15
Handlebar
Remove the grass bag if installed. You can place it on top of the
engine with the bag opening to the front.
1. Turn the handlebar adjust knobs 90 degrees to unlock the locating
pins
2. Fold the handlebar forward ; do not pinch or kink the cable.
Removing From Storage
When unfolding the handlebar, be sure to lock the handlebar adjust
knobs to secure the handlebar in the mowing position.
Check your mower as described in “BEFORE EACH OPERATION” on
page 4.
If the cylinder was coated with oil during storage preparation, the
engine may smoke briefly at startup.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Engine Will Not Start
Loss of Power
Vibration
Mowing and Bagging Problems
Possible Cause Correction
Throttle lever in the wrong position Move the throttle lever to the
FAST position (page 9)
Fuel valve OFF Turn the fuel valve ON
(page 3).
Out of fuel Refuel (page 7).
Bad fuel; mower stored without
treating gasoline, or refueled with
bad gasoline
Refuel with fresh gasoline
(page 7).
Spark plug faulty, fouled, or
improperly gapped
Gap or replace the spark plug
(page 13).
Spark plug wet with fuel (flooded
engine)
Dry and reinstall the spark
plug.
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 is too tall • Raise the cutting height
• Cut a narrower swath
• Use a slower ground speed
• Cut more frequently
Grass is too wet Allow the grass to dry
Mower deck is clogged Clean out the mower deck
(page 14).
Air filter is clogged Clean or replace the air filter
(page 12).
Bad fuel; mower stored without
treating gasoline, or refueled with
bad gasoline
Refuel with fresh gasoline
(page 7).
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
(page 14).
Blades loose Tighten loose blade bolts
(page 11).
Blades bent, damaged, or
unbalanced by improper
sharpening
Take the mower to an
authorized Honda servicing
dealer for repair.
Mechanical damage, such as a
bent crankshaft
Possible Cause Correction
Mower is moving too fast for lawn
conditions
Adjust the Select Drive knob
toward MIN position (page 9).
Cutting height adjustment levers
set at different positions
Set all levers at the same
cutting height position
(page 6).
Grass bag is clogged Wash the grass bag
(page 14).
Mower deck is clogged Clean out the mower deck
(page 14).
Grass is too wet Allow the grass to dry
Grass is too tall • Raise the cutting height
• Cut a narrower swath
• Use a slower ground speed
• Cut more frequently
Blades dull, worn, or damaged Sharpen or replace the
blades if necessary
(page 11).
Wrong blades installed Install correct blades
(page 11).