GXH50: The Engine of Choice for Work and Fun

GXH50: The Engine of Choice for Work and Fun

Honda’s GHX50 is easy to overlook, but this tiny engine has managed to make its way into products ranging from home generator to mining equipment, and it’s even found a niche in motorsports. What is it that makes this 50 cc engine popular with hobbyists and professionals?

Small Scale Power with Full Scale Features

Although Honda sells it as part of their mini four-stroke series, this engine doesn’t have the oil baffle system that lets engines like the GX25 and GX35 operate at any angle. Instead, it’s intended for use in applications where it will be kept upright. As the “GX” name implies, this is a professional quality engine, sharing many design features with larger models in the lineup.

This starts with an overhead valve design with an 8.0:1 compression ratio. This helps the engine generate 2.1 hp at 7,000 RPM and, 2 lb-ft. torque at 4,500 RPM, while a wide torque curve lets it run effectively at lower speeds to conserve fuel and keep it from bogging down during heavy loads. The onboard 0.8-gallon tank can keep the engine running for about 4 hours.

An automatic mechanical decompression system relieves cylinder pressure when turning over the engine. Combined with the low weight of the piston and valvetrain, the engine is extremely easy to start. It also uses a float carburetor instead of the more finicky diaphragm carburetors usually found in engines of this displacement.

Like larger engines, the GHX50 comes with a carburetor drain plug and an oil drain plug so the engine doesn’t need to be tilted to drain old oil and fuel. An automotive-style paper filter protects the engine from fine debris, while an optional spark arrester makes the GHX50 legal for use in areas prone to fire. Most servicing is done at 50 hr/6 months and 100 hr/1 year intervals.

The piston is connected to a forged steel crankshaft supported by ball bearings to ensure years of trouble-free use, while the Oil Alert system shuts down the ignition if the oil level is too low, protecting the engine from premature damage. Like Honda’s other engines, this motor is both CARB and EPA certified, making it legal to buy and operate across the U.S. and Canada.

The entire engine including the muffler and fuel tank measures just 8.9 x 10.8 x 13 inches and weighs just over 12 lbs. without fluids. This makes it a great choice for applications where weight and size are at a premium.

Industrial and Residential Applications

If a piece of power equipment needs to be carried by hand, there’s a good chance someone has made a version powered by this engine. While used in a variety of equipment, its most popular application by far is in water pumps, whether they’re built for draining mine shafts, irrigating farmland or fighting fires. Honda uses the engine into its own WX15 lightweight water pump and EU1000i inverter generator.

Motorsport

The GHX50 may seem out of place next to superbikes and race-prepped NSX’s, but the company considers it to be one of its most important offerings. Most racers start their climb through racing series at a young age with go-karts, including most of the current F1 drivers. Even three-time world champion Ayrton Senna started his career behind the wheel of one of these karts.

Seeing dwindling interest in Junior Karting due to high engine costs, Honda Performance Development created a kit to adapt the GHX50 to kart use. The engine’s industrial roots make running costs extremely low: despite being constantly pushed to its limit, it can last well over 200 hours between rebuilds. This gives young racers a chance to get the thrill of racing with a safe level of power that lets them hone their skills.

This has also drawn attention from other hobbyists, adapting the engine to motorized bicycles and minibikes. It’s small enough to fall within displacement restrictions in most areas for road use, and since it’s completely self-contained, there’s no need to worry about routing a muffler or fitting a fuel tank. Best of all, it’s far more reliable than the two strokes usually used in these applications.

Getting Parts for the GHX50

No matter what your Honda engine is powering, you can get quality OEM parts for it from www.hondalawnparts.com. We’re a certified dealer for Honda Engines and Honda Power Equipment, letting us ship parts for their products across the U.S. and Canada. Not sure what part you need? Our site has built-in factory diagrams so you can see exactly what you’re ordering and where it fits on your engine.

F220 Mid-Tine Tiller

F220 Mid-Tine Tiller

Looking for a tiller that can do it all? Honda’s F220 is a mid-tine model that can be set up for two tilling widths, has an engine that can handle tough soil better than compact two strokes, and uses a drive system to take the strain off the tines and the operator.

