Leaks with open fuel valve

[zamboknee]

I've noticed with my Honda HRX217VLA mower that if I leave the fuel valve open, it'll drip gas out of the fuel filter.
Is this normal? In that, if it's open then the machine needs to be on?
Or do I have a problem here?
It doesn't do it when the valve is closed.
Picture attached shows where the gas is leaking (where grass is sticking to deck).
Thanks

 

[exotion]

Start by replacing fuel lines, clips, filter (if you have one)

Next check for leaks under the carb bowl if that's the case you need a new o ring more than likely. Worst case is needle is stuck open letting the carb over flow if that were the case the machine would smoke and your oil would be waaay overfilled and mostly gas

 

[robert@honda]

View attachment 22904I've noticed with my Honda HRX217VLA mower that if I leave the fuel valve open, it'll drip gas out of the fuel filter.
Is this normal? In that, if it's open then the machine needs to be on?
Or do I have a problem here?
It doesn't do it when the valve is closed.

It is not normal for any mower to leak fuel. It is a hazard and unsafe. Strongly recommend you don't use the mower until the problem is repaired.

Since the leak is coming after the fuel valve, and only when it is turned ON, the leak could be in the tube [yellow] between the valve and the carburetor, where that tube is clamped on either end, or from a problem with the carburetor bowl area [green].

There is a float [pink] in the bottom of the carburetor that operates a valve to regulate fuel flow. If this float or valve are not working, either could be the source of the leak. There is a single bolt [purple] and sealing washer at the bottom of the carb that could be leaking if not sealed. Or, the bowl could be not fitted correctly or have a damaged gasket [blue].

If you are comfortable with DIY, it would be not difficult to repair, but if you don't want to fool with it, a Honda dealer can do the repairs for you.

Find A Honda Dealer

 

[zamboknee]

It is not normal for any mower to leak fuel. It is a hazard and unsafe. Strongly recommend you don't use the mower until the problem is repaired.

Since the leak is coming after the fuel valve, and only when it is turned ON, the leak could be in the tube [yellow] between the valve and the carburetor, where that tube is clamped on either end, or from a problem with the carburetor bowl area [green].

There is a float [pink] in the bottom of the carburetor that operates a valve to regulate fuel flow. If this float or valve are not working, either could be the source of the leak. There is a single bolt [purple] and sealing washer at the bottom of the carb that could be leaking if not sealed. Or, the bowl could be not fitted correctly or have a damaged gasket [blue].

If you are comfortable with DIY, it would be not difficult to repair, but if you don't want to fool with it, a Honda dealer can do the repairs for you.

Find A Honda Dealer

Thanks Robert. I'll probably get my hands in there myself. Where can I find these parts?

 

[robert@honda]

Thanks Robert. I'll probably get my hands in there myself. Where can I find these parts?

A whole carb is often far cheaper that buying individual parts; for your VLA, the full list price for a entire carb is only $20.36.

Your local Honda dealer can get you one (probably has it in stock) with the full serial number off the back of the mower deck:

Lookup factory parts here:
Honda Power Equipment, Engines and Marine Factory Parts Lookup

With the full part number, you can Google any 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

If you do with to DIY, you may want to go ahead and get the gaskets, insulator, etc. just in case they turn up with a tear or damage. Be sure to get the two long bolts snug to avoid a vacuum leak. Pay close attention to their direction and orientation; it is possible to get them on backwards or upside down, resulting in a "no start" condition.

 

[zamboknee]

A whole carb is often far cheaper that buying individual parts; for your VLA, the full list price for a entire carb is only $20.36.

Your local Honda dealer can get you one (probably has it in stock) with the full serial number off the back of the mower deck:

Lookup factory parts here:
Honda Power Equipment, Engines and Marine Factory Parts Lookup

With the full part number, you can Google any 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

If you do with to DIY, you may want to go ahead and get the gaskets, insulator, etc. just in case they turn up with a tear or damage. Be sure to get the two long bolts snug to avoid a vacuum leak. Pay close attention to their direction and orientation; it is possible to get them on backwards or upside down, resulting in a "no start" condition.

Leak is coming from behind and under air filter housing.

 

[zamboknee]

Leak is coming from behind and under air filter housing.
View attachment 26500

Does this help with diagnosis?