Operation and Maintenance of the GD320/410

The GD320 and GD410 may be getting long in the tooth, but these diesel Honda motors are still found in a lot of power equipment. Here’s what you need to know to use yours properly and keep it running for years to come.

Before Starting

Engine oil: Remove the dipstick/filler cap, wipe it clean, and reinsert it into the engine without screwing it down. Check the oil level on the dipstick: if it’s low, add some oil. Honda recommends 10W40 made for diesel engines. Screw the dipstick back into the motor.

Fuel: To check the amount of fuel, look at the gauge window next to the fuel tank cap. These engines use diesel fuel. #2 Diesel should be used at temperatures above 40°F (4°C) and #1 diesel at temperatures below 40°F (4°C) or altitudes above 5,000 feet (1,500 m). Continue reading

How to Change a Honda HT3813 PTO Clutch

ht3813Are the blades of your Honda HT3813 not spinning anymore, even though the deck and belt are in good shape? It may be time to replace the PTO clutch. This repair is more complex than most maintenance tasks, but it’s still within the means of the home mechanic.

Where is the Clutch?

Unlike most small lawn tractors, the HT3813 uses a horizontal shaft engine. The blades are driven by a belt that travels from the pulley on the deck, bending at a 90 degree angle to reach the drive pulley mounted at the front of the shaft. The front of the PTO clutch is mounted on the drive pulley and the friction plate is mounted directly behind the pulley on the engine shaft. The radiator fan and radiator are mounted directly in front of the pulley and must be removed for access to the clutch. Continue reading

What’s the Best Honda Mower Blade For Your Money?

Honda BladeWhich blades work best on your Honda mower? OEM blades, obviously, since they have shape and metallurgy Honda intended for the deck, giving them the longest life and best-cutting performance. Which type of blade should you get, and when should you replace them? That’s a little more complex since there are several blade options and several reasons you’d need to fit a new one.

When Do I Need to Change My Blade, and When Can I Just Sharpen It?

The blade on your mower is designed to cut the grass, but if the edge becomes dull, it will stop cutting and start tearing the grass apart. This makes the finish uneven, and can leave the tips of the grass bruised, opening them up to infection. If the tips of the grass are brown after mowing, it’s well past time for your mower’s blade to be sharpened. For residential users, the blades usually need to be sharpened twice per season. For commercial users, blades may need to be sharpened as often as once per week!

Of course, sharpening only works if the blade is in good shape. The blade in your mower should be replaced when it’s bent, chipped, shows signs of cracking, or is heavily worn, either across the edge or along the blade. Since conditions and situations can vary so much between lawn conditions and mowers, there’s no set time when the blade will need to be replaced. A new blade could strike an object the first time it’s used, sandy soil can quickly erode the blade even under ideal conditions, or the blade may slowly wear down from repeated sharpening. That’s why the blade should always be thoroughly inspected whenever cutting performance begins to falter. Continue reading

Honda Engine Maintenance Guide for a GC190

GC190The GC190 is one of the most popular small engines on the market for lawn and shop equipment, but even an engine as reliable as this Honda needs maintenance to keep performing year after year. This guide will walk you through the steps needed to keep your motor working.

Safety

  • Make sure the engine is off before you begin any repairs. If possible, wait at least a half hour to ensure the motor is completely cool to prevent burns from hot engine parts.
  • If the engine needs to be started, do so in an area with good ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
  • To prevent gasoline ignition, only use non-flammable solvents for cleaning and keep sparks, flames and cigarettes away from the engine. Continue reading