Honda HRS216PKA - User Manual

Questions and Answers

A
Adam CardenasSep 9, 2025
Why Honda HRS216PKA engine won't start? Is it because of bad fuel?
- M
  matthewcooleySep 9, 2025
  If your Honda Lawn Mower engine won't start due to bad fuel (mower stored without treating gasoline, or refueled with bad gasoline), refuel with fresh gasoline.
D
Dr. Sarah Hamilton DDSAug 23, 2025
How to fix loss of power in Honda HRS216PKA when grass is too tall?
- S
  sbrowningAug 23, 2025
  If your Honda Lawn Mower loses power because the grass is too tall, try these steps: raise the cutting height, cut a narrower swath, reduce your pushing speed, or mow more often.
K
Kimberly BrownAug 25, 2025
Why is my Honda Lawn Mower vibrating? Is it because of grass and debris lodged under the mower deck?
- S
  Stephanie ChambersAug 25, 2025
  If your Honda Lawn Mower is vibrating due to grass and debris lodged under the mower deck, clean out the mower deck.
B
Brittany RiceAug 26, 2025
What to do if Honda Lawn Mower loses power and the air filter is clogged?
- K
  krystal29Aug 27, 2025
  If your Honda Lawn Mower loses power because the air filter is clogged, clean or replace the air filter.
R
Rebecca RomeroAug 27, 2025
Why is my Honda HRS216PKA vibrating? Is it because the blade is loose?
- L
  Luis PowellAug 28, 2025
  If your Honda Lawn Mower is vibrating because the blade is loose, tighten the loose blade bolts.
K
Kayla GoodmanAug 29, 2025
How to fix Honda HRS216PKA Lawn Mower losing power due to bad fuel?
- W
  westnathanAug 29, 2025
  If your Honda Lawn Mower loses power due to bad fuel (mower stored without treating gasoline, or refueled with bad gasoline), refuel it with fresh gasoline.
D
Dean EdwardsSep 18, 2025
What to do if Honda HRS216PKA Lawn Mower engine will not start because of a wet spark plug?
- E
  elizabeth68Sep 18, 2025
  If your Honda Lawn Mower engine won't start because the spark plug is wet with fuel (flooded engine), dry and reinstall the spark plug.
E
Erin BensonSep 19, 2025
How to fix Honda Lawn Mower mowing problems when cutting height levers are at different positions?
- J
  James TaylorSep 22, 2025
  If your Honda Lawn Mower is experiencing mowing problems because the cutting height adjustment levers are set at different positions, set all levers at the same cutting height position.
B
Bryan SweeneySep 7, 2025
What to do if Honda Lawn Mower engine will not start and it is out of fuel?
- D
  David MillerSep 8, 2025
  If your Honda Lawn Mower engine won't start because it is out of fuel, refuel it.
S
scampbellSep 4, 2025
How to fix Honda Lawn Mower mowing problems when the blade is dull?
- L
  Lisa CarrSep 4, 2025
  If your Honda Lawn Mower is experiencing mowing problems because the blade is dull, worn, or damaged, sharpen or replace the blade if necessary.

Summary

For Your Safety

Safety Label Locations

Warns of potential hazards and instructions for use.

Initial Mower Setup

Adjust the Handlebar

Instructions for adjusting the mower's handlebar position for use.

Add Engine Oil

Steps to add the correct amount of engine oil before operation.

Before Each Operation

Check Your Mower

Pre-operation inspection for safety and service life.

Check Your Mowing Area

Inspecting the area for hazards before mowing.

Cutting Height Adjustment

How to adjust the cutting height of the mower blades.

Side Discharge Chute

Information on attaching the side discharge chute for clippings.

Operation

Safe Mowing Practices

General advice for preventing injuries and damage during operation.

Refuel With Care

Safety precautions for refueling the lawn mower.

Wear Protective Clothing

Recommended clothing for reducing injury risk.

Avoid Slopes

Guidance on safe mowing practices on slopes.

Avoid Obstacles

Precautions for mowing around or over obstacles.

Servicing Your Mower

Maintenance Safety

Important safety precautions before performing maintenance.

Safety Precautions

Specific safety measures to prevent injury during servicing.

Blade Inspection

Blade Mounting Bolt Inspection

How to inspect blade mounting bolts for safety and tightness.

Blade Replacement

Step-by-step guide for replacing the mower blade.

Oil Change

Air Filter

Instructions for cleaning or replacing the air filter.

Spark Plug

Spark Arrester (optional part)

Information on servicing the optional spark arrester.

Blade Control Check

Procedure to check the blade control lever function.

Storage

Fuel

Guidance on fuel preparation for storage.

Cleaning

How to clean the mower before storing it.

Storage Location

Advice on choosing a safe storage location for the mower.

Removing From Storage

Steps to prepare the mower after storage.

Troubleshooting

Engine Will Not Start

Common causes and solutions for engine starting issues.

Loss of Power

Identifying and fixing mower power loss issues.

Vibration

Causes and remedies for mower vibration.

Mowing Problems

Solutions for common lawn mowing issues.

Technical Information

Serial Number Locations

Where to find the engine and frame serial numbers.

High Altitude Operation

How altitude affects mower performance and modifications.

Emission Control System

Information on the engine's emission control system.

Specifications

Mower Features

Key features of the HRS2165PKA lawn mower.

Dimensions and Weights

Physical dimensions and weight of the mower.

Avoiding Fuel-Related Problems

Customer Information

Parts, Accessories, and Service Items

Information on ordering genuine Honda parts and accessories.

Dealer Locator Information

How to find an authorized Honda servicing dealer.

