Honda, Harmony II problems. Hit a board with a blade and now barely runs.

J

jht

Forum Newbie
Hi,
I am looking for help. I have a Honda Harmony II (HRR216K3VXA) that was running fine earlier today. (In advance, I don't think I have a problem with gas, carb, or spark plug. I need to change the oil, but the level is fine.) I hit a board buried in the grass (growing season is underway). The engine now barely runs and it vibrates. I thought, bent blade. Nope. Maybe the flywheel shear pin. Nope. Next, maybe timing. Checked the timing belt and timing. Nope. Any suggestions out there before I take it out and shoot it? Can spark do this? After hitting something? What should I look for? Did I damage connecting rod or other internal?

Thanks in advance for suggestions.
Joe
 
jht said:
Hi,
I am looking for help. I have a Honda Harmony II (HRR216K3VXA) that was running fine earlier today. (In advance, I don't think I have a problem with gas, carb, or spark plug. I need to change the oil, but the level is fine.) I hit a board buried in the grass (growing season is underway). The engine now barely runs and it vibrates. I thought, bent blade. Nope. Maybe the flywheel shear pin. Nope. Next, maybe timing. Checked the timing belt and timing. Nope. Any suggestions out there before I take it out and shoot it? Can spark do this? After hitting something? What should I look for? Did I damage connecting rod or other internal?

Thanks in advance for suggestions.
Joe
Click to expand...
When you say it “barely runs”, what exactly does that mean? Hard to start, doesn’t stay running, low RPMs, etc.?
Did you pull the flywheel and visually check that the key is not partially sheared?
 
Folks,
Thanks for the quick response. Yes, I pulled the flywheel. I used the keyway to check the timing belt location. I thought keys were supposed to protect the crankshaft. If it is a bent crank then I am not going to pull the engine apart. I don't think it would be worth my time and the cost of the crank. And mowing season is here. (Is it worth exchanging engines, or am I getting ahead of myself?) The engine starts, vibrates, and then dies. It doesn't get to full speed; it doesn't have time. I guess I could put a tack on it to see how fast it has gets.
Thanks, Joe
 
Just and update. It appears hitting the board took out the coil. I couldn't start it yesterday. pulled the plug and had my wife watch for spark. None. I guess the impact did something in the coil (although it still reads around 10K ohms. Maybe the coil resistance breaks down at high voltages as I pull the cord?). So how is luck with cheap coils off of Amazon?
Joe
 
Slomo,
Thanks, I check in the dark last night with my wife's help, no spark. I pulled the wire, even though a voltmeter showed infinite resistance, except when throttle was in stop. I don't have a spark tester, but putting a tachometer on the ignition wire does not wake the tachometer up.
Lawn still growing. Boy Honda's can mulch. I borrowed a neighbor's Toro. to do smooth the lawn. Bag yes, mulch, not so much.
Thanks, Joe
 
Sorry for raining on your parade but the coil would not explain the vibrating. You most likely bent the crankshaft. I wouldn’t buy a new coil until you can rule out a bent crank. With spark plug removed and blade brake off, rotate the blade by hand and see if it spins true. If it wobbles like a warped vinyl record album, you have a bent shaft. (I threw in that reference for the old guys) I think your mower has a GCV160 engine which was a very popular one. Honda parts have gotten expensive. Just a few years ago I bought a new oem crank for a GCV 160 for around $35. Today a new one is closer to $100. But I expect that you can find a used crank for it on Ebay. Also, if you have a machine shop nearby they might be able to straighten yours. If it were mine, I’d look for a rusted out mower with a GCV160 and swap engines.

What are everyone else’s experiences with Hondas that hit immoveable objects? I have only seen three victims and all 3 bent their shafts and did not shear the woodruff key. In my experience, which is limited, Briggs and Tecumsehs have always sheared their keys. Is this a design defect with Hondas? Are the keys too robust?
 
Oddjob said:
Just a few years ago I bought a new oem crank for a GCV 160 for around $35. Today a new one is closer to $100.
Click to expand...
Honda and parts houses are running out of mower parts. That and all the price gouging WE have to pay for. Federal law against price gouging. Don't see anyone going to jail.
 
As a recap,
Hit stick, as ILENGINE and Oddjob, suggests, I bent the crankshaft. I measured about 0.025".
The vibration caused the coil to fail, so the engine would not run.
When the coil was replaced, the engine vibrated again.
I found if I keep the blade clutch engaged or remove the clutch cable, I can cut the grass.
The reduced section of the shaft, going from 1" to 7/8" kept the bend in the reduced section. I think I need a new engine or someone who can take some of the bend out, or maybe it is time to go electric. I have some time to think about it since I have a short time kludge.
Joe
 
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