Power

This model uses Honda’s GXV57 engine. While it may be small, it shares the same basic design as Honda’s larger commercial engines. This includes features like an automotive-style paper air filter that provides better protection and needs less frequent maintenance than foam filters. Small displacement motors don’t need much force to turn over to begin with, and with this engine’s automatic decompression system, the starter pull is as light as a feather.

Honda has led the way toward the switch from two to four-stroke engines to meet tightening emissions regulations. This switch doesn’t just help the environment, it also brings major improvements to usability. There’s no need to mix oil with fuel, and the engine is far less sensitive to fuel degradation. The GXV57’s wide torque curve keeps it from stalling when the tines run into compacted dirt, and if it does stall, it’s much easier to start. Honda fits the tiller with a steel bar that wraps around the engine, protecting it from impacts during operation and transport.

Tilling

This model has a maximum tilling width of 21 inches. If you need to work around borders or small plots, the outer tines can be removed, reducing the width to 12 inches. At full throttle, the tines spin at 138 RPM.

The mid-tine design places the engine weight directly over the tines, helping push them into the soil. That’s 58 lbs. of force that doesn’t have to be exerted by the operator.
The engine has an integrated transmission with one forward speed. Since it doesn’t have to rely on the tines for momentum, they can do more cutting, giving this small tiller the power to slice through clay and compacted soil.
Honda offers optional side discs that deflect dirt away from plants and pavement for easy cleanup, while the furrow attachment makes a V-shaped trench for planting.

Operation

The handle on the F220 can be set to three positions, giving the operator a comfortable hand position with the right amount of leverage. A front-mounted retractable transport wheel flips up and down with minimal effort. When the wheel is down, the handles can be lifted to roll the tiller around the yard.

Once the tiller is in the work area, the depth bar can be adjusted to limit how deep the tines dig. This creates consistent planting beds, even when the tiller is moved between gardening plots. After the work is done, the handle can be folded forward, making the overall package compact for easy storage and transport.

Warranty

This tiller and its engine are covered for two years of residential use or one year of commercial or rental use.

Getting Parts and Accessories for the F220 Tiller

Hondalawnparts.com is more than an online parts warehouse: we’re a certified dealer for Honda Power Equipment and Honda Engines so you can be sure you’ll always get quality OEM replacements for your tiller. Our site can search by your model and serial number and will show you factory parts diagrams and parts descriptions so you can be sure you’re ordering exactly what you need. We can ship your order to any address in the U.S. or Canada.

FG110 Mini Tiller

FG110 Mini Tiller

Buying small power equipment doesn’t mean you have to settle for something that’s cheaply made. Honda’s FG110 Mini Tiller is small enough for cleaning up between rows and creating beds in small areas, and its compact 4-stroke engine makes it reliable and easier to use than two-stroke models. Add some accessories, and you can put it to work for a variety of lawn and garden care tasks, making it a useful addition for anyone whether they have a green thumb or a brown one.

Power

The FG110 is powered by a GX25 mini 4-stroke engine. Designed as a direct replacement for small two-stroke motors, it has oil baffles that allow it to be operated or stored in any position. A tube steel guard protects the engine on all sides and makes it easy to lean the tiller over for transport or maintenance.

This engine was primarily designed to reduce emissions, but it also comes with some major benefits for owners. Unlike a two-stroke, it doesn’t bog down as easily, it isn’t hard to start, it doesn’t need its fuel mixed with oil. It’s also far less prone to fuel sensitivity: current two-stroke engines need their fuel replaced after a month, while fuel treated with a stabilizer can be left in the GX25’s tank for up to three months. Best of all, these improvements add little in the way of weight: at just under 29 lbs, this model is about average for the segment.

Tilling

This tiller comes fitted with 8-inch diameter tines that have a maximum tilling width of 9 inches. The tines mount to the reel shaft with Clevis pins. With the outer tines removed, the cutting width is just 6 inches, letting the FG110 get into the smallest spaces. With or without all tines installed, they can spin up to 294 RPM.

This tiller also comes with a couple features rarely seen on models at this end of the market. An adjustable depth bar limits how deep the tines can dig so surface weeds can be removed without cutting into the roots of the plants you want to keep. This model also doesn’t need to be carried around thanks to standard transport wheels.

