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I found a HRT216TDA self propelled true honda mower for 50.00. Good shape overall, as engine runs on first/second pull and engages transmission so I feel it is worth the money, but needs tuning and work on the self propel (belt or cable adjustment to engage transmission) as it seems to pull, but not with force.

The question is regarding the engine...it surges at all speeds. make idle almost cut out. I am handy, but novice in small engines repair to this point. Any ideas on what needs to be done to smooth the engine out and adjust or improve propel system? Just looking for direction. Thanks

Usually surging at all speeds indicates a clogged carb or an air leak. I'd get replacement gaskets for the carb (both sides), then proceed to tear it apart and clean every jet including the main and pilot jet. Sometimes you have remove all rubber/plastic parts on the carb and soak it carb cleaner overnight and then blast it with compressed air.

magbarn said:

Usually surging at all speeds indicates a clogged carb or an air leak. I'd get replacement gaskets for the carb (both sides), then proceed to tear it apart and clean every jet including the main and pilot jet. Sometimes you have remove all rubber/plastic parts on the carb and soak it carb cleaner overnight and then blast it with compressed air.

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Thanks for the insight. Cleaning air filter and changing plug. Carb is where I was headed. For a novice, would pull and clean/reassemble or just replace be better move?

FYI, here's a link on how to thoroughly clean a typical Honda carburetor:
How to Clean a Honda Carburetor

Replacing the carb is even easier, and not too expensive for this model The HRT216TDA's carburetor is Honda Part Number 16100-ZM0-803 and has a list price of $15.03. Google any part number to find a Honda Dealer selling it online or use this link to find a Honda Dealer in your area:
Find A Honda Dealer

Vanousb said:

Thanks for the insight. Cleaning air filter and changing plug. Carb is where I was headed. For a novice, would pull and clean/reassemble or just replace be better move?

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Sheesh for the price that Robert quoted, I'd just put a brand new one with new gaskets. Sounds like $20 or so...

robert@honda said:

FYI, here's a link on how to thoroughly clean a typical Honda carburetor:
How to Clean a Honda Carburetor

Replacing the carb is even easier, and not too expensive for this model The HRT216TDA's carburetor is Honda Part Number 16100-ZM0-803 and has a list price of $15.03. Google any part number to find a Honda Dealer selling it online or use this link to find a Honda Dealer in your area:
Find A Honda Dealer

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Changed oil and plug. Air filter was pretty clean, but cleaned it anyway. Ordering carb tonight. Plan to replace myself with link help. Thanks for the advice (so far as will likely as for more). Any advice on adjusting the self propel is welcome.

Let me know what you find out about the lack of self propel power. I just bought one with the same issue - doesn't pull with much force.

robert@honda: Any tips as to what I need to check?

Thanks!

magbarn said:

Sheesh for the price that Robert quoted, I'd just put a brand new one with new gaskets. Sounds like $20 or so...

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Ordered new carb for 23.xx form Amazon and got gasket set for 6.50. all said around 35.00 for new. Will put me at 85.00 for the mower and new parts.

Here is what I've been talking about in this thread of post.

Vanousb said:

Here is what I've been talking about in this thread of post.

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I'd say you got a good deal, even putting a new carb on it, great mower

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Vanousb said:

Here is what I've been talking about in this thread of post.

Click to expand...

California is so overpriced, I sold my 10 year old mower of the same model as yours for $170 a few months ago. Even had some rust on the back and a worn out bag...

Usually the belt is what's at fault when the drive isn't pulling. It's either come loose and needs tightening, or just worn out.

magbarn said:

California is so overpriced, I sold my 10 year old mower of the same model as yours for $170 a few months ago. Even had some rust on the back and a worn out bag...

Usually the belt is what's at fault when the drive isn't pulling. It's either come loose and needs tightening, or just worn out.

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If I can get the self propel working right, would price about 175.00 here as well. Any advice on what to look for past the belt?
Does not want to release and free spin in reverse and it clicks moving forward when not engaged.

I like the bearing wheels a the Yard Machine NDT with Honda engine I also bought for 40.00 a week before this one. Each to push and engine offers great mowing. Think I an getting Honda Engine fixation. haha

Pulled back drive wheels off. Gears are in great shape. Everything was gunked up. Cleaned and lubed. Good ratchet when forward and some resistance when pulling backward, but much better. Did pull the transmission panel from underneath and cleaned it out. I really do not want to pull the transmission apart. Will adjust clutch cable to see if that is the weak pulling issue.

Sprayed a little carb cleaner in and started mower. Started up smooth...then started surging again, but not as bad. I assume that means carb clean/change. On the good side...I have the self propel narrowed down to stretched cable. If I give the cable an extra pull the wheel pull with force like it is supposed to. Without the extra, they turn and change speeds off the ground, but do not pull mower when set down. Any ideas of fix without changing cable. I thought about adding lock washers in clutch handle spring to tighten cable. Thoughts are welcome?

Lock washers in the clutch spring was the fix. Mower now pulls in each gear 1, 2, 3.