Honda Automobiles HRX217TDA manual

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81

Go to page of

A good user manual

The rules should oblige the seller to give the purchaser an operating instrucion of Honda Automobiles HRX217TDA, along with an item. The lack of an instruction or false information given to customer shall constitute grounds to apply for a complaint because of nonconformity of goods with the contract. In accordance with the law, a customer can receive an instruction in non-paper form; lately graphic and electronic forms of the manuals, as well as instructional videos have been majorly used. A necessary precondition for this is the unmistakable, legible character of an instruction.

What is an instruction?

The term originates from the Latin word „instructio”, which means organizing. Therefore, in an instruction of Honda Automobiles HRX217TDA one could find a process description. An instruction's purpose is to teach, to ease the start-up and an item's use or performance of certain activities. An instruction is a compilation of information about an item/a service, it is a clue.

Unfortunately, only a few customers devote their time to read an instruction of Honda Automobiles HRX217TDA. A good user manual introduces us to a number of additional functionalities of the purchased item, and also helps us to avoid the formation of most of the defects.

What should a perfect user manual contain?

First and foremost, an user manual of Honda Automobiles HRX217TDA should contain:
- informations concerning technical data of Honda Automobiles HRX217TDA
- name of the manufacturer and a year of construction of the Honda Automobiles HRX217TDA item
- rules of operation, control and maintenance of the Honda Automobiles HRX217TDA item
- safety signs and mark certificates which confirm compatibility with appropriate standards

Why don't we read the manuals?

Usually it results from the lack of time and certainty about functionalities of purchased items. Unfortunately, networking and start-up of Honda Automobiles HRX217TDA alone are not enough. An instruction contains a number of clues concerning respective functionalities, safety rules, maintenance methods (what means should be used), eventual defects of Honda Automobiles HRX217TDA, and methods of problem resolution. Eventually, when one still can't find the answer to his problems, he will be directed to the Honda Automobiles service. Lately animated manuals and instructional videos are quite popular among customers. These kinds of user manuals are effective; they assure that a customer will familiarize himself with the whole material, and won't skip complicated, technical information of Honda Automobiles HRX217TDA.

Why one should read the manuals?

It is mostly in the manuals where we will find the details concerning construction and possibility of the Honda Automobiles HRX217TDA item, and its use of respective accessory, as well as information concerning all the functions and facilities.

After a successful purchase of an item one should find a moment and get to know with every part of an instruction. Currently the manuals are carefully prearranged and translated, so they could be fully understood by its users. The manuals will serve as an informational aid.

Table of contents for the manual

  • Page 1

    31VH7001 00X31-VH7-0010 IPC XXXXX.2006.04 POM53619-A PRINTED IN U.S.A. Printed on Recycled Paper Owner ’ s Manual Rotary Mower HRX217TDA EM3 See page 57 for instructions on setting up your Lawn Mower . © 2003-2006 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.—All Rights Reserved[...]

  • Page 2

    Keep this owner’s manual handy, so you can refer to it at any time. This owner’s manual is considered a permanent part of the lawn mower and should remain with the lawn mower if resold. The information and specifications incl uded in this publication were in effect at the time of approval for printing. American Honda Motor Co., Inc. reserves th[...]

  • Page 3

    INTRODUCTION 1 Congratulations on your selection of a Honda lawn mower! We are certain you will be pleased with your purchase of one of the finest lawn mowers on the market. We want to help you get the best re sults from your new mower and to operate it safely. This manual co ntains the information on how to do that; please read it carefully. As yo[...]

  • Page 4

    INTRODUCTION 2 A FEW WORDS ABOUT SAFETY Your safety, and the safety of others, is very important. And using this lawn mower safely is an important responsibility. To help you make informed decision s about safety, we have provided operating procedures and other in formation on labels and in this manual. This information alerts you to potential haza[...]

  • Page 5

    3 CONTENTS LAWN MOWER SAFETY ........................... ...................................................4 IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ........ ...........................................4 IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO PARENTS ...... ...........................................5 SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS ................... .................................[...]

