15

Loss of Power

Vibration

Mowing and Bagging Problems

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

SERIAL NUMBER LOCATIONS

There are two serial numbers, one for the engine and one for the
mower frame. Record the engine and frame serial numbers in the
space below. You will need these serial numbers when ordering parts
and when making technical or warranty inquiries (page 18).
Engine serial number:_____________________________________
Frame serial number: _____________________________________
Date of purchase: ________________________________________

CARBURETOR MODIFICATION FOR HIGH

ALTITUDE OPERATION

At high altitude, the standard carburetor air-fuel mixture will be too
rich. Performance will decrease, and fuel consumption will increase. A
very rich mixture will also foul the spark plug and cause hard starting.
Operation at an altitude that differs from that at which this engine was
certified, for extended periods of time, may increase emissions.
High altitude performance can be improved by specific modifications
to the carburetor. If you always operate your lawn mower at altitudes
above 5,000 feet (1,500 meters), have your servicing dealer perform
this carburetor modification. This engine when operated at high
altitude with the carburetor modifications for high altitude use will
meet each emission standard throughout its useful life.
Even with carburetor modification, engine horsepower will decrease
about 3.5% for each 1,000-foot (300-meter) increase in altitude. The
effect of altitude on horsepower will be greater than this if no
carburetor modification is made.
NOTICE
When the carburetor has been modified for high altitude operation,
the air-fuel mixture will be too lean for low altitude use. Operation at
altitudes below 5,000 feet (1,500 meters) with a modified carburetor
may cause the engine to overheat and result in serious engine
damage. For use at low altitudes, have your servicing dealer return
the carburetor to original factory specifications.
Possible Cause Correction
Grass too tall or wet Raise the cutting height (page 8),
cut a narrower swath, use a slower
ground speed, cut more frequently
when the grass is dry, or move the
Clip Director knob toward the BAG
position (page 5).
Mower deck clogged Clean out the mower deck.
Air filter clogged C lean or replace the air filter
(page 11).
Bad fuel, mower stored
without treating or draining
gasoline, or refueled with bad
gasoline
Drain the fuel tank and carburetor
(page 13).
Refuel with fresh gasoline
(page 12).
Fuel filter clogged, carburetor
malfunction, ignition
malfunction, valves stuck,
etc.
Take the mower to an authorized
Honda servicing dealer for repair.
Possible Cause Correction
Grass and debris lodged
under the mower deck Clean out the mower deck.
Blades loose, bent, damaged,
or unbalanced by improper
sharpening
Tighten loose blade bolts (page 9).
If blades are found to be bent or
damaged, take the lawn mower to
an authorized Honda servicing
dealer for inspection (page 9).
Mechanical damage, such as
a bent crankshaft Take the mower to an authorized
Honda servicing dealer for repair.
Possible Cause Correction
Mower is moving too fast for
lawn conditions Ease off on the Smart Drive control
to slow the mower (page 7).
Cutting height adjustment
levers set at different
positions
Set all levers at the same cutting
height position (page 6).
Grass bag overfilled or
clogged Empty the grass bag. Wash the
grass bag if it is clogged with dirt
(page 10).
Mower deck clogged Clean out the mower deck.
Blades dull, worn, or
damaged Sharpen or replace the blades if
necessary (page 9).
Wrong blades installed Install correct blades (page 9).
HRX217VKAA GH
MAGA –– XXXXXXX
AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
ALPHARETTA, GA 30005-8847
MODEL NAME
AND FRAME
SERIAL NUMBER
ENGINE
SERIAL
NUMBER