More than Just a Tiller

Every tine star can be removed from the reel, leaving space to fit attachments for common gardening and lawn care tasks:

Aerator — Breaks up compacted soil for better drainage and root penetration.
Edger — Trims plants in hard-to-reach areas next to buildings, fences, and other landscape features.
Dethatcher — Removes dead surface vegetation to increase plant access to water and oxygen
Digging tines — Cuts into soil that hasn’t previously been turned.

Warranty

This model is covered for one year of commercial or rental use. For residential users, the FG110 is covered for two years, and the tines are guaranteed by a limited lifetime warranty.

Getting Parts for the FG110

When you need something for a Honda small engine or Honda power equipment, visit www.hondalawnparts.com. As a certified dealer, we’re able to offer OEM replacement parts and accessories that can be shipped to any address in the U.S. or Canada. Finding the right part is easy: just select your model, and our site will show you exploded parts diagrams and descriptions straight from the factory.

FCR800 Rear-Tine Tiller

FCR800 Rear-Tine Tiller

Are you looking for a tiller with maximum power and Honda reliability? The FCR800 is the top model in the company’s lineup, combining a hard-digging rear tine design, large motor and multi-speed drive system to tackle jobs big and small.

Engine

This tiller is powered by a GX240. From its ball bearing supported crankshaft to its digitally controlled ignition coil, everything on this motor is designed for commercial use with minimal noise, emissions and maintenance. Tilling is dusty work, so Honda fits the FRC800’s engine with a cyclone filter. As air enters the intake, it’s accelerated through three cyclone chambers that force particulates out of the air stream. This pre-cleaning leaves less material for the air filter elements to trap, increasing filter life while cutting filter maintenance in half.

Tines

The tine reel is 20 inches wide with tines that are 12 inches in diameter. The reel spins in the same direction as the wheels, and they can only be engaged when the transmission is in gear. At maximum engine speed, the reel spins at 225 RPM. The rear tine design lets the operator use the handle as a lever, putting greater downward force on the tines with minimal effort. This setup provides superior performance when turning tough soil. This model can also be outfitted with an optional furrowing attachment to dig trenches for seeding

A full tine enclosure with side tine shields and a full-width rear shield keeps dirt from being tossed onto adjoining plants and pavement and prevents stray stones from being launched into windows or at the operator.

Drive System

The transmission has three forward speeds and one reverse speed. Both gear and tine engagement are integrated into the shifter. The tines can be engaged in first gear at 0.4 mph or second gear at 0.9 mph. Since the tines always move at the same speed, going slower gives them more time to break up the soil, making first gear a great choice for breaking up unturned turf and compacted clay. Third gear is designed for transport, moving the tiller at up to 2.9 mph. Likewise, the tines shut off when in reverse, making it easy to pull the tiller out if it gets stuck. To make maintenance easier, the transmission uses the same oil as the engine.

Operation

The FRC800 uses a loop handle that lets the operator use the controls while directly behind or to the left or right of the machine. No matter the position, both the engagement bail and shifter are within easy reach. The handlebar can be set to one of four height positions, letting operators of all sizes maintain a comfortable hand position.

Getting the right tilling depth is easy thanks to an adjustable depth bar. Once set, it limits how deep the tines can go, letting it work as well removing surface weeds or digging up topsoil to create new planting beds. A reverse lockout keeps tines from engaging when rolling backward no matter what gear the transmission is in. Steel tubing at the front of the machine shields the engine from impacts when working in tight quarters.

Getting Parts and Accessories for the FRC800 Tiller

When you need parts for your tiller or anything else from Honda’s small equipment line, visit www.hondalawnparts.com. As a certified dealer for both Honda Power Equipment and Honda Engines, we’re able to ship OEM parts for the FRC800 across the U.S. and Canada. Need help with finding the right part? Our site can show you parts for your specific model along with factory diagrams and descriptions so you know you’re ordering exactly what you need.

FC600 Mid-Tine Tiller

FC600 Mid-Tine Tiller

Most tiller models are built for very light work with minimal power and features, or for turning large areas into seed beds for gardening. If you need something that can do both, the Honda FC600 may be what you’re looking for. It’s small enough for tilling between planted rows, but its feature-packed tine system and commercial engine make it suitable for creating new beds.

