What a superb machine! Years ago, I worked at a shop selling - amongst other things - Honda lawn mowers. We never had a bad one. Unbox, assemble, add oil and fuel, and in every case the engine would start first pull, and settle down to a smooth idle. No adjustments needed. Simply the best, which makes it so sad that Honda is exiting the garden machinery business, I believe. Thanks for another great video.
I just got me an older vintage 215 3speed for the low low price of free! I cleaned the fuel tank, and carb, replaced the siezed throttle and clutch cable, and sharpened up the blades and she's a beaut! $36.57 in parts and I'm in self propelled heaven! Great vid, thanks for the tips and tricks!
Such a complete detailed excellently produced instructional video. Nothing was left out, and there were countless little time saving tips that he already knows so that you won't have to fight with it every step of the way. That's the priceless benefit to having a guy with this much experience show you how it's done. Just outstanding ! I have that exact mower. Had it for over 25 years.
I'm the original owner of an HR215, (22?) years, mines still going strong. Oil is a good thing to watch and keep healthy. (LOL) Although I've probably worked it harder than most for years using it on Tiff 419 and trying to keep it as close to a reel mower cut, I've had not issues other than running weird, when I realize I hadn't cleaned the breather and it's packed with dust. High quality, treated gas is important, but at least keeping good oil in it is a non-brainer. Currently, the right rear wheel is locking up on turn arounds where it has to rotate backwards, so for know I'm just lifting and making it work. I'm afraid to tear into it. Oh, still today, it'll start on 1 pull, no smoke or using oil! I wish I had an hour meter on it! Thanks for this rebuild video! It's a reminder what a great mower these still are. 22 years ago, I wouldn't even tell my wife what I paid for it. Today, I brag about the near $900 new, and what a bargain it was and is!
I just found this same mower for $50 from an estate sale… it was under almost an inch of dust from sitting so long but after a quick cleaning it looks like brand new. After a new pull rope, fuel line and carb cleaning, it’s going to be my last mower. Built like a tank and looks like new, it even has electric start - bad battery but that’s an easy fix. They certainly don’t build them like they use to. My 60v Greenworks has mowed for its last time since it has no suction and the cut can’t even come close to a Honda’s cut.
I followed your excellent instructions and found a loose piston rod bolt, bearing flange, and broken piece of piston rod rattling around inside. Once I cleared the medal log jam inside and removed the cam shaft, crank, and piston I realized everything was undamaged except for the parts above. Thanks, you saved a 30 year old Masters from the scrap heap.
I like to watch videos that stay on point and actually show how relatively simple machines are. Honda mowers are beasts with an appetite! My father used his old beat-to-death HR214 with an old blade to chip smaller limbs and shrub trimmings and still mowed with it. We called that operation ‘Honda-izing’ the sticks.
I bought two of these exact mowers brand new in April 1998, for $830 each. I had to replace a bent crank on one of them in 2006, and accidentally let one of them run dry and lock up in 2019. Otherwise they are trouble free. I will never get rid of them, nor will I need to...
I like your videos, great content. Really like what was said in the first minute. It’s built so good and with such quality materials it cannot be replaced now. Sometimes “old is gold”
Great video I am currently in the process of doing a restoration on one of these that was used and abused bad. I received it with one drive wheel off because the rear drive shaft was cut by a bad bearing.
Ray, good quick video. I also got a free Honda Masters mower, exactly like yours. Mine just ran poorly, so I put a after market carb on, cleaned up everything, sanded and painted aluminum case, viola! Ran like it did 28 years ago. Even hydrostatic drive works perfect. Who needs to spend $$$ for a new one.
I got this mower at an estate sale auction for $6.00 Yes $6.00 I love it. Though it is very heavy. Cuts and runs like a champ. Best purchase I ever made. It could use a new bag.. Where can I get one?
I have this model. I was having trouble getting it to restart when hot. Took it to the local Honda dealer. They could not fix it at all. They even put the top cover on 180* backwards. I asked the tech to show me how to pull the starter rope when opposite the deck "Step Here" position ! I eventually just parked it. After watching this video I will try to rehab it. I suspect a weak Coil is reason for hot restart problems.
