Honda HRX217VYAA - User Manual

Questions and Answers

M
markmyersAug 7, 2025
Why Honda Lawn Mower engine will not start?
- J
  Jennifer SmithAug 7, 2025
  If your Honda Lawn Mower engine will not start, there are several possible reasons. First, make sure the throttle lever is in the FAST position and the fuel valve is turned ON. Check if you are out of fuel and refuel if necessary. Bad fuel can also prevent starting, so try refueling with fresh gasoline. Inspect the spark plug; it may be faulty, fouled, or improperly gapped, in which case you should gap or replace it. If the spark plug is wet with fuel, dry and reinstall it.
C
Cory FrederickAug 13, 2025
Why is my Honda HRX217VYAA losing power?
- C
  Christina YatesAug 13, 2025
  If your Honda Lawn Mower loses power, several factors could be the cause. The grass might be too tall; try raising the cutting height, cutting a narrower swath, using a slower ground speed, or cutting more frequently. Alternatively, if the grass is too wet, allow it to dry. A clogged mower deck or air filter can also lead to power loss, so clean them accordingly. Finally, bad fuel can be a culprit; in this case, refuel with fresh gasoline.
E
Elizabeth MeyersAug 21, 2025
Why is my Honda Lawn Mower vibrating?
- M
  mcdanieljosephAug 21, 2025
  If your Honda Lawn Mower is vibrating, it could be due to grass and debris lodged under the mower deck; clean it out. Loose blades can also cause vibration; tighten the loose blade bolts. Blades may be bent, damaged, or unbalanced by improper sharpening.
A
Amanda WrightAug 29, 2025
What to do if my Honda Lawn Mower has mowing and bagging problems?
- L
  laura86Aug 29, 2025
  If you are experiencing mowing and bagging problems with your Honda Lawn Mower, several factors could be the cause. Make sure you aren't moving too fast for the lawn conditions; adjust the Select Drive knob toward the MIN position or push the Select Drive lever less. Ensure that the cutting height adjustment levers are set at the same positions. Check if the grass bag or mower deck is clogged and clean them if necessary. If the grass is too wet or tall, allow it to dry or raise the cutting height, cut a narrower swath, use a slower ground speed, or cut more frequently. Dull, worn, or damaged blades, or the wrong blades installed can also cause these problems, so sharpen or replace the blades, or install the correct blades.

Summary

For Your Safety

Safety Instructions

General guidelines for safe mower operation and hazard identification.

Safety Labels

Location and meaning of safety labels on the mower for hazard awareness.

Safety Messages

Explanation of signal words (DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION) and their meanings.

Initial Mower Setup

List of Parts

Identifies all components included with the mower for initial setup.

Adjust the Handlebar

Steps for adjusting the handlebar to the desired mowing position.

Before Each Operation

Check Your Mower

Pre-operation inspection checklist for safety and mower condition.

Check Your Mowing Area

Importance of inspecting the mowing area for hazards before starting.

Operational Modes

Clip Director

How to adjust the Clip Director for different mowing results (bag, mulch).

Rear Discharge

Instructions for setting up rear discharge for clippings.

Fallen Leaves

Tips for mulching or bagging fallen leaves using the mower.

Grass Bag and Height Adjustment

Grass Bag

Information on using, installing, and removing the grass bag for clippings.

Cutting Height Adjustment

How to adjust the mower deck height for optimal cutting.

Check the Oil Level

Procedure for checking engine oil level and importance of proper lubrication.

Operation and Fueling

Add Fuel

Guidelines for safely refueling the mower with the correct gasoline.

Safe Mowing Practices

Essential safety tips for operating the mower.

Avoid Rotating Blades

Warnings about the danger of rotating mower blades and precautions.

Operating the Controls

Throttle Lever

How to use the throttle lever for optimal cutting performance.

Blade Control System

Steps for starting and stopping the mower blades.

Adjusting the Select Drive Control

How to adjust the mower's forward speed using the Select Drive control.

Mowing Tips and Adjustments

Adjusting the Select Drive Control

Fine-tuning the forward ground speed for different conditions.

Mowing Tips

Advice on best practices for mowing, including height, width, and grass conditions.

Servicing Your Mower

Mowing Patterns

Recommended patterns for mulching and bagging for efficient mowing.

