Honda mower problem

15 years ago

Sorry that this is going to be so long. I purchased a Honda HRX217HXA with the GCV190 motor late last year. I used new regular unleaded in it with Seafoam added. After 4 or 5 mowings, it began to have idling problems. When I put it on idle, it would die. Since it was so late in the season, I didn't worry about it. I took it in early this year and was told that I had used bad gas. The carb replacement was not covered under warranty. I couldn't argue with them because I didn't have any proof that the gas wasn't bad. The same gas didn't cause any problems with my 4 stroke edger or my 2 stroke blower and trimmer.

I got the mower back and, within 2 or 3 mowings, it started having problems again. Rough idle. I asked on here what to do and was basically told that it was normal for a Honda.

I have mowed with it for a few months now and it is displaying some distressing problems. In addition to the rough idle,it has been surging up and down pretty much the whole time. Sort of like if the governor was kicking in and out. Now, it is consuming a great deal of gas. It runs dry before I get my front lawn done. Before, I could almost mow my lawn twice on one tank. In addition, when it idles, puffs of black smoke come out. (By the way, I've eliminated a gas leak as the problem) I have used only brand new gas 93 octane as the dealer recommended and a brand new gas can.

I know it's under warranty but if I take it in this time of year, I won't see it again for minimum three weeks and I'm trying to renovate my lawn. If it's something simple like a carb adjustment, I'd rather do it myself. Any suggestions from the experts?

This is one time that I regret buying from a local dealer. If I'd bought it from a big box store, it'd already be returned for a full refund.

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Comments (5)

1saxman
15 years ago
First, you got shafted on the original carb replacement, which should have been covered under warranty. Honda would have to prove you used bad gas, not you proving you didn't. Honda probably is not going to go to those extremes over a carburetor, if for no other reason than customer relations. Second, now that the carb replacement job has gone bad, so you'll have to take it back to the same guy and see if he'll back up his work.
Your first problem really wasn't a problem and the carb should not have been touched. Why? The 'idle' or 'slow' setting has no purpose or importance. You can't do any work with it at idle, so it doesn't matter whether it cuts off at idle or not. If you had done nothing, you would still be enjoying the mower and not reading this crap.
So now it needs another carb job. You'll just have to take it in. If you keep using it in a rich condition, it will ruin the engine.
jtyrie
Original Author
15 years ago
OK I'm gonna admit something because it might save somebody else a pain in the rear. Also, this forum is pretty anonymous so you can't come around and make fun of me.

I was cleaning my Honda mower up prior to taking it in for service. I thought I'd go ahead and check the levels, Oil, etc. When I checked my air filter, it was pretty much 100% clogged with dust. The carb was trying to suck air in and getting mostly gas, which was causing all of my problems.

I put a new air filter on and it runs like new now. I don't have an excuse for letting it get so dirty other than it is a new mower and I never suspected that the air filter would get so clogged so quickly. In fact, I've been mowing for about 40 years and never had an air filter so completely clogged. My lawn is in pretty bad shape and I have been kicking up a lot of dust. I guess it was a LOT of dust. This was not the first time I had ever checked the filter either.

So, the lesson is, do the basic checks before you go on the internet and ask for help. It might save you some time, some wear and tear on your mower, and some embarrassment.
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1saxman
15 years ago
And of course we automatically rule out the obvious things, always looking for the unusual. Glad you got it going. Does it have a foam pre-cleaner over the paper filter?
jtyrie
Original Author
15 years ago
It just has the paper filter. No foam.
tarheelman
15 years ago
Don't worry about it--we all have our "duh" moments.