I have a Honda HRX217HXA mower. It has become very resistant to pulling it backwards when the wheel drive is fully released. It acts like some kind of clutch is not releasing as it should. The front wheels are OK, but the rear wheels don't want to go backward. I've adjusted the drive clutch cable according to the specs in the manual, but that doesn't help. The problem exists whether the engine is running or not. Would appreciate any help in solving this so the mower will free-wheel when I need to pull it backward.
acutabove, I purchased a Honda mower (HRR216K9VLAA) about 3 years ago. Everthing worked great the 1st year. The 2nd year I started experiencing this very issue. I adjusted the drive clutch cable so many times I can do it in my sleep, but nothing helped. This year (3rd year) I did a major underside cleaning, thinking the accumulated crud was somehow causing the issue. That didn't help either.
Then I mistakenly loosened 4 bolts on a cover plate of a mechanism that the rear drive axle goes thru. It's kind of a transmission, but it only engages/disengages the drive axle. Oil leaked out. I did some googling and someone said it was 10w30 motor oil, so I topped it off and tightened the 4 cover bolts. It still wouldn't disengage tho.
So here's what I did. I flipped the mower over, removed the 4 bolts & cover plate, and sucked out the old oil with a turkey baster. It was full of metal shavings. Then I refilled it with 5w30 oil, thinking something thinner might help. I tested a few passes in my yard and it never locked up.
I will know for sure if it's fixed, when I mow the entire yard next time.