  • Page 6

    4 LAWN MOWER SAFETY IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Most accidents with walk-behind mowers can be prevented if you follow all instructions in this ma nual and on the mower. The most common hazards, according to accident statistics, are discussed below, along with the best way to protect yourself and others. Avoid Rotating Blades Rotating blades can ca[...]

  • Page 7

    LAWN MOWER SAFETY 5 IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO PARENTS YOUR CHILDREN’S SAFETY IS VE RY IMPORTANT to Honda. That’s why we urge you to read this message before letting your child operate this lawn mower. Lawn mowers are tools, not toys. As with any equipment, bad judgments can result in serious injuries. You can help prevent accidents by making good de[...]

  • Page 8

    LAWN MOWER SAFETY 6 SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS These labels warn you of potential hazards that can cause serious injury. Read them carefully. If a la bel comes off or becomes hard to read, contact an authorized Honda servicing dealer for a replacement. DANGER KEEP HANDS and FEET AWA Y CAUTION UNDER NORMAL USAGE, THIS BAG MA TERIAL IS SUBJECT T O DETERI[...]

  • Page 9

    7 CONTROLS & FEATURES COMPONENT & CONTROL LOCATIONS HANDLEBAR SHIFT LEVER THROTTLE LEVER DISCHARGE GUARD FUEL TANK CAP RECOIL STARTER GRIP FRONT CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVERS MUFFLER OIL FILLER CAP REAR CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER (2) GRASS BAG HANDLEBAR LOCKING KNOB (2) FUEL VALVE AIR CLEANER CARBURETOR SPARK PLUG CAP FLYWHEEL BRAKE[...]

  • Page 10

    CONTROLS & FEATURES 8 DESCRIPTION OF CONTROLS Fuel Valve The fuel valve opens and closes the fu el passage from the fuel tank to the carburetor. Throttle Lever The throttle lever controls engin e speed and opens and closes the choke. CHOKE Closes the choke; use when starting a cold engine. FAST For restarting a wa rm engine and for mowing. SLOW[...]

  • Page 11

    CONTROLS & FEATURES 9 Flywheel Brake Lever This lever is connected to the engi ne flywheel brake and the ignition switch. The engine will not start unless this lever is pushed forward. Drive Clutch Lever The drive clutch lever engages and disengages the transmission that drives the rear wheels. FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER FLYWHEEL B[...]

  • Page 12

    CONTROLS & FEATURES 10 Shift Lever The shift lever selects and cont rols the mower’s drive speed. 1 (slow) For mowing thick grass or maneuvering in small areas. 2 (medium) For intermediate self-propelled mowing speed. 3 (fast) For maximum self-propelled transport speed. Cutting Height Adjustment Levers Each wheel of the mower can be adjusted [...]

  • Page 13

    11 BEFORE OPERATION ARE YOU READY TO GET STARTED? Your safety is your responsibility. A little time spent in preparation will significantly reduce your risk of injury. Knowledge 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. Kn[...]

  • Page 14

    BEFORE OPERATION 12 Check the General Condition of the Lawn Mower • Look around and underneath the lawn mower for signs of oil or gasoline leaks. • Look for signs of damage. • Check each control for proper operation. • Check the blades for wear. Repl ace as necessary (page 32). Check that the blade bolts are tight (page 34). • Check that [...]

  • Page 15

    BEFORE OPERATION 13 GET THE MOWER READY Handlebar Height Adjustment 1. Loosen the handlebar locking knobs (2). 2. Spread the lower ends of the hand lebar to release the locating pins and move the handlebar up or dow n so the locating pins engage other holes on the handlebar mounting brackets. 3. Tighten the handlebar locking knobs securely. LOCKING[...]

  • Page 16

    BEFORE OPERATION 14 Clip Direction Clip Director® Knob Adjustment Adjust the Clip Director knob in any one of ten positions to achieve the desired mowing results. To adjust the Clip Director knob, pull the knob downward and towards the rear of the mower. The knob ad justs a sliding door from the fully open BAG position to the fully closed MULCH po[...]

  • Page 17

    BEFORE OPERATION 15 Sliding Door Position The sliding door can be positioned to produce different mowing results. If the preferred sliding door position is unknown, install the grass bag (page 17) and begin mowing with the Clip Director knob all the way to the BAG position. Check the appearance of the lawn. As the knob is moved towards the MULCH po[...]

