I change the oil a few times a year and make sure it never goes low. And i changed my rear tires. The swlf propelled system has not failed yet and is still strong.
I love the way Stihl package their recoil springs for small engines. Comes in a little plastic cage that you hold over the starter cover and simply push down through windows in the cage. Seats exactly where it needs to be on the first try - every time.
Time will tell. Good repair. I would have tried to fix what I have. If it happens again, I would buy a new spring or the entire recoil assembly, depending upon price difference.
I would have fixed the spring by cutting off the straightened bent end. then used a torch to heat it to red hot, put in a new bend and quenched it in water. Then, because it's super brittle at this point, I would have reheated it to orange and let it cool slowly. The new bend is set and not brittle and works as good as a new spring, if not a little better, and less likely to straighten itself out. I've done this to several, including string trimmer recoil starters, over the years. It does take a little practice. I messed up the first one I did but I just had to cut off a little more and did it again. I believe that you made the right call, and it will definitely outlast the drive wheels, anyway. Thanks for posting!
I would have done what you did and fixed it instead of replacing it. But I would have used a propane torch to heat the spring before bending it. I have broken the end off of a spring or two, bending it cold, but it wasn't a problem because I heated it up and bent a new hook on it. Great Video!! Keep up the excellent work!!!
We have one of these for our smaller lawns in the landscaping business I work for. Runs like a champ for the two seasons we’ve had it. However, in those two seasons, we ran though a set of wheel on all four corners, broken 2 self propel cables and went through a bunch of blades. The self propel, or smart drive system, is the only thing that is showing signs of wear. For whatever reason, the handle for it wants to continually spin around and around, and doesn’t want to stay on the pin that pulls the cable. I think it’s just the plastic in the handle that’s worn out. It’s either that or maybe the transmission belt that needs to be replaced I think.
I've done a similar repair on a Craftsman mower with a B&S motor. The end you bent had broken off on mine. I just bent the remaining end as you did, and there was still enough spring to work. The end being bent like that could also be from the operator pulling the rope too far, and too hard. My HRN is fairly new (2.5 hours run time), and you don't need to pull very hard, or very much. Mine starts after pulling it through the first compression cycle, and it's far easier to pull than any of my 2-stroke engines.
I've got a hrx217 that I've used the heck out of it with zero issues for 4 years. I did wear the pull rope through up near the handle,but that was my fault. I keep the oil and filter changed,and keep the blades sharp. Mine is the electric start model and still works fine with the original battery.
I would have tried to fix the spring but not sure if I would have been successful. I have done a few older ones with much frustration but did manage to get it done. Thanks for the repair information and videos.
The GCV-series engines are good for up to moderate residential use, the GSV and GXV-series engines are much different internally with the crankshaft supported on large bearings, more bearings and bushings throughout on all the major moving components so they cost more but are worth it for heavy use.. The GCV crankshafts are not supported by any bearing or bushing, it rides directly on internal crankcase surface so they are not tolerant to dirty oil or sudden shocks to the blade. The lack of internal support also makes them very easy to rebuild, replacing the crankshaft is fairly cheap and doable with basic tools.
I think either option is valid. If you had a new spring available, I probably would have simply replaced it so they get a new one without any wear/tear on it given the amount of use/abuse it has and will continue to receive. If a new one is not immediately available, they likely need the mower ASAP to continue their business so the quick fix certainly makes sense. And who knows, if they get another year or two out of it, then it certainly was worth it.
Except for Honda's commercial line, you'd have to go back aways to find a direct replacement spring for the starter. No idea whether spring from the HRC's would fit, or which aftermarket spring would work. Or, you could purchase that entire assembly you were working on from a dealer for under $10.
Even though this mower is the base model of its type, it isn’t the cheapest option you’ve got. The cheapest Honda you can buy is the budget model of this mower, that one doesn’t have a transmission in it and it is classified as a push mower.
Ive gotten a few hondas, and had to only really lube that spring (just old and not used really, not the same issue as yours), and the first time i was just going at the screw like normal thinking, darn, stripped in the plastic. Somehow it didnt ruin anything and when i ACTUALLY loosened it, it came right out. Edit: For winding the springs back in, in a case like that, sometimes i start at the outer hook on the spring, and just go in circles again and again. I find that a lot easier, as re winding it in your hand is sometimes a real pain, especially on even larger springs on larger recoils. Real pain with some of them.
