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The information and specifications included in this publication were in effect at the time of approval for printing. American Honda Motor Co., Inc. reserves the right, however, to discontinue or change specifications or design at any time without notice and without incurring any obligation whatever.
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When your mower needs scheduled maintenance, keep in mind that an authorized Honda servicing dealer is specially trained in servicing Honda mowers and is supported by the parts and service divisions of American Honda. Your Honda dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction and will be pleased to answer your questions and concerns.
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INTRODUCTION A FEW WORDS ABOUT SAFETY Your safety, and the safety of others, is very important. And using this lawn mower safely is an important responsibility. To help you make informed decisions about safety, we have provided operating procedures and other information on labels and in this manual.
CONTENTS LAWN MOWER SAFETY .....................4 IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ..............4 IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO PARENTS ..............5 SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS ................6 CONTROLS & FEATURES ..................7 COMPONENT & CONTROL LOCATIONS ............7 BEFORE OPERATION....................12 ARE YOU READY TO GET STARTED? ............12 IS YOUR LAWN MOWER READY TO GO? ............12 CHECK YOUR WORK AREA ................13 GET THE MOWER READY ................14 OPERATION.......................20...
LAWN MOWER SAFETY IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Most accidents with walk-behind mowers can be prevented if you follow all instructions in this manual and on the mower. The most common hazards, according to accident statistics, are discussed below, along with the best way to protect yourself and others. Avoid Rotating Blades Rotating blades can cause serious cuts and even amputate fingers, hands, toes, or feet.
LAWN MOWER SAFETY IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO PARENTS YOUR CHILDREN’S SAFETY IS VERY IMPORTANT to Honda. That’s why we urge you to read this message before letting your child operate this lawn mower. Lawn mowers are tools, not toys. As with any equipment, bad judgments can result in serious injuries.
LAWN MOWER SAFETY SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS These labels warn you of potential hazards that can cause serious injury. Read them carefully. If a label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact an authorized Honda servicing dealer for a replacement.
CONTROLS & FEATURES COMPONENT & CONTROL LOCATIONS HANDLEBAR SHIFT LEVER THROTTLE LEVER DISCHARGE GUARD FUEL TANK CAP KEY SWITCH (HMA ONLY) BLADE CONTROL BLADE LEVER CONTROL BUTTON GRASS CUTTING HEIGHT BATTERY ADJUSTMENT LEVER (HMA ONLY) OIL FILLER CAP MUFFLER RECOIL DRIVE STARTER GRIP CLUTCH...
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CONTROLS & FEATURES Fuel Valve The fuel valve opens and closes the fuel passage from the fuel tank to the carburetor. FUEL VALVE Throttle Lever The throttle lever controls engine speed and opens and closes the choke. THROTTLE THROTTLE LEVER LEVER CHOKE Closes the choke;...
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CONTROLS & FEATURES Blade Control Lever The blade control lever starts and stops blade rotation. BLADE CONTROL LEVER BUTTON Drive Clutch Lever The drive clutch lever engages and disengages the transmission that drives the rear wheels. BLADE CONTROL LEVER BUTTON DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER...
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CONTROLS & FEATURES Shift Lever The shift lever selects and controls the self-propelled drive speed. STOP With the shift lever all the way back and the drive STOP OR SLOW clutch lever fully engaged, the mower will move very slowly or not at all. SLOW Use a slow speed for mowing thick grass or...
CONTROLS & FEATURES Cutting Height Adjustment Levers Each wheel of the mower can 3/4 in (20 mm) 1-1/4 in (32 mm) be adjusted to one of seven 2 in (46 mm) settings. The cutting height 2-1/2 in (62 mm) figures are approximate. The 3 in (75 mm) 3-1/2 in (88 mm) actual height of cut grass will...
BEFORE OPERATION ARE YOU READY TO GET STARTED? Your safety is your responsibility. A little time spent in preparation will significantly reduce your risk of injury. Knowledge Read and understand this manual. Know what the controls do and how to operate them. Familiarize yourself with the lawn mower and its operation before you begin using it.
BEFORE OPERATION Check the General Condition of the Lawn Mower: • Look around and underneath the lawn mower for signs of oil or gasoline leaks. • Look for signs of damage. • Check each control for proper operation. • Check the blades for wear. Replace as necessary (page 36). Check that the blade bolts are tight (page 37).
BEFORE OPERATION GET THE MOWER READY Handlebar Height Adjustment 1. Adjust handlebar height for a comfortable operating position. 2. Loosen the handlebar locking knobs. Spread the lower ends of the handlebar to release the locating pins. 3. Move the handlebar up or down, so the locating pins engage other holes on the handlebar mounting brackets.