Commercial Power

This tiller is powered by a GX160. A staple of commercial outdoor equipment, this compact overhead valve engine delivers reliable performance coupled with features that make it simple to use. An automatic decompression system makes pull starts easy, while Oil Alert keeps the engine from running when there isn’t enough oil to lubricate it. Everything from the aluminum pushrods to the air intake system is designed to quell noise and vibration.

In this application, the GX160 produces 4.8 HP and 7.6 lb-ft. of torque. The throttle is controlled by a lever on the handle, letting the operator slow the tines when cutting through soft ground and chunky soil, then speed them up to cut through areas with compacted soil and roots. At top engine speed, the tines spin at 84 RPM.

High-Performance Tines

The mid-tine design puts the weight of the engine directly over the tines, helping push them into the ground, reducing the effort needed on the handles. To get a consistent digging depth, the back is fitted with a tool-free adjustment depth bar. Once digging starts, this bar skims along the top of the un-tilled surface, keeping the machine from digging deeper while letting you know by feel when the tines start lifting up out of the ground.

The FC 600 has 13-inch diameter tines and a total tine width of 26 inches. The staggered design agitates as it cuts through soil, dislodging stones and breaking up compacted soil. Side discs come standard. These keep the tines from catching on fences and sidewalks and deflect dirt away from plants and pavement for easy cleanup.

Need to get a seedbed ready to plant? Honda offers a furrow attachment to create uniform V-shaped trenches.

Built for Bumps

Even the most careful user is bound to run into something, whether it’s a fence or a hidden rock. Up top, a large, tubular steel guard protects the front of the engine, and the handle and engine bed are reinforced to withstand bumps when getting close to trees, buildings and landscape features. Shielding around the tine seal shaft as well as axle protection prevents damage from stones tossed up by the tines.

Easy to Operate

The FC 600’s handle can be set to one of three positions, helping the operator maintain a comfortable hand position regardless of height. They’re long enough to provide ample leverage, so it just takes a little pressure to force the tines into the soil.

When the work is done, there’s no need to stoop down to keep the tines lifted off the ground. A front-mounted retractable transport wheel can be lowered into place when the tiller isn’t in use, making it easy to roll.

Warranty

Honda guarantees this tiller and its engine for 3 years or residential or commercial use.

Parts

When you need anything for your Honda power equipment or small engines, visit Hondalawnparts.com. As a certified dealer, we’re able to offer the complete line of Honda parts and accessories from air filters to furrowers. Not sure what you need? Once you select your model in our search engine, it can show you factory parts diagrams and descriptions so you can be sure you’re ordering the right part. We ship across the USA and Canada.

The First Mow of the Season – Helping Your Lawn Through the Start of Spring

The First Mow of the Season - Helping Your Lawn Through the Start of Spring

Temperatures are warming up, and that means it will soon be time to start mowing. What do you need to do to prepare for the first mow of the season, and what do you need to do to get your grass off to a good start?

Making Sure Your Mower is Ready

A fresh tank of fuel and some clean oil will help the engine run, but when it comes to cut quality, everything is dependent on your mower’s blades. Dull blades will tear grass instead of cutting it, leaving damaged tips that are open to infection.

If you’re sharpening Microcut blades, remember that the flat sides of the lower blade and the sides opposite of the wings on the upper blade do the cutting. The edge of the blade should have a continuous edge that’s as sharp as a butter knife. After sharpening, check the blade balance. If you don’t have a blade balancer, simply hang the blade on a nail. File down the side that tilts down until the blade sits evenly. If the blades are severely worn or have signs of cracking or bending, they need to be replaced.

Making the First Cut

The right cutting height will depend on the grass you have on your lawn. For most turf grasses, this means waiting until it’s three inches tall, then cutting it back to two inches. Other varieties like Zenith zoysia need to be cut back once they reach one-and-a-half inches. This can take a while as the grass will grow slower while coming out of hibernation. As always, limit the cut to 1/3 of the total grass height at a time. If the grass grows past the recommended height, cut part of it with the first mow, then get it to the desired height with a second mow three or more days later.

