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My 3 year old Honda lawnmower (HRX 217VKA) starts great when cold, but not at all when hot. Must cool down ten minutes for restarts. I cleaned the carb, replaced the plugs and air filter. Nothing.

Finally took it to dealer, who charged me $125 to "adjust the governor" and apply "thermo-wax". Sounds expensive and totally random to me.

Grass is too wet to test it out, but should I assume I was ripped off, and need to find myself a new service place?


Thanks to any mow-fos out there who can advise.

Hi Jim.

So you're saying you were lied to, and/or don't trust that the dealer addressed the problem? I suppose you'll find out when you run it.

Most (or all?) small engines have a mechanical governor to limit RPMs. If they didn't, they'd self-destruct because their throttles essentially run wide open. I don't know how that translates into trouble starting hot, but nor do I know that it doesn't. I suppose you'll find out when you run it.

Thermowax ... yours has an automatic choke? If not, then I also don't know how that applies.


If it does have an automatic choke, it can easily explain why you'd have problems starting either cold (choke not closed) or hot (choke not opening). A "thermowax" here, is a rectangular cylinder with wax inside that contracts when cold and expands when hot. It's a little part that controls when the choke is open and when it closes.

And if that's the case, the fact that they adjusted the governor is likely due to them noticing your machine wasn't quite adjusted right, and took the initiative to make it right for you. Which, you may or may not appreciate, of course.

I suppose you'll find out when you run it.

Thanks much. It IS an auto choke model, so that explains he thermowax. They actually charged me $90 (labor) for the governor adjustment.

That is sort of a ripoff, as the governor adjustment probably didn't take more than 10 minutes.

Thermowax ?

When I seen the word I had to look it up. I see its been around for a long time since 1936 used in thermostats. Never too old to learn.

Jimmbo said:

Thanks much. It IS an auto choke model, so that explains he thermowax. They actually charged me $90 (labor) for the governor adjustment.

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Welcome to the real world of dealer repairs. The mechanic only see a small part of that 90 dollars.

reynoldston said:

Welcome to the real world of dealer repairs. The mechanic only see a small part of that 90 dollars.

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I'm going to get back into repairs. Being an independent mechanic, I can get almost 100% of what I charge.

The highest hourly rate I've ever gotten is $300 per hour.

I learned something new today too. I've heard of thermal paste for processors on computers but never thermowax on an auto choke. I hope they solved your problem. If it's fixed then I'd say it was worth the investment. Hope it works for you.

primerbulb120 said:

I'm going to get back into repairs. Being an independent mechanic, I can get almost 100% of what I charge.

The highest hourly rate I've ever gotten is $300 per hour.

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Yes, and so you know that the customer doesn't just pay for the actual work you do, but also for your expertise. I can turn a wrench as well as anyone, but unless I already know which bolt to turn, no work will get done.

primerbulb120 said:

I'm going to get back into repairs. Being an independent mechanic, I can get almost 100% of what I charge.

The highest hourly rate I've ever gotten is $300 per hour.

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I have worked as a mechanic for different dealers for 25 years and I know what you are saying. The only way to make $300 pre hour is what they call flat rate or commission work. They time jobs out of a book. The mechanic learns how to make these time so its a advantage to there pay check. Its a big rip off for the customer that most dealers use to pay there mechanics. That could be the reason the OP paid 90 dollars for a 10 minute job.

reynoldston said:

I have worked as a mechanic for different dealers for 25 years and I know what you are saying. The only way to make $300 pre hour is what they call flat rate or commission work. They time jobs out of a book. The mechanic learns how to make these time so its a advantage to there pay check. Its a big rip off for the customer that most dealers use to pay there mechanics. That could be the reason the OP paid 90 dollars for a 10 minute job.

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I made $300 per hour by interrupting my dinner time to replace fuel lines on a scooter. Got paid $50 for 10 minutes of work. Would have been less time if I had been prepared. :biggrin:

primerbulb120 said:

I made $300 per hour by interrupting my dinner time to replace fuel lines on a scooter. Got paid $50 for 10 minutes of work. Would have been less time if I had been prepared. :biggrin:

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I have learned years ago when to walk away from a job for my personal needs. You need to learn the word no. I am sure the scooter would of waited till after your dinner.

The owner's kids wanted to ride before it got dark. I enjoy replacing fixing scooters so I didn't mind. :smile:

primerbulb120 said:

I made $300 per hour by interrupting my dinner time to replace fuel lines on a scooter. Got paid $50 for 10 minutes of work. Would have been less time if I had been prepared. :biggrin:

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Firstly most dealers have a minimum labour charge, mine is 1/2 hr = $ 30
The only exception is chain sharpening and pull cord replacements.
So some one comes in and wants blades replaced Sunday afternoon, it will cost $ 30 labour + parts.
For the local Victas that takes about 5 minutes as I keep blade bases with new blades fitted ready to go.

As for dealers people easily forget all of the on costs
Way back I was an engineering clerk and the actual cost of a mans work was just under 3 times what he was getting paid.
Some one had taken the booking, written up an invoice & issued a receipt, this costs money as does the rent of the office, the rent on the workshop floor space, insurance , holiday pay, public liability insurance, garbage removal, cleaning the workshop and downtime etc etc etc.
These costs always go into the labour charge.
I am a 1 man mobile mechanic and have a contra deal that covers the rent on the workshop so I can run profitably @ $ 60 /hr
The man up the road , owns his workshop, lives out the back & also sells fuel and new mowers, he charges $ 90 / hr and makes a profit on repairs.
The shops in town are all rented and are part of various franchise chains, they charge $ 120 /hr and all make a loss on the workshop