Have the exact mower…. When I try to engage blades it stalls. At times they will engage with choke on or I can engage them then start….I’ve cleaned carb, adjusted valves and governor. Any ideas? Don’t want to give up on it cause it’s a great mower been a gardener for thirty years so I’ve tried them all! Send to idle fine with no load but if I do get blades engaged seems to sputter…if I do get blades engaged thick lawn will make it stall…I’ve also pulled clutch apart to inspect 🤔
Excellent discussion but did not discuss how to ensure piston is at top dead center when adjusting valves and how to align crankshaft gear with timing gear when there is no mark on crankshaft gear. And yes, I checked for a faint crankshaft mark - it doesn't exist.
Great video except the audio might have been maybe 25% louder. One thing I’m unclear on - is the only reason you couldn’t rotate the engine before disassembly because of lack of lubrication? If you had introduced some lubrication into the top end through the spark plug hole might it have moved enough to fill the oil up, rotate and start the engine, get it warmed up and then changed the oil? I understand there was transfer of aluminum between surfaces but would the engine still have been able to run without swapping parts and the rebuild?
I was not sure what was locked up before starting the tear down. Since the cylinder and piston were not locked up then Putting oil in the cylinder would not have an effect. If I did not have the parts from another engine I would have dressed the rod where there was metal transfer and probably reused it fate cleaning the crankshaft journal. Thank you for watching.
Thank you for this video I was just gifted one of these and I plan on restoring it as well. I was wondering though where did you guy all the gaskets and parts you needed ?
Where can I get torque specs for everything. I’m going my HR214 right now. Literally torn down exactly like your video. Putting in all new seals and a set of rings
Great video!!! I love this mower... so much so, I now have 3 of the same model. All run great, but 2 have small issues like: 1st one I bought used on Craig's list, I have to manually loosen or tighten the throttle cable to stop the motor. My issue now is one other one I use seems to run at to high RPM. How do I lower the RPM? Thanks again... I'm a girl that took after her handy Dad who could fix/ build anything! I'm trying to learn more about how to maintain these awesome mowers! I've got a lot of grass to mow and love the excersize!!! Would appreciate knowing how to lower the RPM's so the one mower doesn't run me around! The left side orange rear wheel drive lever works but the wheels drive way to fast! Thanks!!!
Looking for the video for oil seal replacement on HR215. I used it last year and it was great; however I hit a water meter cover and need to repair again. I can’t find the video, can you repost?
I have the exact same mower and have torn it down to replace the upper crank shaft bearing. I was hoping to see you set the timing, but that part is missing in you video. Ant help would be appreciated. Thanks!
@@RaymoreRepair My crankshaft gear had no dot, not even a faint mark. I saw another video that explained how to locate the timing mark by locating the crank shaft tooth immediately opposite the crank shaft woodruff pin location and aligning it with the timing gear dot.
Disconnect the coil, Check the air gap and the magnet on the flywheel. If all that is good then you may need a coil. Do not run the mower with thew wire to the coil disconnected. For testing purposes only. Thank you for watching.
Could you list out the torque specs for the cylinder head/cover and bottom block cover? Thanks for the video. I have this same mower that was given to me by my grandfather. Still an amazing machine for how old it is.
Both the head cover and the bottom engine cover torque to 8.7 ft lbs. They are a great mower and will outlast any new consumer grade mower. Thanks for watching.
I really liked watching this video. The engine on my hr215 masters is running great ! Glad i dont need to tear it down like you did here but with this very detailed video i think i could follow you thru it. I do have a question you might be able to answer. The self propel works. It just goes soooo slow. Do you have any ideas on either why that might be ? or what i can do to make it move faster ?
If it is a hydrostatic drive like this one, Make sure your cables are adjusted correctly. Look at the body of the transmission and see if it is wet with oil since it may be leaking. Thank you for watching.
I recently acquired a HR215SMA with the electric start. I charged the battery but it just makes a buzzing noise. This one is garage kept but hasn't started since the late 90's after the owner died!! It's too big and heavy for my needs so I'll prob sell it as is to someone who knows what they're looking at. Do you think $75-$100 is unreasonable to ask? I'm sure it'll run and has compression. Anyway - really enjoyed your video & style. I wish I had more room to work on it properly.