Your the best my friend I worked on a friends cub cadet had water in gas removed and drained gas in tank thoroughly cleaned carb fired right up he took home ran about 20 minutes it shut off I didn’t change plug looks like the original any words of wisdom thanks
hmm.. interesting, did you happen to check the oil level and its condition? Also did he get rid of the gasoline from the last container, otherwise he might have put more water into the fuel tank
My actions would be similar to what you did but heating the end of the spring and dowsing it in an oil bath to harden it makes it more rigid, but the downside is it makes it somewhat brittle too. For this person's needs I would have told him to pay a little more and invest in the HRN model with the blade brake clutch.
Can I get a little bit of a suggestion? Im about to buy a leafblower in the following month. So my question is, which one is better. A backpack blower or handblower. The prices are different tho. The handblower is 200$ and the backpack is arround 180$
@@HomeGaragechannel Well its the leaves. I dont know how to measure correctly but i have 5 trees in the whole garden. Every fall i get my grass packed with leaves.
Hey I have a Honda hrr mower and I’m trying to make the wheels spin easier, I was wondering if the wavy washer goes on the deck height adjuster side or the outer part of the wheel. I’m pretty sure I remember you have a video that shows it but I can’t seem to find it, thanks
the wavy washer, according to almost every diagram I've seen, goes, against the height adjuster, just make sure it is aligned before you tighten the bolt.
You are very nice to allow us to ask questions to you regarding equipment trouble. Not every channel does that. All God's blessings to you, your family and business in JESUS CHRIST MIGHTY NAME.
I service and repair lawn mowers at my house If I ran a shop I would replace the spring. Currently I would stick with fixing the part. if I cut grass commercially id use a Yazoo Big wheel mower and diesel Kubota zero turn mowers and use the dr trimmer mower.
if i wanna unwind the spring (just my opinion i do not comply too much with safety so do repairs at your own risk) i might just toss the recoil (while its disassembled) on the grass to unwind quicker. i know someones gonna say that i am lazy or i am crazy.
I'd repair it in the same manner you did but I'd also let the owner know they should buy a new spring and keep it in stock just in case that spring happened to have some kind of manufacturing defect.
I’ve got a stihl br430 that I have just cleaned piston on but now I can’t pull it over as it’s like it has too much compression! This model doesn’t have valves to adjust. Any advice on what to do next? Thanks
Yes I would of fixed the spring just as you did. No use spending money, even if it isn’t your money, on a part that can be fixed. Then and only then if it broke I would replace it. Your customers seem to like when you save them money by fixing a part instead of spending more of their hard earned money.
@@HomeGaragechannel i forgot to put that using residential on long heat and cold cycles the spring depending on the metal may actually strengthen over time
Why on earth would you run a homeowner model for a business? Your most likey going to loose money in the long term, rather than save a couple hundred for a commercial where it will last much longer. Also if anyone is working on their own mower with a bad recoil, just replace it $20.. Bolt on and off. No fiddling with the spring and stuff. 9/10 I just clean it out and spray it with wd40 and work it until it frees up. Only reason people break recoils is not taking up the slack GENTLY until hit compression THEN a brief pull and THEN RELEASE IT GENTLY BACK TO THE REST.
@@trappn The 170 was a more convoluted design . harder to work on . in contrast the final version of the 160 was super ez to work . need to do a spring carbie clean . well quick two screws a fuel line and a governor link removal . the carb is laying in your hand . the later much has more disassembly .
@@charliepearson1678 Well, OK but I'm not convinced we're talking about the same engines. Carburetor cleaning notwithstanding, if it ever became necessary to perform any real work on one of these engines, prefer the way the cases split on the 170/200's. Thanks for replying.
I hated working on homeowner grade equipment that guys use commercially to try and save money. I find so much damage and wear which becomes all my problem for the rest of the life of the machine. I just refuse to take on the work anymore, never made any real money given the time investment and am always on the hook for any problem they have in the future.
Good job. Keep them running anyway you can.
That's the plan!
I have used a honda hrn216vka for the past 3 years commercially. It works well as long as your ok with buying a new one every couple years
thank you for sharing that bit of information
I change the oil a few times a year and make sure it never goes low. And i changed my rear tires. The swlf propelled system has not failed yet and is still strong.
this sort of information is very valuable. ever thought about making a video about it?
