QuestionI have a walk behind Honda mower 6.5hp, 5 years old. It takes about 10 minutes to cut my lawn. Very low hours. It starts fine. About 2-3 minutes of running it will start to backfire and cut out. RPM's slow down. If I stop the mower from moving and move the throttle forward and back, it will stay running, but it's rough. Plug was black upon removing. Gas flow is fine. Today it backfired so hard it blew the air filter cover clear off. Woke up the neighbors. Good stuff. I put Stalbil in the tank every Fall. So I'm thinking electrical. But how do I test since the components are under the flywheel? Any thoughts would be great.
From your Description it Sounds like the Valve may Require Setting, the Timing Belt has Stretched and Requires Replacing or the Coil is Heating Up and Breaking Down.
Send me the Make, Model and Type or Spec Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you.
Thanks.
Respectfully
John
John,
Here is the information: Honda Harmony HRB217, Model HRB217TDA, engine family #3HNXS.1871AK. It is a 6.5hp engine. How can I check the coil? Ohms resistance? Please advise.
Thanks for the help John.
Tom
AnswerHello Again Tom:
>>Sorry for the Delay. Power went Out and All 3 of my Generators were in Use in the Field.
>>Also, you were my Last Questioner for the Day.
>>The Following is a Basic Instruction File I Made for Checking the Coil/Ign Coil/Magnetron/Armature on Small Engines. Any Input is Appreciated.
>>If the Unit Runs and Quits after 5 Minutes to 3/4 Hrs and will Restart after the Unit Cools (sometimes as little as 30min), then
>>Check for Spark as Soon as the Engine Quits.
>>Have a Good Plug with a Wire Around it Ready and when the Unit Quits Running, Remove the Plug Wire and Attach it to the Standby Plug. Check for Fire.
>> ***Be Careful, The Engine and Plug are Hot and I Suggest you Wear Gloves.***
>>If the Plug is Firing , then
>>Remove the Spark Plug from the Engine and USE IT to Check for Fire.
>>Sometimes a Spark Plug can have a Problem with Not Firing when Hot.
>>**To Check the Ign Coil if the Engine is Not Starting and Running at All; Remove the Spark Plug/s.
>>With a Good Plug, Wrap a Wire Around the Threads of the Plug and Attach the Other End of the Wire to the Engine Block.
>>Check for Fire at the Plug. If No Fire, then
>>Remove the Blower Housing (metal engine cover).
>>The Wire that is Connected to the Coil/Ign Module from the Shut Off Switch needs to be Removed (unplugged) from the Coil/Ign Module.
>>Now Check for Spark at the Plug.
>>If Spark, then the Shut Off Switch or the Wire is Bad.
>>If Still No Spark, then the Coil/Ign Module is Bad. If there are Safety Switches on this Unit and the Coil is Good; you Need to Check the Safety Switches for Being Bad and Check the Oil Guard Switch also.**
>>If the Coil Test Good, then
>>Check the Timing Belt. It may have Jumped a Tooth and have the Timing Slightly Out of Time.
>>Since this is a Honda, you can Use this Site Addy; http://www.honda-engines-eu.com/en/welcome.html and Select "Service Information" from the Drop Down Menu of the Service Tab. Now Select "Shop Manual". Now Select your Engine Model Range. Now Select your Specific Engine Model and then Download the Shop Manual. The Shop Manual should have the Procedures for Checking and Setting the Timing on your Engine. If Not, then Send me the Engine Model Numbers, Please. With these I can Locate the Correct Manual and Better Assist you.
>>If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I Hope to be Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 5 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