  • Page 18

    BEFORE OPERATION 16 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 left (BAG) position. As the Clip Director knob is moved toward the right (MULCH) position, less grass will be discharged[...]

  • Page 19

    BEFORE OPERATION 17 Grass Bag A lawn mower works like a vacuum cleaner; it blows air through the bag, which traps the grass clippings. Always empty the grass bag before it becomes filled to the limit of its capacity. Bagging performance will diminish after the bag becomes about 90% filled. Also, the bag is easier to empty when it is not packed full[...]

  • Page 20

    BEFORE OPERATION 18 Cutting Height Move all four adjustment levers to the same position. To adjust cutting height, pull each adjustment lever toward the wheel, and move it into another notch. 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 cut[...]

  • Page 21

    19 OPERATION MOWING PRECAUTIONS Before operating the mower for the first time, please review IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION (page 4) and BEFORE OPERATION (page 11). Even if you have operated other mowers, take time to become familiar with how this mower works and practice in a safe area until you build up your skills. For your safety, avoid starting [...]

  • Page 22

    OPERATION 20 3. Release the drive clutch lever. If the drive clutch lever is engaged, the mower will move forward when you operate the starter. 4. Push forward on the flywheel br ake lever and hold it against the handlebar. 5. Pull the starter grip lightly until yo u feel resistance, then pull briskly. Return the starter grip gently. Keep you hands[...]

  • Page 23

    OPERATION 21 OPERATING THE CONTROLS FOR MOWING Throttle Lever For best cut quality, always mow with the throttle lever in the FAST position. When the blades rotate at the preset fast speed, it creates a strong fan action that lifts and cuts grass more efficiently. Do not try to increase the preset engine speed: the blade could fracture and come apa[...]

  • Page 24

    OPERATION 22 Drive Clutch Lever Push the drive clutch lever forward and hold it against the handlebar to propel the mower forward. Release the drive clutch lever to stop the mower’s forward movement. Always release the drive clutch lever before starting the engine. If the drive clutch is engaged, the mower will move forward when you operate the s[...]

  • Page 25

    OPERATION 23 STOPPING THE ENGINE 1. Move the throttle lever to the SLOW position. 2. Release the flywheel brake lever and the drive clutch lever. 3. When the mower is not in use, turn the fuel valve to the OFF position. SLOW THROTTLE LEVER FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER OFF FUEL VALVE[...]

  • Page 26

    OPERATION 24 SAFE MOWING PRACTICES For your safety, keep all four wheels on the ground, and be careful to avoid losing your footing and your control of the mower. Keep a firm grip on the handlebar, and walk, ne ver run, with the mower. Be very careful when mowing uneven or rough ground. If stuck, do not kick or shove the mower with your foot. Use t[...]

  • Page 27

    OPERATION 25 Obstacles Use the side of the mower to cut close to large obstacles, such as fences or walls. Release the drive clutch lever to disengage the drive when mowing around trees and other obstacles. Push the mower around obstacles for better directional control. Be ca reful when mowing over obstacles embedded in the lawn, such as spri nkler[...]

  • Page 28

    OPERATION 26 MOWING TIPS When to Mow Most grasses should be mowed when they have grown 1/2 to 1 inch above their recommended height. More frequent mowing is required for mulching than for bagging. For best results, you may need to mow the lawn twice a week during the growing season. Cutting Height Consult a local nursery or lawn and garden center f[...]

  • Page 29

    OPERATION 27 Blade Sharpness A sharp blade cuts cleanly. A dull blade tears the grass, leaving shredded ends that turn brown. When your blade doesn’t cut cleanly anymore, have it sharpened or replaced. Dry Grass If the ground is too dry, mowing will stir up a lot of dust. Besides being unpleasant to work in, to o much dust will clog the air filte[...]

  • Page 30

    OPERATION 28 Mowing Patterns Your Honda mower will work most efficiently if you use the following mowing patterns as much as po ssible. Mower deck and equipment design, and the direction in whic h the blade rotates, cause these mowing patterns to give the best results. Mulching Use a counterclockwise mowing pattern when the Clip Director knob is in[...]