Maintenance Safety

Crucial safety precautions to follow during mower maintenance.

Maintenance Schedule

Maintenance Schedule Overview

A detailed schedule of required maintenance tasks and intervals.

Blade Maintenance

Blade Inspection

How to inspect blades for damage, wear, and ensure proper torque.

Blade Replacement

Step-by-step guide for safely replacing mower blades.

Blade Mounting Bolt Inspection

Checking blade mounting bolts for tightness and damage.

Engine Oil and Air Filter

Oil Change

Procedure for changing the engine oil and oil recommendations.

Air Filter

Instructions for cleaning or replacing the air filter for engine performance.

Spark Plug and Spark Arrester

Spark Plug

How to replace and gap the spark plug for optimal engine ignition.

Spark Arrester (optional part)

Maintenance for the optional spark arrester to prevent fires.

Transporting and Storage

Select Drive Cable Adjustment

Adjusting the drive cable for proper mower propulsion.

Transporting

Safe procedures for transporting the lawn mower.

Storage

Preparation steps for storing the mower for extended periods.

Troubleshooting

Engine Will Not Start

Common causes and solutions for an engine that won't start.

Loss of Power

Diagnosing and fixing issues causing a loss of engine power.

Vibration

Identifying and resolving causes of excessive mower vibration.

Mowing and Bagging Problems

Solutions for common issues related to mowing and grass collection.

Technical Information

Serial Number Locations

Identifying the engine and frame serial numbers for reference.

High Altitude Operation

Effects of high altitude on mower performance and modifications.

Emission Control System

Overview of the engine's emission control system and compliance.

Specifications and Maintenance

Engine Design and Performance

Details on engine specifications and performance characteristics.

Transmission Design and Performance

Information on the mower's transmission type and speed.

Maintenance

Key maintenance items like fuel, blade torque, and oil.

Avoiding Fuel-Related Problems

Fuel Storage and Maintenance

Precautions for storing gasoline and maintaining the fuel system.

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.

Honda Publications

List of available manuals and guides for mower maintenance.

Distributors Limited Warranty

Warranty Coverage

Details on what is covered under the Honda Power Equipment warranty.

To Obtain Warranty Service

Steps for seeking warranty service and contacting Honda.

Emission Control System Warranty

Warranty Rights and Obligations

Owner's responsibilities and rights regarding emissions warranty.

Exclusions

Conditions and actions that void the emission control system warranty.

Product Registration

Register Your Lawn Mower

Importance and methods for registering your mower for service updates.

Register Your Product Online

Online Registration Process

Step-by-step guide to registering the mower via the Honda website.

Summary

For Your Safety

Safety Instructions

General guidelines for safe mower operation and hazard identification.

Safety Labels

Location and meaning of safety labels on the mower for hazard awareness.

Safety Messages

Explanation of signal words (DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION) and their meanings.

Initial Mower Setup

List of Parts

Identifies all components included with the mower for initial setup.

Adjust the Handlebar

Steps for adjusting the handlebar to the desired mowing position.

Before Each Operation

Check Your Mower

Pre-operation inspection checklist for safety and mower condition.

Check Your Mowing Area

Importance of inspecting the mowing area for hazards before starting.

Operational Modes

Clip Director

How to adjust the Clip Director for different mowing results (bag, mulch).

Rear Discharge

Instructions for setting up rear discharge for clippings.

Fallen Leaves

Tips for mulching or bagging fallen leaves using the mower.

Grass Bag and Height Adjustment

Grass Bag

Information on using, installing, and removing the grass bag for clippings.

Cutting Height Adjustment

How to adjust the mower deck height for optimal cutting.

Check the Oil Level

Procedure for checking engine oil level and importance of proper lubrication.

Operation and Fueling

Add Fuel

Guidelines for safely refueling the mower with the correct gasoline.

Safe Mowing Practices

Essential safety tips for operating the mower.

Avoid Rotating Blades

Warnings about the danger of rotating mower blades and precautions.

Operating the Controls

Throttle Lever

How to use the throttle lever for optimal cutting performance.

Blade Control System

Steps for starting and stopping the mower blades.

Adjusting the Select Drive Control

How to adjust the mower's forward speed using the Select Drive control.

Mowing Tips and Adjustments

Adjusting the Select Drive Control

Fine-tuning the forward ground speed for different conditions.