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BEFORE OPERATION Clip Direction Clip Director Knob Adjustment Adjust the clip director knob in any one of the ten positions to achieve the desired mowing results. To adjust the clip director knob, pull the knob downward and towards the rear of the mower. The knob adjusts a sliding door from the fully open BAG position to the fully closed MULCH position (see the following page).
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BEFORE OPERATION Sliding Door Position The sliding door can be positioned to produce different mowing results. If the preferred sliding door position is unknown, install a grass bag and begin mowing with the clip director knob all the way to the BAG position.
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BEFORE OPERATION Rear Discharge To discharge clippings to the CLIP DIRECTOR rear, remove the grass bag and KNOB position the clip director knob in the BAG range. Maximum rear discharge will occur when the clip director knob is all the way to the left (BAG) position. As the clip director knob is moved toward the right (MULCH) position, less grass will be discharged though the rear discharge guard.
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BEFORE OPERATION Grass Bag A lawn mower works like a vacuum cleaner; it blows air through the bag, which traps the grass clippings. Always empty the grass bag before it becomes filled to the limit of its capacity. Bagging performance will diminish after the bag becomes about 90% filled. Also, the bag is easier to empty when it is not packed full.
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BEFORE OPERATION Cutting Height Move all four adjustment levers to the ADJUSTMENT LEVERS same position. To adjust cutting height, pull each ADJUSTMENT LEVER adjustment lever toward the wheel, and move it into another notch. If you are not sure what cutting height to select, start with a high setting and check the appearance of the lawn after mowing a small area.
OPERATION MOWING PRECAUTIONS Before operating the mower for the first time, please review IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION (page 4) and the previous chapter, BEFORE OPERATION (page 12). Even if you have operated other mowers, take time to become familiar with how this mower works and practice in a safe area until you build up your skills.
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OPERATION 3. Model HRX217HXA: Pull the starter grip lightly until you feel resistance, then pull briskly. Return the starter grip gently. Model HRX217HMA: Electric start Turn the key switch to the START position and hold it there until the engine starts. START When the engine starts, allow the key switch to return to the...
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OPERATION Model HRX217HMA: Manual start Turn the engine switch ON. The engine switch must be in the ON position to start the engine with the recoil starter. Place your foot on the mower deck step. Pull the starter grip lightly until you feel resistance, then pull briskly.
OPERATION OPERATING THE CONTROLS FOR MOWING Throttle Lever THROTTLE LEVER For best cut quality, always mow with the throttle lever in the FAST position. When the blades rotate at the preset fast speed, it creates a strong fan action that lifts and FAST cuts grass more efficiently.
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OPERATION Drive Clutch Lever BLADE CONTROL LEVER Push the drive clutch lever forward to propel the mower. Release the drive clutch lever to stop the mower’s forward movement. DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER You can control the self-propelled speed with the drive clutch lever. The mower will move gradually faster as you push the drive clutch lever forward.
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OPERATION Shift Lever SHIFT LEVER Use the shift lever to select SLOW the forward speed at which you wish to mow. Do not use the throttle lever to adjust your forward speed. The throttle lever must remain in the FAST position for good mowing performance.
OPERATION STOPPING THE ENGINE 1. Release the drive clutch and blade control levers. BLADE CONTROL LEVER DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER 2. On the HRX217HXA model, move the throttle lever to STOP. On HRX217HMA model, turn the key switch to the OFF position. HRX217HXA MODEL HRX217HMA MODEL 3.
OPERATION SAFE MOWING PRACTICES For your safety, keep all four wheels on the ground, and be careful to avoid losing your footing and your control of the mower. Keep a firm grip on the handlebar, and walk, never run, with the mower. Be very careful when mowing uneven or rough ground.
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OPERATION Obstacles Use the side of the mower to cut close to large obstacles, such as fences or walls. Release the drive clutch lever to disengage the drive when mowing around trees and other obstacles. Push the mower around obstacles for better directional control.
OPERATION MOWING TIPS When to Mow Most grasses should be mowed when they have grown 1/2 to 1 inch above their recommended height. More frequent mowing is required for mulching than for bagging. For best results, you may need to mow the lawn twice a week during the growing season.
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OPERATION Blade Sharpness A sharp blade cuts cleanly. A dull blade tears the grass, leaving shredded ends that turn brown. When your blade doesn’t cut cleanly anymore, have it sharpened or replaced. Dry Grass If the ground is too dry, mowing will stir up a lot of dust. Besides being unpleasant to work in, too much dust will clog the air filter.