There's one in a pawn shop down the street. Deck is slightly bent in on the left. The blade bolts are loose. One of the handle adjustment bolts is seized. Pulls easy and has some compression. Should I get this as a fixer upper or is $100 too much. It kinda looks bad. Needs rear wheels. No bagger and labels are gone. Every body says they are great but to me seem heavy and awkward. What's the draw
Hello. I have an identical mower and I seem to be having some issues with the carburetor. I couldn't get the mower to start until I messed with the throttle at the carburetor. I got it to run, but it runs a little rough and surges really bad at idle. Do you have any info on how to adjust that throttle assembly to get it to run smoother? Also, where did you locate parts and torque specs? Thank you
The parts were bought at Lawn and Leisure in Lee's Summit, MO. Torque specs I found online. I will do a video about setting the throttle linkage soon. Thank you for watching.
Their is nothing better than watching a master mechanic…it was a pleasure “Sir”
What a superb machine! Years ago, I worked at a shop selling - amongst other things - Honda lawn mowers. We never had a bad one. Unbox, assemble, add oil and fuel, and in every case the engine would start first pull, and settle down to a smooth idle. No adjustments needed. Simply the best, which makes it so sad that Honda is exiting the garden machinery business, I believe. Thanks for another great video.
Thanks for sharing
I just got me an older vintage 215 3speed for the low low price of free! I cleaned the fuel tank, and carb, replaced the siezed throttle and clutch cable, and sharpened up the blades and she's a beaut! $36.57 in parts and I'm in self propelled heaven! Great vid, thanks for the tips and tricks!
Nice work! Thank you for watching.
Such a complete detailed excellently produced instructional video. Nothing was left out, and there were countless little time saving tips that he already knows so that you won't have to fight with it every step of the way. That's the priceless benefit to having a guy with this much experience show you how it's done. Just outstanding ! I have that exact mower. Had it for over 25 years.
I used that mower just today. Thank you for watching.
I'm the original owner of an HR215, (22?) years, mines still going strong. Oil is a good thing to watch and keep healthy. (LOL) Although I've probably worked it harder than most for years using it on Tiff 419 and trying to keep it as close to a reel mower cut, I've had not issues other than running weird, when I realize I hadn't cleaned the breather and it's packed with dust. High quality, treated gas is important, but at least keeping good oil in it is a non-brainer. Currently, the right rear wheel is locking up on turn arounds where it has to rotate backwards, so for know I'm just lifting and making it work. I'm afraid to tear into it.
Oh, still today, it'll start on 1 pull, no smoke or using oil! I wish I had an hour meter on it!
Thanks for this rebuild video! It's a reminder what a great mower these still are. 22 years ago, I wouldn't even tell my wife what I paid for it. Today, I brag about the near $900 new, and what a bargain it was and is!
I still mow every week with this one. Thank you for watching.
Parents had one and it lock up, rebuilt at the dealer Sutherland's Marine & Equipment in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. Excellent machine.
I just found this same mower for $50 from an estate sale… it was under almost an inch of dust from sitting so long but after a quick cleaning it looks like brand new. After a new pull rope, fuel line and carb cleaning, it’s going to be my last mower. Built like a tank and looks like new, it even has electric start - bad battery but that’s an easy fix. They certainly don’t build them like they use to. My 60v Greenworks has mowed for its last time since it has no suction and the cut can’t even come close to a Honda’s cut.
That was a good find for sure. Thank you for watching.
I followed your excellent instructions and found a loose piston rod bolt, bearing flange, and broken piece of piston rod rattling around inside. Once I cleared the medal log jam inside and removed the cam shaft, crank, and piston I realized everything was undamaged except for the parts above. Thanks, you saved a 30 year old Masters from the scrap heap.
Thank you for watching.
That mower is so nice , very well built. Oil is so important , look what happened to this thing from simple lack of oil change maintenance
Yes I agree. Thank you for watching.
That was a treat. Great work!
Thank you for watching.
Great video. Step by step from start to finish, a how to. Really enjoyed watching. Thanks
Thank you for watching.
Have that very same machine, 24 years now. Only major thing I had to do was replace bottom and top crank seal. Running good no leaks.
I like to watch videos that stay on point and actually show how relatively simple machines are. Honda mowers are beasts with an appetite! My father used his old beat-to-death HR214 with an old blade to chip smaller limbs and shrub trimmings and still mowed with it. We called that operation ‘Honda-izing’ the sticks.
That is awesome! Thank you for watching.
Good job on the lawnmower it’s amazing how tough Honda engines are
It sure is. Thank you for watching.
