This mower was put away last fall with little to no maintenance. I thought the smoking issue would be number 1, but it turns out the clutch that activates the blade needed work.
I have the exact lawnmower mine is my father's from 1986..or maybe 85. It is allll original and finally needs a substantial repair. The clutch outer bearing is shot makes lots of noise when blade is disengaged. This video helped me in the way that..... Well I fixed lawnmowers professionally for half my life but NEVER had to service a clutch! Thanks for this video.
You welcome. When under the clock something like this may not be attempted as there is just too much money involved (as in a shop) when it is a hobby I can spend a week on a problem with no financial issue ..
Where were you 8 or 9 years ago . I had to r and r the bearings on mine . I gave it to a lawn mower guy to fix . He gave it back to me in peaches. I ordered the parts and did it my self. I never seen that lube tool . Very nice . Thanks
Great video Bruce. I've had a Yamaha lawn mower (they are rare - but are very similar to Honda's) which smoked at at start-up and when running. I took out the head gasket and sprayed it with Permatex Copper Gasket Sealant - reassembled and added a coupled of Newtons to the torque - and it stopped smoking. Maybe a warped head - but it sealed the cylinder from the oil gallery.
I've got several push mowers in the past that all it took was just my time and cleaning it too get it up and running . It's amazing that people just will not use common sense just to do minor maintenance on these engines . Good video never worked on one of these clutch Honda's before learning experience for me . Probably never will , but guess what I have your video too fall back on now ..........Thanks
Nice that they had some type of race to encapsulate those ball bearings. I bet a lot of manufactures would have just pinched them in between the two plates and woe to the poor sucker that takes it apart. Nicely done Bruce, nice mower too.
I think I remember you working on a blade clutch once before. Never had a mower that had one. Great explanation of how it all works, it will be helpful if I ever come across one.
I have the same problem. I started working to fix my lawnmower, but it took me a long time; unfortunately, the grass keeps growing, and HOA started harassing me. What did I do? I bought an electric mower last week and cut my grass to stop the harassment, and today I found your video. Now thanks to you, I exactly know what to do to save my old friend. My only problem, I am afraid, fixing that old lawnmower will be the part where you use the table mount club.
Honda mower and the blade clutch so much fun fixing them I look forward every time I repair a Honda.. Bruce your cable lube tool try the hole on the side to the back of the tool to lube the cable .
Just acquired a HR215 from curbside pick-up. New carb., and new throttle cable [$43] from Amazon and she runs like a dream. Gonna sell my Craftsman to keep this one to continue my Honda collection. Got a Honda powered Simpson pressure washer, and 1994 300 Fourtrax 4x4 and looking for a big Honda Gen. (7000 to 8000 watts) to round me out. Then, I'm gonna find a vintage Honda riding mower for restoration. Gotta love having a small engine shop😀
The cable lubricant tool is great. My weed whacker need some love I am going to give her some it will be hard love but I think she will live through it lol . I hope you get a producer on the phone soon lol. Open the door if I can see or you can breath I like the you breathing lol. I would keep it she is a good one. Nice not made like a lot of the new stuff. You and I know that.
Thanks for the video. Someone put one of these out to the curb. Carburetor was broken and clutch sticking and drive cable missing. Clutch is un-stuck thanks to you.
A lot of people don’t realize how good these era Honda mowers are. I have have three all with blade clutch, self propelled and one with electric start. If you ever bag you want a blade clutch period
I watched your video and in place of the small clamps, I used 2 nuts and cut them to a C shape. The clutch disc has 2 flats on either side of the disc where they are made for this type of application. They are most likely similar to the special tool made by Honda. They won't slip like the clamps. These items will not slip as the small C clamps did.
wow bruce thats a classic honda lawnmower glad shes running sir hope tomarrow space x gets off the ground going to be exciting on the space coast hoping for good weather
I have a Honda hbr 475 doing the same with the clutch, I'll strip it down like yourself and see how I get non. Thanks for the video it covers all I need!! 😊
The clutch was slipping on my 25 year old Honda Masters so I took it apart and noticed the clutch pad was glazed. I Sanded it a bit and that fixed it. I think the outer ring is the brake and the inner disk is the clutch. I compressed that spring by hand enough to get the bolt started but it was a struggle. I loved your tiny clamps idea. I don’t think there is any way to get that center bolt out without an impact wrench as the engine turns with it.