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OPERATION Mowing Patterns Your Honda mower will work most efficiently if you use the following mowing patterns as much as possible. Mower deck and equipment design, and the direction in which the blade rotates, cause these mowing patterns to give the best results.
Other service tasks that are more difficult, or require special tools, are best handled by professionals and are normally performed by a Honda technician or other qualified mechanic. The maintenance schedule applies to normal operating conditions. If...
Remember that an authorized Honda servicing dealer knows your mower best and is fully equipped to maintain and repair it. To ensure the best quality and reliability, use only new, genuine Honda parts or their equivalents for repair and replacement.
(HRX217HMA only) (1) Service more frequently when used in dusty areas. (2) These items should be serviced by an authorized Honda servicing dealer, unless you have the proper tools and are mechanically proficient. Refer to the Honda shop manual for service procedures.
If the blades are found to be bent, take the lawn mower to an authorized Honda servicing dealer for inspection. 4. A torque wrench must always be used when installing the blades.
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BLADE SHARPENING: To avoid weakening the blades, or causing imbalance or poor cutting, the blades should be sharpened by trained staff at an authorized Honda servicing dealer. BLADE REPLACEMENT: Use genuine Honda replacement blades or their equivalent (page 73). Blade Removal 1.
Blade bolt torque: 36 ~ 43 ft-lb; 5.0 ~ 6.0 kg-m (49 ~ 59 N·m) If you do not have a torque wrench, have an authorized Honda servicing dealer tighten the blade bolts before you use the mower.
Wash the bag with a garden hose, and allow it to dry completely before use; a wet bag will clog quickly. Grass Bag Replacement Replace a worn or damaged bag with a Honda replacement bag or its equivalent (page 73). Bag Removal 1.
The SAE oil viscosity and service classification are in the API label on the oil container. Honda recommends API SERVICE category SJ or later oil with the ILSAC “starburst” certification mark displayed on the container.
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SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER Engine Oil Change Drain the used oil while the engine is warm. Warm oil drains quickly and completely. 1. Turn the fuel valve OFF (page 8). This will reduce the possibility of fuel leakage. 2. Wipe the oil filler area clean, then remove the oil filler cap/dipstick. 3.
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SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER Air Cleaner Service A dirty air filter will restrict air flow to the carburetor, reducing engine performance. If you operate the mower in very dusty areas, clean the air filter more often than specified in the MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE (page 34).
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SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER Spark Plug Service RECOMMENDED SPARK PLUGS REGULAR RESISTOR* BP6ES BPR6ES DENSO W20EP-U W20EPR-U *Resistor spark plugs reduce interference with radio and TV reception. NOTICE Incorrect spark plugs can cause engine damage. For good performance, the spark plug must be properly gapped and free of deposits.
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SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 4. Measure the spark plug 0.028 ~ 0.031 in electrode gap with a suitable (0.7 ~ 0.8 mm) gauge. The gap should be 0.028 ~ 0.031 in (0.7 ~ 0.8 mm). Correct the gap, if necessary, SEALING by carefully bending the side WASHER...
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In some areas, it is illegal to operate an engine without a spark arrester. Check local laws and regulations. An optional USDA approved spark arrester is available from an authorized Honda servicing dealer. The spark arrester must be serviced every 100 hours to keep it functioning as designed.
If the blades do not start or stop as it should with the correct cable adjustment, take the mower to an authorized Honda servicing dealer for repair. BLADE CONTROL LEVER...
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10 mm wrench. Move the adjuster up or down, as required, until the mower operates as outlined in step 4. Tighten the lock nuts. LOCK If the mower will not operate NUTS correctly, take the mower to an authorized Honda servicing dealer. ADJUSTER...
SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER THROTTLE CABLE INSPECTION Throttle cable adjustment is necessary if the throttle lever does not operate the choke properly. You can inspect choke operation by observing the movement of the choke arm, which is located on top of the carburetor. 1.
SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER FUEL SYSTEM Refueling Fuel tank capacity: 0.29 US gal (1.1 If the fuel level is low, refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped. If the engine has been running, allow it to cool first. To refuel, remove the fuel tank cap, and fill the tank with gasoline to the bottom of the filler neck.
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If spark knock or pinging occurs at a steady engine speed, under normal load, change brands of gasoline. If spark knock or pinging persists, see an authorized Honda servicing dealer. NOTICE Running the engine with persistent spark knock or pinging can cause engine damage.
SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER CHARGING THE BATTERY (HRX217HMA ONLY) The lawn mower does not have an internal charging system. A plug-in charger is provided to recharge the battery. Use the plug-in charger after prolonged storage or anytime you notice a decrease in starter motor speed.
