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Honda HR214 mower blowing lots of smoke

14 years ago

I have a mid 80's HR214 mower that runs great, it just burns a lot of oil. So much so that I can't really use it anymore unless I wear a gas mask! I checked the compression, thinking it might need new rings, but it reads 140 psi. I adjusted the valves to .007, since they were a bit tight, but that did not help any. The carb seems to be set right and the plug is new. So I'm at a loss. The guy at the hardware store said it might be the "valve guides", anyone know if thats a common problem? Thanks for any advice.

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Comments (5)

mn_mark
Original Author
14 years ago
Oops, I guess I should have posted this in the Lawn Mower section. Well, any help here still appreciated.
njdpo
14 years ago
I have one of these mowers - I really like it... But If im not mistaken they use a thick motor oil. I have run regular 10-30 in mine and it has smoked badly during initial startups for several minutes.

I seem to remember them recommending that you run a straight 30 in it. I remember being rather surprised.

Whatever you do - dont take my word for it. go out there and google on Honda hr214 oil change.

I recall it smoking during warm-up, and feeding it 30w to top it off. As I added more - the machine smoked less.

good luck - Dave
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Your seller is playing fast and loose with the facts. HR214 (2 speed) was last made in 1989 or 1990. That's more like 20 years old. Also fitted with 4hp GXV-120 engine. Masters and Harmony models (HR-215, HRA-215, HRM-215) came out in 1989 and had 5hp GXV-140 engine and 3 speed transmission or hydrostatic. It's a good mower, but 20+ years and only 4hp; I couldn't sell it for more than $75 or maybe $100 if exceptionally clean.
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The symptoms may relate to overfilling with oil or tilting. If your engine has the internal governor with the shaft through the crankcase at the left rear side, that could be the source of the oil on the deck. Make sure hot oil level is correct. Even with correct oil level, the governor shaft may continue to leak, and there is nothing you can do except clean it up every so often. My Harmony with GCV160 leaked there and left an oil spot on my shed floor that's still there. That's not why I sold it though, it was because cutting height only went to 3". Later, I picked up a Lawn-Boy commercial with the GSV190 and it leaks there too (both mowers bought new). Because of a different deck design the oil doesn't get through to the floor, and the leak is minor enough that washing the mower once or twice a year keeps it presentable. The problem also could be the cylinder is worn out after 15 years, which is a long time for any mower. Why the symptoms would suddenly appear after tilting the mower correctly is unexplained and would not be expected. Normally, oil-burning gradually gets worse, not overnight.
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my HR214 was a mess when i got it the guy was starting it with a rope. i got a recoil starter off a lawnboy and got it to work. anyhow it had so much caked on grass that the blade wouldn't turn i guess if i were you i'd check the obvious 1st sheared crank key= water in gas? plug shot= kill switch broke= grey smoke could mean a cracked ring but what you need is compression spark and gas---Now since you apologized to Nevada and T-man how about the rest of the shade-tree fella's that enjoy this stuff :)
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ray_okla
14 years ago
I have a 1979 Honda generator that uses an excessive amount of oil when used camping on the desert in Southern Arizona.
Oil consumption is normal if the generator is used when the weather is cool. Check the cooling fins for cleanliness.
I mixed 3 parts of SAE 30 oil to one part of STP(the thick stuff) and it reduced the oil consumption to near zero. I would not recommend this for a newer motor because of the closer tolerance clearances but it sure works on the old Honda.
zoulas
14 years ago
25 years old is a lot for one single piston. Hell, its a lot for most V8's. You will either need a rebuild or perhaps you can get by with a conditioner, look at the Lucas products, they are great.
bill_kapaun
14 years ago
My HR215 is going through its 22 or 23rd season and has a bit of start up smoke IF I have the oil at or above the full line.

Check the oil for the presence of gasoline. IF the carb is leaking through, gasoline will end up in the sump.
That will raise the oil level far too high AND thin the oil far too much!

All the Honda recommendations I've seen are for a multi-weight oil for 1st preference.

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