To stop the engine from turning, remove the spark plug and insert a few feet of thin recoil starter- gauge rope. Gently turn the crank until fully compressed.
Thanks I have a HRC215 with the same clutch that I have to reassemble. In my case the ball bearing race was rusted and wouldn't let the blade clutch actuate.
I'm getting one of the newer versions in trade today, the deck is rotted out, but the engine, and drive system, and trans is in great shape, so I will be parting it out in the coming weeks.
How's she goin'? That clutch threw me for a loop. I thought at first the motor was toast the way the engine stopped at the first of the video. Nice repair and good to know it wasn't a serious motor issue!! Take care!!
Hmm, never seen one of those clutches like that before. Great fix. After it was running good was it running a bit fast? Hopefully it mow's fantastically and makes someone very happy. Great job. Keep on singing and you will live longer. Stay safe- both of you.
It had to be a project. Gloves are always good. Cut my finger today just because I didnt have gloves .. Just a nick but on the end of my finger. guitar fret finger. Have you ever tried a vinegar bath for cleaning got to oil it up after but it works. Springs are a pain. Its interesting how the clutch work on that.Nice job on re mounting it.
I had this last week with a 536 and it was the bearing in the blade brake clutch that was causing it to shut down the engine. New bearing and was good as new.
I use the needle nose pliers with the curve on the ends, for springs, and safety glasses, oh boy the management, have to look like your busy when they are around.... LMAO
Very helpful indeed Bruce. I think now I may have figured out the source of my problem on a Shanks - Honda powered mower which is: when I engage the clutch for the cutter blade the engine grinds to a halt, like the brake is engaging. If you have any experience of this problem I’d love to hear from from you. BTW what make is the mower "lift" you use this would be handy around the garage. Cheers, John
Hi Bruce, great videos. I have a Honda mower at least 10 years old that makes a real screeching noise when turning off. Runs fine when going just noisy when shutting off. Any ideas.
The brake inside the shroud that stops the engine when you let go of the brake handle may be worn out and is now steel on steel. There may also be something caught in there. It is only 3 bolts to remove the rewind and a bit of fiddling to remove the shroud. You will see the brake that squeezes onto the flywheel edge. Goodluck remove the spark plug wire for safety.
Hey Bruce, I have a honda hr194, took it to get serviced and they messed it up, where it only will start with the blade clutch engaged if the clutch isn't engaged i can't pull the cord at all. Have you ever encounter this problem. I couldn't find anything on the internet.
I Know This is 2 Yrs Old But The Pull Start Is Wrong. It Needs To Be Turned Back One Hole -Anti Clockwise. It Is Supposed To Be Pulled From The Right Hand Side Of The Mower, Not The Left Hand Side
Never seen you work on a real Snapper push mower; are they available in Canada? Your work is great Bruce, consider a GoPro cam to bring your work to a new level!
You can do it Bruce’s ,,,,, when’s Bruce’s coming to uk to do his repairs 🤪🤪🤓. How no oil licking when lawnmower on side,,,,,,and what that grey Thing in back ground by g doors 🚪
put a spoon or two of stp. oil in the motor it will stop smoking. they used to always run stp in the old vw dune buggies helps in real hot areas. and saved many motors.to much stp will burn the valves ask me how I know..
Hey Bruce is it normal for these honda's motors to die if you don't engage the blade fast? If I engage the one I have the engine slow it dies. I think the instructions say to do it fast but it doesn't seem like the engine should die if you do it slow. I wasn't sure if I had the rpms on the engine set right or if there was something wrong with the clutch. It sat outside for 20 years and all the cables were rusted so I replaced and I had to change out the rear tires because it was a self propelled (man was that a task). My engine doesn't smoke at all. The only thing it has a problem with is the engine doesn't seem to have quite enough power when you engage the blade. Any ideas on how to improve its performance would be great. Thanks and keep up the great videos.
