Honda HRR2169VYA Mower Questions

[rwh963]

dump picked this mower recently. really nice shape, even came with 2 pair of new blades. PO left a note on it, and a box of parts. the used blade shows a bend, indicating it went over a stump or other object. you can see from the box lid what he was planning on getting to repair. this is about a $500 mower new, $250 used in good shape. like to figure it out.

fuel in it, it started several times after several pulls, stalling out shortly after. it has been suggested it might need the blade system to kick it started properly.

i'm hoping the engine and shaft are ok. missing the woodruff key, and i believe one other part i can't id yet.

wondering, is the key a sacrificial part? can this mower be converted to a non-brake clutch set up, if desired. i really don't care about keeping the mower running after the blade stops.

 

[rwh963]

decided to order a missing drive disc, pick up a woodruff key, and maybe replace the bearings, and see how it does.

 

[cookies]

They have a wax pellet activated choke system, when it fails the choke does not work so it does not start.

 

[cookies]

It also has a internal timing belt that if it breaks or jumps it will not run and likely cause valve damage

 

[ElevatorGuy]

A timing belt on a 160cc engine?? Dang Hondas lol.

 

[rwh963]

They have a wax pellet activated choke system, when it fails the choke does not work so it does not start.

just researched it. never heard of it before. thx for the tip! i knew about there being a timing belt, but have never changed one. good for 100k miles??

 

[rwh963]

ordered 2 woodruff keys ($2 each). so far spent less than $40 on necessary parts. hope it works!

 

[ballisticdoughnut]

If the crankshaft is bent don’t bother trying to fix it. If the crank is good pull the carb off and clean it. The engine will run no problem without the blades installed. I hardly see any problems with the choke system on Honda mowers. Never had problems (so far) with timing belts either. What I do see a lot is dirty carbs from people letting them sit with E10 fuel.

 

[rwh963]

Visually the crank looks good. Doesn’t do anything bad while holding it. Not gonna put much $ into it, though it is a $500 mower !

 

[ballisticdoughnut]

Put the mower on its side, carb side up. Remove the spark plug and pull the starter rope. If you see a wobble I wouldn’t go any further with it.

 

[rwh963]

Good suggestion. I do see a wobble. A bridge too far? Hate to give up on a nice mower, but not interested in spending big $$. That said, engine swap? Keep the body, remove the brain?

 

[ballisticdoughnut]

You could put a crank in it they’re not too expensive. I can get you a price tomorrow when I’m at work. If there’s a Honda power equipment dealer near you they’ll be able to help you as well.

 

[rwh963]

i saw it earlier on the honda website. there is a shop nearby as well. does this require an engine break down? not sure i want to go down a rabbit hole of cost and repairs.

 

[ballisticdoughnut]

Yes you have to tear the engine down to replace the crank.

 

[rwh963]

Yes you have to tear the engine down to replace the crank.

https://peparts.honda.com/powerequipment/lawn-mowers/HRR/HRR216/HRR216K9-VYAA/VL04E0700A/references

 

[rwh963]

would this incident, bending a blade on something, cause internal engine damage as well? and, looks like a donor engine might be best option, but would probably need to be the same type (blade brake)?

or, it has lots of low mileage (by appearance) parts. i could do a big teardown and part out on ebay. i had considered selling it in the spring for about $200, but with all the work it may take, profit that way would pretty low.

 

[rwh963]

Cancelled the woodruff keys. Will return the Amazon ordered parts later. Honda shop says there can be rounding out internally depending on how long it ran afterwards. Still lots of value on the carcass, just harder to accomplish.

 

[ballisticdoughnut]

Most likely the previous owner hit a rock or something, noticed the vibration and stopped using it. Probably brought it to a dealer and they delivered the bad news. At that point they usually end up in the scrap bin. You could tear it down and inspect. If the oil sump (lower crankcase) is damaged just toss it. The HRR isn’t a high dollar unit your probably not going to make much by parting it out. May not be worth your time but that’s for you to decide.

 

[rwh963]

yeah, i'll check ebay first. i know the bags sell well. and i believe the new blades fit my non-blade brakes hhr216 model. so, there is at least a silver lining! thx to everyone for your input.

 

[rwh963]

Wait! May not be game over yet. See video: