2009 Honda HRX217VKA, Ser # MAGA-1531212
Engine Ser # HAA-1781839 HY9 (? not sure if last digit is a 9)
Has run with no problems until last year (Mar 17) when it became very difficult to start. Took it into local very reputable repair shop. They did major tune up, and cleaned carb and tank. Mower ran OK for summer. They advised me to start it up for few minutes once per month during the off season. I did that with no problems.
BUT, the first time (yesterday) that we tried to start it to cut the grass, my tenant a 35 yr old man, could not budge the starter cord. I pulled on it to find that it seemed like the engine was seized up. I am a big guy so I really put some pull into it, it "broke loose," and started up on this pull.
I noticed that it smokes (white) for a minute or two after starting up. Also, if I stop and restart it, It starts back up easily but it backfires every time. I checked the oil and it looked brand new and at the proper level. So we cut the grass.
Today, it started right up but it still puts out the white smoke and backfires on restart.
Any idea of what's going on here?
Thanks much.
Engine Ser # HAA-1781839 HY9 (? not sure if last digit is a 9)
Has run with no problems until last year (Mar 17) when it became very difficult to start. Took it into local very reputable repair shop. They did major tune up, and cleaned carb and tank. Mower ran OK for summer. They advised me to start it up for few minutes once per month during the off season. I did that with no problems.
BUT, the first time (yesterday) that we tried to start it to cut the grass, my tenant a 35 yr old man, could not budge the starter cord. I pulled on it to find that it seemed like the engine was seized up. I am a big guy so I really put some pull into it, it "broke loose," and started up on this pull.
I noticed that it smokes (white) for a minute or two after starting up. Also, if I stop and restart it, It starts back up easily but it backfires every time. I checked the oil and it looked brand new and at the proper level. So we cut the grass.
Today, it started right up but it still puts out the white smoke and backfires on restart.
Any idea of what's going on here?
Thanks much.