HRT216SDA Won't Start

[motaro38]

Hi, I have a Honda HRT216SDA mower that's served me well over the years. It recently cut out on me and wouldn't start. I squirted some starting fluid into the engine through the carb and it started right up, so I figured it must be the carb. I took the carb apart and cleaned it, reassembled, still no go. I then bought a new carb since they're only about $20 on ebay, but after attaching it, it still won't start. Fuel is flowing from tank to carb fine, it just doesn't seem to be getting from carb to engine. Any thoughts? Thanks

 

[robert@honda]

Hi, I have a Honda HRT216SDA mower that's served me well over the years. It recently cut out on me and wouldn't start. I squirted some starting fluid into the engine through the carb and it started right up, so I figured it must be the carb. I took the carb apart and cleaned it, reassembled, still no go. I then bought a new carb since they're only about $20 on ebay, but after attaching it, it still won't start. Fuel is flowing from tank to carb fine, it just doesn't seem to be getting from carb to engine. Any thoughts? Thanks

Are you getting spark? Do a spark check first, as it may just need a spark plug.

If you are getting spark, was the replacement carb you installed genuine Honda, or some aftermarket company?

Did you get all the gaskets and guide plates installed properly?

Share your serial number with me and I can get you more service information:

 

[brkabrkb]

Robert,

I have the same model Honda lawn mower as motaro38 and have a problem with a spark plug so perhaps you can enlighten me: The mower won't start so I checked the spark plug and the tip was black, so I bought a new one and put it in, worked fine, and it wouldn't start again so I took it out and it's black again, after just one mowing. What could cause this? I'm also noticing that the engine is revving up and down slightly but continuously in a 2 - 3 second cycle throughout mowing.

I did take out the carburetor and cleaned it, and put it back in place before replacing the spark plug; I also accidentally over poured the fuel, so could this have caused it? And regarding a replacement carburetor, would this be considered genuine:

16100 Z0L 853 BB62ZC Genuine Honda GCV160 Engines Carburetor Assembly New | eBay

Thanks!

Brkabrb

Are you getting spark? Do a spark check first, as it may just need a spark plug.

If you are getting spark, was the replacement carb you installed genuine Honda, or some aftermarket company?

Did you get all the gaskets and guide plates installed properly?

Share your serial number with me and I can get you more service information:

 

[robert@honda]

Robert,

I have the same model Honda lawn mower as motaro38 and have a problem with a spark plug so perhaps you can enlighten me:

Need that serial number off the back of the mower deck to get you the correct service info...I also need it to confirm that is the correct part number for a replacement carburetor.

 

[brkabrkb]

Need that serial number off the back of the mower deck to get you the correct service info...I also need it to confirm that is the correct part number for a replacement carburetor.

Hi Robert,

Sorry, turns out it is a different Model: HRT 2162TDA, Serial No: MZCG-6971007.

Thanks!

 

[robert@honda]

Hi Robert,

Sorry, turns out it is a different Model: HRT 2162TDA, Serial No: MZCG-6971007.

Thanks!

The part number of the carb you bought on eBay is indeed for Honda GCV160 engine, but it is not the right one for your mower. Not saying that is what the issue may be, but you really should get the correct carb installed first. The correct Part Number is 16100-Z0L-023, list price is $15.08.

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

With the correct carb installed, do a spark test first, and confirm you are getting good spark.

Drain ALL the fuel from the tank and fill with fresh 86 octane regular unleaded.

Next, make sure the choke is working properly; it should fully close the choke butterfly when engaged, and fully open when the throttle is moved to FAST.

Check the air cleaner element for rips, tears or excessive dirt, clippings, debris.

Confirm all the gaskets and spacers are correctly installed with the carb, and all spring, linkage etc. are also correct.

Make sure the two long bolts that hold the carb, choke and air cleaner are secure (vacuum leak can cause surging).

 

[brkabrkb]

Thanks for your response Robert. Sorry for this beginner question, but how does one go about doing a spark test?

The part number of the carb you bought on eBay is indeed for Honda GCV160 engine, but it is not the right one for your mower. Not saying that is what the issue may be, but you really should get the correct carb installed first. The correct Part Number is 16100-Z0L-023, list price is $15.08.

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

With the correct carb installed, do a spark test first, and confirm you are getting good spark.

Drain ALL the fuel from the tank and fill with fresh 86 octane regular unleaded.

Next, make sure the choke is working properly; it should fully close the choke butterfly when engaged, and fully open when the throttle is moved to FAST.

Check the air cleaner element for rips, tears or excessive dirt, clippings, debris.

Confirm all the gaskets and spacers are correctly installed with the carb, and all spring, linkage etc. are also correct.

Make sure the two long bolts that hold the carb, choke and air cleaner are secure (vacuum leak can cause surging).

 

[robert@honda]

Thanks for your response Robert. Sorry for this beginner question, but how does one go about doing a spark test?

You need a helper, a shady outdoor spot to test, and a suitable socket/tool to remove the spark plug.

1. Disconnect the spark plug cap.
2. Remove the spark plug.
3. Reconnect the cap to the plug. Make sure there is no spilled fuel anywhere near the spark plug. Clean it up and allow to fully dry if there are any spills.
4. Look at the end of the spark plug; note the "L-shaped" tip, and the small nipple in the middle just above it.
5. Hold the spark plug cap and press the L-shaped tip or the threaded section of the plug against one of the four bolts on the valve cover so it's making good contact.
6. Have a helper engage the blade control lever, just like they were going to start the engine, then have them pull the starter cord a few times. Look for a blue/white spark to jump between the L-shaped tip and the nipple. It can be hard to see in direct sunlight, so get in some outdoor shade.

Please be aware when ever the pull-cord is pulled, the engine AND BLADES are spinning. Keeps hands and feet away from the mower deck to avoid injury.

No spark? Clean or replace the plug and re-test. Unless the plug is damaged, fouled, or heavily worn, you should get a good bright spark.

 

[motaro38]

Are you getting spark? Do a spark check first, as it may just need a spark plug.

I would assume so since when I sprayed starter fluid into the carb it fired right up. I'd think that this wouldn't be possible without a working spark plug.

If you are getting spark, was the replacement carb you installed genuine Honda, or some aftermarket company?

No it was genuine.

Did you get all the gaskets and guide plates installed properly?

Yeah, I looked the exploded view over real good and made sure everything went on exactly as pictured.

Share your serial number with me and I can get you more service informatio:

I'll get it tomorrow for you, thx.

 

[exotion]

Starting with starting fluid is not necessarily a sign of spark. The fluid acts as a accelerant and even the weakest spark will ignight it.

Just pull the plug reconnect the disconnect plug to the boot hold the end of the plug (the spark side) to the engine block and turn the engine and see if you have spark