Even if the grass is growing, the ground needs to be fully thawed before mowing. If there’s freezing weather in the forecast, hold off a few days to let the tuft recover.

Watering

Wait for the grass to wilt a little before the first watering. This will trick the grass into thinking the weather is going to turn dry, forcing it to grow deeper roots that will help it resist heat and droughts in the summer.

Dethatching

A thick layer of thatch can hold in moisture, causing drainage issues and mold growth. It’s good practice to take care of thatch in the fall, but problems may not show up until the spring. If this layer of material is over half an inch thick, removing it now will help the grass throughout the year. Wait until the second or third mowing to give the ground a chance to dry out and new grass to thicken up so it can withstand the action of the dethatcher.

Spring Deadspot

This fungus can hibernate for up to two years, blooming shortly after the grass starts growing in the spring. Infections will create circular patches of brown grass. It can be treated with a fungicide and prevented by managing thatch thickness and keeping the lawn watered during the summer. Overuse of nitrogen when fertilizing in the fall can also encourage fungus growth.

Snow Mold

Pink and gray snow mold can take hold of grass if there were heavy snowfalls early in the winter before the ground had a chance to freeze. The added moisture opens the door for the growth of this mold when temperatures rise.

Like deadspot, the first signs of snow mold pop up as circular patches of brown grass. This is usually coupled with visible mold and, in severe cases, mushrooms. Snow mold starts growing once temperatures are around 30°F and keep growing until temperatures are regularly in the mid-40s for gray snow mold and as high as 60°F for pink snow mold.

This mold can be killed off by helping the grass dry out. Hold off on watering and gently rake matted grass to increase exposure. Keep the grass cut to the recommended height. Fungicides are rarely necessary, but a severe infection can be stopped by applying thiophanate-methyl. Managing thatch, controlling thatch levels and spreading out snow banks can keep this mold from taking hold of your lawn.

Getting Your Mower Ready for Spring

Is your mower due for a new set of blades? Have a few minor things to fix before you put it to work? www.hondalawnparts.com has everything you need to prepare for the season. Built-in parts diagrams and factory descriptions make it easy to use our search engine to find parts, and we can ship your order to any address in the United States or Canada.

Troubleshooting Electric Starters

Troubleshooting Electric Starters

Is the electric starter on your Honda engine not working? Before you start ordering parts, there are a few things you should check to make sure the repairs you make will fix the problem.

Protecting Your Starter

Honda’s starters are designed to run for up to 5 seconds at a time. Running the motor longer can lead to overheating. If you’re having difficulty starting your engine, wait at least 10 seconds between starting attempts to let the starter cool.
If your engine has an electric starter, it probably has Honda’s Oil Alert system. It uses a float inside the crankcase that is wired to the ignition system. If the float is too low, the power to the spark plugs is cut, keeping the engine from starting. Always check the oil level first when trying to find out why the engine won’t start.

Testing and Maintaining the Battery

Check your owner’s manual on how to maintain the battery charge in your equipment. On some models, Honda recommends using a trickle charger, while others should be periodically recharged with a standard charger. If you have a hybrid snowblower, the batteries need to be disconnected from each other and charged separately.

The battery health can be checked by measuring the voltage at the terminals with a multimeter. A fully-charged 12 volt battery should be between 12.7 to 12.9 volts without a load when fully charged. If it’s below 12.4 volts, it’s time for a new battery.

Most batteries sold for these engines including Honda’s OEM units require maintenance. The chemical reaction inside the cells breaks down the water inside, and that evaporation will eventually leave the lead sheets inside uncovered. The cells should be refilled with distilled water up to the level marked on the battery, either on the side of the case or inside the cell. Overfilling could cause the water and acid to spill out, corroding the terminals, battery tray and anything underneath it.

The Battery is Fine, but the Motor Doesn’t Turn

Even if your battery is new, it still needs a clear path to power the starter. Loose and corroded connections can keep power from flowing through the system, making it seem like the starter motor has failed. There is also a fuse that prevents the starter from overloading. This fuse will either be connected to the positive wire between the battery and the starter, or located in the fuse box.