Hey give oil stabilizer a try Assuming it takes 20oz oil Uses 4oz stabilizer( Lucus, super tech what ever) 16 oz oil I have stopped a few engines from smoking that way.
@@BrucesShop I took everything off and cleaned them up. Found the shaft seal half way out. I took it off and cleaned it and put it back on. I put some oil and spun it a few times. If it's dry in the morning I'll put the clutch back on. Wonder what would cause shaft seal to pop out?
Hey Bruce great video I have one in my shop right now it's a hrm 215 the thing would not pull over and the blade was on wrong and was hitting the clutch bearing. Also the title is spelled wrong clutch
Back when things were made to last and built right! Ah, I long for those days. Cheers my Good Friend! Zip~
You know they are heavy buggers but well made. Thanks for watching.
That WAS entertaining, thanks for that! It was educational to see the clutch mechanism, and satisfying to see it get back to working properly.
Thanks for the great comment Timmy
Nice video Bruce.And like all your videos this old man learned something
That is good . I learn something everyday too.
I have the exact lawnmower mine is my father's from 1986..or maybe 85. It is allll original and finally needs a substantial repair. The clutch outer bearing is shot makes lots of noise when blade is disengaged. This video helped me in the way that..... Well I fixed lawnmowers professionally for half my life but NEVER had to service a clutch! Thanks for this video.
You welcome. When under the clock something like this may not be attempted as there is just too much money involved (as in a shop) when it is a hobby I can spend a week on a problem with no financial issue ..
Where were you 8 or 9 years ago . I had to r and r the bearings on mine . I gave it to a lawn mower guy to fix . He gave it back to me in peaches. I ordered the parts and did it my self. I never seen that lube tool . Very nice . Thanks
Thanks Nick
Great video Bruce. I've had a Yamaha lawn mower (they are rare - but are very similar to Honda's) which smoked at at start-up and when running. I took out the head gasket and sprayed it with Permatex Copper Gasket Sealant - reassembled and added a coupled of Newtons to the torque - and it stopped smoking. Maybe a warped head - but it sealed the cylinder from the oil gallery.
Good to hear from you sir.
I've got several push mowers in the past that all it took was just my time and cleaning it too get it up and running . It's amazing that people just will not use common sense just to do minor maintenance on these engines . Good video never worked on one of these clutch Honda's before learning experience for me . Probably never will , but guess what I have your video too fall back on now ..........Thanks
Right on. I hope you find one of these
Nice that they had some type of race to encapsulate those ball bearings. I bet a lot of manufactures would have just pinched them in between the two plates and woe to the poor sucker that takes it apart.
Nicely done Bruce, nice mower too.
Thanks again Mr. Shyster
I think I remember you working on a blade clutch once before. Never had a mower that had one. Great explanation of how it all works, it will be helpful if I ever come across one.
Yes I did that job on the floor not the lift. I learned a lot on that job.
I have the same problem. I started working to fix my lawnmower, but it took me a long time; unfortunately, the grass keeps growing, and HOA started harassing me. What did I do? I bought an electric mower last week and cut my grass to stop the harassment, and today I found your video. Now thanks to you, I exactly know what to do to save my old friend. My only problem, I am afraid, fixing that old lawnmower will be the part where you use the table mount club.
Well now you can cut your lawn.
Great Job to my favorite you tuber!!! Thanks for all the videos
You are welcome.
Honda mower and the blade clutch so much fun fixing them I look forward every time I repair a Honda.. Bruce your cable lube tool try the hole on the side to the back of the tool to lube the cable .
OK
Just acquired a HR215 from curbside pick-up. New carb., and new throttle cable [$43] from Amazon and she runs like a dream. Gonna sell my Craftsman to keep this one to continue my Honda collection. Got a Honda powered Simpson pressure washer, and 1994 300 Fourtrax 4x4 and looking for a big Honda Gen. (7000 to 8000 watts) to round me out. Then, I'm gonna find a vintage Honda riding mower for restoration. Gotta love having a small engine shop😀
Yes a shop is great thing.