  • Page 31

    29 SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTENANCE Good maintenance is essential for safe, economical, and trouble-free operation. It will also help 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 32

    SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 30 MAINTENANCE SAFETY Some of the most important safety precautions follow. However, we cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in performing maintenance. Only you can decide whether or not you should perform a given task. Safety Precautions • Make sure the engine is off befo re you begin any maintenan[...]

  • Page 33

    SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 31 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE (1) Service more frequently when used in dusty areas. (2) 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. Failure to follow this mainte nance schedule coul[...]

  • Page 34

    SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 32 BLADES Inspection 1. Move the fuel valve to the OFF position (page 8) and disconnect the spark plug cap from the spark plug (page 39). 2. Tilt the mower to the right, so the air filter side is up. This will help to prevent fuel leakage and hard starting. 3. Inspect the blades for wear and damage. A dull blade can be sha[...]

  • Page 35

    SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 33 Blade Removal and Installation If you remove the blades for sharp ening or replacement, you will need a torque wrench for installation. We ar heavy gloves to protect your hands. BLADE SHARPENING: To avoid weakening the blades, or causing imbalance or poor cutting, the bla des should be sharpened by trained staff at an a[...]

  • Page 36

    SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 34 Blade Installation 1. Clean dirt and grass from around the blade mounting area. 2. Install the blades using the two blade bolts and special washers as shown. Be sure to install the special washers with the concave side toward the blades and the conv ex side toward the bolts. The blade bolts and washers are specially des[...]

  • Page 37

    SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 35 GRASS BAG CLEANING AND REPLACEMENT Grass Bag Cleaning Wash the bag with a garden hose, and allow it to dry completely before use; a wet bag will clog quickly. Grass Bag Replacement Replace a worn or damaged bag with a Honda replacement bag or its equivalent (page 64). Bag Removal 1. Unclip the plastic edges of the bag f[...]

  • Page 38

    SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 36 ENGINE MAINTENANCE Engine Oil Level Check 1. Unscrew and remove the filler cap/dipstick and wipe it clean. 2. Insert and remove the dipstick without screwing it into the filler neck . Check the oil level shown on the dipstick. 3. If the oil level is low, add oil to reach the upper limit mark on the dipstick. Do not over[...]

  • Page 39

    SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 37 Engine Oil Change Drain the used oil while the engine is warm. Warm oil drains quickly and completely. 1. Turn the fuel valve OFF (page 8). This will reduce the possibility of fuel leakage. 2. Wipe the oil filler area clean, th en remove the oil filler cap/dipstick. 3. Place a suitable container next to the mower to cat[...]

  • Page 40

    SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 38 Air Cleaner Service A dirty air filter will restrict air flow to the carburetor, reducing engine performance. If you operate the mower in very dusty areas, clean the air filter more often than specif ied in the MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE (page 31). NOTICE Operating the engine without an air filter, or with a damaged filter, w[...]

  • Page 41

    SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 39 Spark Plug Service NOTICE Incorrect spark plugs can cause engine damage. For good performance, the spark pl ug must be properly gapped and free of deposits. 1. Disconnect the spark plug cap and remove any dirt from around the spark plug area. 2. Remove the spark plug with a 13/16 in (21 mm) spark plug wrench. 3. Inspect[...]

  • Page 42

    SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 40 4. Measure the spark plug electrode gap with a suitable gauge. The gap should be 0.028 ~ 0.031 in (0 .7 ~ 0.8 mm). Correct the gap, if necessary, by carefully bending the side electrode. 5. Install the spark plug carefully, by hand, to avoid cross-threading. 6. After the spark plug seats, tighten with a 13/16 in (21 mm)[...]

  • Page 43

    SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 41 Spark Arrester Service (optional equipment) Your lawn mower engine is not fact ory-equipped with a spark arrester. In some areas, it is illegal to operate an engine without a spark arrester. Check local laws and regulations. An optional USDA approved spark arrester is available from an authorized Honda servicing dealer.[...]

  • Page 44

    SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 42 CONTROL CABLE ADJUSTMENTS Flywheel Brake Cable Adjustment Measure free play at the top of th e flywheel brake lever. Free play should be 1-3/16 ~ 1-3/8 in (30 ~ 35 mm). If adjustment is necessary: 1. Loosen the lock nuts with a 10 mm wrench, and move the adjuster up or down as required. 2. Tighten the lock nuts and rech[...]

