Hot Rod Tip: You can update any Honda GCV mower engine (HRR, HRX) to the better 2-stage air cleaner and filters used on the Honda HRC215, which uses the commercial-grade GSV160 engine. You need to two filters, and the screen grid, and the deeper air filter cover. The extra foam element acts like a pre-cleaner and can be easily cleaned and re-oiled:
Parts:
Cover, air cleaner dual: 17231-Z2B-020, $3.36
Filter, outer (foam): 17218-Z2A-000, $4.08
Grid, air cleaner: 17212-Z2A-000, $1.80
Element, air cleaner paper: 17211-ZL8-023, $5.66
The shop manual says to use regular 10W-30 engine oil on the foam element, but Honda offers a MOTUL oil just for this application. It is more sticky and water-repellant than just engine oil: 4 ounce bottle is part number 08207-MTL-100, $7.56.
I did this mod, and highly recommend it! I am using my HRX to mulch leaves, and this creates a bunch of dirt and dust. After about one tank of gas, I removed the filter cover.
The pre-filter was a mess, but the paper element had no dirt in it! I washed out the pre-filter and re-oiled it. Good to go. The paper element should last "forever" with the prefilter.
Thanks again Robert for this tip!
Parts:
Cover, air cleaner dual: 17231-Z2B-020, $3.36
Filter, outer (foam): 17218-Z2A-000, $4.08
Grid, air cleaner: 17212-Z2A-000, $1.80
Element, air cleaner paper: 17211-ZL8-023, $5.66
The shop manual says to use regular 10W-30 engine oil on the foam element, but Honda offers a MOTUL oil just for this application. It is more sticky and water-repellant than just engine oil: 4 ounce bottle is part number 08207-MTL-100, $7.56.
I did this mod, and highly recommend it! I am using my HRX to mulch leaves, and this creates a bunch of dirt and dust. After about one tank of gas, I removed the filter cover.
The pre-filter was a mess, but the paper element had no dirt in it! I washed out the pre-filter and re-oiled it. Good to go. The paper element should last "forever" with the prefilter.
Thanks again Robert for this tip!