I bought two of these exact mowers brand new in April 1998, for $830 each. I had to replace a bent crank on one of them in 2006, and accidentally let one of them run dry and lock up in 2019. Otherwise they are trouble free. I will never get rid of them, nor will I need to...
Thank you for watching.
I like your videos, great content. Really like what was said in the first minute. It’s built so good and with such quality materials it cannot be replaced now. Sometimes “old is gold”
Much appreciated! Thank you for watching.
Very thorough and informative. I would never try this on my HRM215 SXA, but many parts are the same. Thanks
Glad it was helpful!
Great video I am currently in the process of doing a restoration on one of these that was used and abused bad. I received it with one drive wheel off because the rear drive shaft was cut by a bad bearing.
I have seen that before. Good luck getting it going. Thank you for watching.
Wow very professional video thanks!
Thank you for watching.
Ray, good quick video. I also got a free Honda Masters mower, exactly like yours. Mine just ran poorly, so I put a after market carb on, cleaned up everything, sanded and painted aluminum case, viola! Ran like it did 28 years ago. Even hydrostatic drive works perfect. Who needs to spend $$$ for a new one.
Thanks for sharing.
I got this mower at an estate sale auction for $6.00 Yes $6.00 I love it. Though it is very heavy. Cuts and runs like a champ. Best purchase I ever made. It could use a new bag.. Where can I get one?
I am not sure if Honda still makes a bag for this or not. Thank you for watching.
I have this model. I was having trouble getting it to restart when hot. Took it to the local Honda dealer. They could not fix it at all. They even put the top cover on 180* backwards. I asked the tech to show me how to pull the starter rope when opposite the deck "Step Here" position ! I eventually just parked it. After watching this video I will try to rehab it. I suspect a weak Coil is reason for hot restart problems.
You are probably right. Check the airgap for the coil before just replacing it. Thank you for watching.
Have the exact mower…. When I try to engage blades it stalls. At times they will engage with choke on or I can engage them then start….I’ve cleaned carb, adjusted valves and governor. Any ideas? Don’t want to give up on it cause it’s a great mower been a gardener for thirty years so I’ve tried them all! Send to idle fine with no load but if I do get blades engaged seems to sputter…if I do get blades engaged thick lawn will make it stall…I’ve also pulled clutch apart to inspect 🤔
Just picked up a hr215 k1 sxa she is mint
It'll be a great mower for a long time. thanks for watching.
Excellent discussion but did not discuss how to ensure piston is at top dead center when adjusting valves and how to align crankshaft gear with timing gear when there is no mark on crankshaft gear. And yes, I checked for a faint crankshaft mark - it doesn't exist.
I will make sure I cover that on the next one of these I do. Thank you for watching.
Toro's commercial 21" with Honda GXV 160 has similar features and build quality. The 2023 cast aluminum model with blade clutch retails for $2,300!
I did not know that. Thank you for watching.
Now that's a real tech work
Thank you for watching.
Good job as always!
I appreciate that
Any advice on where the timing mark on the crankshaft is? Cam shaft is obvious but not on crankshaft.
Great video except the audio might have been maybe 25% louder. One thing I’m unclear on - is the only reason you couldn’t rotate the engine before disassembly because of lack of lubrication? If you had introduced some lubrication into the top end through the spark plug hole might it have moved enough to fill the oil up, rotate and start the engine, get it warmed up and then changed the oil? I understand there was transfer of aluminum between surfaces but would the engine still have been able to run without swapping parts and the rebuild?
I was not sure what was locked up before starting the tear down. Since the cylinder and piston were not locked up then Putting oil in the cylinder would not have an effect.
If I did not have the parts from another engine I would have dressed the rod where there was metal transfer and probably reused it fate cleaning the crankshaft journal. Thank you for watching.
Was that just some sealant you used for the head cover? Curious what parts you needed to buy as opposed to what you reused. Very helpful video!
Thank you for this video I was just gifted one of these and I plan on restoring it as well. I was wondering though where did you guy all the gaskets and parts you needed ?
I got them from Lawn and Leisure in Lee's Summit, MO. Thank you for watching.
Where can I get torque specs for everything. I’m going my HR214 right now. Literally torn down exactly like your video. Putting in all new seals and a set of rings
I just look them up online using a search engine. Thank you for watching.