How to Contact Honda

Contact information for customer support and inquiries.

Honda Publications

List of other available manuals and resources.

This is the owner's manual for the Honda HRS216PKA Lawn Mower, a rotary push mower designed for residential use. The manual provides comprehensive information on its function, technical specifications, usage, and maintenance to ensure safe, economical, and trouble-free operation.

Function Description:

The Honda HRS216PKA is a 21-inch rotary push lawn mower equipped with a flywheel brake and an Auto Choke System. Its primary function is to cut grass, with the capability to mulch or side discharge grass clippings. The mower is designed for ease of use and maintenance, featuring a handlebar that can be adjusted and folded for storage, and a blade control lever that must be held against the handlebar for the engine to run and the blade to rotate. Releasing this lever stops the engine and blade. The Auto Choke System simplifies starting by automatically adjusting the choke.

Important Technical Specifications:

Model: HRS216PKA
Engine: GCV160, 4-stroke, overhead-cam, single-cylinder, air-cooled.
Displacement: 9.8 cu in (160 cc).
Bore and Stroke: 2.52 x 1.97 in (64.0 x 50.0 mm).
Compression Ratio: 8.5:1.
Ignition System: Transistorized magneto.
Fuel: Unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher, containing no more than 10% ethanol by volume.
Fuel Tank Capacity: 0.25 US gal (0.93 L).
Engine Oil: SAE 10W-30, API SJ or later.
Engine Oil Capacity: 17.0 oz (0.50 L). Refill amount: 12.0 ~ 13.5 oz (0.35 ~ 0.40 L).
Spark Plug: NGK - BPR5ES.
Spark Plug Gap: 0.028 ~ 0.031 in (0.7 ~ 0.8 mm).
Blade Bolt Torque: 36 ~ 43 ft-lb (49 ~ 59 N·m).
Maximum Governed Speed: 3,100 +0/-150 rpm.
Valve Clearance (cold): Intake: 0.15 ± 0.04 mm, Exhaust: 0.20 ± 0.04 mm.
Dimensions:
- Length: 61-1/8 in (1554 mm)
- Width: 23 in (585 mm)
- Overall Height: 37-3/8 in (948 mm)
Dry Weight: 61.3 lb (27.8 kg).
Cutting Width: 21.0 in (530 mm).
Cutting Heights: 6 adjustable settings, ranging from 1 to 3-1/2 in (25 ~ 87 mm).
Emission Durability Period: Ranges from Moderate (50-125 hours) to Extended (300-1000 hours) depending on engine displacement, as per California Air Resources Board requirements.

Usage Features:

The HRS216PKA is designed for user convenience and safety.

Handlebar Adjustment: The handlebar can be easily adjusted and folded for storage or transport by loosening two locking knobs.
Cutting Height Adjustment: Each wheel has an independent adjustment lever, allowing for six different cutting heights. This feature enables users to adapt to various lawn and soil conditions.
Mulching and Side Discharge: The mower can be used for mulching by ensuring the side discharge chute is not installed and the side discharge guard is fully closed. For side discharge, the chute can be easily installed after stopping the engine.
Starting the Engine: The engine starts by turning the fuel valve to ON, pulling back the blade control lever, and then pulling the recoil starter grip briskly. The Auto Choke System assists in easy starting.
Stopping the Engine: Releasing the blade control lever immediately stops the engine and blade rotation, serving as a safety feature.
Safety Precautions: The manual emphasizes safe mowing practices, including wearing protective clothing, avoiding steep slopes (more than 20°), clearing the mowing area of debris, and stopping the engine before any adjustments or inspections. It also warns against carbon monoxide poisoning and thrown objects.

Maintenance Features:

Regular maintenance is crucial for the mower's longevity and performance. The manual provides a detailed maintenance schedule and instructions for various tasks.

Engine Oil: Check oil level before each use. Change oil after the first month or 5 hours, then every 6 months or 50 hours. More frequent changes are recommended under heavy load or high temperatures. The mower is shipped without oil and requires initial filling.
Air Filter: Clean the air filter after the first 25 hours, then every 6 months or 50 hours. Replace every 2 years or 150 hours. More frequent cleaning is needed in dusty areas.
Spark Plug: Inspect and clean the spark plug every 50 hours or 6 months. Replace every 2 years or 150 hours. Proper gapping is essential.
Blade Inspection and Replacement: Inspect the blade for wear, cracks, and damage before each use. Replace if excessively worn, bent, or cracked. Blade mounting bolts should be inspected for looseness and damage and torqued to specification.
Fuel System Care: The manual provides extensive guidance on avoiding fuel-related problems, including using fresh gasoline, adding fuel stabilizer for storage, and draining the carburetor if storing for more than a month.
Cleaning: The mower deck and engine should be cleaned after each use. Special care is advised to prevent water from entering the air cleaner and exhaust opening.
Rear Shield: Check the rear shield for cracks or tears, and replace if excessively worn.
Blade Control Check: Regularly check that the engine stops quickly when the blade control lever is released.
Troubleshooting: A dedicated section helps diagnose common issues like the engine not starting, loss of power, vibration, and mowing problems, offering solutions such as adjusting cutting height, cleaning the mower deck, or refueling.
High Altitude Operation: Specific carburetor modifications are recommended for operation above 5,000 feet (1,500 meters) to maintain performance and comply with emission standards.
Emission Control System: The manual details the components of the emission control system and emphasizes the importance of proper maintenance to comply with EPA, California, and Canadian regulations. Tampering with the system is prohibited.

The manual also includes information on parts, accessories, and service items, as well as how to contact Honda for customer support and warranty inquiries. Product registration is encouraged to receive important service information.