Corrosion and blown fuses are easy to identify with a visual inspection, but bad connections aren’t always as obvious. To test the connection, connect the positive probe to the positive terminal of the battery and the negative probe to the ground connector on the frame. This connection should be at least 12 volts.

There are several options for corrosion removal, but few work better than vinegar. Soaking bolts in vinegar overnight can strip off rust, while applying it directly with a brush can remove corrosion from contacts. If you operate in conditions where the connections are regularly exposed to moisture, consider coating them in a dielectric grease.

The ground connection needs to be made with bare metal. Clean the bolt and bolt hole to ensure direct contact between the wire and the frame.

Starter and Solenoid Issues

Once the battery and electrical connections have proven to be in good shape, it’s time to address the starter.

The solenoid, a small cylinder attached to the side of the starter, is a switch designed to handle heavy electric loads. If the starter does nothing when the start switch is on, it’s likely due to a bad solenoid.

The starter has three ways it can fail:

— A worn out starter gear will make a grinding noise when the starter is being used.

— A bad throwout bearing lets the starter gear spin, but won’t let it slide out to engage the flywheel and turn over the engine.

— Smoke from the starter indicates an overload due to high power demand or overheating.

If the starter is grinding, whirring or smoking, it needs to be replaced.

Getting New Electrical Parts for Your Honda Engine

From small hardware to solenoids, if it fits a Honda small engine, you can get it from www.hondalawnparts.com. Our site can show you factory information including parts descriptions and diagrams for your model so you can be sure you’re ordering exactly what you need. We can ship your order to any location in the U.S. or Canada.

HRR and HRS Mowers: Honda Quality and Innovation for the Home Owner

HRR and HRS Mowers: Honda Quality and Innovation for the Home OwnerMost consumer lawn equipment is driven by price, but that doesn’t mean you have to buy something big to get a quality lawn mower. Honda’s HRR and HRS mowers are small walk-behinds built with the company’s trademark reliability and clever design, making them a great choice if your lawn is less than an acre.

Engine

All HRR and HRS mowers are powered by a GCV160 engine. It uses what Honda calls “uniblock” construction, forming the head, block and upper half of the crankcase from a single piece of metal. The head uses a crossflow design with an overhead cam made out of resin. The valvetrain and crankshaft connect using a unique internal timing belt that is designed to last the lifetime of the motor. Together, these features make this engine extremely light with less vibration, less noise and fewer points of failure than competing residential powerplants.
Honda didn’t just innovate with this engine, they put a lot of thought into making it easy to use. An automatic decompression system makes it easy to turn over when starting, while an automatic choke controls air flow as the engine warms up. A manual fuel shutoff valve prevents spilling and carburetor flooding during transit. It also makes it easy to empty the fuel system when storing, preventing issues with corrosion and gumming. A long filler neck acts as both the drain and fill point for oil. To drain, just tilt the mower over a drain pan.

Cutting Performance

These mowers use Honda’s Twin Blade MicroCut System. Instead of a single blade with a high, medium or low leading edge, this design uses a pair of blades stacked on top of each other with different edge profiles. With each pass, blades of grass are cut twice, resulting in smaller clippings from the start. When mulching, this dual action cut breaks down grass faster, making it more effective than other designs, even when cutting wet grass. Smaller pieces also compact more, so emptying is less frequent when bagging.

All HRR and HRS mowers come with a 21-inch cutting deck with 6 cutting heights ranging from 1 1/8 to 4 inches.

HRR mowers use a 3-in-1 cutting system controlled by Honda’s Clip Director. This system operates a door at the back of the deck, letting the mower switch between mulching, bagging and rear discharge by turning a single lever. No tools are required to switch between modes, and there’s no chute or mulch plug that needs to be installed on the side of the deck. The included bag holds 1.9 bushels.

Smart Drive

Self-propelled models come with Smart Drive, a compact hydrostatic drive system. Like the hydrostatic systems found in riding mowers, it allows infinite speed adjustment on the fly. This makes it easy to slow down for hills and obstacles, then speed up when you’re mowing straight on level ground.
This drive system is operated by levers that can be set to one of 5 positions. Mower speed is adjusted by pushing down on the thumb pads. This allows multiple hand positions, reducing fatigue.

