
Start using this in your fuel: a 1:1 mixture of Sta-Bil and Marvel Mystery Oil at 1 oz/gal. Use mid-grade gas instead of regular.
njigrad_gmail_com
15 years ago
I just started using my brand new HRX217HXA yesterday for the first time. I used 89 octane (premium) and added the included oil as required. It started on the first crank but as soon as I went to engage the blades (after moving shifter from CHOKE to FAST) it stalled on me. I was then unable to start it on the next few pulls.

I then closed the fuel shut off and re-opened it and started the engine again, but it stalled again just as I was about to engage the blades.

Each time the mower shook pretty noticeably.

After a few times of repeating this same procedure, I decided to open the fuel valve only half way. This time it started no problem and did not stall. It operated very smoothly in fact. I was able to do three passes of the perimeter of the back yard (this was only a test run for me, my lawn did not really need to be mowed) and it ran beautifully.

No where in my manual does it say that the fuel switch should only be turned half way for smooth operation. Does my mower have a problem? The manual says 86 octane or higher.