honda hr216 electric start issue
#1
06-08-13, 05:07 PM
honda hr216 electric start issue
hi,
I have an old honda hr216 rear roller lawnmower with an electric start. I bought it second hand about 4 years ago and the electric start has worked flawlessly until this year. The mower still starts first time with a hand pull but want to get the electric start working again. I've charged the battery and the battery charger shows full charge. When I turn the key the first time it cranks the engine but gives up straight away (less than a second). Any subsequent attempts I just hear an electrical buzzing noise (no crank).
Also, don't know if this is related but last year the blade became permanently engaged and pulling the dead man lever doesn't make a difference. To key start the mower you have to pull the dead man lever and the fact that the blade was permanently engaged didn't effect its ability to start. Could this be a cable adjustment issue?
Can someone post some trouble shooting steps please or suggest what the issue could be. I'm not an expert when it comes to engines but can do basic tasks like servicing, oil change, etc.
Thanks,
Chet
I have an old honda hr216 rear roller lawnmower with an electric start. I bought it second hand about 4 years ago and the electric start has worked flawlessly until this year. The mower still starts first time with a hand pull but want to get the electric start working again. I've charged the battery and the battery charger shows full charge. When I turn the key the first time it cranks the engine but gives up straight away (less than a second). Any subsequent attempts I just hear an electrical buzzing noise (no crank).
Also, don't know if this is related but last year the blade became permanently engaged and pulling the dead man lever doesn't make a difference. To key start the mower you have to pull the dead man lever and the fact that the blade was permanently engaged didn't effect its ability to start. Could this be a cable adjustment issue?
Can someone post some trouble shooting steps please or suggest what the issue could be. I'm not an expert when it comes to engines but can do basic tasks like servicing, oil change, etc.
Thanks,
Chet
#2
06-08-13, 09:11 PM
Group Moderator
Can't help you much on the dead man lever but the starting issue is fairly common.
It sounds like a battery that only has a surface charge on it or one of the battery connections is corroded. The corrosion in not always visible.
The way I check is I'll put a DC voltmeter right on the battery posts. Not the cable connections. Then crank.....if the battery holds voltage pretty constant I know it's not the problem.
Then I'll check the cables going to the unit. Usually you can tell where the issue is by the voltage dropping substantially when cranking.
It sounds like a battery that only has a surface charge on it or one of the battery connections is corroded. The corrosion in not always visible.
The way I check is I'll put a DC voltmeter right on the battery posts. Not the cable connections. Then crank.....if the battery holds voltage pretty constant I know it's not the problem.
Then I'll check the cables going to the unit. Usually you can tell where the issue is by the voltage dropping substantially when cranking.
#3
06-08-13, 09:58 PM
Forum Topic Moderator
The blade being engaged sounds like the clutch underneath is rusted and stuck. The starting problem sounds like a bad battery. Especially if it's 4 years old and you got it used.
#4
06-10-13, 03:13 PM
Thanks for the info PJmax/cheese.
I've checked the battery with a multimeter and it shows around 12.5v. However when I turn the key it drops down to around about 5.3v. So I assume it is the battery that needs replacing - is that correct?
As for the blade brake/clutch being stuck - is it quite easy to resolve? I've replaced the blade recently and removing the two nuts for the that was a job and a half - they were completely rusted/welded to the blade. Used a penetrating oil in the end to loosen. Do i need to take apart as per this video: LAWN MOWER REPAIR how to diagnose and repair honda blade clutch issues - YouTube
Once I've taken apart is it case of spraying more penetrating oil? Also, how can I prevent this in the future? I'm assuming its me not doing something when I store away for the winter.
Thanks
Chet
I've checked the battery with a multimeter and it shows around 12.5v. However when I turn the key it drops down to around about 5.3v. So I assume it is the battery that needs replacing - is that correct?
As for the blade brake/clutch being stuck - is it quite easy to resolve? I've replaced the blade recently and removing the two nuts for the that was a job and a half - they were completely rusted/welded to the blade. Used a penetrating oil in the end to loosen. Do i need to take apart as per this video: LAWN MOWER REPAIR how to diagnose and repair honda blade clutch issues - YouTube
Once I've taken apart is it case of spraying more penetrating oil? Also, how can I prevent this in the future? I'm assuming its me not doing something when I store away for the winter.
Thanks
Chet
#5
06-10-13, 04:46 PM
Forum Topic Moderator
Sounds like a bad battery.
I don't know what will need servicing in the clutch. I haven't had many of these that were stuck, and I don't recall what part(s) was stuck when I repaired them. I just started taking them apart until I found the problem. I do recall one having a lot of rust that had to be cleaned off.
I don't know what will need servicing in the clutch. I haven't had many of these that were stuck, and I don't recall what part(s) was stuck when I repaired them. I just started taking them apart until I found the problem. I do recall one having a lot of rust that had to be cleaned off.