Other Features

The folding Quick Release handle has two operating positions and is locked into place with large knobs, requiring no tools to change position. The rear wheels on both push and Smart Drive models are mounted on ball bearings for lower effort when pushing and smoother movement.

Models

HRS
These basic mowers are designed for side discharge and mulching. The HRS216PKA is a no-frills mower weighing just 64 lbs, making it easy to push and turn, while the HRS216VKA comes with the Smart Drive self-propulsion system.

HRR
These models are designed for bagging as well as mulching and discharge, and every model has a system to stop the blade when stepping away from the mower, making it safer to work around.
The HRS216PKA is a push mower with a flywheel brake that stops the engine shaft and blade when the bail is released, while the HRS216VKA comes with the Smart Drive system. The HRS216VYA uses Honda’s Roto-Stop system. It has a PTO like a riding mower, letting the blade disengage from the drive shaft. When the bail is released, the blade stops without shutting off the engine. This saves time and effort when stopping to pick up branches and other obstacles.

Warranty

Honda guarantees these mowers and engines for 3 years of residential use or 90 days of commercial use.

Getting Parts and Accessories for Honda Walk Behind Mowers

Hondalawnparts.com has everything you need to keep your Honda mower working for years to come. Our site makes it a breeze to find parts for your model by showing parts diagrams and descriptions straight from Honda so you know exactly what you’re ordering. We ship across the U.S. and Canada.

Honda’s New EU2200i Generator

Honda's New EU2200i Generator

This spring, Honda is replacing their popular EU2000i generator with the new EU2200i. While it may look identical to its predecessor, it has a new engine, more power, and an easier to use design.

Power

The EU2200i makes 10% more power than the model it replaces, yet the size and weight are almost identical. In real-world use, that extra 200 watts is enough to power a 42-inch LCD TV. The extra power can also handle reactive loads better, taking the worry out of using appliances with electric motors.

This upgrade is thanks to a new engine/generator combo. It’s based on the GXR120, an engine built for earth rammers used in construction. The flywheel and alternator are built into a single unit to save space and weight. Higher grade magnets in the stator are thinner and maintain overall diameter. This reduces weight and increases power output. This configuration makes one dB less noise than the EU2000i’s GX100.

Increased torque lets the Eco Throttle keep the engine speeds down, further reducing noise and fuel consumption. The 0.95-gallon fuel tank can keep the generator running for 3.2 hours at constant 100% load and 8.1 hours at a 25% average load.

Output

This generator is rated at 120 volts with a steady output of 1,800 watts and a peak output of 2,000 watts. It uses an inverter with an in-house designed microprocessor to control output. This “clean” electricity is safe for powering electronics.

Convenience

Color-coded components make it easy to follow the steps needed to start the engine. Automatic decompression makes the engine easier to turn over with the pull starter.

Maintenance is also easier. A larger oil filter opening, a longer spout, and wider oil drain gutter make it easier to change the oil.

The generator includes a fuel shut off valve to burn off remaining fuel in the carburetor after use, avoiding most stale fuel issues. If there isn’t enough oil in the crankcase, Oil Alert can shut off th engine before it’s damaged. Redesigned case ducting maintains temperatures in high heat environments.

Models

The EU2200i comes with a 120-volt duplex outlet and a 12 volt DC outlet. Along with this standard model, there will be three other versions of this generator:

The Camo comes with a case wrapped in Realtree’s APG camouflage. It has a combination of sharp and soft detail woodlands patterns to simulate depth. Otherwise, it’s identical to the regular EU2200i.

The Companion can connect with all versions of the EU2200i and EU2000i, doubling available power. This model has a 30 amp, 125-volt locking plug outlet and a 20 amp, 125-volt single outlet. This generator is a great choice for backup power.

The EB2200i is designed with commercial users in mind. It meets LA-ETL and OSHA requirements and comes with 20A 125V GFCI Duplex outlet and a GFCI neutral bond.

All models weigh 46.5 lbs.

Warranty

Honda guarantees all versions of this generator for three years of residential or commercial use.

