Hondafan215
Forum Newbie
- Joined
- Mar 11, 2015
- Threads
- 1
- Messages
- 1
Hello LawnWorld,
Been a long time visitor, but wanted to join the forums to share an issue I'm having with a Honda Harmony 215 lawnmower I'm trying to repair.
The mower I have is a Honda Harmony 215 with the hydrostatic transmission (HRM215HXA is the model number). I bought it used as a non runner and thought new rings and a clean up would bring it back to life, but I was in for a surprise when I split the case. The engine has a lot of crankshaft end play. It looks like the engine ran low oil and may have overheated. The last time the mower ran the engine smoked badly and would barely stay running according to the previous owner. I started taking the engine apart, honed the cylinder (the inner sleeve was smooth), put new rings on the piston then began putting the engine back together. The first issue I ran into was timing the camshaft. Upon further inspection, after I removed the camshaft, the mark on the crankshaft timing gear has been worn away. Told my local Honda engine specialist about the problem when I went to buy some new parts and was offered for them to time it for me. When I brought it in the next day the local shop wasn't able to be put back in time because of the missing timing mark and discovered the engine had end play. The recommendation was made to replace the engine or buy a new mower.
Some alternatives I've been thinking on:
1. Try and repair the block, see if I can buy some new thrust washers, maybe an oversized piston or rings and see if the end play improves
2. Find a used GXV140 engine or replace it with a GXV160 (if possible)
Would it be possible to reduce the crankshaft end play on this engine or is it better to replace the engine?
Any suggestions or thoughts appreciated! :smile:
Thank you,
-Hondafan215
Been a long time visitor, but wanted to join the forums to share an issue I'm having with a Honda Harmony 215 lawnmower I'm trying to repair.
The mower I have is a Honda Harmony 215 with the hydrostatic transmission (HRM215HXA is the model number). I bought it used as a non runner and thought new rings and a clean up would bring it back to life, but I was in for a surprise when I split the case. The engine has a lot of crankshaft end play. It looks like the engine ran low oil and may have overheated. The last time the mower ran the engine smoked badly and would barely stay running according to the previous owner. I started taking the engine apart, honed the cylinder (the inner sleeve was smooth), put new rings on the piston then began putting the engine back together. The first issue I ran into was timing the camshaft. Upon further inspection, after I removed the camshaft, the mark on the crankshaft timing gear has been worn away. Told my local Honda engine specialist about the problem when I went to buy some new parts and was offered for them to time it for me. When I brought it in the next day the local shop wasn't able to be put back in time because of the missing timing mark and discovered the engine had end play. The recommendation was made to replace the engine or buy a new mower.
Some alternatives I've been thinking on:
1. Try and repair the block, see if I can buy some new thrust washers, maybe an oversized piston or rings and see if the end play improves
2. Find a used GXV140 engine or replace it with a GXV160 (if possible)
Would it be possible to reduce the crankshaft end play on this engine or is it better to replace the engine?
Any suggestions or thoughts appreciated! :smile:
Thank you,
-Hondafan215