I have a Honda HR 173 mower and the starter rope broke near the first guide. I took the top off and tried to unscrew the bolt that holds the mechanism but it is very, very stubbornly tight. Has it had Locktite applied at the factory? I am reluctant to use strong force for fear of breaking that bolt. If it will withstand a strong twist to get it undone ... so be it. Can I use anything other than a Honda part to replace the rope? The mower was purchased i n 1989 and is still a beautiful operating machine jus tlike my Honda snow-blower. Please respond ASAP as I need to cut my grass. Thank you.
See post #2 above for all the details.
I do believe the reel cover bolt is a normal right-hand-thread (righty-tighty, lefty-loosey) style. Probably corroded inside, and the threads have seized. Try spraying it with some pentrant (a.k.a. 'liquid wrench') and let it soak in, repeat, might take a day or so.
When/if you get it apart, take some of the old rope to your local dealer and have them match up some bulk rope to use a a replacement. You don't really need 'genuine' Honda cord for this.
Worst case is you replace the entire starter, which Honda still offers, but it on back-order right now (expected 9/19/2016). Part Number 28400-ZG1-702ZD ($60.59). I know that's a lot for what should be a $2 piece of rope, just saying if you can't get the bolt loose, a starter is (will be) available.
FYI, the parts, numbers, etc. are all USA sourced (I see you are in Canada). Honda Canada may or may not use the same numbers, or even have that part in stock. I can only report on what American Honda still has available.