Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Honda HRT216SDA wont back up, punch marks, pinion gears

Question
QUESTION: Hello Eric, I have a Honda HRT216SDA self-propelled lawn mower that I purchased 8 years ago.  The engine runs great but the transmission finally gave out.  I purchased the shop manual and parts and replaced the transmission yesterday, following the manual and cleaning the parts every step of the way.  Everything went back together fine but now I can't pull the mower backwards.  I can push it forward and I hear the ratchets clicking, but the wheels lock when I try to pull it backwards.  I've triple-checked that the punch marks on the pinion gears are facing in the right direction.  What am I overlooking?  Thanks very much for your help.

ANSWER: I would suspect the pinion gears or the wheel on backwards...yes even seasoned veterans make this mistake.

It should ratched back rather that forward.  If all is good, then switch the pinion gears.

Make sure all the pinion gear parts are clean, move freely and are lightly lubed.  I have had part that did not move freely cause your problem.

Let me know if this helps.
Eric

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your reply.  The mower has always ratcheted forward, not backward.  And I triple-checked that the punch marks on the pinion gears are facing the right way, so I don't think that's the problem.  Here's another clue: I fired up the mower this morning and found that the transmission is always engaged.  The wheels start turning as soon as I pull the starter cord.  That would stop the wheels from rolling backward, right?  Did I connect the clutch cable incorrecly?  The Z fitting on the end is connected to the transmission bracket, and the plastic clutch cable clip is connected to the clutch arm.  There is plenty of play in the cable; in fact there seems to be too much play to fully engage the transmission.  So how can it be engaged all the time?  Thanks again for your help.

Answer
Thanks for the extra information.  If you completely disconnect the clutch cable does the transmission free up?  Is there any slack in the belt?

Do you have any adjustment on the cable?  Early models did not have an adjustment but the later models do.

If you remove the belt will the mower roll backward?  If not then the problem is in the transmission.  The parts list I show does not have a transmision breakdown...it shows you have to buy the whole trans.

Please let me know what you find so I can update my "Honda mower problems" list.

Eric