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I just purchase the 217hya from HD. I have used it a total a 3 time and mainly mulch. I noticed that if I have the green lever all the way to mulch that the "door" doesn't close all the way allowing some clippings to be sent to the bag. I don't think this i normal but does anyone know how to adjust the door defector or anyone else had any similar issue ?

Thanks for you feedback

The door should close all the way when the Clip Director (green knob) is in the full BAG position.

Clippings and other debris can collect in and around the door and it's moving parts, sometimes preventing it from closing all the way.

Tip the mower on it's right side (air cleaner UP) and inspect under the deck. Often, a garden hose can clear away all the clippings, mud, etc. that can cause this problem. If everything is clear and clean, and the door still won't close, it's possible it's come out of alignment or some other adjustment. If this is deemed to be a factory defect (and not the result of damage or accident) then the repair would usually be covered under warranty. You can locate a servicing Honda dealer by using this link:

http://powerequipment.honda.com/dealer-locator

-Robert@Honda

Caveat: I work for Honda, but the preceding was my opinion alone.

Ooops. Correction in red text below:

Robert Coats said:

The door should close all the way when the Clip Director (green knob) is in the full MULCH position.

Clippings and other debris can collect in and around the door and it's moving parts, sometimes preventing it from closing all the way.

Tip the mower on it's right side (air cleaner UP) and inspect under the deck. Often, a garden hose can clear away all the clippings, mud, etc. that can cause this problem. If everything is clear and clean, and the door still won't close, it's possible it's come out of alignment or some other adjustment. If this is deemed to be a factory defect (and not the result of damage or accident) then the repair would usually be covered under warranty. You can locate a servicing Honda dealer by using this link:

http://powerequipment.honda.com/dealer-locator

-Robert@Honda

Caveat: I work for Honda, but the preceding was my opinion alone.

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Ok I looked under it and there is no debris keep the door from closing is there any adjustment I can do ?

matt18 said:

Ok I looked under it and there is no debris keep the door from closing is there any adjustment I can do ?

Click to expand...

I don't believe there are any adjustable parts on the Clip Director. If it's determined to be a defect in manufacturing, the warranty will usually cover the cost of repairs. But, a trained and experienced set of eyes is the best way to go; I'd suggest you contact a local Honda dealer and discuss the problem and arrange to have the mower inspected. Let me know if I can steer you to any dealers in your area, or you can see who they are from this link:

http://powerequipment.honda.com/dealer-locator

I live in zip coded 78717, any dealers that you suggest. I heard some won't work on them if you didn't buy them there. I bought mine at hd

Matt, here are dealers in your area; any Honda dealer is authorized to do warranty repairs, and will provide them to you, no matter where you bought your mower. Please be aware, this time of year is extremely busy for many dealers. Don't be surprised if they tell you there are dozens of other mowers in front of yours waiting on repairs.

Travis Tractor & Lawn Equipment, Inc.
5700 S Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78745-4129
(512) 443-3373

A+ Outdoor Power Equipment, Inc.
450 County Road 180
Leander, TX 78641-3146
(512) 260-0023

Austin Outdoor Power
11104 N Lamar Blvd Unit G
Austin, TX 78753-3047
(512) 339-0971

McCoy's Lawn Equipment Center
8501 Research Blvd
Austin, TX 78758-7841
(512) 453-7540

McCoy's Lawn Equipment Center, Inc.
4140 S Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78745-1102
(512) 442-2337

Coufal-Prater Equipment, Ltd
4000 W 2nd St
Taylor, TX 76574-4613
(512) 352-5296

My Honda HRX does the same thing....I think it is common with all their mowers.

matt18 said:

I just purchase the 217hya from HD. I have used it a total a 3 time and mainly mulch. I noticed that if I have the green lever all the way to mulch that the "door" doesn't close all the way allowing some clippings to be sent to the bag. I don't think this i normal but does anyone know how to adjust the door defector or anyone else had any similar issue ?

Thanks for you feedback

Click to expand...

I have the same mower and have the same issue I think it is an design defect. A real pain in the but if you want to wash after each cutting. Grass starts to stink. You have to hold the handle down and lift the door and hose out the grass and God did not thinks I would needed three hands. Where is all the Honda precision I have heard about? Also does not come with a side discharge attachment. They say that they eliminated the need for a side discharge. What they did was just take away and just let the grass dump at your feet as you cut. So you get covered with grass clipping if you switch to bag without the bag which is out they say to do if you just want to discharge your clippings.

terry169 said:

I have the same mower and have the same issue I think it is an design defect. A real pain in the but if you want to wash after each cutting. Grass starts to stink. You have to hold the handle down and lift the door and hose out the grass and God did not thinks I would needed three hands. Where is all the Honda precision I have heard about? Also does not come with a side discharge attachment. They say that they eliminated the need for a side discharge. What they did was just take away and just let the grass dump at your feet as you cut. So you get covered with grass clipping if you switch to bag without the bag which is out they say to do if you just want to discharge your clippings.

Click to expand...

Not the most ideal fix, but I basically run mine with the bag mounted while in mulch mode. I also put it in bag mode on the last couple yards of grass to clean the chute. I also sometimes either use my stihl handheld/backpack blowers to blast out the remaining grass. It's not perfect, but it's really convenient for me as I like to bag the backyard and mulch the front yard. I've recently purchased a commercial HRC216HXA lawnmower and while I love everything else about it over my HRX, I really miss the versamow as I now have to deal with the mulch plug.

My HRX does this too. No big deal as I do not have the bag on except when I am actually bagging. I use my leaf blower to clear out the discharge chute when done.