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12

Oil Change

Change the oil after the first month or 5 hours of use. Thereafter, 
change the oil every 6 months or 50 hours of use. Change the oil 
more frequently when used under heavy load or high outdoor 
temperatures. See “Engine Oil Recommendations” on this page for 
recommended oil properties.

Drain the used oil while the engine is warm. Warm oil drains quickly 
and completely.

To reduce the chance of scratching the side of the mower deck when 
tipping, place a piece of cardboard or drop cloth on the ground. The 
use of a siphon pump will save time and make the oil change easier.

1. Turn the fuel valve OFF (

page 3

)

. This will reduce the possibility 

of fuel leakage.

2. Wipe the oil filler area clean, and then remove the oil filler 

cap/dipstick.

3. Place a suitable 

container next to the 
mower to catch the used 
oil, and then tilt the 
mower on its right side.

The used oil will drain 
through the filler neck. 
Allow the oil to drain 
completely.

After draining, take the 
oil to your local recycling 
center or service station. 
Do not throw it in the trash, pour it on the ground, or pour it down 
a drain.

4. Fill with the recommended oil. 

Do not overfill. Allow a couple 
of minutes for the oil to settle in 
the engine, and then measure 
the oil level (

page 6

). 

Refill amount:

 

12.0 ~ 13.5 oz. 
(0.35 ~ 0.40 L)

NOTICE

Using nondetergent oil can 
shorten the engine’s service 
life, and using 2-stroke oil can damage the engine.

Engine Oil Recommendations 

Oil is a major factor affecting performance and service life. Use 
4-stroke automotive detergent oil. Always change the oil in 
accordance with the 

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

 (

page 10

).

Recommended oil for general use:

 SAE 10W-30 

Other viscosities shown in the chart 
may be used when the average 
temperature in your area is within the 
recommended range. 

The SAE oil viscosity and service 
classification are in the API label on 
the oil container. Honda recommends 
API service category SJ or later oil.

Air Filter

Clean the air filter after the first 25 hours of use. Thereafter, clean the 
filter every 6 months or 50 hours of use. Clean the filter more often 
when used in dusty areas. Replace the filter every 2 years or 150 
hours of use.

A properly maintained air filter will help prevent dirt from entering your 
engine. Dirt entering the carburetor can be drawn into small passages 
in the carburetor and cause premature engine wear. These small 
passages can become blocked, causing starting or running problems. 

NOTICE

Operating the engine without an air filter, with a damaged air filter, or 
with an improperly installed air filter cover will allow dirt to enter the 
engine, causing rapid engine wear. This type of damage is not 
covered by the 

DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY 

(

page 21

).

We recommend the use of a Honda Genuine air filter to ensure it 
seals and performs as designed. Using a non-Honda air filter can 
result in dirt bypassing the filter, causing damage to the engine or fuel 
system.

1. Press down on the cover tabs and remove the cover.

2. Remove the filter from the air cleaner housing. 

3. Inspect the filter; replace if damaged. 

4. Clean the filter by tapping it several times on a hard surface to 

remove dirt, or blow compressed air (not exceeding 30 psi 
[207 kPa]) through the air filter from the inside. Never try to brush 
off dirt; brushing will force dirt into the fibers.

5. Wipe dirt from the inside of the air cleaner housing and cover, 

using a moist rag. Be careful to prevent dirt from entering the air 
duct that leads to the carburetor.

6. Reinstall the filter and cover. Be sure both tabs are fully locked in 

place.

BLADES

WOODEN 
BLOCK

TORQUE 
WRENCH

TORQUE: 

36 ~ 43 ft-lb 
(49 ~ 59 N•m)

-20

20

30

40°C

-10

0

10

40

60

100°F

80

0

20

30

10W-30

OUTSIDE AIR TEMPERATURE

AIR CLEANER 
HOUSING

FILTER

COVER

COVER 
TABS

Summary of Contents for HRX217VLA

Page 1: ... TRANSPORTING 15 STORAGE Fuel 15 Oil 15 Cleaning 15 Storage Location 15 Handlebar 16 Removing From Storage 16 TROUBLESHOOTING Engine Will Not Start 16 Loss of Power 16 Vibration 16 Mowing and Bagging Problems 16 TECHNICAL INFORMATION Serial Number Locations 17 High Altitude Operation 17 Emission Control System 17 Air Index 18 Specifications 18 FUEL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE 19 CUSTOMER INFORMATION Parts ...

