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Hey all, just bought a used Honda Harmony HRM215 mower (plastic deck, 5.5hp engine)

Anyway..the thing RUNS like a top..first pull, quiet, smooth running....and I got it for a song ($75)

Anyway..the self propel feature doesn't work. with the mower up on blocks, I put the shift lever up on high speed, and pulled the clutch engage bar up and nothing happens.

Was hoping someone can trouble shoot this for me a bit to help me get it up and running again. The transmission itself is a diecast type of setup, and the gears inside I guess are hardened steel according to another forum, so I am assuming the the transmission is pretty robust on these.

Anyway...any help, tips, trick would be great. Thanks for your time.

On the back top edge of the mower deck is a serial number, in the form of MXXX-1234567. Please get me that number, and I can look up some troubleshooting information for you.

Generally, it's often a cable that has been damaged or out of adjustment. Sometimes it can be the transmission itself, or maybe the belt has broken or slipped off.

When inspecting under the mower, always tip it so the air cleaner is UP; this prevents oil from fowling the air filter element(s) and keeps fuel in the tank, not dribbling onto the ground.

-Robert@Honda

Caveat: I work for Honda, but the preceding was my opinion alone.

Thanks for your reply

I checked the mower out and here is the information off of it.

HRM215-GK and then another sticker on it says: MZBB - 6352430

one guy from another site told me to check the belt, so I reached up above the blades, and it felt like there was decent tension and no play with the belt.

Dan

Okay, that particular serial number has no outstanding bulletins or issues. So, let's start with the basics; here's the troubleshooting chart from the shop manual, and associated procedures (see attached images). My money is on a cable issue of some kind...

While it's unlikely (unless there are signs of leakage) the hydrostatic fluid level is probably okay. It may have ingested some water, but that's rare. You do have to fully remove the transmission to get to the location where the fluid level can be checked/filled (sorry).

FYI, here's what we have on file for that unit, for the trivia-inclined; if you are not Mr. Leo, then our friends with the United States Consumer Product Safety Comission kindly request this record be updated with your contact information, in the highly unlikely event there's ever a safety recall on this model, if you don't mind sharing, just send me your name and address in a private message. you will never get any spam or junk mail from Honda, period.


MODEL-SERIAL NUMBER (PIN).......................: MZBB - 6352430
INVOICED DEALER.................................: 307282
INVOICE DATE....................................: 04/13/98
DATE OF PURCHASE................................: 07/06/1998
SELLING DEALER..................................: 307282
ENGINE NUMBER...................................: 7188523
MODEL ID .......................................: HRM215K2HX
WARRANTY TERM...................................: NON-COMMERCIAL
DISTRIBUTORS LIMITED WARRANTY END DATE..........: 07/14/2000
DISTRIBUTORS LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION END DATE:
DISTRIBUTORS LIMITED WARRANTY CANCEL DATE.......: REASON:
EMISSIONS WARRANTY END DATE*....................: POLICY NOT SETUP
EMISSIONS WARRANTY EXTENSION END DATE*..........:


CURRENT OWNER'S NAME..: ****** LEO
CURRENT OWNER'S ADDR..: *******, LA CRESANT, MN 55947


REPAIR HISTORY:
NO REPAIR FOUND


CAMPAIGN NOT REPORTED AS COMPLETED:
NO OPEN CAMPAIGNS FOR THIS UNIT

Robert

I appreciate ALL of the above info..that will help ALOT! Now, if I do want to remove the transmission and check/refill the fluid level.....do you have photos and/or instructions on the removal of the transmission from the mower frame? That would be helpful as well

Again, thank you very much

Dan

Dan, here's the procedure:

Robert

thank you for those procedures....looks like I may be having to drop the transmission anyway.......today I got under the mower...retensioned the clutch cable to specs., still no go..checked the belt...belt is in good condition, under tension nicely and around both the drive and driven pulleys. I started it up and both drive and transmission pulleys ARE spinning. BUT, no movement within the axle....So I am examining the transmission housing..everything on the outside looks to be in good shape....EXCEPT....on the short axle side, I notice liquid seeping out around the axle and dripping. If I have hydro fluid dripping out around the axle, does that mean the transmission is SHOT???

I thought maybe since the driven pulley IS spinning, maybe the key worked it's way out and the pulley is just spinning freely on the shaft, could this be possible at all???

Thanks again
Dan

Dan:

The leak is a real tell-tale, but just a leak, not that the entire tranny is shot. My engineer and tech guys tell me it sure sounds like one or more of the axle seals has failed. When you pull the tranny, how much fluid is left will confirm this. Parts are available (see attached) but be sure to only work on the tranny in a super-clean environment. Any small specks, sawdust, etc. can wreak havoc.

Let me know your ZIP code if you need a list of dealers in your area. FYI, there are many dealers who sell parts online, for example, www.boats.net is pretty good. Finally, because I work for Honda, and because actual retail prices are set only by the selling dealer, I can only show "list" prices here.

