Lawn mower not pulling. Honda Self Propelled Lawnmower Not Pulling Fix (Common Problems)

Honda Self Propelled Lawnmower Not Pulling Fix (Common Problems)

It’s summer, and your lawn is long overdue for trimming. Excited to do some quality mowing, you quickly pull out your trusty Honda mower, only to find your lawnmower refusing to work. Distraught, you try to find a fix on a Honda self propelled lawnmower not pulling.

Thankfully, you stumbled upon this article, and soon, your beloved Honda lawnmower will be back to life in no time. We’ll touch upon all possible fixes and solutions to revive your mower and you can get back to your scheduled therapeutic lawn mowing.

Issues with Honda Mower Not Pulling

A Honda lawnmower is a machine composed of many parts working together to fulfill its duties. If a single one of those parts fails to function, it is likely that the entire machine will come to a halt, too. To fix a non-functioning mower, we need to check each part and see where the failure is.

We will troubleshoot each major component, starting from the most likely reason and easiest to fix to the more complex problems with sophisticated solutions. If worse comes to worst, pray forbid we reach that point, you might need to buy a brand new mower instead.

Also, for safety concerns, unless the repair requires the mower to be turned on, make sure that you have turned off the gas and pulled the plug wire off.

Standard Fixes and Checks

Sometimes, we might have missed some routine maintenance and checkups on our dear trusty mower, so it’s complaining by halting until you find which component needs to be looked at.

If you feel like your mower is pulling irregularly or not moving smoothly, it might just be a mechanical issue with your transmission. A few drops of lubricant oil on the transmission might smoothen the rough edges that it is getting stuck on.

You might also want to check the air filter. A dirty air filter will let out less air to the piston chamber, which might hamper normal operation. Since gardens are pretty dirty environments for the mower to work on, you might want to clean the filter ever so often.

Perhaps it might be time for the yearly change on your spark plugs. Your self-propelled mower’s engine might not be getting enough fire to spark it. Get the spark plugs that match your mower and readily replace them.

If not of these routine checks do not fix your self-propelled lawn mower, then it’s time to delve into the nitty-gritty of your mower to find out exactly what’s wrong with your machine.

Other Common Problems With Your Honda Mower

Wheel Assembly

You might want to do a quick check on the wheels of your mower. Simply checking whether the wheels are in good condition and whether something might be obstructing the wheels from fully turning can be the fix to your problem.

Drive Cable

The most common reason for a nonfunctioning mower is usually a drive cable issue. The drive cable is responsible for engaging the transmission to move the lawn mower across the grass. If the drive cable is stretched too much, your mower will move slower and slower.

Thankfully, the drive cable often comes equipped with an adjustment screw, which allows you to adjust the slack of the inner braided cable. Depending on the mower that you have, you can easily find this adjustment screw somewhere across the length of the drive cable itself.

The HRX has its adjusting nut mounted on the speed control panel. Before you adjust this screw, you first need to set the speed to high. Then, you need to loosen a lock nut which should allow the cable to be adjusted. You need to prepare a wrench to loosen this nut.

Once the lock nut is free, you simply need to pull on the cable until you no longer feel the slack. Tighten the lock nut again, and test if the mower can run in reverse. If you over-adjusted the cable, the mower will have a hard time running in reverse. Simply redo the previous step and adjust as necessary.

Smart Drive

The Honda Smart Drive has a more straightforward adjustment screw. You’ll easily find it halfway down the left-side handlebar. The adjustment screw still has a lock nut, which still needs a wrench to be loosened.

Once the lock nut is free, you just need to turn the long adjusting screw. This pulls the slack from the cable. As with the similar case with the HRX, an over-adjustment will not allow the mower to move backward. Adjust accordingly, then tighten the lock nut once you’ve found the sweet spot.

Drive Belt

Drive belts work hard and long on a lawnmower. Of course, they were developed to withstand the usual forces that they are subjected to, often for years. However, as a mechanical part, they are still bound to experience wear and tear after continuous use.

A loose or worn-out belt will start to slip off, which will disconnect the engine power from the wheels, and the machine will not be able to run at all. A drive belt that makes a lot of noise or one that vibrates too much may also be a sign that you need to get it replaced.

You may want to refer to your specific Honda model to know where to locate the drive belt. You’ll usually find it under a cover on the side where the air filter is. Once you find the belt, feel the length if it is loose. If you can see that the belt deflects more than half an inch, the belt might be past its prime.

Prepare your mower’s model when buying a new drive belt. Better yet, you can bring the entire drive belt so that you can get the exact copy at the store.

Drive Axle Pins

Now that we’ve ruled out superficial issues, we can get into the innards of the lawnmower. A common point of failure once we get into the mower’s axle is its driveshaft pin.