Getting Parts and Accessories for Honda Generators

Whether you plan on getting an EU2200i soon or you already have a Honda generator, you can get everything you need for it from www.hondalawnparts.com. As a certified dealer, we’re able to offer OEM parts and accessories including parallel cables, covers and even transfer switches. Check out our generator accessory section, or pick your model from our search engine. It has factory parts diagrams and descriptions that let you find exactly what you need. We can ship your order to any location in the U.S. or Canada.

Water Pump Maintenance

Water Pump Maintenance

Most people are familiar with working on small engines after owning lawn care equipment, but there are some unique challenges when maintaining water pumps. Here are some tips to keep your Honda water pump working reliably for years to come.

Oil

For the most part, checking and changing the oil in a water pump engine is no different from any other Honda-powered product. However, there’s always the chance that a leaking hose can spray the engine with water, letting it seep into the crankcase. This can create a sticky, light-colored emulsion that won’t lubricate the engine. If this happens, the oil should be changed immediately.

To check the oil, set the pump on level ground, remove the dipstick from the filler neck and wipe it clean. Insert it into the neck without screwing it in to get an accurate reading. When adding oil, it should come up to the top of the filler neck.

Most recent GX-Series engines used in Honda’s pumps come with the Oil Alert system. If the float inside the crankcase is too low, it will cut power to the ignition to prevent engine damage. If you have starting problems, start by checking the oil level.

Pump Case and Strainer

All models except electric and mini 4 stroke-powered pumps have a separate pump case. This case should be flushed after each use. Trash pumps have a clean out port, while all other pumps can be cleaned by spraying the outlet and inlet of the pump with a garden hose until the runoff is clean.

If you hear grinding noises, debris may be entering the pump housing or a clogged strainer is preventing steady water flow, resulting in cavitation. Either way, the pump should be shut off immediately and the strainer should be checked for damage and debris build-up.

Fuel

Honda recommends using Unleaded fuel that is at least 87 Octane and no more than 10% ethanol or 5% methanol. Fuel should be treated with a stabilizer if it won’t be used for at least a month after purchase and should be replaced entirely after three months, even if it has been treated. Since most pump use isn’t on a set schedule, it’s a good idea to treat all fuel used in your equipment. Stale fuel can be safely used in cars where it will be diluted by fresh fuel and be easier to burn thanks to the engine’s fuel injection system.

The fuel level should only come up to the bottom of the filler neck, and the holes in the cap need to be clean. This lets the fuel expand and contract as temperatures change and allows air to enter the tank as gas is drawn into the fuel system.

Gear Box

Some models have a gear case between the engine and pump housing that contains a reduction gear. The oil inside should be replaced at least once a year with a GL5-rated 80W90 gear oil. Removing the old oil will be faster if you can run the engine for a few minutes to warm it up. When you do this, make sure the pump is off to prevent overheating that can ruin the seals. The dipstick should not be screwed in when checking the oil level, and the level needs to be rechecked once the case has been filled.

Pump Connecting Rod

The WDP30 uses a spring-loaded connecting rod to absorb shocks from rocks entering the pump. Honda recommends applying NLGI Category 2 grease, which is the standard grease for most mechanical and automotive applications. The rod shouldn’t be making direct contact with water, so this grease doesn’t need to be waterproof or designed for marine use.

Electric Pumps

These pumps should mostly be maintenance free. However, dirt can cause problems with the float switch and overall pump performance.

If the float is dirty and isn’t responding to water level changes, it just needs a thorough cleaning. If debris build-up on the inlet is causing problems, the volute case should be cleaned. To access the case, remove the screws that attach the lower part of the housing and pry the base and housing apart with a flathead screwdriver. Remove any debris in the case and pump base holes and make sure the impeller can spin freely. Never open up the pump itself: if it isn’t precisely reassembled and resealed, water can leak into the case, causing a short. Once everything is clean, reassemble the case.

Getting Parts for Your Pump

Hondalawnparts.com is a certified Honda Engines and Honda Power Equipment dealer, which means we’re able to offer all the parts and accessories you need for your pump including everything from spark plugs to hoses. Our site makes it easy to find what you need thanks to built-in factory parts diagrams and descriptions, and we can ship your order to any location in the U.S. or Canada.