Mowing Tips

Advice on best practices for mowing, including height, width, and grass conditions.

Servicing Your Mower

Mowing Patterns

Recommended patterns for mulching and bagging for efficient mowing.

Maintenance Safety

Crucial safety precautions to follow during mower maintenance.

Maintenance Schedule

Maintenance Schedule Overview

A detailed schedule of required maintenance tasks and intervals.

Blade Maintenance

Blade Inspection

How to inspect blades for damage, wear, and ensure proper torque.

Blade Replacement

Step-by-step guide for safely replacing mower blades.

Blade Mounting Bolt Inspection

Checking blade mounting bolts for tightness and damage.

Engine Oil and Air Filter

Oil Change

Procedure for changing the engine oil and oil recommendations.

Air Filter

Instructions for cleaning or replacing the air filter for engine performance.

Spark Plug and Spark Arrester

Spark Plug

How to replace and gap the spark plug for optimal engine ignition.

Spark Arrester (optional part)

Maintenance for the optional spark arrester to prevent fires.

Transporting and Storage

Select Drive Cable Adjustment

Adjusting the drive cable for proper mower propulsion.

Transporting

Safe procedures for transporting the lawn mower.

Storage

Preparation steps for storing the mower for extended periods.

Troubleshooting

Engine Will Not Start

Common causes and solutions for an engine that won't start.

Loss of Power

Diagnosing and fixing issues causing a loss of engine power.

Vibration

Identifying and resolving causes of excessive mower vibration.

Mowing and Bagging Problems

Solutions for common issues related to mowing and grass collection.

Technical Information

Serial Number Locations

Identifying the engine and frame serial numbers for reference.

High Altitude Operation

Effects of high altitude on mower performance and modifications.

Emission Control System

Overview of the engine's emission control system and compliance.

Specifications and Maintenance

Engine Design and Performance

Details on engine specifications and performance characteristics.

Transmission Design and Performance

Information on the mower's transmission type and speed.

Maintenance

Key maintenance items like fuel, blade torque, and oil.

Avoiding Fuel-Related Problems

Fuel Storage and Maintenance

Precautions for storing gasoline and maintaining the fuel system.

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.

Honda Publications

List of available manuals and guides for mower maintenance.

Distributors Limited Warranty

Warranty Coverage

Details on what is covered under the Honda Power Equipment warranty.

To Obtain Warranty Service

Steps for seeking warranty service and contacting Honda.

Emission Control System Warranty

Warranty Rights and Obligations

Owner's responsibilities and rights regarding emissions warranty.

Exclusions

Conditions and actions that void the emission control system warranty.

Product Registration

Register Your Lawn Mower

Importance and methods for registering your mower for service updates.

Register Your Product Online

Online Registration Process

Step-by-step guide to registering the mower via the Honda website.

This document is the Owner's Manual for the Honda HRX217VYAA and HRX217VYPA Lawn Mowers, providing comprehensive information on safe operation, maintenance, and technical specifications.

Function Description:

The Honda HRX217VYAA and HRX217VYPA are 21-inch rotary lawn mowers designed for residential use, featuring a Clip Director® system for versatile mowing (bagging, mulching, or rear discharge), a Select Drive® variable speed transmission for self-propulsion, and a Roto-Stop® blade brake clutch for enhanced safety. The mower is designed to cut grass efficiently and can also be used to shred and collect fallen leaves.

Important Technical Specifications:

Model: GCV200 (Engine)
Engine Type: 4-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled
Displacement: 12.3 cu in (201 cc)
Bore and Stroke: 2.60 x 2.32 in (66.0 x 59.0 mm)
Compression Ratio: 8.0:1
Ignition System: Transistorized magneto
Transmission Type: Variable speed
Ground Speed: 0 – 4.0 mph (0 – 1.78 m/s)
Fuel: Unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher, containing no more than 10% ethanol by volume.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 0.24 US gal (0.91 L)
Engine Oil: SAE 10W-30, API SJ or later.
- Oil Capacity: 13.5 oz (0.40 L)
- Refill Amount: 12.0 – 13.5 oz (0.35 – 0.40 L)
Spark Plug Type: NGK - BPR5ES
- Spark Plug Gap: 0.028 – 0.031 in (0.7 – 0.8 mm)
- Spark Plug Torque: 14 ft-lb (20 N·m)
Blade Bolt Torque: 36 – 43 ft-lb (49 – 59 N·m)
Idle Speed (lever at SLOW): 1,700 +/- 150 rpm
Maximum Governed Speed: 2,950 – 3,100 rpm
Valve Clearance (cold): Intake: 0.10 ± 0.02 mm, Exhaust: 0.10 ± 0.02 mm
Length: 63.4 in (1,610 mm)
Width: 23.1 in (588 mm)
Overall Height (handle in highest position): 42.2 in (1,073 mm)
Dry Mass (includes grass bag): 95.0 lb (43.1 kg)
Cutting Width: 20.9 in (530 mm)
Cutting Heights: 7 settings, from 3/4 – 4 in (19 – 101 mm)