Page 2: ... safely Safety Messages preceded by a safety alert symbol and one of three signal words DANGER WARNING or CAUTION Each message tells you what the hazard is what can happen and what you can do to avoid or reduce injury These signal words mean Damage Prevention Messages You will also see other important messages that are preceded by the word NOTICE This word means Important Message to Parents The sa...

Page 3: ... stay Setting the adjust knobs to the lowest holes raises the handlebar to its highest position 3 Turn the handlebar adjust knobs 90 degrees into the lock position making sure both sides are positioned at the same height 4 Remove all the cardboard from around the handlebar BLADE CONTROL LEVER P 8 REAR DISCHARGE GUARD P 5 FUEL TANK CAP P 7 MUFFLER P 13 OIL FILLER CAP P 4 HANDLEBAR ADJUST KNOB 2 P 3...

Page 4: ...risk of injury Read and understand this manual Know what the controls do and how to operate them Familiarize yourself with the lawn mower and its operation before you begin using it Know how to quickly shut off the lawn mower in case of an emergency Check Your Mower For your safety and to maximize the service life of your lawn mower it is very important to take a few moments before you operate the...

Page 5: ...the appearance of the lawn As the knob is moved towards the MULCH position more grass will be recycled back into the lawn Adjust the Clip Director knob until the desired result is achieved Rear Discharge To discharge clippings to the rear remove the grass bag and position the Clip Director knob in the BAG range Maximum rear discharge will occur when the Clip Director knob is all the way to the lef...

Page 6: ...ull each adjustment lever toward the wheel and move it into another notch Move all four adjustment levers to the same position forward for tall grass and rearward for short grass If you are not sure what cutting height to select start with a high setting and check the appearance of the lawn after mowing a small area Then readjust the cutting height if necessary Check the Oil Level 1 Unscrew and re...

Page 7: ...Mowing Practices Most injuries and property damage with walk behind mowers can be prevented if you follow all instructions in this manual and on the mower The most common hazards are discussed below along with the best way to protect yourself and others Avoid Rotating Blades Rotating blades can cause serious cuts and even amputate fingers hands toes or feet Keep away from the mower deck whenever t...

Page 8: ...ation usually indicates serious trouble The DISTRIBUTOR S LIMITED WARRANTY page 21 does not cover parts damaged by accidental impact collision Operating the Controls Blade Control Lever The blade control lever must be pulled back against the handlebar to start and run the engine The blades start to rotate when the lever is pulled back against the handlebar and the recoil starter grip is pulled Con...

Page 9: ...your mower for a month or more 4 Clean your mower after each mowing refer to Cleaning on page 15 SERVICING YOUR MOWER Proper maintenance is essential for safe economical and trouble free operation It also helps reduce air pollution To help you properly care for your mower the following pages include a maintenance schedule routine inspection procedures and simple maintenance procedures using basic ...

Page 10: ...3 These items should be serviced by an authorized Honda servicing dealer unless you have the proper tools and are mechanically proficient Refer to the Honda shop manual for service procedures See Honda Publications on page 20 for ordering information Failure to follow this maintenance schedule could result in non warrantable failures Item Action Before each use 5 hours of use or firstmonth First 2...

Page 11: ...Install the sharpened or replacement blades using the two blade bolts and special washers as shown Be sure to install the special washers as shown below The blade bolts and washers are specially designed for this application When replacing bolts and washers use only Honda Genuine replacement parts 4 Tighten the blade bolts with a torque wrench to the specified torque Use a wooden block to prevent ...

Page 12: ...ed range The SAE oil viscosity and service classification are in the API label on the oil container Honda recommends API service category SJ or later oil Air Filter Clean the air filter after the first 25 hours of use Thereafter clean the filter every 6 months or 50 hours of use Clean the filter more often when used in dusty areas Replace the filter every 2 years or 150 hours of use A properly mai...