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SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 3. Connect the battery connector to the charger supplied with the mower. NOTICE Do not attempt to charge the battery with any charger other than the one supplied with the mower. Use of a charger other than the one supplied may result in damage to the electrical system or fire.
Inspect the fuse to see if it is blown. BLOWN If a frequent fuse failure occurs, it usually indicates a short circuit or an overload in the electrical system. Take the mower to an authorized Honda servicing dealer for repair.
STORAGE STORAGE PREPARATION Proper storage preparation is essential for keeping your lawn mower trouble free and looking good. The following steps will help to keep rust and corrosion from impairing your lawn mower’s function and appearance, and will make the engine easier to start when you use the lawn mower again.
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STORAGE 3. With the mower in an upright position, open the clip director, start the engine outdoors, engage the blade control lever, and let the engine run until it reaches normal operating temperature to evaporate any water remaining on the engine. 4.
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STORAGE Fuel Gasoline will oxidize and deteriorate in storage. Old gasoline will cause hard starting, and it leaves gum deposits that clog the fuel system. If the gasoline in your mower deteriorates during storage, you may need to have the carburetor and other fuel system components, serviced or replaced.
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STORAGE Draining the Carburetor and Fuel Tank 1. Make sure the fuel valve is OFF (page 8). Remove the carburetor drain bolt with a 10 mm wrench, and drain the fuel from the carburetor bowl into an approved container. WARNING Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive.
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STORAGE Engine Cylinder Remove the spark plug (page 42). Pour a tablespoon (5 ~ 10 cc) of clean engine oil into the cylinder. Pull the starter rope several times to distribute the oil in the cylinder. Reinstall the spark plug. Pull the starter rope slowly until resistance is felt then return the SPARK...
STORAGE PLACING IN STORAGE If your mower will be stored with gasoline in the fuel tank and carburetor, it is important to reduce the hazard of gasoline vapor ignition. Select a well-ventilated storage area away from any appliance that operates with a flame, such as a furnace, water heater, or clothes dryer.
TRANSPORTING BEFORE LOADING Stop the engine (see page 26) and allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before loading the mower on the transport vehicle. A hot engine and exhaust system can burn you and can ignite some materials.
Battery discharged Recharge the battery (page 50). Fuse burned out Replace the fuse (page 52). Fuel filter clogged, carburetor malfunction, Take the mower to an authorized Honda ignition malfunction, valves stuck, etc. servicing dealer for repair. Loss of Power Possible Cause...
Tighten loose blades bolts (page 37). by improper sharpening. If blades are found to be bent or damaged, take the lawn mower to an authorized Honda servicing dealer for inspection (page 35). Mechanical damage, such as a bent Take the mower to an authorized Honda crankshaft.
SET-UP Unpacking Remove all the cardboard from around the handlebar. Handlebar Setup Loosen the two knobs on NYLON the lower handlebar enough LOCKING to raise the handlebar into KNOB (2) the mowing position. Select a desired handlebar height adjustment position and tighten the knobs securely.
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SET-UP Grass Bag Assembly Slide the grass bag frame into the grass bag and install the clips as shown. GRASS BAG FRAME BAG FRAME PLASTIC CLIP Lift the the discharge guard and install the grass bag.
SET-UP Engine Oil The mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL in the engine. A bottle of oil is included in the box with your mower. Add the entire contents of the oil bottle into the oil filler opening. If not using the supplied oil, add enough SAE 10W-30 API service category SJ or later oil to bring the oil level between the...
MODEL NAME AND FRAME SERIAL NUMBER HRX217HXA MAGA –– XXXXXXX AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. ALPHARETTA, GA 30005-8847 There are two serial numbers, one for the engine and one for the mower frame. Record the engine and frame serial numbers in the space below.
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TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION Carburetor Modification for High Altitude Operation At high altitude, the standard carburetor air-fuel mixture will be too rich. Performance will decrease, and fuel consumption will increase. A very rich mixture will also foul the spark plug and cause hard starting. Operation at an altitude that differs from that at which this engine was certified, for extended periods of time, may increase emissions.
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TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION Oxygenated Fuels Some conventional gasolines are being blended with alcohol or an ether compound. These gasolines are collectively referred to as oxygenated fuels. To meet clean air standards, some areas of the United States and Canada use oxygenated fuels to help reduce emissions.
Carbon monoxide does not react in the same way, but it is toxic. Honda utilizes lean carburetor settings and other systems to reduce the emissions of carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, and hydrocarbons. The U.S., California Clean Air Act and Environment Canada...
TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION Replacement Parts The emissions control systems on your new Honda engine were designed, built, and certified to conform with EPA, California and Canadian emissions regulations. We recommend the use of genuine Honda parts whenever you have maintenance done. These original-design replacement parts are manufactured to the same standards as the original parts, so you can be confident of their performance.
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TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION Air Index An Air Index Information hang tag/label is applied to engines certified to an emission durability time period in accordance with the requirements of the California Air Resources Board. The bar graph is intended to provide you, our customer, the ability to compare the emissions performance of available engines.
TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION SPECIFICATIONS Mower Model HRX217HXA (manual start) Honda rotary mower, grass bag, 21 inch mower deck, 6.5 hp, HRX217HMA (electric start) clip director, hydrostatic transmission, blade-brake clutch, USA market Dimensions, Weights and Capacities Overall Length Handlebar high: 67.0 in (1700 mm)
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TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION Engine Design and Performance Engine Model GCV190 Engine Type 4-stroke, overhead-cam, single-cylinder, forced air-cooled Displacement 11.4 cu in (187 cc) Bore and Stroke 2.71 x 1.97 in (69 x 50 mm) Compression Ratio 8.5:1 Ignition System Transistorized magneto Maximum Horsepower* 6.5 bhp (4.8 kW) at 3,600 rpm...
TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION CONSUMER INFORMATION Replacement Parts, Optional Equipment, and Service Items Contact an authorized Honda servicing dealer to purchase any of these (or other) genuine, original Honda items for your lawn mower. Replacement Parts Item Part Number Notes...
Shop Manual This manual covers complete maintenance and overhaul procedures. It is intended to be used by a skilled technician. Available through your Honda dealer or through Helm Inc. at (888) 292-5395 or visit www.hondapowerequipment.com Parts Catalog This manual provides complete, illustrated parts lists, and is available through your Honda dealer.
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To Qualify For This Warranty: The product must be purchased in the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands from American Honda or a dealer authorized by American Honda to sell those products. This warranty applies to first retail purchaser and each subsequent owner during the applicable warranty time period.
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You must take the Honda Power Equipment product, accessory, replacement part, apparel or the power equipment on which the accessory or replacement part is installed, and proof of purchase, at your expense, to any Honda Power Equipment dealer in the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands who is authorized to sell that product, during the dealer’s normal business hours.
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Disclaimer of Consequential Damage and Limitation of Implied Warranties: American Honda disclaims any responsibility for loss of time or use of the product, or the power equipment on which the product is installed, transportation, commercial loss, or any other incidental or consequential damage. Any implied warranties are limited to the duration of this written warranty.
Honda recommends that you retain all receipts covering maintenance on your power equipment engine, but Honda cannot deny warranty coverage solely for the lack of receipts or for your failure to ensure the performance of all scheduled maintenance.
If such a replacement part is used in the repair or maintenance of your engine, and an authorized Honda dealer determines it is defective or causes a failure of a warranted part, your claim for repair of your engine may be denied.
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TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION Emission Control System Warranty Parts: SYSTEMS COVERED PARTS BY THIS WARRANTY: DESCRIPTION: Fuel Metering Carburetor assembly, (includes starting enrichment system), Engine temperature sensor, Engine control module, Fuel regulator, Intake manifold Evaporative Fuel hoses Exhaust Catalyst, Exhaust manifold Air Induction Air filter housing, Air filter element*, Crankcase breather tube Ignition...
INDEX Accessories ........73 Emission Control System ....68 Accessories warranty ....... 77 Emissions Air Cleaner Service ......41 Warranty ........78 Air Filter Part Number ...... 73 Engine starting ......... 20 Air Index ........... 70 Engine Switch ........21 Altitude, High Altitude Operation ..
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INDEX Throttle ..........8 Capacity ........71 Throttle Lever ........8 Change .......... 40 Cable Inspection ......47 Level Check ........39 Operation ........23 Part Number ........73 Troubleshooting Recommended ......39 Mowing and Bagging ..... 61 Operation .......... 20 Vibration ........
QUICK REFERENCE INFORMATION Unleaded gasoline with a pump octane Fuel Type rating of 86 or higher (page 49) SAE 10W-30, API SJ or later Engine oil Type (page 39) Regular: NGK BP6ES DENSO W20EP-U Spark plug Type Resistor: NGK BPR6ES DENSO W20EPR-U Check engine oil (page 39) Before each use...
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POM53618-C IPC XXXXX.2006.04 31VH7H20 Printed on PRINTED IN U.S.A. 00X31-VH7-H200 Recycled Paper...
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