First verify that the retaining bolt that holds the rotostop control to the handlebar is secure. Sometimes the best policy on these is to get the control/ cable kit.Lots of these did that.

I don't know if Honda circulates "cheaper" versions of it's lawnmower to Home Depot...I would hope not! But I was in the same boat as cz9h3d, in the market for a new lawnmower. I went to the across the boarder to HD( our local HDs in Canada do not sell Honda mowers) at the intent of purchasing the 217HXA, after a study of reviews and specs of this specific mower. I was fixated to the HXA having the roto stop. But after comparing the 217HXA and 217VKA side by side and using the controls, the 217VKA's adjustable smartdrive control won me over with it's comfort and simplicity. To summerize the my comparison, the 217HXA = Manual, the 217VKA = Automatic....I went with Automatic!.. I suspect most of the buyers of the 217HXA are previous Hydrostatic Honda owners or for homeowners and professionals who want "total"(clutch, choke, speed, Rotostop) control of their mowers. 217VKA buyers are for people who want it simple and comfortable. It doesn't feature the Rotostop I wanted, but on and off is simple with the help of the automatic choke..no turtle -) bunny pictures on this mower! :P Come to think of it, after using this mower, I can probably mow with just one hand because of the Smartdrive. Last thing I want to point out. I've read many reviews about the smartdrive being uncomfortable. It might be because they got the non adjustable Smartdrive. Or the main reason for their woes is because they call it a thumb bar, well you actually use your palms to add or decrease pressure to the Smartdrive rather than your thumbs. Check out he Hondapowerequipment videos..

If you want to try straightening the crank I would strongly recommend that you find a shop with the equipment and skills to handle the job. Not all shops will straighten the crank by bending out of concerns about liability but some do. I don't know if there is a strong financial argument for swapping out the motor. The engine will cost $364 plus shipping. A new Toro Super Recycler 20092 can be purchased for under just $500.00 From your message I'm not clear on whether you owned the mower since new or just acquired it. If you just got it, it is worth considering that the thumb speed control setup receives mixed comments.

Hey to all! Thanks again for all the suggestions & advice. I had been hitting a lot of dead ends with my issue before I found this forum. I really do like the mower for the most part. The hydro drive pulls like a mule, and the engine is top notch too. roadbike is right about mulching, and I would gladly mulch twice a week if the weather allowed. I have found it mows MUCH better in grass that hasn't over grown, but the rain just doesn't let up. One of the reasons I chose this mower is that it can be set up as high as 4". St. Augustine grass should really be cut from 3.5" - 4". The first time I called Honda about this, the rep told me that because the deck is a hi-vac design, it relies on the suction created by the blade & deck, and in order for this to happen the deck needs to be close to the ground. His advice was to lower the deck to a height of 3" or less if necessary. According to him, the higher settings allow the blades to draw more air in from the sides instead of up through the grass. He had no explanation when I asked why a 4" cutting height is an option then. Mike - can yours be set up to 4"? One dealer told me that was a new feature this year. What is your grass like up there - wide or narrow blades? I'm originally from Illinois, and some varieties there as almost as fine as hair. Sorry, I assumed you had just recently gotten your mower too. I didn't realize it is 4 years old, and been doing this. Seems they'd have come up with a fix or different design in that amount of time. I've wondered if they don't need to design a blade that can handle higher RPMs, and just increase the engine speed a couple hundred revs. While the engine doesn't appear to labor except in really heavy grass, it seems that maybe the blade simply needs to spin faster, and create more of an upward draw. Either that, or do like Snapper, and make a blade to which you can bolt "paddles" to increase lift. I must say though that Honda's blade set does equally as well with bagging as it does with mulching. I was very impressed at how much grass it put in the catcher in just a couple passes. This is my 2nd Honda, so I know they usually make good stuff. I'm just surprised & disappointed because my 1st one doesn't leave uncut grass like this. I guess its a tradeoff though because the new one doesn't leave any trails or blobs when I mulch in heavy grass.