So as you may know later models of the HRX with electric start have a charging system and do not require the battery be charged, the battery, housing and wiring is different. Some research indicates the starter is also different but there is nothing labeled as “alternator” that I can find in the parts diagram.
So my question (beyond has anyone done this)
WHAT on the engine functions as the Alternator and how is it driven?
The answer is the newer units have a module which is a spark and charging coil. The part number is 30500-Z0L-M71 COIL ASSY., IGNITION .
The battery is a sealed AGM battery.
It can be modified but some work. I am not sure if the unit will fit, but I would assume it would
Hope this helps.
Ah, apparently the newest models include a provision for charging in the main harness, eliminating the need for the charging harness kit. I am guessing this is the difference in the two main harnesses and that the more expensive one is the one that includes charging provisions, can anyone verify?
The reason is the newer harness actually disconnects the battery from the coil on the engine. They do not want any charging voltage from charger to get to the coil.
To get around this you can open the battery box disconnect the leads and charge it. The battery will or should charge in one hour of running time.
All Right, what we learned today about Honda Lawn Mowers.
So, it does work but there are a couple things that aren’t immediately apparent.
1) The HANDLE BAR is not the same. The new battery box will only mount to the lower of the two holes which puts if further down than is convenient and leaves a lot of slack in the harness. The harness also will not attach to the existing wiring harness holes. So I have to order a handle bar, fortunately it isn’t awfully expensive.
2) When you start to replace the combination wire, which goes through a holder under the flywheel your brain will tell you that you should be able to attach a wire/string/fish tape to it and pull it through and then use the fish tape to thread the new combination wire back through. Your brain is wrong, it ain’t happening. You’re gonna have to pull the flywheel. Pulling the flywheel requires a 6” 2 jaw puller. The only place that had one in town was O’Reilly Auto Parts in the “loaner tool” program. You also really need the flywheel holder to do it right when reinstalling.
2) a) The Factory shop manual shows an unidentified box that the combination wire goes to as well for “K4 and up", this appears to be the wire labeled “5” in the parts diagram, if you order for the newest K5 you will get wire “6”.
3) I’m not too impressed with the charger, the charger for the K3 seems much nicer.
Well if you are a little out there like me and want to do this here is what you need.
You could probably drill your handlebar, 2 holes vs 1 and the location of them, as well as slightly larger holes for the wiring harness is the only difference.
Interesting project...just seems like a lot of effort and $ so as to save yourself from having to charge the battery a few times per year for 24 hours. This assuming you already have the older electric start without self charge to begin with (HZA). Cost/benefit just seems high to me.
If it was me, I will just get a battery maintainer from Walmart for $25, hook it up so you have the quick connect plug hanging out in a convenient spot.
Hook the charger up every time you park it after use.
Interesting project...just seems like a lot of effort and $ so as to save yourself from having to charge the battery a few times per year for 24 hours. This assuming you already have the older electric start without self charge to begin with (HZA). Cost/benefit just seems high to me.
I never said it was rational. But the mower needed a battery anyway and the older style batteries are fairly expensive. The newer battery is also lighter so I feel like it improves the balance.
I probably wouldn’t do it again though, it was a lot of work compared to what I thought it was going to be starting out.
If it was me, I will just get a battery maintainer from Walmart for $25, hook it up so you have the quick connect plug hanging out in a convenient spot.
Hook the charger up every time you park it after use.
Lighten up Francis. Not trying to put you on the defensive. Just thought I could throw my 2 cents in the ring since I have experience with these mowers. As I mentioned in my first post, I found your project interesting, just not practical for the cost/benefit perspective for someone who already has a non self charging electric start equipped machine. I also thought the "jackleg sourcing information" might be helpful since you mentioned in post 12 that you thought older batteries were expensive.
But anyway your mod is worthwhile for someone who wants to add an electric start to a non-electric start equipped machine. For that, I think your documenting your experience and posting details might be more practical and of great help.
