I'm hoping someone is familiar with this model and can help me clarify what is normal opperation.
I bought a new Honda HRX217HYA from Home Depot last week. I followed the manual setup procedure (and added the included oil) then fired it up for the first time today. It's making a horrible metal on metal shrieking sound. The motor fired up fine but the noise started when I engaged the blade clutch... and magnified from there. I suspect it has a bad "roto stop" blade clutch unit.
I took a video of the noise and posted to youtube under title "Brand New Honda HRX217HYA Making Noises". The forum won't let me post links yet... I'm too new. The video shows the noise, which is most obvious at the end when I cut the motor.
Question: With the clutch (yellow) disengaged/relaxed and if it tilt up the deck, should the blade rotate somewhat freely without engaging the motor?
Mine has signifiant resistance (I believe I'm turning over the motor/crank) and there is no difference in the resistance with or without the clutch lever engaged. Note: I'm paying attention to the yellow button and ensuring I'm actually engaging the clutch, not just engaging the clutch bar. The motor surges when i engage the clutch and the grass it actually being cut.
I'm new to this mower model. Always had push mowers in the past. Hoping someone can confirm my suspisions... this is not a normal noise and that the clutch/blade should rotate relatively freely if not engaged.
Thanks,
Kyle
I bought a new Honda HRX217HYA from Home Depot last week. I followed the manual setup procedure (and added the included oil) then fired it up for the first time today. It's making a horrible metal on metal shrieking sound. The motor fired up fine but the noise started when I engaged the blade clutch... and magnified from there. I suspect it has a bad "roto stop" blade clutch unit.
I took a video of the noise and posted to youtube under title "Brand New Honda HRX217HYA Making Noises". The forum won't let me post links yet... I'm too new. The video shows the noise, which is most obvious at the end when I cut the motor.
Question: With the clutch (yellow) disengaged/relaxed and if it tilt up the deck, should the blade rotate somewhat freely without engaging the motor?
Mine has signifiant resistance (I believe I'm turning over the motor/crank) and there is no difference in the resistance with or without the clutch lever engaged. Note: I'm paying attention to the yellow button and ensuring I'm actually engaging the clutch, not just engaging the clutch bar. The motor surges when i engage the clutch and the grass it actually being cut.
I'm new to this mower model. Always had push mowers in the past. Hoping someone can confirm my suspisions... this is not a normal noise and that the clutch/blade should rotate relatively freely if not engaged.
Thanks,
Kyle