  • Page 45

    SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 43 Drive Clutch Cable Adjustment Measure free play at the top of the lever, as shown. Free play should be 1/16 ~ 3/16 in (1 ~ 5 mm). If adjustment is necessary: 1. Loosen the lock nuts with a 10 mm wrench, and move the adjuster up or down as required. 2. Tighten the lock nuts and recheck free play. 3. Start the engine outd[...]

  • Page 46

    SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 44 Shift Cable Adjustment Shift cable adjustment is necessary if the shift lever will not smoothly select each gear. 1. Starting from 3rd gear, cycle the shift lever through all three gears and listen for the transmission detent click sound for each gear. 2. From 3rd gear, move the shift lever back to 2nd then to the 1st g[...]

  • Page 47

    SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 45 THROTTLE CABLE INSPECTION Throttle cable adjustment is necessa ry if the throttle lever does not operate the choke properly. Perfo rm the inspection and adjustment with the engine stopped. You can inspect choke operation by observing the movement of the choke arm, which is located on top of the carburetor. 1. Move the t[...]

  • Page 48

    SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 46 FUEL SYSTEM Refueling Fuel tank capacity: 0.29 US gal (1.1 l ) If the fuel level is low, refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped. If the engine has been r unning, allow it to cool first. T o refuel, remove the fuel t ank cap, and fill the tank with gasoline to the bottom of the filler neck. Refuel care [...]

  • Page 49

    SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 47 Fuel Recommendations Use unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher. This engine is certified to operat e on unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher. Unleaded gasoline produces fewer engine and spark plug deposits and extends exhaust system life. Never use stale or contaminated gas o[...]

  • Page 50

    48 STORAGE PREPARING FOR STORAGE Proper storage preparation is essential for keeping your lawn mower trouble free and looking good. The follo wing steps will help to keep rust and corrosion from impairing yo ur lawn mower’s function and appearance, and will make the engine easier to start when you use the lawn mower again. Cleaning 1. Wash the la[...]

  • Page 51

    STORAGE 49 3. With the mower in an upright posi tion, open the Clip Director, start the engine outdoors, and let it run until it reaches normal operating temperature to evaporate any water remaining on the engine. 4. Stop the engine and allow it to cool. 5. After the lawn mower is clean and dry, touch up any damaged paint (touch-up paint part numbe[...]

  • Page 52

    STORAGE 50 Fuel Gasoline will oxidize and deteriorat e in storage. Old gasoline will cause hard starting, and it leaves gum d eposits that clog the fuel system. If the gasoline in your mower deteri orates during storage, you may need to have the carburetor and other f uel system components serviced or replaced. The length of time that gasoline can [...]

  • Page 53

    STORAGE 51 Draining the Carburetor and Fuel Tank 1. Make sure the fuel valve is OFF (page 8). Remove the carburetor drain bolt with a 10 mm wrench, and drain the fuel from the carburetor bowl into an approved container. If you only need to drain the carburetor, skip to step 3. 2. To drain the fuel tank, turn the fuel valve ON (page 8). This will al[...]

  • Page 54

    STORAGE 52 Engine Cylinder Remove the spark plug (see page 39). Pour a tablespoon (5 ~ 10 cc) of clean engine oil into the cylinder. Pull the starter rope several times to distribute the oil in the cylinder. Reinstall the spark plug. Pull the starter rope slowly until resistance is felt then return the starter grip gently. This will close the valve[...]

  • Page 55

    STORAGE 53 PLACING IN STORAGE If your mower will be stored with gasoline in the fuel tank and carburetor, it is important to re duce the hazard of gasoline vapor ignition. Select a well-ventilated stor age area away from any appliance that operates with a flame, such as a furnace, water heater, or clothes dryer. Also avoid any area with a spark-pro[...]

  • Page 56

    54 TRANSPORTING BEFORE LOADING If the engine has been running, allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before loading the mower on the transport vehicle. A hot engine and exhaust system can burn you and can ignite some materials. 1. Turn the fuel valve to the OFF position. This will prevent carburetor flooding and reduce the possib ility of fuel l[...]