Awesome video. I've never had to take a mower clutch apart before. Very interesting. It's all about those ball bearings riding in the channels.
You are right
The cable lubricant tool is great. My weed whacker need some love I am going to give her some it will be hard love but I think she will live through it lol . I hope you get a producer on the phone soon lol. Open the door if I can see or you can breath I like the you breathing lol. I would keep it she is a good one. Nice not made like a lot of the new stuff. You and I know that.
Right, I sold it right away
Thanks for the video. Someone put one of these out to the curb. Carburetor was broken and clutch sticking and drive cable missing. Clutch is un-stuck thanks to you.
Glad it helped
A lot of people don’t realize how good these era Honda mowers are. I have have three all with blade clutch, self propelled and one with electric start. If you ever bag you want a blade clutch period
They are tough mowers
I watched your video and in place of the small clamps, I used 2 nuts and cut them to a C shape. The clutch disc has 2 flats on either side of the disc where they are made for this type of application. They are most likely similar to the special tool made by Honda. They won't slip like the clamps. These items will not slip as the small C clamps did.
I like that. Thanks
wow bruce thats a classic honda lawnmower glad shes running sir hope tomarrow space x gets off the ground going to be exciting on the space coast hoping for good weather
Right I saw the delay on the news
@@BrucesShop yes sir watching the live feed on you tube now hoping the weather will hang in there
I have a Honda hbr 475 doing the same with the clutch, I'll strip it down like yourself and see how I get non. Thanks for the video it covers all I need!! 😊
Best of luck
The clutch was slipping on my 25 year old Honda Masters so I took it apart and noticed the clutch pad was glazed. I Sanded it a bit and that fixed it. I think the outer ring is the brake and the inner disk is the clutch. I compressed that spring by hand enough to get the bolt started but it was a struggle. I loved your tiny clamps idea. I don’t think there is any way to get that center bolt out without an impact wrench as the engine turns with it.
I agree.
To stop the engine from turning, remove the spark plug and insert a few feet of thin recoil starter- gauge rope. Gently turn the crank until fully compressed.
@@jeffcard3623 I don’t understand what you’re trying to say, insert the rope gauge where?
@@DainichiKichi just a few feet of starter rope in the spark plug hole.
Thanks for the look over your shoulder.
I am working on it.
I hope you enjoy my videos.
I enjoyed watching this fix. Amazing what cleaning can accomplish.
Thanks Kerry.
Good job Bruce those old hondas are good mowers
They are just so darn heavy.
I would say start at $125.00. People go googly eyed for the big H.i Cut the lawn with it double check to make sure no issues. awsome job Bruce
Thanks Tom
nice fix. Drum brake pliers would be perfect for the installation of those springs. Cheers EH!
Good call!
as a former auto mechanic I always used a spring about like the spring I was trying to hook up or larger it worked almost always
Thanks a lot!!!
Thanks I have a HRC215 with the same clutch that I have to reassemble. In my case the ball bearing race was rusted and wouldn't let the blade clutch actuate.
Right. Good luck on that.
Another great video and those lubrication tools are great.
Thanks a lot.
U THE MAN.---- KEEP UM COMING -A MAN THAT LOVES HIS JOB..
I do enjoy this.
Great Honda lawn mower Bruce.
Thanks a lot
Hey Bruce I think you need your own lawnmower repair show out in Hollywood
Wow. I would have to leave Canada.
Yes but you would be a star
@@jamesrobinson369 lol
I'm getting one of the newer versions in trade today, the deck is rotted out, but the engine, and drive system, and trans is in great shape, so I will be parting it out in the coming weeks.
I will be watching.
How's she goin'? That clutch threw me for a loop. I thought at first the motor was toast the way the engine stopped at the first of the video. Nice repair and good to know it wasn't a serious motor issue!! Take care!!