@@HomeGaragechannel i would definitely consider making one
I love the way Stihl package their recoil springs for small engines. Comes in a little plastic cage that you hold over the starter cover and simply push down through windows in the cage. Seats exactly where it needs to be on the first try - every time.
I know right, very quick and easy.
Time will tell. Good repair. I would have tried to fix what I have. If it happens again, I would buy a new spring or the entire recoil assembly, depending upon price difference.
thank you haneyoakie14
Thanks ill ask him
I did change oil it was cocoa brown
I would have fixed the spring by cutting off the straightened bent end. then used a torch to heat it to red hot, put in a new bend and quenched it in water. Then, because it's super brittle at this point, I would have reheated it to orange and let it cool slowly. The new bend is set and not brittle and works as good as a new spring, if not a little better, and less likely to straighten itself out. I've done this to several, including string trimmer recoil starters, over the years. It does take a little practice. I messed up the first one I did but I just had to cut off a little more and did it again.
I believe that you made the right call, and it will definitely outlast the drive wheels, anyway.
Thanks for posting!
that's an idea
I would have done what you did and fixed it instead of replacing it. But I would have used a propane torch to heat the spring before bending it. I have broken the end off of a spring or two, bending it cold, but it wasn't a problem because I heated it up and bent a new hook on it. Great Video!! Keep up the excellent work!!!
that is an idea I might have to try on a different model.
We have one of these for our smaller lawns in the landscaping business I work for. Runs like a champ for the two seasons we’ve had it. However, in those two seasons, we ran though a set of wheel on all four corners, broken 2 self propel cables and went through a bunch of blades. The self propel, or smart drive system, is the only thing that is showing signs of wear. For whatever reason, the handle for it wants to continually spin around and around, and doesn’t want to stay on the pin that pulls the cable. I think it’s just the plastic in the handle that’s worn out. It’s either that or maybe the transmission belt that needs to be replaced I think.
thank for sharing the information
I've done a similar repair on a Craftsman mower with a B&S motor. The end you bent had broken off on mine. I just bent the remaining end as you did, and there was still enough spring to work.
The end being bent like that could also be from the operator pulling the rope too far, and too hard. My HRN is fairly new (2.5 hours run time), and you don't need to pull very hard, or very much. Mine starts after pulling it through the first compression cycle, and it's far easier to pull than any of my 2-stroke engines.
I think you're right about how they were pulling on the rope.
I would replace the spring for downtime.
thank you Matthew does stuff.
I use one of these commercially and it's great
thank you James Savage
I've got a hrx217 that I've used the heck out of it with zero issues for 4 years. I did wear the pull rope through up near the handle,but that was my fault. I keep the oil and filter changed,and keep the blades sharp. Mine is the electric start model and still works fine with the original battery.
wow, always wanted one with electric start, you're lucky to have one. And you're doing a fantastic job maintaining it too!
@@HomeGaragechannel thank you,they are a good mower. I was a little skeptical of the longevity of the electric start,but its held up beautifully
i think u did right fixing the spring that was on it and it looks like it was a good decision and repair
thanks, I know I'm going to get some people that won't agree, and say I should have replaced the spring, but I did what I thought was right.
@@HomeGaragechannel I never saw an issue with it if it was broken then it would make sense to replace the spring
Yep, I would have, it is kind of like a carburetor. If I can fix it cheaper and quicker than getting a new one, I will.
thank you Donald Bower.
I would have tried to fix the spring but not sure if I would have been successful. I have done a few older ones with much frustration but did manage to get it done. Thanks for the repair information and videos.
thank you D Butler I appreciate it
The GCV-series engines are good for up to moderate residential use, the GSV and GXV-series engines are much different internally with the crankshaft supported on large bearings, more bearings and bushings throughout on all the major moving components so they cost more but are worth it for heavy use.. The GCV crankshafts are not supported by any bearing or bushing, it rides directly on internal crankcase surface so they are not tolerant to dirty oil or sudden shocks to the blade. The lack of internal support also makes them very easy to rebuild, replacing the crankshaft is fairly cheap and doable with basic tools.
nice, thanks for the information
I think either option is valid. If you had a new spring available, I probably would have simply replaced it so they get a new one without any wear/tear on it given the amount of use/abuse it has and will continue to receive. If a new one is not immediately available, they likely need the mower ASAP to continue their business so the quick fix certainly makes sense. And who knows, if they get another year or two out of it, then it certainly was worth it.
thank you Matt Wickert.