Page 13: ...rtightening the spark plug can damage the threads in the cylinder head 7 Install the spark plug cap on the spark plug Spark Arrester optional part The spark arrester must be serviced every 100 hours to keep it functioning as designed Your lawn mower engine is not factory equipped with a spark arrester In some areas it is illegal to operate an engine without a spark arrester Check local laws and re...

Page 14: ...thru your Honda servicing dealer see page 20 for ordering information Charge the battery as follows 1 Remove the battery cover by removing the three cover mounting screws 2 Disconnect the battery by pulling the battery connector from the battery terminals 3 Connect the battery charger connector to the battery 4 Plug the charger into a standard 120 Vac power outlet and let the battery charge for 20...

Page 15: ... deck stop the engine and turn the fuel valve to the OFF position Rest the mower on its right side so the fuel cap side is up This will help to prevent fuel leakage and hard starting due to carburetor flooding Wear heavy gloves to protect your hands from the blades Be careful to avoid getting water into controls and cables or anywhere near the engine air cleaner or muffler opening Engine Wash the ...

Page 16: ...er clogged carburetor malfunction ignition malfunction valves stuck etc Take the mower to an authorized Honda servicing dealer for repair Possible Cause Correction Grass is too tall Raise the cutting height page 6 cut a narrower swath use a slower ground speed or cut more frequently Instead of mulching try rear discharging or bagging Mower deck is clogged Clean out the mower deck page 15 Air filte...

Page 17: ...xide oxides of nitrogen and hydrocarbons Additionally Honda fuel systems utilize components and control technologies to reduce evaporative emissions U S EPA CARB and Environment Canada EPA California and Canadian emissions regulations require all manufacturers to furnish written instructions describing the operation and maintenance of emissions control systems The following instructions and proced...

Page 18: ...riable speed transmission flywheel brake fixed throttle Auto Choke System Length 63 8 in 1621 mm Width 23 in 585 mm Overall height 38 4 in 976 mm Dry weight 93 0 lb 42 2 kg Cutting width 21 0 in 530 mm Cutting heights 3 4 4 in 20 102 mm Model GCV190 Type 4 stroke overhead cam single cylinder air cooled Displacement 11 4 cu in 187 cc Bore and stroke 2 71 x 1 97 in 69 x 50 mm Compression ratio 8 5 1...

Page 19: ...tion Reason Turn the fuel valve OFF and fill the mower s fuel tank If the fuel tank is only partially filled air in the tank will promote fuel deterioration With the fuel valve off start the engine and let it run until it runs out of gas Running time should be approximately 3 minutes The small amount of gasoline in your lawn mower s carburetor will deteriorate faster than the fuel in the fuel tank...

Page 20: ... in this publication were in effect at the time of approval for printing American Honda Motor Co Inc reserves the right however to discontinue or change specifications or design at any time without notice and without incurring any obligation whatever No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission Shop Manual This manual covers complete maintenance and overhaul procedures ...

Page 21: ...not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts and or do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages so the above exclusions and limitations may not apply to you This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state Honda Parts Accessories and Apparel This warranty is limited to Honda Power Equi...

Page 22: ...placement parts may be used in the performance of any warranty repairs and must be provided without charge to the owner The use of replacement parts not equivalent to the original parts may impair the effectiveness of your engine emission control system If such a replacement part is used in the repair or maintenance of your engine and an authorized Honda dealer determines it is defective or causes...

Page 23: ... confidential It will not be released to any other company or organization Failure to register your lawn mower does not diminish your warranty rights Please complete and mail the postage paid card or register online at www powerequipment honda com commercial rental users check one private homeowner use for hire use Owner s Last Name Company Name Address City Purchased Via First Name Telephone Stat...

Page 24: ...Submit It s that simple Power Equipment Division American Honda Motor Co Inc 4900 Marconi Dr Alpharetta GA 30005 9956 NO POSTAGE NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES Product Registration BUSINESS REPLY MAIL FIRST CLASS MAIL ALPHARETTA GA PERMIT NO 117 POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE 00X31VH7 A020 HPE 2013 05 PRINTED IN U S A EM5 K4 ...

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