The driveshaft pin holds the gears in place with the axle. During operation, this pin experiences a lot of torque stress as it transfers the power from the transmission to the wheels. These little guys are prone to wearing out all the time, but at least they can be easily replaced.

Drive Pulley

We are at the point of the troubleshooting process where a mere homeowner such as yourself may have to delegate certain fixes to more experienced experts. This is especially true when you are checking the drive pulley.

The drive pulley is the component that allows the transmission to engage the wheel assembly. If this gets worn out or damaged, it may be unlikely for you to replace it yourself, since you will need specialized tools that may not be readily available.

We recommend that you reach out to an engine repairman to swap out the pulley with a new one.

Transmission and Gears

We are now checking the heart of the mower, which is the transmission/axle system. Honda mowers are generally equipped with durable transmission systems that last for quite a long time. But a long time is still bound to come to an end.

If you see some damage on the gears, then you might be out of luck for today. The gears are part of the entire transmission/axle system. You cannot swap out the gears, and replacing the entire system is costly.

Although changing the transmission can be pretty simple, we recommend that you either leave this job to professionals who can replace your transmission with the right one, or simply buy a new mower.

Costs of Fixing the Lawnmower

Depending on the part that needs to be replaced, you can expect to pay around 80-120 just to procure the replacement parts themselves. Additionally, professional fees can go around 30-50.

If you had to leave your mower at the repairman’s shop for a few days, you might also be charged a flat shop fee (around 50-60), then a storage fee of around 10-20 per day on the shop.

Counting all these fees together, you can expect to pay fees north of 200. This is not even considering a full transmission swap, which usually costs around 400-500 for the replacement transmission itself.

Of course, many of the fixes for the lawnmower are actually things that a dedicated DIYer can handle, so you may be able to save up on costs if you put in the effort of repairing the machine yourself.

Conclusion

If you’ve had your Honda lawnmower for quite some time now, it can be inevitable for it to experience wear and tear. After all, it is a mechanical machine that works hard to keep your lawn trimmed. With continued use, some parts are bound to break down.

Depending on the component that broke, you might be able to squeeze a bit of life out of your mower by simply replacing the broken part. However, when the expenses reach a certain threshold that breaks through your budget, and when you believe that your Honda mower has served its time with you, you might want to consider a new mower for this summer.

How To Fix A Lawn Mower Pull Cord That Is Stuck

Before running to the repair shop, try out these fixes if your lawn mower pull cord is stuck.

Is your lawn mower pull cord stuck? We’re to help!

Your mower is out of the shed, ready to go, and just as you try to pull the starter rope on the handle, it seems badly jammed. It is a common problem and even the best lawn mowers on the market suffer from this issue.

When the pull rope gets stuck, you probably think that you will have to call a repairman to come and fix it for you. Well, you may not need to.

How To Fix A Lawn Mower Pull Cord That Is Stuck

There are several reasons why your pull cord might be stuck including a jam in the deck area, seizing in the engine, or a problem with the recoil starter. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can use to help you fix the problem.

Before you try these fixes, make sure you pull out the spark plug wire from the lawn mower. It is possible that the spark plug still has some charge that can ignite the engine. So, it’s best to be safe.

Remove any blade obstruction

Tip the mower on its side with the air filter up and inspect if anything is preventing the blade from spinning. If you see any branches or other debris under the mower deck, remove them. Now, reconnect the spark plug and see if the issue is fixed.

Check if the recoil starter is working fine

It is possible for the pull cord to cross over itself when rewinding. So, remove the housing off the engine and pull the starter rope to see if the unit is spinning smoothly. Unwind the cable, if it appears tangled. If the recoil starter appears to be locked up or cracked, you may need to replace the recoil starter.

Check for hydro-locking

Hydro-locking happens when you tip your mower the wrong way and consequently, oil flows into the engine cylinder, keeping the piston from moving. Keep in mind that the right way to tip a mower is with the air filter facing upwards.

To fix hydro-locking, first completely remove the spark plug from the engine. Then pull the starter rope several times to clear oil out of the cylinder. You will see oil spray out of the spark plug hole. Wipe off the oil and reinstall the spark plug and connect the spark plug wire.

Finally, pull the started rope to start the engine. You may see a lot of white smoke coming out of the muffler as the engine is burning off the oil inside the cylinder. Once the engine burns off completely, the mower should run smoothly.

Hopefully, one of the fixes will work for your mower. If it didn’t, you might want to call a technician to fix the problem.

If you are tired of watering and mowing your lawn, you may need to consider installing one of the best artificial grass on the market. In our opinion, artificial grass absolutely worth it, considering the fact that they are low maintenance. Also, you would be surprised to know how easy it is to clean artificial grass.

For more articles like this, take a look at our Tech page.

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How to Fix a Lawnmower Pull Cord

Few things are more frustrating than going to cut the grass or clear your driveway of snow and ending up with the starter cord in your hand. Eventually, it happens to everyone. When it does, check out this video on how to fix a lawnmower pull cord.

) Remove the recoil

First, remove the recoil from the engine. Most are held in place with three to five bolts. After removing the recoil, remove the broken cord.

) Measure and cut the old cord

Next, measure the old pull cord. Add about four inches to the overall length to account for the knots you need to tie on either end. Add additional length as needed if the cord broke farther from the handle.

Most of the time, however, the cord will break at the handle. In this case, you can simply reuse the existing cord. However, consider upgrading to a high-quality nylon cord for added durability.

Cut the rope to the appropriate length. Then, use a lighter to melt the ends. This seals the fibers and makes it much easier to thread the cord.

) Tie on the handle

Remove the old lawnmower pull cord from the handle, feed through the new cord and tie a simple knot. Make sure the knot is nice and tight. Pull it back through the handle to help tighten the knot.

) Load the recoil spring

The next thing you’re going to do is load the recoil spring. Turn the recoil in the direction that causes the engagement lugs to protrude. The engagement lugs connect the recoil to the engine and spin the flywheel.

Continue turning the recoil, making sure to apply enough pressure to prevent the spring from releasing and bloodying your knuckles.

Once you feel full tension on the spring, locate the hole on the pulley through which the starter cord threads. Align it with the outside hole on the recoil body.

) Thread the new pull cord

With the two holes aligned, thread the new cord through about 12 inches. Make sure the cord isn’t tangled and then slowly release pressure on the recoil, letting it wind the cord for you until the handle is sitting against the recoil.

Next, tie a knot on the end of the cord. Pull the handle until the knot you just tied locks into place in the recoil pulley. Slowly let the cord retract.

) Reattach the recoil to the engine

Finally, attach the recoil to the engine and you’re done. You just fixed your lawnmower pull cord.

What if the cord is too long?

You don’t have to go back and do everything over. Mark with a Sharpie where the cord meets the recoil. That’s where the handle should be.

Pull the cord out, keeping tension on the recoil. Make a loose knot near the recoil.

This provides slack to make a new knot where you made your mark earlier. Tie a good, tight knot and pull the cord back out, again keeping some pressure on the recoil so it doesn’t snap back. Untie the temporary knot you made earlier.

That’s how you fix a lawnmower pull cord. You’re ready to get back to cutting the lawn or blowing snow.

How To Pull Start A Lawn Mower

Everyone likes a fresh cut lawn, but most people dread having to battle the starting rope to get their mower running. Here are some simple steps and advice to help you quickly and easily start your mower the first time!

Help! My Lawn Mower Pull Cord Is Hard To Pull Out

Do you have a gas lawn mower with a pull cord to start the engine that is tough to use?

Many people face the problem where that the pull cord is hard to pull out of its housing. When they try to pull it out, it just won’t budge.

Engine Flywheel Brake (aka Safety Bar)

The most common issue is the easiest to fix. Most modern lawnmowers have a safety bar which is a nice poka-yoke to prevent you from losing a foot or arm.

However, you need to have this lever in the engaged position for the lawn mower engine to run. If you forget, the pull string won’t even come out of the housing.

So check to see if the safety bar is engaged. If not – pull it towards the mower handle and try pulling again.

Clogged Mower Blade

The next most common item is a clogged mower blade.

If you have recently cut thick, wet grass, it’s easy to get enough clippings stuck under the housing that the lawn mower blades aren’t able to spin. I’ve had this happen in the early spring after a day or so of soaking rains.

To solve this problem, turn off the mower and disconnect the spark plug for safety. Then flip the mower over enough so you can see the bottom and the mower blade and dig out all the grass clippings that are stuck underneath.

When finished, turn the mower back over, reconnect the spark plug, and give the starter rope another pull. You should be back to mowing in no time.

Less Common, Serious Issues

A frayed mower pull cord can be a dangerous problem that makes starting difficult. Inspect the starter rope and see if it has any nicks, cuts or unraveling at all. If so, you’ll need to replace the mower start rope.

A malfunctioning recoil spring can cause issues with starting a mower. If it’s damaged, starting the lawn mower will be much harder – you and the cord are doing all the work. Normally, this spring lightens the load of starting the mower.

The recoil spring can be damaged if someone lets go of the starting rope before it’s in the housing. If that has recently happened to you, it might be what’s wrong with your gas mower.

There can be dirt in the pull mechanism that have become stuck in the gears. If you’re using any type of oil based lubricant (grease) on the moving parts of the machine, then you may need to clean them out. You’ll want to use something like WD40 as a solvent to remove the grease from the moving parts of the unit. Once cleaned out, apply some new grease to the moving parts and reassemble.

Another possibility is if there are small pieces of metal stuck in the fly mechanism. This is very unusual, and really not a self-fix situation.

If none of these options work, you may need to take your mower to an authorized repair shop.

Unlike this guy, you should wear shoes – be Smart!

How To Start A Lawn Mower In One Pull

Let’s first talk about the proper form. We will assume whatever you have been doing to this point hasn’t worked well.

• Try filling the fuel tank with Premium Fuel. Most mowers don’t need it but sometimes a higher-octane gas can help. So fill up that gas tank with Premium – and make sure it’s fresh fuel as well.
• Make sure you have CLEAN or NEW air filters in your push mower. Same goes for the fuel filters.
• Make sure the lawn mower spark plugs are in great shape. Bad spark plugs can make it hard to start a mower – and to keep it running as well.
• If you have a a four-stroke engine, check the oil level.
• Prime the carburetor by pushing the soft “air” button on the lawn mower engine a few times. Now’s a good time to engage the choke as well if this is a cold start.
• Make sure the mower ready to go – flip any switches or keys that might be specific to your model.
• Are you wearing the best shoes for yard work? No open toe sandals or Birkenstocks – PLEASE!

Now, stand behind your mower. Grab the engine brake lever and hold towards the handle. With your other hand, grab the lawnmower pull cord and give a nice, strong pull. Don’t worry, you won’t be able to pull too far – so give it a good tug!

Still Having Trouble Starting Your Mower?

If you are stil having trouble, or maybe are just tired of a manual start lawn mower – you are in luck!

There are options to make your life easier.

First, corded lawn mowers and battery lawn mowers both start with the push of a button. There’s no pull starter to deal with – just close a switch and you are mowing. They are very reasonably priced these days so it’s worth checking out.

If you are married to a gas powered lawnmower, you can buy a new mower that has electric start built in. Not all models have this and they do cost a bit extra – but it is worth it to not have to fight with the pull cord any more while tackling your yard work.

Finally, if you just love your current mower, there are electric starter kits available to turn a pull-start into an electric start mower. I’ve never done this so I can’t comment on how easy it is. I do know not every mower has a kit available. It will depend on the manufacturer and year of your engine. However, for the right person, it is a great option.

Now Go Cut That Grass!

Hopefully you’ve learned something about how to pull start your mower, and what can cause problems. If it’s been helpful, please leave us a note in the Комментарии и мнения владельцев below.

How to repair lawn mower pull cord?

ColumbiaFlorist Staff. 22 Mar 2022

I have not been able to mow my lawn for a while now, and this is basically because I did not know how to fix it and was not ready to call an engineer to help me fix it. Days turned into weeks, and my formerly well-mowed lawn was nothing to write home about. Something had to be done. I got my toolbox one evening and decided to experiment and see if I’d be able to achieve something. My lawnmowers pull cord was as good as new in less than 20 minutes. I was really surprised at how fast I repaired it. I hurriedly proceeded to mow my lawn.

Here’s how to repair lawn mower pull cord:

Remove the Housing Cap of the Recoil

This is the cap that holds the recoil and the pulley together. The first thing is to unscrew this cap. You can proceed with the repair if you notice that the spring is out of place. However, if you notice that the housing, the pulley, or the spring has completely failed or is broken, you might need to get the appropriate replacement before you can continue with the repair.

Loosen the rope

This will help you to remove the rope from the housing.

Replace Damaged Parts

Parts like the pulley, spring, and the housing itself should be replaced if the need arises.

Re-tension the Spring

To achieve this, you will need to wind the pulley in the opposite direction. This depends on how you want to return the rope to the housing. Once the pulley is in the housing, turn it six times and use a stick or screwdriver to hold the pulley in place and prevent it from spinning.

Fix the Cap

This holds the pulley in place. However, it is important to note that this would not prevent the pulley from spinning. It is therefore important to ensure that this is prevented.

Reinstall the Cord

The holes on the housing and also on the pulley should first be lined up so that the thread can pass through. Ensure the rope is of the appropriate length. If you are worried about the cord untying itself, you can add glue to the single overhand knot. It is also important to ensure that the knot does not interfere with the ability of the pulley to rotate in the housing.

Coil the Cord

First, remove the screwdriver while holding the recoil starter in place. Next is to pull tightly before letting go of the pulley. It is important to control the speed the pulley uses in winding the pull cord back to the starter.

These are easy to follow steps to fix a lawnmower pull cord within 20 minutes or even less, and you do not need more than a screwdriver or hammer to achieve this.

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