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I have a Honda mower HRM215. A couple weeks ago it was hydro-locked (I think) so I did all the necessary steps and fixed that (I think). Cleaned out the carb and got her running spick and span. I mowed like 90% of my yard until it began to slow down, slow down, slow down, and finally died. I checked the gas and checked the oil and tried to start her up again. I TUGGED! and it felt like my rope caught on something. I checked it and it was fine, I tugged again and it was very hard to pull. I know it isn't hydro-locked again because that doesn't just happen out of no where. I thought I might have bent the blade so I took it off and tried to spin the engine with my hand. It spun completely smooth about 85% of the spin and then it caught on something and it was reeeeeal hard to spin that last part. Then I got past the rough part and was able to spin again smoothly, about 85% of the way, then it stopped again and was reeeeal hard to spin that last bit. Remember this is with the blade AND belt removed. WHAT DO!?

Mudrucker said:

I have a Honda mower HRM215. ....
(snip)
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...Then I got past the rough part and was able to spin again smoothly, about 85% of the way, then it stopped again and was reeeeal hard to spin that last bit. Remember this is with the blade AND belt removed. WHAT DO!?

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Let's start with which exact model you have...on the back of the mower deck there is serial number sticker or plate. Get me the full serial number and I can post some troubleshooting options:

robert@honda said:

Let's start with which exact model you have...on the back of the mower deck there is serial number sticker or plate. Get me the full serial number and I can post some troubleshooting options:

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well I know the exact model is HRM215K2SDA

Take the spark plug out and try to spin it again by hand. Let us know what happens

Mudrucker said:

well I know the exact model is HRM215K2SDA

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HR = Honda rotary mower
21 = 21" cutting width
5 = GXV140 engine (about 5.0 hp)
K2 = 3rd gen (starts with K0, then K1, etc) K2 models have updated GXV140 engines
S = push model
D = flywheel brake (blades and engine both stop (brake is applied) when lever is released, capacitor discharge ignition)
A = USA model

The symptoms you describe could be a bent blade, crankshaft, or blade holder. They could also be a malfunctioning flywheel brake. This brake is a spring-loaded brake shoe that grabs the flywheel and helps quickly stop the engine when you let go of the blade control lever. Over time it can wear or bind, making the engine and blades hard to turn. Remember, the engine (flywheel) brake is APPLIED when you do NOT hold down the blade control lever, so keep that in mind when testing it. Always disconnect the spark plug cap when working on the mower, and use heavy gloves when working around the blades.

You can get an free, digital owner's manual here: Honda HRM215 Manuals (need serial number)



You can get a factory shop manual here: Honda HRM215 Paper Shop Manual ($35/free shipping)

I worked on another mower recently and realized that the resistance I was feeling MIGHT have been the magnet that's on the flywheel. I don't know why it doesn't move freely when I pull on the rope to start it. I had the brake disabled with a clamp during all this and the brake seems to be ok.

The whole thing I said about the 85% easy to turn and the 15% resistance, might just be the magnet on the flywheel but im not sure. Ordinarily on a mower if you pull the rope and it doesn't start, you will see the flywheel still spinning a little bit until it slows down and stops, but on mine, as soon as I pull the rope A) its hard to pull and B) that flywheel STOPS as soon as my rope pull is executed.

I will try unplugging the spark plug and se what happens, that's one thing I haven't tried yet.

Your bale/blade brake cable might be stretched. Not allowing the brake to fully release. Check that also.

Mudrucker said:

I worked on another mower recently and realized that the resistance I was feeling MIGHT have been the magnet that's on the flywheel. I don't know why it doesn't move freely when I pull on the rope to start it. I had the brake disabled with a clamp during all this and the brake seems to be ok.

The whole thing I said about the 85% easy to turn and the 15% resistance, might just be the magnet on the flywheel but im not sure. Ordinarily on a mower if you pull the rope and it doesn't start, you will see the flywheel still spinning a little bit until it slows down and stops, but on mine, as soon as I pull the rope A) its hard to pull and B) that flywheel STOPS as soon as my rope pull is executed.

I will try unplugging the spark plug and se what happens, that's one thing I haven't tried yet.

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GUYS! I took the plug out and it spins freely!! What does this mean?

Mudrucker said:

GUYS! I took the plug out and it spins freely!! What does this mean?

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There is either fluid oil or gas in the chamber or your valves might be stuck closed or to tight