Honda Owner Check-In --- Read This First!

[mazr]

The seller didn't know a whole lot about it. His dad's moving to a duplex and doesn't need it any longer. He said his dad said it runs and cuts great. I have a feeling he told him to sell it for him. Looks like there's some scraping on the one side...I bought it sight unseen so I've got my fingers crossed.

 

[mazr]

Just picked the HR215SX up. Fired right up on the 1st try. This is my 1st Honda mower and the sound is definitely smoother than my usual 50 dollar used mowers. All 3 speeds worked fine. Bag is in good condition and the oil looks good. This thing is a tank.

A few things:

1. There's gas still in the tank. I always ran mine out at the end of the mowing season. Should I do this now?
2. And as you can probably see from the pic, the blade engage cable is kinked. I'm thinking I should just get it replaced. Doesn't look good.
3. I'm thinking just take this into a Honda dealer and have them look it over.


Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[SRJMow]

Looks good! Nice that it started on first try. Dents and scratches do not appear to be more than surface stuff from what I can see from the photos.

When I purchased my HRM215masters from my neighbor it also started on the first try. But they left old gas that dried up in it and it surged, so I ended up having to clean the carb. Then it ran perfectly.
I also replaced the air filter, changed the oil, replaced the spark plug, lubricated cables and wheels, cleaned the underside, and sharpened the blades. None of what I did cost very much, and mainly took a little time on my part.
Afterwards it ran wonderfully, and I saw no need to take it to a dealer. Although I plan on checking the RPMs this spring to make sure they are in spec. It sounds great, but I want to double check before running it for another full season.
I would suggest you drain that old gas. Then I would take off the carburetor bowl and take a look at how it looks. If there appears to be a lot of crud in it, then a cleaning might be warranted.
Not sure about the cables. IMO, if they work, then I would leave them alone.

 

[robert@honda]

1. There's gas still in the tank. I always ran mine out at the end of the mowing season. Should I do this now?

+1 on this; I'd probably drain the fuel, flush the tank with some SeaFoam or other fuel system cleaner, then refill with fresh gasoline. To avoid any starting/running problems in the future, never allow fuel to sit more than 30 days in the tank. Take a bit of compressed air and a spray can of real carburetor cleaner to the entire carb area; it looks very dirty, and while the air filter should keep it out, it's a good practice to have the outside cleaned up too.

2. And as you can probably see from the pic, the blade engage cable is kinked. I'm thinking I should just get it replaced. Doesn't look good.

A new cable is Honda Part Number 54530-VA3-J00, list price $17.60. Google the part number to find a Honda Dealer selling it online, or use this link to find a Honda Dealer in your area: Find A Honda Dealer

Replacing the cable is a bit of a chore; you must remove the Roto-Stop parts from under the deck, including the blade, clutch, brake, etc., then move up to the other end and fully disconnect. I'd recommend getting a full paper shop manual which has all the details and is nicely illustrated. You'll save a bundle in aggravation and not have any parts left over :wink: when done. Honda sells them on eBay and Amazon with free shipping for $39.

3. I'm thinking just take this into a Honda dealer and have them look it over.

Get it to them now and beat the spring rush. We have dealers already running 2-3 weeks behind on spring tune-ups. Use the link above to find a dealer for service, too.

 

[mazr]

Thanks for the responses.

Just called the Honda dealer and they said they could have it in and out in 2 days tops.

Robert, do you have any idea how old this model is?

 

[robert@honda]

Robert, do you have any idea how old this model is?

Get me the full serial number on the back of the deck...might be able to look it up in Honda's system and get some dates:

 

[mazr]

Thanks, Robert.

MZAM 6017732

Hope that's the right one.

Just dropped the mower off for a tune up. The shop guy walked over and said "That's the best mower Honda ever made. It'll run forever. You can't kill em".

That's what I like to hear.

 

[robert@honda]

Thanks, Robert.

MZAM 6017732

What an oldie! Did not expect it to even show up in the system...anyway, that mower was wholesaled by Honda to a dealer in Lansing, MI, way back on 3/16/1990, and purchased by the first retail customer, a Mary P., of Grandledge, MI, on 10/16/1991.

That mower was likely built in late 1988 or sometime in 1989, probably at the Honda plant in Swepsonville, NC.

 

[mazr]

1990??? Wow.....the guy was right. This was taken care of nicely.

Thanks for looking that up for me.

 

[robert@honda]

1990??? Wow.....the guy was right. This was taken care of nicely.

Thanks for looking that up for me. Now I've gotta try to find an owners manual on ebay.

Owner's manual? Free digital copy here:
HR215 Owner's Manual

Shop Manual? (paper only) on amazon or ebay (about $36, free shipping):

Amazon.com: Honda HR195 HR215 HRA215 Lawn Mower Service Repair Shop Manual: Patio, Lawn & Garden

Honda HR195 HR215 HRA215 Lawn Mower Service Repair Shop Manual | eBay