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Hi,
I found this forum online as I'm struggling with replacing the belt on my mower. It has a lot of slack in it and seems to have stretched out.
Usually on something like this I look around for some YouTube videos on how to change it, however I've run across tow things:-

1.) I've taken the blades off okay, but the center bolt holding on the roto-stop assembly will not come off; it appears to just turn a shaft connected to the engine itself (certainly not as easy as shown here at 1:09 minutes in....it just turns the shaft Belt Replacement (part #22431-VL0-B00) - Honda Lawn Mower Repair - YouTube ).

2.) At the back of the mower, there is no spring and arm where I have to unhook the spring if applicable and swing out the pulley assembly as shown on the same video at 2:17.

Without doing these things, there doesn't seem to be a way to get the belt off and install any replacement.

Could someone please point me in the right direction?
Thanks!

In that video the belt is holding the shaft in place. Put blade back on and break loose the center bolt. Remove blade and continue.

I figured it out...thanks for the reply.
The belt was stretched, and therefore not offering any tension in holding the main shaft / blades in place. In the end I put the blades back on which I had removed, wedged them with a wood block, and gave my wrench a sharp knock with a hammer on the center bolt. This released it and I was able to remove the blades and the rest of the assembly and get to the belt.
For the rear pulley I found there was a plate covering it by two bolts. I removed the bolts and was able to remove the remainder of the belt from the pulley by moving the shield.
Certainly more to do than the above vid shows....guess that's why they seem to have changed it to what is shown on the video.
Thanks

Well, the new belt I bought seems just as slack as the old belt. It just doesn't seem very tight when around both the front and rear pulleys. Sure enough, when I got it back together, the wheels start to spin just a little and the belt is slipping on the pulleys. Now I don't know what the heck to do.
Darn Honda....first my CRV gets the AC compressor 'black death' syndrome now this on the Honda mower. If anyone has any ideas on why the belt is so slack on the pulleys, please let me know.
It's likely under warranty (bought from Home Depot in March 2013).

Did you get the right belt? Drive belt. Width: 3/8 " Length: 38 1/4 "
Genuine OEM Part - Manufacturer #22431-VG3-B00
Did you install it on the pulleys? Did the belt come off the pulleys?

From what I've been able to determine, the belt part number is 22431-VL0-P01, and seems to match what was written on the factory-installed belt.
I'm wondering if the belt becomes taught when the Smart-Drive lever is pressed down (this is something I read online on another Honda mower). If that is the case it may even be a cable problem.
I'll get it on a bench tomorrow evening and take a look. Everything seems okay other than this issue.

Ok so that never entered my mind. Im getting forgetful in my old age:laughing:

BlazNT said:

Ok so that never entered my mind. Im getting forgetful in my old age:laughing:

Click to expand...

Hey thanks for the suggestion! I appreciate it.

It sounds like this guy had the same issues. http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/honda-forum/28085-honda-hrr216vya-smart-drive-issue.html
My serial number is MZCG8547415; I registered it with Honda when I bought it.
I checked the cable this morning and adjusted it, no difference. Just gives a loud 'whir' when I engage the Smart-Drive.

If its under warranty off to dealer I would go.

Graham2014 said:

Hey thanks for the suggestion! I appreciate it.

It sounds like this guy had the same issues. http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/honda-forum/28085-honda-hrr216vya-smart-drive-issue.html
My serial number is MZCG8547415; I registered it with Honda when I bought it.
I checked the cable this morning and adjusted it, no difference. Just gives a loud 'whir' when I engage the Smart-Drive.

Click to expand...

Honda shows that serial number has not been registered by the original owner. If you have proof-of-purchase, the warranty start date and registration can be updated by any Servicing Honda Dealer. Otherwise, the warranty start date is the same as the wholesale invoice date, which was 8/8/2012, so either way, the mower is still under its original 3-year factory warranty.

The VYA has been built with two drive system designs; early models had the belt under constant tension around the crankshaft and input pulley on the transmission. An internal clutch was used to start and control the rear wheel drive.

Later versions (including your mower) used a slip-belt design, and the belt is normally loose until the SmartDrive control is engaged, and then the belt is gradually tightened and increased rear wheel drive speed.

Since your mower is still under warranty, best to have a Honda Dealer inspect and evaluate the true source of the problem. Factory defects are usually repaired at no cost. Be sure to confirm with the dealer's service manager what is or is not covered before authorizing any billable work.

You can locate the closest Honda dealer using this link:

Find A Honda Dealer

Thanks all.
I took it into a local dealer on the 2nd and they are still working on it.
They have confirmed it is a transmission problem and are working with Honda to see if it falls under warranty and that they will cover the repair.