Harmony 215 Running Weak

[noahwass]

So, I inherited a Honda Harmony 215 when I bought my house and the owner said that he couldn't get it running. Thanks to a few tips I found on here yesterday, I determined that it was the carburetor. I'm new to small engine repair, but determined. :wink: I dug in and found some junk in the carburetor. I learned that the carb float actually has to float, too! I installed the carburetor and refilled the tank and noticed gas pouring out. Took me a while to figure out what the problem was. After making sure the float was installed correctly (I think, more in a bit) I was able to start the mower, but only with the air filter off and the engine completely choked. Even then, the mower engine was not running very strong. I mowed my entire yard (fairly small) with the mower in this condition and the mower left some grass on the lawn like it wasn't strong enough to push the grass into the grass catcher on the back of the mower. My lawn is fairly short; I think I was only removing an inch or less of grass.

I'm wondering which direction to go at this point. Should I mess with the carburetor more? Is the float still installed correctly? Is it the spark plug not supplying an adequate spark?

 

[KennyV]

WELCOME to these Forums...
If you are having to run with the choke on.. there is something plugging the main jet in the carb OR the float level is set too low. In any case remove the carb and give it a good cleaning followed with compressed air to blow out all the passages... reassemble paying close attention to the needle valve assembly & float level... You will end with a Great running (free) mower and a lot of satisfaction in keeping it running yourself. :smile:KennyV

 

[robert@honda]

So, I inherited a Honda Harmony 215 when I bought my house and the owner said that he couldn't get it running. Thanks to a few tips I found on here yesterday, I determined that it was the carburetor. I'm new to small engine repair, but determined. :wink: I dug in and found some junk in the carburetor. I learned that the carb float actually has to float, too! I installed the carburetor and refilled the tank and noticed gas pouring out. Took me a while to figure out what the problem was. After making sure the float was installed correctly (I think, more in a bit) I was able to start the mower, but only with the air filter off and the engine completely choked. Even then, the mower engine was not running very strong. I mowed my entire yard (fairly small) with the mower in this condition and the mower left some grass on the lawn like it wasn't strong enough to push the grass into the grass catcher on the back of the mower. My lawn is fairly short; I think I was only removing an inch or less of grass.

I'm wondering which direction to go at this point. Should I mess with the carburetor more? Is the float still installed correctly? Is it the spark plug not supplying an adequate spark?

IF the engine was running, spark is there for sure; that said, a new plug will help and it is cheap and easy to replace.

Here's what I'd suggest:

1. Buy a shop manual; it will pay for itself with your first repair, and make the work go a LOT easier when you can have step-by-step instructions and illustrations to guide you.
2. Replace the carburetor and all the associated gaskets. Depending on which exact Harmony HRM or HRB 215 you have, a new carb has a list price of about $40, and is worth every penny in aggravation trying to clean out and rebuild an old, tired one.
3. Flush the fuel tank and fuel tubes with some fuel cleaner. Make sure all the crud is out completely.
4. Install new spark plug. Inspect and replace the pleated paper and foam elements if they are really dirty, torn or damaged.
5. Sharpen or replace the blades.
6. Check freeplay in all control levers, adjust throttle/choke as required when installing new carburetor. Shoot some silicone spray inside the cables.
7. Remove front and rear wheels, clean, clean, CLEAN everything, a little general purpose grease in the right spots.
8. Check all nuts, bolts, fasteners and make sure they are snug. You must use a torque wrench when tightening the blade bolts to spec.<<--Very Important <<--

Here's the links for buying shop manual and finding a local dealer for parts; you'll need the serial number off the back of the mower deck to get correct parts; it is in the form of "MXXX-1234567"

Find A Honda Dealer

Honda Shop Manuals on eBay
Honda Shop Manuals on Amazon

 

[noahwass]

Hi Robert and Kenny,

Thanks for your suggestions! I figured that it was the carburetor still, but I needed to be more certain. I'll pick up a new carburetor this weekend and install that. I've purchased a new spark plug and air filter for it and will do the whole nine yards at once. When I was taking the carb off, I noticed that the gaskets were showing their age and had some spots that were cracked and dry. I figured that this wasn't a good thing. :wink:

 

[noahwass]

Ok, as a regular Internet searcher, I hate coming across unresolved forum posts. I believe that I have my issue resolved. I purchased a new carburetor and DIY gasket material, installed it tonight (late) and did a test run for a few seconds (didn't want to upset my new neighbors). I started the mower choked and backed the choke off slowly. The RPM's picked up and the engine sounded WAY stronger (albeit just a few seconds). I killed the mower and plan on mowing tomorrow evening.

Thanks for all of your help Robert and Kenny! You guys rock!

 

[vcosta715]

Hi,

I'm trying to get my HRB215 running smoothly. Right now it requires me to pull it about ten times before it starts. I pull a few times with the level on full choke, and then I move it back to slow to get it started. Once it starts, I move it quickly to fast and it never really seems like it is at full speed. I figured the carburetor needs to be cleaned, but should I speed the forty dollars just to get a new one given its age? I want a one pull start. lol

 

[Mike88se]

Hey... welcome to the site You might want to start a new thread. You could try cleaning the carb before replacing it. Also check the air filter and replace if dirty. A new spark plug is cheap but I've had few engines that were helped a lot by a new plug.

Hi,

I'm trying to get my HRB215 running smoothly. Right now it requires me to pull it about ten times before it starts. I pull a few times with the level on full choke, and then I move it back to slow to get it started. Once it starts, I move it quickly to fast and it never really seems like it is at full speed. I figured the carburetor needs to be cleaned, but should I speed the forty dollars just to get a new one given its age? I want a one pull start. lol

 

[robert@honda]

Hi,

I'm trying to get my HRB215 running smoothly. Right now it requires me to pull it about ten times before it starts. I pull a few times with the level on full choke, and then I move it back to slow to get it started. Once it starts, I move it quickly to fast and it never really seems like it is at full speed. I figured the carburetor needs to be cleaned, but should I speed the forty dollars just to get a new one given its age? I want a one pull start. lol

For a cold engine, the choke should be left ON for starting. Once started, move the throttle to FAST to get the engine to warm up quickly. Always leave the throttle set to FAST when mowing for the best cut quality.

How is the air filter? Check, clean replace. Same for the spark plug. A carb can be cleaned, but you need a good spay carb cleaner, some compressed air, and a super-clean work area. Lots of little parts that have to back together perfectly. Sometimes, it may be cheaper/easier/simpler to just replace the entire carb (most can be had for $20-$50).

Also check the throttle/choke is working properly. Does the choke fully close when the lever is set to CHOKE, and does it open up fully when the lever is moved to FAST?

 

[vcosta715]

I changed the air filter, spark plug, and oil yesterday. Today I plan on taking off the carb and try cleaning it. Hopefully it will run better. I'll post the results after I clean it.