HRX217HYA Engine/Deck Washing & Cable Lube

[bblueser]

The HRX217HYA owner's manual says after mowing, allow the engine to cool for 1/2 hour before washing the mower, and doing so before then could damage the engine.

Having mowed with an HRX217 for several years, I know that the only way to prevent grass from drying into a glue-like mess below the deck is to thoroughly remove it with a water hose. I usually wash it within 15 minutes after mowing, when the engine is still warm, but not too hot to touch.

I try to not spray water directly on the bottom of the engine, but it's impossible to clean the deck without some of the cold water contacting the aluminum engine block. Does anyone think this could damage the engine?

Another question involves lubricating the control cables with silicone spray. The manual says to lube the cables after washing the deck, but it's not clear if this should be done every time the mower is used, or only when preparing it for storage at the end of the season.

 

[KennyV]

WELCOME to these Forums...

The wash warning is to dissuade you from spraying the engine head immediately after shut down...
Don't worry about washing under the deck, The base of the engine is Never going to get nearly as hot as the cylinder and head...
You will not have any negative consequence from "over" lubing the cable... silicone will attract dirt, but that will wash out...:smile:KennyV

 

[robert@honda]

The "let the engine cool before washing" language has been in Honda manuals for years; here's the science/why:

--When the engine heats up, so do the bearings. Hot metal expands, including the space/gap in the bearing.
--Spraying water near the hot bearings leaves a lot of moisture near and inside the gaps.
--As the bearing cools, the air pressure drops, and actually draws in water inside the bearing.
--Water trapped in the bearing causes rust to form, and eventually, the bearing will fail.

This is more likely to happen on mowers with a blade clutch, vs. those with blades bolted directing to the crankshaft.


Silicone is the best overall lube for cables; once a year is probably just fine, but if you notice them binding or getting stiff, a bit more often is better.

 

[bblueser]

The "let the engine cool before washing" language has been in Honda manuals for years; here's the science/why:

--When the engine heats up, so do the bearings. Hot metal expands, including the space/gap in the bearing.
--Spraying water near the hot bearings leaves a lot of moisture near and inside the gaps.
--As the bearing cools, the air pressure drops, and actually draws in water inside the bearing.
--Water trapped in the bearing causes rust to form, and eventually, the bearing will fail.

This is more likely to happen on mowers with a blade clutch, vs. those with blades bolted directing to the crankshaft.


Silicone is the best overall lube for cables; once a year is probably just fine, but if you notice them binding or getting stiff, a bit more often is better.

OK, so the danger is possible damage to bearings and other tight tolerance areas, rather than the thermal shock from spraying cold water on the still-warm aluminum block. Right?

 

[bblueser]

Which type is HRX217HYA?

Regarding your statement, "This is more likely to happen on mowers with a blade clutch, vs. those with blades bolted directing to the crankshaft," which type is the HRX217HYA?

 

[robert@honda]

OK, so the danger is possible damage to bearings and other tight tolerance areas, rather than the thermal shock from spraying cold water on the still-warm aluminum block. Right?

Yes, the rust from water intrusion into the hot bearings is more likely to cause a problem. That's not to say a blistering hot engine block can be doused with ice water and not suffer some kind of issue, but since you should let the engine cool off anyway, a moot point.

It does take a solid 5 minutes of washing to really clean out from under the HRX's deck...so many cracks/crevices and places for clumps to attach. Worth the effort for consistent cutting performance.

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

Re: Which type is HRX217HYA?

Regarding your statement, "This is more likely to happen on mowers with a blade clutch, vs. those with blades bolted directing to the crankshaft," which type is the HRX217HYA?

The HRX217HYA has a blade-brake clutch.

 

[bblueser]

Oh great, so when I clean the deck with a hose, I'm spraying cold water directly on the blade clutch mechanism and bearing! I'll make sure to wait a while before doing this from now on, and use my leaf blower to speed the cooling process beforehand.