  • Page 57

    55 TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS ENGINE WILL NOT START LOSS OF POWER Possible Cause Correction Fuel valve is OFF Turn the fuel valve ON (page 8) . Throttle lever is in the wrong positio n Move the throttle lever to the CHOKE position, unless the engine is warm (page 19) . Flywheel brake lever is not engaged Enga g e the flywheel brake lever (p[...]

  • Page 58

    TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS 56 VIBRATION PROBLEMS MOWING AND BAGGING PROBLEMS Possible Cause Correction Grass and debris lodged under the mower deck Clear out the mower deck (page 27) . Blades are loose, bent, damaged, or unbalanced by improper sharpening Tighten loose blades bolts. (page 34) . If blades are found to be bent or damaged, take[...]

  • Page 59

    57 SET-UP Unpacking Remove all the cardboard from around the handlebar. Handlebar Setup Loosen the two knobs on the lower handlebar enough to raise the handlebar into the mowing position. Depress the flywheel brake lever while raising the handlebar (page 13). Spread the lower ends of the handlebar to release the locati ng pins and move the handleba[...]

  • Page 60

    SET-UP 58 Engine Oil The mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL in the engine. A bottle of oil is included in the box with your mower. Add the entire contents of the oil bottle into the oil filler opening. Check that the oil level is between the upper and lower limit marks on the dipstick as shown. Do not screw in the dipstick when checking the oil level. No[...]

  • Page 61

    SET-UP 59 Grass Bag Assembly Slide the grass bag frame into the grass bag and install the clips as shown. Lift the discharge guard and install the grass bag. Before Operation Before using the lawn mower, all mower operator’s must read the following chapters and sections: • LAWN MOWER SAFETY (page 4) • CONTROLS & FEATURES (page 7) • BEFO[...]

  • Page 62

    60 TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION TECHNICAL INFORMATION Serial Number Locations 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 . Y ou will need these serial numbers when ordering parts and when making technical or warranty inquiries (page 69). Engine [...]

  • Page 63

    TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 61 Carburetor Modification for High Altitude Operation At high altitude, the standard carburet or air-fuel mixture will be too rich. Performance will decrease, and fuel consumption will increase. A very rich mixture will also foul the sp ark plug and cause hard starting. Operation at an altitude that differs fro[...]

  • Page 64

    TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 62 Oxygenated Fuels Some conventional gasolines are being blended with alcohol or an ether compound. These gasolines are collectively referred to as oxygenated fuels. To meet clean air standards, some areas of the United States and Canada use oxygenated fuels to help reduce emissions. If you use an oxygenated fu[...]

  • Page 65

    TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 63 EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM Source of Emissions The combustion process produce s carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, and hydrocarbons. Control of hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen is very important because, under certain conditions, they react to form photochemical smog w hen subjected to sunlight. Carbon mono[...]

  • Page 66

    TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 64 Replacement Parts The emission control systems on your new Honda engine were designed, built, and certified to conform with EPA, California and Canadian emission regulations. We recommend the use of genuine Honda parts whenever you have maintenance done. These original-design replacement part s are manufactur[...]

  • Page 67

    TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 65 Air Index An Air Index Information hang tag/labe l is applied to engines certified to an emission durability time period in accordance with the requirements of the California Air Resources Board. The bar graph is intended to provide you, our customer, the ability to compare the emissions performance of availa[...]

  • Page 68

    TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 66 SPECIFICATIONS Mower Model Dimensions, Weights and Capacities Engine Design and Performance HRX217TDA Honda rotary mowe r, grass bag, 21 inch mower deck, 6.5 bhp, Clip Director, three-speed transmissi on, flywheel brake, USA market Overall Length [Cutting height adjusters set to 1-1/4 in (32 mm)] Handlebar hi[...]

  • Page 69

    TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 67 Transmission Design and Performance Maintenance Tuneup Transmission Type 3 speed, manual shift Mower Ground Speed (with engine at 3,100 rpm) 1st: 1.8 mph (0.8 m/s), 2nd: 2.9 mph (1.3 m/s), 3rd: 3.6 mph (1.6 m/s) Fuel Unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher. page 46 Engine Oil SAE 10W-30, A[...]

