Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Honda HRX217HXA idling problems, mixture adjustments, air mixture

Question
I have had the mower two years now and at the end of last season the mower started to display an inability to idle properly with the blade disengaged. When the mower is left idling in the "fast" mode the idle RPM will increase and decrease which will eventually become worse the longer you let  it go. If you try to move the idle to "slow" the mower will idle for a short time and then will stall out. The weird thing is that when the blade is engaged there are no problems with the RPM what-so-ever. Before putting it up for the season last year I ran the tank with some stabil in it before storing it in the garage. I have checked the linkage and everything is hooked up properly. When the idling with out the blade engaged you can see the lever that controls the carburetor moving up and down. If you physically hold this the idle will then stay constant. I have tried running the mower with the air filter off to see if it made any difference and there was none. I'm at a loss and my two year warranty was up today. Thank you for any insight that you might have.  

Answer
 Hello Levi:

 First; If this Carburetor has Air Mixture Adjustments, then Adjust then According to the Following Instructions. **The High Air Mixture Screw is In the Carburetor Bowl in the Center of the Nut or Some Carburetors have Both the Low and High Side by Side on the Top Side of the Carburetor. The Screw Closest to the Engine Is Usually the High Air Mixture Screw on this Type Carburetor.The Low Air Mixture is the One at Top on the Side and Goes Into the Carburetor.   Some have the Idle Air Mixture Screw Going Vertically Into the Top of the Carburetor. The Idle Screw is the One that Moves the Throttle Plate. The Following is the Directions for Setting these Screws. **If the Carburetor was Soaked Overnight in Carburetor Cleaning Solution and the Passages Blown Out with Compressed Air and a New Kit Installed,  then we can Set the Air Mixture Screws. Turn Both Air Mixture Screws In Until Seated. **DO NOT JAM  SNUG ONLY** Turn Both Screws Out 1 1/2 Turns. Set the Throttle to Full Open and Start the Engine. Override the Throttle by Pushing the Governor Arm by Hand and Turn the High Air Mixture Screw(bottom of the bowl) In Until the Engine is Revving Properly. Now Slow Engine to Idle. Set the Low Air Mixture Screw so there is No Hesitation when Throttling from Idle to Full Throttle. Now Set the Idle if Required.** I suggest you Remove, Disassemble and Soak the Carburetor Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner. Then Blow out the Passages with Compressed Air and Install New Kit. You Should be Able to View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine at this Addy http://www.honda-engines-eu.com/en/service/spareparts/heepartscatalogue/index.js... and Select the Model Numbers and Select the Type Letters. Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require more Assistance. Let me know what Happens, Please. Thanks.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John