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Honda HRA214 locked up

8 years ago

I didn't want to hijack anyone's threads here so:

The other day I went out to mow the lawn. Mower started perfectly as usual, I mowed a small portion of the lawn and it started to bog down as if it was plugged with heavy wet grass. I figured I had not cleaned out underneath in a while and sure enough it was packed all the way to the blade in one spot. So I put it on its side and hosed out all the crud. Once I set it back down waited a few and attempted to start-it was locked solid. I went through all the things to unlock the engine which did free up and it runs again but I am doubting that I locked the engine-the engine starts and runs as it did before. I am wondering if the clutch for the blade is the culprit and is worn out in some way that it binds. Is there any maintenance or signs I can look for to decipher if there is a failure in the clutch? in function it seems to engage/disengage smoothly. Any ideas on what to look for? any online repair manuals? I have the Honda Owners manual but it doesn't include repair items such as these.

Thanks,

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Comments (5)

1saxman
8 years ago
You put a hydraulic lock on the engine when you tilted it up with the carburetor down - gas and oil poured into the cylinder and locked it up. Normally you have to remove the spark plug to blow it out - I don't know how you got it to turn over without doing that. Plus, there is probably now gas in the oil and oil on the air filter. So you need to inspect both and change as needed. Always lift the carburetor side, never the side with the oil fill tube.
wadvr
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks for the response. The mower was tilted over on the oil fill side only, the spark plug was removed and was still locked up so it was not hydro locked. Only thing I can think of is if there is an issue with the blade clutch or maybe the drive clutch.
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mdstamen
8 years ago
I agree with the BBC
1saxman
8 years ago
In that case it pretty much has to be the BBC.
romore_gw
8 years ago
You didn't by any chance remove the blade did you? If it is installed upside down the dimple will press against the bearing causing it to bind. The clutch could also be plugged with grass, that was the problem with mine when I got it. The customer didn't want to spend any money on it. If you take it apart be careful when removing the center bolt, there is a heavy spring behind the plate, and make sure the lower bearing is in good condition. It is all that holds the assembly together. A replacement can be purchased at a bearing supply for a third of Honda's price.

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