  • Page 70

    TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 68 CONSUMER INFORMA TION Replacement Part s, Optional Equipment, and Service Items Contact an authorized Honda servicing deal er to purchase any of these (or other) genuine original Honda items. Replacement Part s Item Part Number Notes Spark plug 98079-56846 NGK (brand) BPR6ES Air filter 17211-ZL8-003 Paper Low[...]

  • Page 71

    TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 69 Dealer Locator Information T o find an Authorized Honda Servicing Dealer anywhere in the United S tates: Call (800) 426-7701 or visit our website: www .hondapowerequipment.com/dealer Customer Service Information Honda Power Equipment dealersh ip personnel are trained professionals. They should be able to answ[...]

  • Page 72

    TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 70 Distributor's Limited W arranty This warranty is limited to th e following Honda Power Equipment products when distributed by American Honda Motor Co., In c., Power Equipment Division, 4900 Marconi Drive, Alpharetta, Georgia 30005-8847. * Length of W arranty: Batt eries supplied with applicable produc ts[...]

  • Page 73

    TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 71 T o Obtain W arranty Service: Y ou must take the Honda Power Equipmen t product, accessory , replacement part , apparel or the po wer equipment on which the accessory or replacement part is installed, and proof of purchase, at your expense, to any Honda Power Equipment dealer in the United States, P uerto Ric[...]

  • Page 74

    TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 72 Accessories, Replacement Pa rt s, and App arel W arranty This warranty is limited to Honda Po wer Equipment parts, acce ssories and apparel when distributed by American Honda Motor Co., Inc., 490 0 Marconi Drive, Alphar etta, Georgia 30005-8847 T o Qualify for this Warranty: 1. The accessories, replacement pa[...]

  • Page 75

    TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 73 Emission Control System W arranty Y our new Honda Power Equipmen t engine complies wit h the U. S. EP A, Environment Canada and State of California emission regulations. American Honda Mo tor Co., Inc. provides the emission warranty coverage for engines in the United States, and its territories. Hond a Canada[...]

  • Page 76

    TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 74 W arranty Coverage: Honda power equipment engines manufactured after January 1, 1995 and sold in the State of California, and U.S. EP A certified engines manufactured on or after September 1, 1996 and sold in all of th e United States, and Canadian certified engines manufactured on or afte r January 1, 2005 a[...]

  • Page 77

    TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 75 Emission Control System W arranty Part s: SYSTEMS COVERED BY THIS W ARRANTY : PA R T S DESCRIPTION: Fuel Metering Carburetor assembly , Fuel injection pump, Fuel injection nozzle, Fuel regulator , Intake manifold Exhaust Catalyst, Exhaust manifold Air Induction Air filter housing, Air f ilter element*, Crankc[...]

  • Page 78

    76 INDEX A Accessories warranty ....................... 72 Air cleaner service ............................ 38 Air Filter Part Numb er ....................... 68 Air index ............... ............................ 65 Altitude, high altitu de operation ........ 61 B Before operation ... ............................ 11 Blade Inspection .......... [...]

  • Page 79

    INDEX 77 P Paint, Part Number ........................... 68 Parts Catalog ................. ......................... 68 Replacement list ............................ 68 Publications .......... ............................ 68 S Safety A few words .......... ........................... 2 Information ........... ........................... 4 Label l[...]

  • Page 80

    QUICK REFERENCE INFORMATION Fuel T ype Unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher (page 46) Engine oil T ype SAE 10W -30, API SJ or later (page 36) S park plug T ype Regular: NGK BP6ES DENSO W20EP-U Resistor: NGK BPR6ES DENSO: W20EPR-U Maintenance Before each use Check engine oil (page 36) Check air cleaner (page 38) First 5 hours [...]

  • Page 81

    31VH7001 00X31-VH7-0010 IPC XXXXX.2006.04 POM53619-A PRINTED IN U.S.A. Printed on Recycled Paper Owner ’ s Manual Rotary Mower HRX217TDA EM3 See page 57 for instructions on setting up your Lawn Mower . © 2003-2006 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.—All Rights Reserved[...]