HRN216VKA purchased last year does not start

[ironv]

I bought a HRN216VKA in Sept 2021 at The Home Depot. Used it a couple of times last year and it worked fine. I tried to start it yesterday and could not. Drained the fuel and put new fuel. Mad sure Spark Plug is clean. It was a new unit when I bought it last year (not a returned/markdown, etc.). Filter is CLEAN. Blades are are not stuck.

Any thoughts on what else I could try before calling Honda?

 

[Pauljp]

Is your fuel shut-off valve open?

 

[ironv]

Is your fuel shut-off valve open?

Yes it is!

 

[Pauljp]

Open your air filter and verify that your choke is closed all the way when cold.
If you spray a bit of starter fluid into the intake will it briefly fire up?

 

[ironv]

I am not sure how to tell if the choke is closed all the way. Here's a picture with the filter removed. Is

 

[bertsmobile1]

Undo the to nuts and pull the filter housing off
Note there will be a tube at the back that needs to be disconnected as well
The choke butterfly s directly in front of you
IT should touch the sides of the carb if it is fully closed

 

[Pauljp]

Here is a picture of mine when cold.
You can see the butterfly valve is closed so you can't see down the carburetor throat.
It pivots on the vertical black pin near the right side.
If yours is open when cold you will never be able to start it as it is letting too much air in.
The probable cause could be your auto-chock system.
As @bertsmobile1 said, it is easier to see and work on with the breather housing removed.
It appears in your photo that the butterfly valve is open, but I can't really tell.
Does yours look like mine?

 

[ironv]

I removed the filter housing and took a picture. This is how it looks closed, doesn't it? I also sprayed some Engine starter fluid (with the filter off and housing back on) and tried to start it. It seems like it is about to start for a second and then stops. I am at a loss -- brand new unit!!!!

 

[sgkent]

squirt a little fuel into the carb or spark plug hole and see if it starts. Try gently bouncing the wheels on the ground a couple times, the float and needle may be stuck.

 

[SeniorCitizen]

If you call Honda ask if this unit has ever been registered with Honda as being sold . Pay attention to when it was registered if they say , yes, it's been registered and they will have the information of who registered it and when .