Except for Honda's commercial line, you'd have to go back aways to find a direct replacement spring for the starter. No idea whether spring from the HRC's would fit, or which aftermarket spring would work.
Or, you could purchase that entire assembly you were working on from a dealer for under $10.
you might be right
Even though this mower is the base model of its type, it isn’t the cheapest option you’ve got. The cheapest Honda you can buy is the budget model of this mower, that one doesn’t have a transmission in it and it is classified as a push mower.
that's very true
Ive gotten a few hondas, and had to only really lube that spring (just old and not used really, not the same issue as yours), and the first time i was just going at the screw like normal thinking, darn, stripped in the plastic. Somehow it didnt ruin anything and when i ACTUALLY loosened it, it came right out. Edit: For winding the springs back in, in a case like that, sometimes i start at the outer hook on the spring, and just go in circles again and again. I find that a lot easier, as re winding it in your hand is sometimes a real pain, especially on even larger springs on larger recoils. Real pain with some of them.
thank you Bailey Hatfield for the tip
Your the best my friend I worked on a friends cub cadet had water in gas removed and drained gas in tank thoroughly cleaned carb fired right up he took home ran about 20 minutes it shut off I didn’t change plug looks like the original any words of wisdom thanks
hmm.. interesting, did you happen to check the oil level and its condition? Also did he get rid of the gasoline from the last container, otherwise he might have put more water into the fuel tank
My actions would be similar to what you did but heating the end of the spring and dowsing it in an oil bath to harden it makes it more rigid, but the downside is it makes it somewhat brittle too. For this person's needs I would have told him to pay a little more and invest in the HRN model with the blade brake clutch.
you know your stuff, I had to get it back to them in a hurry because of the work they do with it.
Personally I would replace it, but I do appreciate an honest repair.
I think I would of replace the spring on this one🙏👍🙏👍have a bless weekend
Thanks, you too!
Did well and correct process.
thank you Rick Thelian.
Yes I would have done the same repair. I have not worked on one of those new Hondas yet.
thank you Brian King
Can I get a little bit of a suggestion? Im about to buy a leafblower in the following month. So my question is, which one is better. A backpack blower or handblower. The prices are different tho. The handblower is 200$ and the backpack is arround 180$
if you intend on using for leaves this fall, get the backpack, if you don't ever intend on using for leaves, get the hand held.
@@HomeGaragechannel Well its the leaves. I dont know how to measure correctly but i have 5 trees in the whole garden. Every fall i get my grass packed with leaves.
@@mc2whls Well it is for a lot of leaves. I dont prefer to get the stihl as im going to use it max 2 times a year.
Hey I have a Honda hrr mower and I’m trying to make the wheels spin easier, I was wondering if the wavy washer goes on the deck height adjuster side or the outer part of the wheel. I’m pretty sure I remember you have a video that shows it but I can’t seem to find it, thanks
the wavy washer, according to almost every diagram I've seen, goes, against the height adjuster, just make sure it is aligned before you tighten the bolt.
@@HomeGaragechannel Thank you!
You are very nice to allow us to ask questions to you regarding equipment trouble. Not every channel does that. All God's blessings to you, your family and business in JESUS CHRIST MIGHTY NAME.
thank you for the kind words and it's the least I can do.
I would guess using a residential mower would be fine but it’s how well the owner takes care of their equipment.
you make a good point.
I service and repair lawn mowers at my house If I ran a shop I would replace the spring. Currently I would stick with fixing the part. if I cut grass commercially id use a Yazoo Big wheel mower and diesel Kubota zero turn mowers and use the dr trimmer mower.
thanks that makes sense.
if i wanna unwind the spring (just my opinion i do not comply too much with safety so do repairs at your own risk) i might just toss the recoil (while its disassembled) on the grass to unwind quicker. i know someones gonna say that i am lazy or i am crazy.
What do you think of a used Honda GCV 160. For Residential use. Going to check it out. The asking price is $150.
I think the GCV160 is great engine, and it's what I personally use. Just check the oil, and then Hear it run, and make sure it's not "clanking"
I don't like messing with those springs but time is the decision maker on this one so yeh I'd have done the same 👍
thank you Bill Clement.
Would of did same repair.Good Job.
thank you 1 Day At A Time.
