Operating The Controls; Starting The Engine; Stopping The Engine; Servicing Your Mower - Honda HRS216SDA Owner's Manual

Operating the Controls

Blade Control Lever
The blade control lever must be pulled back against the handlebar to
start and run the engine. The blade starts to rotate when the lever is
pulled back against the handlebar and the recoil starter grip is pulled.
Continue to hold the lever fully
against the handlebar. This will
keep the engine and blade
rotating smoothly and prevent
premature wear to the flywheel
brake system.
Release the blade control lever
to stop the engine and stop blade
rotation whenever you need to
leave the mower.
Clutch Lever
Push the clutch lever forward and hold it against the handlebar to
propel the mower forward. Always release the clutch lever before
starting the engine to prevent the mower from moving forward.

Starting the Engine

The blade turns when you start the engine. Start the engine in a clear
or mowed area where the blade can turn freely.
1. Turn the fuel valve to the ON position
2. Move the throttle lever to the proper starting position.
COLD ENGINE: Move the throttle lever to the CHOKE position.
WARM ENGINE: Move the throttle lever to the FAST position.
CHOKE
3. Pull back on the blade control lever and hold it against the
handlebar.
4. Pull the starter grip lightly until you feel resistance, and then pull
briskly. Return the starter grip gently.
Continue to hold the blade control lever against the handlebar; the
engine stops when the blade control lever is released.

Stopping the Engine

1. Release the clutch lever and move the
throttle lever to the SLOW position.
2. Release the blade control lever to stop
the engine.
3. When you finish mowing, turn the fuel
valve OFF.
4. If your mower will not be used for 3 to
4 weeks, we recommend running the engine's carburetor out of
fuel. You can do this by leaving the fuel valve OFF, restarting the
engine and running it until the engine stops. See "FUEL SYSTEM
MAINTENANCE" on page 16
for a month or more.
5. Clean your mower after each mowing; refer to "Cleaning" on
page 12.
CLUTCH LEVER
BLADE CONTROL
LEVER
(page 3).
FAST
if you don't plan to use your mower

SERVICING YOUR MOWER

Proper maintenance is essential for safe, economical, and
trouble-free operation. It also helps reduce air pollution.
Improper maintenance, or failure to correct a problem before
operation, can cause a malfunction in which you can be
seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the inspection and maintenance
recommendations and schedules in this owner's manual.
To help you properly care for your mower, the following pages include
a maintenance schedule, routine inspection procedures, and simple
maintenance procedures using basic hand tools. 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
you operate your mower under severe conditions, such as sustained
high load, high temperature, or unusually wet or dusty conditions,
consult your servicing dealer for recommendations applicable to your
individual needs and use.
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, Honda Genuine parts or
their equivalents for repair and replacement.
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emission control
devices and systems may be performed by any engine repair
establishment or individual, using parts that are "certified" to
EPA standards.

Maintenance Safety

Some of the most important safety precautions follow. However, we
cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in
performing maintenance. Only you can decide whether or not you
should perform a given task.
Failure to properly follow maintenance instructions and
precautions can cause you to be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures and precautions in this manual.
Safety Precautions
SLOW
• Make sure the engine is off before you begin any maintenance or
repairs. This will eliminate several potential hazards:
– Carbon monoxide poisoning from engine exhaust.
Be sure there is adequate ventilation whenever you operate
the engine.
– Burns from hot parts.
Let the engine and exhaust system cool before touching.
– Injury from moving parts.
Do not run the engine unless instructed to do so.
• Read the instructions before you begin, and make sure you have
the tools and skills required.
• To reduce the possibility of fire or explosion, be careful when
working around gasoline. Use only a nonflammable solvent, not
gasoline, to clean parts. Keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames away
from all fuel-related parts.

WARNING
 WARNING
7