honda-automobiles hrx217hxa User Manual

16

Check your mower as described in BEFORE OPERATION (page 4).

If the fuel was drained during storage preparation, fill the tank with 
fresh gasoline. If you keep a container of gasoline for refueling, be 
sure that it contains only fresh gasoline. Gasoline oxidizes and 
deteriorates over time, causing hard starting.

If the cylinder was coated with oil during storage preparation, the 
engine will smoke briefly at startup. This is normal.

At the beginning of the mowing season, charge the battery for 24 
hours before using the electric starter (page 13).

There are two serial numbers, one for the engine and one for the 
mower frame. Record the engine and frame serial numbers in the 
space below. You will need these serial numbers when ordering parts 
and when making technical or warranty inquiries (page 19).

Engine serial number:_____________________________________

Frame serial number: _____________________________________

Date of purchase: ________________________________________

Fuel valve OFF

Turn the fuel valve ON (page 6).

Throttle lever in the wrong 
position

Move the throttle lever to the CHOKE 
position, unless the engine is warm 
(page 7).

Key switch OFF 
(HRX217HMA only)

Turn the key switch ON to use the recoil 
starter (page 7).

Out of fuel

Bad fuel, mower stored without 
treating or draining gasoline, or 
refueled with bad gasoline

Drain the fuel tank and carburetor 
(page 15). Refuel with fresh gasoline 
(page 12).

Spark plug faulty, fouled, or 
improperly gapped

Gap or replace the spark plug 
(page 12).

Spark plug wet with fuel (flooded 
engine)

Dry and reinstall the spark plug.

Battery discharged 
(HRX217HMA only)

Fuse burned out 
(HRX217HMA only)

Fuel filter clogged, carburetor 
malfunction, ignition malfunction, 
valves stuck, etc.

Take the mower to an authorized 
Honda servicing dealer for repair.

Throttle not set to FAST

Move the throttle to the FAST position 
(page 7).

Grass too tall or wet

Raise the cutting height (page 9), cut a 
narrower swath, use a slower ground 
speed, cut more frequently when the 
grass is dry, or move the Clip Director 
knob toward the BAG position (page 5).

Mower deck clogged

Clean out the mower deck.

Air filter clogged

Clean or replace the air filter (page 12).

Bad fuel, mower stored without 
treating or draining gasoline, or 
refueled with bad gasoline

Drain the fuel tank and carburetor 
(page 15).
Refuel with fresh gasoline (page 12).

Fuel filter clogged, carburetor 
malfunction, ignition malfunction, 
valves stuck, etc.

Take the mower to an authorized 
Honda servicing dealer for repair.

Grass and debris lodged under 
the mower deck

Clean out the mower deck.

Blades loose, bent, damaged, or 
unbalanced by improper 
sharpening

Tighten loose blade bolts (page 10).
If blades are found to be bent or 
damaged, take the lawn mower to an 
authorized Honda servicing dealer for 
inspection (page 10).

Mechanical damage, such as a 
bent crankshaft

Take the mower to an authorized 
Honda servicing dealer for repair.

Engine speed is too slow to cut 
well

Move the throttle lever to the FAST 
position (page 7).

Mower is moving too fast for lawn 
conditions

Cutting height adjustment levers 
set at different positions

Set all levers at the same cutting height 
position (page 6).

Grass bag overfilled or clogged

Empty the grass bag. Wash the grass 
bag if it is clogged with dirt (page 11).

Mower deck clogged

Clean out the mower deck.

Blades dull, worn, or damaged

Sharpen or replace the blades if 
necessary (page 10).

Wrong blades installed

Install correct blades (page 10).