I'd repair it in the same manner you did but I'd also let the owner know they should buy a new spring and keep it in stock just in case that spring happened to have some kind of manufacturing defect.
thank you LT VEGA
@@HomeGaragechannel You're welcome. Thank you for the amazing content.
no problem
Certainly just clean and repair the spring if one isn't readily available !
my thoughts exactly thank you Russell Booth.
I’ve got a stihl br430 that I have just cleaned piston on but now I can’t pull it over as it’s like it has too much compression! This model doesn’t have valves to adjust. Any advice on what to do next? Thanks
take the spark plug out, and see if you can still turn it over. Did you confirm that it spun over, fine during the reassembly process?
Yes I would of fixed the spring just as you did. No use spending money, even if it isn’t your money, on a part that can be fixed. Then and only then if it broke I would replace it. Your customers seem to like when you save them money by fixing a part instead of spending more of their hard earned money.
yes I hope so too, thank you William Snow.
I would have carefully bent the spring. I've done it lots of times.
thank you Christopher Marshall.
Good video as always
thank you Samuel Velez.
looks like the constant heat cycles and starting of the mower caused the spring to striaghten out due to it being weakened by the heat cold cycles
that's a good possibility
@@HomeGaragechannel i forgot to put that using residential on long heat and cold cycles the spring depending on the metal may actually strengthen over time
yes I saw someone posting that too.
Who in here likes the lawn mowers I recently got???
Do what you did and A-PLUS!
thank you Lewie McNeely.
@@HomeGaragechannel U 2!
Please say you replaced the air filter, that poor mower😭
yes I replaced before I gave it back to them.
@@HomeGaragechannel 🎉 woohoo, happy Friday Sir!
thank you and happy Friday too.
Can this deck fit a Kohler CV224? I want to swap mine with one.
Since I haven't taken this engine, off this deck before I cannot confirm it.
@@HomeGaragechannel Thanks for your speedy response. Greatful.
no problem
The guy that owns the mower should get new Wheels for the back I'd replace mine 2 years ago
yours didn't hold either? wow, that's amazing they don't last at all.
For commercial use replace the spring and forget about it
yes, I've heard that one, and I probably should have.
Why on earth would you run a homeowner model for a business? Your most likey going to loose money in the long term, rather than save a couple hundred for a commercial where it will last much longer.
Also if anyone is working on their own mower with a bad recoil, just replace it $20.. Bolt on and off. No fiddling with the spring and stuff. 9/10 I just clean it out and spray it with wd40 and work it until it frees up. Only reason people break recoils is not taking up the slack GENTLY until hit compression THEN a brief pull and THEN RELEASE IT GENTLY BACK TO THE REST.
you got me. It was their choice so I may have to ask. But I'm pretty sure the decision was based on budget.
I would have done the same as you did
thanks!
Wish Honda would of stuck with the GCV 160 style motor . in my opinion a much better unit
I know right
Just curious about what makes the GCV160/190's "much" better than the GCV 170/200's? Thanks
@@trappn The 170 was a more convoluted design . harder to work on . in contrast the final version of the 160 was super ez to work . need to do a spring carbie clean . well quick two screws a fuel line and a governor link removal . the carb is laying in your hand . the later much has more disassembly .
@@charliepearson1678
Well, OK but I'm not convinced we're talking about the same engines. Carburetor cleaning notwithstanding, if it ever became necessary to perform any real work on one of these engines, prefer the way the cases split on the 170/200's. Thanks for replying.
@@trappn yeah I know they turned it into a bucket motor , im not a fan of the design .
I would have done the same thing 🙂
thank you Bob Smith. I always appreciate seeing you in the comments.
We use a cheapo couldbeanybrand push mower commercially for yards out zero turns dont fit in.
very nice.
I hated working on homeowner grade equipment that guys use commercially to try and save money. I find so much damage and wear which becomes all my problem for the rest of the life of the machine. I just refuse to take on the work anymore, never made any real money given the time investment and am always on the hook for any problem they have in the future.
wow, you make a great point.
I put a like on your video😇
I appreciate it!
Good day If they are like me , trying to save money I would have done would u did. Thanks
I understand, thank you Don Voll.
I use a 1966 Lawnboy brick top commercially then again a 1966 Lawnboy is much more durable than a new Honda mower 😂😂
nice mower.
Replace Spring
thank you Theresa Ficarra.
The reason I said replace spring because it was used for commercial
you make good point
Second