Great video!!! I love this mower... so much so, I now have 3 of the same model. All run great, but 2 have small issues like: 1st one I bought used on Craig's list, I have to manually loosen or tighten the throttle cable to stop the motor. My issue now is one other one I use seems to run at to high RPM. How do I lower the RPM? Thanks again... I'm a girl that took after her handy Dad who could fix/ build anything! I'm trying to learn more about how to maintain these awesome mowers! I've got a lot of grass to mow and love the excersize!!! Would appreciate knowing how to lower the RPM's so the one mower doesn't run me around! The left side orange rear wheel drive lever works but the wheels drive way to fast! Thanks!!!
There are two screws that come in from the front. One sets the engine RPM and the other adjust when it starts to choke. Thank you for watching.
What is size of mulch plug for this mower
Do you have a video on replacing the hydrostatic trans of this exact model mower?
No I do not. I kept this mower and use it every time the grass needs mowing. Perhaps in the future. Thank you for watching.
12:12 "say hello to my little friend"
Thank you for watchiinng.
Looking for the video for oil seal replacement on HR215. I used it last year and it was great; however I hit a water meter cover and need to repair again. I can’t find the video, can you repost?
It is still posted. Just go to my home page and search HR215HXA. Thank you for watching.
I have the exact same mower and have torn it down to replace the upper crank shaft bearing. I was hoping to see you set the timing, but that part is missing in you video. Ant help would be appreciated. Thanks!
Just line up the dots on the crankshaft and the cam shaft. Thank you for watching.
@@RaymoreRepair My crankshaft gear had no dot, not even a faint mark. I saw another video that explained how to locate the timing mark by locating the crank shaft tooth immediately opposite the crank shaft woodruff pin location and aligning it with the timing gear dot.
I found the same mower on the curb, got it to turn over, but won't start. No electricity can get to the spark. no spark.
Disconnect the coil, Check the air gap and the magnet on the flywheel. If all that is good then you may need a coil. Do not run the mower with thew wire to the coil disconnected. For testing purposes only. Thank you for watching.
Could you list out the torque specs for the cylinder head/cover and bottom block cover? Thanks for the video. I have this same mower that was given to me by my grandfather. Still an amazing machine for how old it is.
Both the head cover and the bottom engine cover torque to 8.7 ft lbs. They are a great mower and will outlast any new consumer grade mower. Thanks for watching.
I really liked watching this video. The engine on my hr215 masters is running great ! Glad i dont
need to tear it down like you did here but with this very detailed video i think i could follow you thru it. I do have a question you might be able to answer. The self propel works. It just goes soooo slow. Do you have any ideas on either why that might be ? or what i can do to make it move faster ?
If it is a hydrostatic drive like this one, Make sure your cables are adjusted correctly. Look at the body of the transmission and see if it is wet with oil since it may be leaking. Thank you for watching.
I recently acquired a HR215SMA with the electric start. I charged the battery but it just makes a buzzing noise. This one is garage kept but hasn't started since the late 90's after the owner died!! It's too big and heavy for my needs so I'll prob sell it as is to someone who knows what they're looking at. Do you think $75-$100 is unreasonable to ask? I'm sure it'll run and has compression. Anyway - really enjoyed your video & style. I wish I had more room to work on it properly.
I think that is not too high for a mower like this with the electric start.
There's one in a pawn shop down the street. Deck is slightly bent in on the left. The blade bolts are loose. One of the handle adjustment bolts is seized. Pulls easy and has some compression. Should I get this as a fixer upper or is $100 too much. It kinda looks bad. Needs rear wheels. No bagger and labels are gone. Every body says they are great but to me seem heavy and awkward. What's the draw
I would not spend the hundred bucks on it. They can be found cheaper than that around here. Sounds like it is pretty rough shape.
Hello.
I have an identical mower and I seem to be having some issues with the carburetor. I couldn't get the mower to start until I messed with the throttle at the carburetor. I got it to run, but it runs a little rough and surges really bad at idle.
Do you have any info on how to adjust that throttle assembly to get it to run smoother? Also, where did you locate parts and torque specs?
Thank you
The parts were bought at Lawn and Leisure in Lee's Summit, MO. Torque specs I found online. I will do a video about setting the throttle linkage soon. Thank you for watching.
I’m trying to find the recoil for it so you know the part number
No, but go to jackssmallengine.com website and they will have the number. Thank you for watching.
You got other sib
Thank you and Thank you for watching.
30:37 It's a Honda, what do you expect?
That is why I like the older Honda mowers. Thank you for watching.