Thanks
Thanks Bruce really helped me out
Glad to help
Hmm, never seen one of those clutches like that before. Great fix. After it was running good was it running a bit fast? Hopefully it mow's fantastically and makes someone very happy. Great job. Keep on singing and you will live longer. Stay safe- both of you.
I think my camera makes them sound fast.
It had to be a project. Gloves are always good. Cut my finger today just because I didnt have gloves .. Just a nick but on the end of my finger. guitar fret finger. Have you ever tried a vinegar bath for cleaning got to oil it up after but it works. Springs are a pain. Its interesting how the clutch work on that.Nice job on re mounting it.
Thanks. Davey. Sorry it was such a long vid
I had this last week with a 536 and it was the bearing in the blade brake clutch that was causing it to shut down the engine. New bearing and was good as new.
Thanks
nice Bruce,maybe that is the problem in the one I got, I'll check it out ,gracias Mr Bruce muy buen video!
Glad to help
Great video Bruce
Thank you Tommy
Was it a joker and a midnight toker, too? Where’s the peaches? Now it Flies like an Eagle.!
Sorry Bruce, couldn’t resist. Great job and video.
Hear we go again. LOL
Bruce Pender Hang on Sloopy, it’s gonna be a fun ride!
Maybe even a Magic Carpet Ride.
Jim
Bruce Pender I got it! You better Toe the Line!
Hi Bruce. WOW that blade clutch is a lot different than the one I did eh. Good mower. I would ask $125 and and then get talked down probably
I got a $100 for it as it smoked so bad. I could get more I just don't like strangers in the yard so I sell them low. . Good to hear from you Sir !!!
For putting on the spring. I tried it and it worked
I use the needle nose pliers with the curve on the ends, for springs, and safety glasses, oh boy the management, have to look like your busy when they are around.... LMAO
Right. To look busy I can't just walk around with a clip board. LOL. We have fun together actually. Thanks again
@@BrucesShop hahahaha pretty much.
I'd like to see the Honda tool.
Juste gréât ! ( from France ) .
Merci
Very helpful indeed Bruce. I think now I may have figured out the source of my problem on a Shanks - Honda powered mower which is: when I engage the clutch for the cutter blade the engine grinds to a halt, like the brake is engaging. If you have any experience of this problem I’d love to hear from from you. BTW what make is the mower "lift" you use this would be handy around the garage. Cheers, John
You can find the lift at Harbor Freight or in Canada at Princess Auto. Google is great too,
Hi Bruce, great videos. I have a Honda mower at least 10 years old that makes a real screeching noise when turning off. Runs fine when going just noisy when shutting off. Any ideas.
The brake inside the shroud that stops the engine when you let go of the brake handle may be worn out and is now steel on steel. There may also be something caught in there. It is only 3 bolts to remove the rewind and a bit of fiddling to remove the shroud. You will see the brake that squeezes onto the flywheel edge. Goodluck remove the spark plug wire for safety.
Hey Bruce, I have a honda hr194, took it to get serviced and they messed it up, where it only will start with the blade clutch engaged if the clutch isn't engaged i can't pull the cord at all. Have you ever encounter this problem. I couldn't find anything on the internet.
I am sorry As i am not there I can't help you.
Hi Bruce Thx a lot for vidéo, I just by the same in France 30€ it's wonderfull
Merci beaucoup!!
Excellent
Thank you! Cheers!
I Know This is 2 Yrs Old But The Pull Start Is Wrong. It Needs To Be Turned Back One Hole -Anti Clockwise. It Is Supposed To Be Pulled From The Right Hand Side Of The Mower, Not The Left Hand Side
Thanks a lot.
Very good Bruce the system your working on is called the blade brake clutch..... Say that 3 times fast.... LMAO
I did LOL
Never seen you work on a real Snapper push mower; are they available in Canada? Your work is great Bruce, consider a GoPro cam to bring your work to a new level!
There are a few older ones around
You can do it Bruce’s ,,,,, when’s Bruce’s coming to uk to do his repairs 🤪🤪🤓. How no oil licking when lawnmower on side,,,,,,and what that grey
Thing in back ground by g doors 🚪
Well I don't know about the grey thing around the doors.