Robert

Yeah, the left seal (on the short axle) is leaking pretty badly..So would a simple leak make the transmission NOT work at all?

My zip code is 54601 I guess I NEED some parts!!

Dan

So if that "list" is actual list price, have I not seen the full transmission assembly any cheaper than $293? I've checked out a couple websites now that both sell the full transmission for that exact price. OUCH! :thumbdown:

flyweed said:

Robert

Yeah, the left seal (on the short axle) is leaking pretty badly..So would a simple leak make the transmission NOT work at all?

My zip code is 54601 I guess I NEED some parts!!

Dan

Click to expand...

If enough hydrostatic fluid leaks out, then yes, the transmission will not work. It's the fluid that is mechanically pumped into a motor that causes the axle to spin, so not enough fluid = no go.

Honda sells all parts to all dealers at the same, wholesale price. There are some allowances and promotions now and then, but for the most part (pardon the pun) the list prices are a reflection of a standard markup percentage that provides a reasonable profit for the dealer.

$300 is a lot for a transmission, but you may be able to either repair it yourself or a good quality service shop / dealer can do the job for you. It may be a lot less to have it professionally repaired, so you may wish to get some quotes.

While doing open-heart surgery on an HST transmission isn't for the faint of heart, it's not a difficult job if you have reasonable mechanical skills. Just keep the work area spotless and operating-room clean at all times. NEVER use any fluid other than genuine Honda Hydrostatic Fluid. Trust me on that one!

Lastly, a dealer may have a good working donor transmission for less than a new one. Doesn't hurt to ask. ebay or craigslist might turn up an otherwise dead mower with a good tranny for well under $300 too...

For your ZIP code, here are the dealers closest to you:

Farm & Fleet Of Lacrosse #27
9438 U. S. Hwy 16
Onalaska, WI 54650
(608) 781-3130

Two Brothers Powersports
905 Oak Ave S
Onalaska, WI 54650-3255
(608) 781-3360

Frontier Ag & Turf
W3807 County Road C
West Salem, WI 54669-9565
(608) 786-1360

Frontier Ag & Turf
53050 U. S. Hwy 14
Westby, WI 54667
(608) 634-3141

Mills Fleet Farm
920 E Highway 61
Winona, MN 55987-5354
(507) 454-5124

Hi Robert

Thanks again for all of the useful info. Do you think you could give me a "ballpark" figure on what you think it would cost to REPAIR my transmission, if I had it done at a service center? I could probably do it myself, as I am pretty handy..but right now with my work schedule, I just don't know when I'd have the time to actually sit down, remove the transmission, pull it apart, repair it, then put it back in.

Thanks
Dan

flyweed said:

Hi Robert

Thanks again for all of the useful info. Do you think you could give me a "ballpark" figure on what you think it would cost to REPAIR my transmission, if I had it done at a service center? I could probably do it myself, as I am pretty handy..but right now with my work schedule, I just don't know when I'd have the time to actually sit down, remove the transmission, pull it apart, repair it, then put it back in.

Thanks
Dan

Click to expand...

when I get back in the office, I can look up some flat-rate times for a few HST repairs. you can use these times the hourly labor rate to get a ballpark figure. Parts, shop supplies, etc. changes vary with each dealer. A good tech will tell you nothing is absolute until the case is open and all the parts inspected; some can be reused, others replaced.

great...I appreciate your help. Look forward to hearing back from you.

Dan

Robert...I think I am going to tackle this job and see how it goes. Hopefully it's just replacing the outer axle fittings that seal the ends of the transmission where it's leaking, and a refill of Hydraulic fluid. I am keeping my fingers crossed

I've ready over the steps so many times, I think I can do it in my sleep.....but I HAVE ONE ?....what is the rear scroll fitting? Is that the part under the deck that covers the drive belt, and rear of the deck??

Thanks
Dan

Okay, the current Honda Flat-Rate manual shows a transmission remove & replace procedure should take an experienced tech 0.8 hours. This is the amount of time Honda will pay for when a shop is doing warranty work. To completely rebuild a transmission clocks in at 1.8 hours of time. Again, these numbers are for experienced techs who've worked on these mowers before, and know the most efficient way to complete a repair.

I have an old (20 years old, and still running!) HR215 HXA, and while the hydrostatic trans still drives the mower, it has slowed down significantly over the years. Do the diagrams in this post also apply to the HR215 HXA, at least as far as the trans goes?

If so, I plan to do the cable adjustment, followed by inspecting the belt, and have a look "under the hood".

I think this mower will only die when the engine finally stops generating compression some day...
I would then like to purchase a Honda of similar quality, is one available these days?

CanCutIt said:

I have an old (20 years old, and still running!) HR215 HXA, and while the hydrostatic trans still drives the mower, it has slowed down significantly over the years. Do the diagrams in this post also apply to the HR215 HXA, at least as far as the trans goes?