Usage Features:

Handlebar Adjustment: The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights by aligning adjust knobs with holes on the handle stays. It can also be folded for storage.
Engine Oil: The mower is shipped without oil. Users must add SAE 10W-30 API service category SJ or later oil before first use. Overfilling should be avoided.
Grass Bag Assembly: The grass bag frame slides into eyelets on the fabric bag, and the assembled bag hooks onto the mower deck.
Cutting Height Adjustment: Each wheel has seven settings, adjusted by pulling the lever toward the wheel and moving it into a notch.
Fueling: Use regular unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher, containing no more than 10% ethanol (E10) or 5% methanol. Overfilling is to be avoided, and spills should be wiped immediately.
Starting the Engine: Turn the fuel valve ON, move the throttle lever to FAST, push down and hold the Roto-Stop® button, then pull the blade control lever briskly against the handlebar. Release the Roto-Stop® button once blades are at full speed.
Stopping the Engine: Release the blade control lever to stop blade rotation. Move the throttle lever to STOP, and turn the fuel valve OFF. For storage, run the carburetor out of fuel.
Select Drive® Control: A knob adjusts the maximum ground speed (MIN to MAX). The Select Drive® lever propels the mower forward; partially releasing it reduces ground speed.
Clip Director®: This knob adjusts a sliding door from fully open BAG position to fully closed MULCH position, allowing selection of bagging, mulching, or rear discharge.
Mowing Practices: Mow across slopes (not exceeding 20°), not up and down. Avoid wet grass and obstacles. For best cut quality, always mow with the throttle lever in the FAST position. Overlap mowing swaths by a few inches.
Leaf Shredding/Collection: The Clip Director can be used to shred and collect fallen leaves. Setting front wheels higher than rear and using position #9 (not quite full mulching) is recommended for best results.

Maintenance Features:

Maintenance Schedule: A detailed schedule outlines required checks and services at various intervals (before each use, 5 hours/1st month, 25 hours, 50 hours/6 months, 100 hours/year, 150 hours/two years).
Rear Shield: Check for cracks or tears and replace if excessively worn.
Blades: Inspect regularly for wear, cracks, and corrosion. Replace if excessively worn, bent, cracked, or heavily rusted. Blade mounting bolts should be checked for tightness (36-43 ft-lb).
Oil Change: Change engine oil after the first month or 5 hours, then every 6 months or 50 hours. Drain warm oil by tilting the mower to its right side.
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. Clean by tapping or blowing with compressed air from the inside.
Spark Plug: Replace every 2 years or after 150 hours. Inspect electrodes and insulator, and measure/correct the gap (0.028-0.031 in).
Spark Arrester (optional): Service every 100 hours by cleaning carbon deposits.
Select Drive Cable Adjustment: Adjust by loosening jam nut, tightening adjuster clockwise until wheels lock when pulling rearward, then loosening 8 revolutions.
Cleaning: Clean the mower deck, engine, and grass bag after each use. Allow the engine to cool before washing.
Storage: For storage longer than 3 months, drain or treat fuel, change oil, clean the mower, and store in a well-ventilated, dry area. Add oil to the engine cylinder to prevent corrosion.
Fuel-Related Problems: Precautions are provided to prevent fuel deterioration, including using fresh fuel, fuel stabilizer, and running the carburetor dry for extended storage.
High Altitude Operation: Carburetor modification is recommended for continuous operation above 2,000 feet (610 meters) to improve performance and reduce emissions.