Repairs HRM215 slipping transmission

[lagerman]

Despite having second thoughts I took the plunge and bought a 20 yr old HRM215 which had a slipping tranny. After I cleaned it up (wow..... love those plastic decks!) it looks and runs (seafoam into the carb) incredibly.... except the tranny. I have adjusted the cable as much as it will go (which is kind of curious.... ) and when the self propelled lever is engaged the cable causes the transmission control arm to travel almost an inch. The drive wheels both seem to click properly so the drift keys are likely good.

The exact problem; when you engage the self propelled it jerks but doesn't move. If you lift the rear end both wheels turn but slowly. I am pretty handy and not opposed to taking the entire thing apart... just hoping for an easier solution. The belt looks good (possibly newer) and has decent tension on it. When the self propel cable is engaged both the belt and the transmission pulley are spinning pretty vigorously. The mower is a work of art and I hate to give up on it despite its age. The fact it looks like it does (Awesome even cleaned up the bag amazingly) is a testimonial to the quality of the build. I cleaned her deeply yesterday and noticed today a clear motor oil like on the bottom of the transmission.... likely leaking a bit. Does that slippage/weakness sound familiar to anyone? Any thoughts very much appreciated. Cheers,

HRM215-GB HXA
MZBB-6324314 gen k2

 

[rePhil]

Sounds like your transmission is low on oil. You can do a search. My experience is with an HRB model. There is no way to check the level or fill it without removing it. I really think Honda could have engineered that better.

I have been using the schematics and ordering my parts from CyclePartsNation. Is this your model?: https://www.cyclepartsnation.com/oemparts/a/hpe/505ce454f870022d24bdc1e7/transmission-hxa

Robert from Honda used to post good info here but lately seems to be MIA. I wish he would return!

 

[lagerman]

Sounds like your transmission is low on oil. You can do a search. My experience is with an HRB model. There is no way to check the level or fill it without removing it. I really think Honda could have engineered that better.

I have been using the schematics and ordering my parts from CyclePartsNation. Is this your model?:

Robert from Honda used to post good info here but lately seems to be MIA. I wish he would return!

Thanks for your reply rePhil, not my exact model but close; mine is the HRM215 k2 HXA (Hydrostatic tranny). After a weekend wedding upcoming I think I am going to have to remove the tranny; I agree it is likely low on oil (and looks like it has a leak of sorts) so that figures. 22 yrs.... time for a new Hydrostatic fluid refill. If I have to go that far..... then I might as well open it up and have a look.... Will keep you posted. I have some of Roberts pdf postings.... not my exact mower but close enough that I might be okay. I was kind of hoping he was still active ..... but if retired the guy really really earned it....lol.