Great cable oiling tool! You should post at link to purchase one.
Search eBay or Amazon and you'll find ind easy
@@HobbyMotorDK Right
Any motorcycle shop has them
Which size c-clamps do you use for the spring compression? I know that 6” which is what I have don’t work. What a pain in the but of a job!
These were little 2 inch ones.
I've got to get one of those cable lubers.
You do. They don't work in every situation. But these bigger cables the work well.
A car brake spring plier works too.
Good idea.
put a spoon or two of stp. oil in the motor it will stop smoking. they used to always run stp in the old vw dune buggies helps in real hot areas. and saved many motors.to much stp will burn the valves ask me how I know..
Great idea. You must have burnt one up?
yes it was very entertaining as always
Thanks Mr. wrenches.
Do you have the heat on?That is a 100$ mower all day long.
We had a frost warning 3 days ago
Nice honda
Thanks.
Hey Bruce is it normal for these honda's motors to die if you don't engage the blade fast? If I engage the one I have the engine slow it dies. I think the instructions say to do it fast but it doesn't seem like the engine should die if you do it slow. I wasn't sure if I had the rpms on the engine set right or if there was something wrong with the clutch. It sat outside for 20 years and all the cables were rusted so I replaced and I had to change out the rear tires because it was a self propelled (man was that a task). My engine doesn't smoke at all. The only thing it has a problem with is the engine doesn't seem to have quite enough power when you engage the blade. Any ideas on how to improve its performance would be great. Thanks and keep up the great videos.
On the one I have had I noticed a load on the engine when engaging the blade. try it on concrete not a grassy area sorry
@@BrucesShop Thanks Bruce.
Just curious why would you tape the blade engage lever for stroage? ?
Yes it was the wrong move. I thought that taping it would help it in storage engaging the blade. That was the wrong move. My mistake.
Hey give oil stabilizer a try
Assuming it takes 20oz oil
Uses
4oz stabilizer( Lucus, super tech what ever)
16 oz oil
I have stopped a few engines from smoking that way.
Thanks
Bruce, do you think the disk with the pads is no good if it gets saturated with oil?
I would still try and clean them
@@BrucesShop I took everything off and cleaned them up. Found the shaft seal half way out. I took it off and cleaned it and put it back on. I put some oil and spun it a few times. If it's dry in the morning I'll put the clutch back on. Wonder what would cause shaft seal to pop out?
@@mgomez5606 It could by blow by . I would just put it back together and see.
@@BrucesShop TY, Bruce.
@@BrucesShop Oil did not leak out of seal overnight, Bruce.
Pull head off 3hp briggs w/ no compression or check for valve spring come off? What to do with McLane edger in nice condition, has spark.
Keep playing with it if you have time.
I'd pull the head off and have a look because it could be the valve seat
Hey Bruce great video I have one in my shop right now it's a hrm 215 the thing would not pull over and the blade was on wrong and was hitting the clutch bearing. Also the title is spelled wrong clutch
Thanks I fixed it. Too funny.
How do you call those two springs ?
Springs at 12:40?
@@emailtomrhawj this is hard to say. This video is 3 .5 year old Retention Springs ???
Oh that is tough 3 years ago. Pressure springs. Mr. Google may help. Dom;t be afraid to use Google
Thanks I got it it is called clutch springs
@@emailtomrhawj Thanks for getting back to me. You rock.
Management meaning Misses Pender. :)
correct
What is a Clcth?
I fix the title. thanks
Would CAD $160 be a reasonable price?
As it burns oil I will go a bit lower
@@BrucesShop For engines with some wear, 40 SAE or some STP or oil stabilizer additive helps a lot. This may be an option on the Honda.
Not familiar with those clutches like that
I am now. LOL
Its a Honda
I get it.
over engineer machine.. to difficult to work on...
A little tough you are right.
Oh I can't stand Honda clutches..... Great job.
Thanks
Great explanation 👍
Glad you think so!