HRM 215 leaking oil profusely

[Augustivus]

Well, what luck. When I bought the mower, it came with the owner's manual, but when I finally opened up the binder just for a light read, it was the shop manual! What luck! Alright, good tip on the compressed air, with that and some simple green and water I got it cleaned up so I could zero on where the leak was coming from. I put oil in and fired it up. It ran for 5 minutes and nothing happened, then I saw it, hopefully it shows in the pictures, but after 10 minutes it was actively dripping. Looks like maybe the gasket in your picture, what do you think, Robert?

 

[robert@honda]

I put oil in and fired it up. It ran for 5 minutes and nothing happened, then I saw it, hopefully it shows in the pictures, but after 10 minutes it was actively dripping. Looks like maybe the gasket in your picture, what do you think, Robert?

Probably the pan gasket or seal around the crankshaft. You'd need to remove the engine and inspect carefully. With the engine up-side down, it should be more clear where the leak is originating. The gasket and seal are easy and inexpensive to replace, just some labor to pull and then re-fit the engine. Worth it for a nice old GXV like this, especially if the mower is otherwise in good running shape.

 

[Augustivus]

OK, I've ordered the following two parts:
Honda 11381-ZG9-T00 GASKET
Honda 91201-ZG9-U71 OIL SEAL (25X38X7)

I'm skipping the seal on the governor for the moment, based on my observations of the leak.
Hopefully I can get the engine off and in my shop for disassembly soon.

Any tips for diving down to that gasket are welcomed! I'll get pictures up as soon as useful.