Click to expand...

Just replied to your PM; check it and get me the serial number so I can make sure you get the right materials.

I know this thread is about a year old and my comments are overdue, but I wanted to hopefully help someone out in the future. The trannys on the Honda 215s seem to have a lot of problems. Do a google search on Honda HRM215 transmission and you'll see LOTS of people are having the same or similar problems. Anyways, there's a guy named Eddie Carrera who has some videos on hubpages explaining the issue and a possible fix. Connected to your tranny is a "key" called the clutch key, I believe, and over time it wears down and won't provide enough tension to fully engage the gears. You can pick up the part for about $3 at a Honda dealer or online. Or, as Eddie suggests, you can make a shim to close the gap and possibly fix the problem. I'm in the process of fixing mine right now for the upcoming mowing season. Taking the tranny out is about a 3 hr process if you've never done it before. IMO, a $3 fix is MUCH better and worth the 3-5 hrs of repair. Just about any service shop will tell you you need to replace the tranny (around $400 for parts and labor). Whether or not they know what the real problem is, I don't know, but I'm sure they can make a lot more replacing it than fixing it. Can't hurt to try right?!

robert@honda said:

Okay, that particular serial number has no outstanding bulletins or issues. So, let's start with the basics; here's the troubleshooting chart from the shop manual, and associated procedures (see attached images). My money is on a cable issue of some kind...

While it's unlikely (unless there are signs of leakage) the hydrostatic fluid level is probably okay. It may have ingested some water, but that's rare. You do have to fully remove the transmission to get to the location where the fluid level can be checked/filled (sorry).

Click to expand...

Does anyone know how to replace the drive clutch cable. Mine snapped today. Harmony HRM 215 Serial # MZBB 6442035 KD

Thanks

Paul

Paulnkc said:

Does anyone know how to replace the drive clutch cable. Mine snapped today. Harmony HRM 215 Serial # MZBB 6442035 KD

Thanks

Paul

Click to expand...

Paul, is your HRM215 gear-transmission or hydrostatic-transmission model? Do you have a yellow button for the blade clutch on the handlebar?

I get you some drawings that will help.

Hello Robert. I just joined the forum and have been reading through the very helpful advice and information you've provided to a number of Honda lawnmower owners. Thank you for doing that--I've never seen a manufacturer rep do that before, and it once again shows what a great company Honda is!

Anyway, I have an approximately 17-year old HRM215 mower (the 2-speed self propelled with the plastic deck and blade-brake clutch, VIN #MZBB-6351050) that has served me very well over the years Yesterday, it would not self-propel when I engaged the drive lever. I attempted to cut the grass by pushing it by hand (not fun BTW!), but after a short while I noticed a burning smell, and smoke started coming from the mower, so I shut it down and checked underneath. The belt that drives the transmission pulley had apparently come off (or broken) and melted. I picked up a new belt today, but I could use a bit of help on the procedure for replacing it. Is there any chance you could post or send me the instructions and/or drawings for how to replace the belt on my model?

Thanks again!

Pete

fillingr said:

Hello Robert. I just joined the forum and have been reading through the very helpful advice and information you've provided to a number of Honda lawnmower owners. Thank you for doing that--I've never seen a manufacturer rep do that before, and it once again shows what a great company Honda is!

Anyway, I have an approximately 17-year old HRM215 mower (the 2-speed self propelled with the plastic deck and blade-brake clutch, VIN #MZBB-6351050) that has served me very well over the years Yesterday, it would not self-propel when I engaged the drive lever. I attempted to cut the grass by pushing it by hand (not fun BTW!), but after a short while I noticed a burning smell, and smoke started coming from the mower, so I shut it down and checked underneath. The belt that drives the transmission pulley had apparently come off (or broken) and melted. I picked up a new belt today, but I could use a bit of help on the procedure for replacing it. Is there any chance you could post or send me the instructions and/or drawings for how to replace the belt on my model?

Thanks again!

Pete

Click to expand...

Hi Pete:

Does your mower have a yellow button / black lever to engage the blades? If so, it has a Roto-Stop device that must be removed to install a new belt. This is a pretty detailed procedure that entails almost a dozen pages in the shop manual. I would strongly recommend you consider (a) taking the mower to a dealer for this service) or (b) purchasing a printed shop manual from Honda for all the details.

You can find a local dealer using this link: Find A Honda Dealer

You can purchase a shop manual using either of these links:
Honda Shop Manuals on eBay
Honda Shop Manuals on Amazon

Robert,

Thanks for the quick reply. My mower does have the Robo-Stop yellow button and black handle. I was hoping the belt replacement instructions were a "one-pager," but it sounds like the Robo-Stop makes it much more complicated. Taking that off does seem like a daunting task, but my father is willing to tackle it (he can fix pretty much anything, unlike me!). I will look into purchasing a shop manual to help him out. I appreciate the advice.

Pete