When it comes to converting fuel into actual energy, few parts within a Honda mower are as essential as the carburetor. This key piece of equipment is responsible for taking in gasoline from the fuel tank, turning it into vapor, and then feeding it into the engine and moving parts that require energy in order to operate. Without a properly functioning carburetor, mower owners will find it nearly impossible to start their equipment, much less use it in any meaningful way. This kind of dilemma makes it pretty clear that proper maintenance and service of the carburetor is a key aspect of long-term usability and dependability during the spring and summer months.
Servicing or repairing the carburetor is pretty easy and involves just a few basic steps. Following through with these steps on a regular basis, perhaps seasonally or monthly, is the key to enjoying long-term use of a mower and protecting it from serious damage.
A Step-By-Step Look at Honda Carburetor Servicing
Though the carburetor performs a complex function, it is actually quite easy to take apart and service on a regular basis. Those new to this kind of repair should follow a simple, step-by-step approach that will open the carburetor up, expose parts that need to be cleaned or repaired, and allow for basic maintenance throughout the year.
Step 1: Remove the Carburetor From the Engine Area
The key to servicing a carburetor is to remove it from the mower, as this allows easier access to the very small bolts and other components found on the equipment. The process of removal does vary between mower models and types, so Honda owners should consult their owner’s manual to learn more about removal in each unique case. Once the carburetor has been removed, it’s time to start opening it up and performing service.
Step 2: Remove and Clean the Float Bowl
The float bowl has a tendency to accrue a large amount of gunk and residue over time, reducing the efficiency of the carburetor and causing problems when starting an engine or driving the mower throughout the lawn. Simply remove the float bowl from the carburetor by loosening the screws holding it in place. In most cases, this involves removing four different screws.
Once the float bowl is removed, use carburetor to eliminate the accumulated gunk and restore the piece to like-new condition. If it is particularly dirty, be prepared to use a fair amount of strength to get the last bit of gunk removed from the bowl.
Step 3: Clean the Carburetor’s Jets
A Honda mower’s carburetor functions by taking in the mower’s fuel through small jets, and then using those jets to vaporize the fuel and eventually spark it so that it turns into energy. For this reason, the jets within a carburetor can become quite clogged in a small amount of time, especially if the gasoline they’re taking in is not the right kind or is simply not very clean.
These jets can be cleaned with carburetor cleaner, though they most often need to be soaked in cleaner for a few hours to help loosen the accumulated gunk and debris. This soaking process should be followed up by a scrubbing of each jet, removing the last bit of residue from the surface. After clean jets are placed back into the carburetor, mower owners will enjoy a noticeably smoother driving and idling experience than was possible with the dirty jets.
Step 4: Check Screws and Washers
Finally, it’s a good idea to check the Honda mower’s carburetor screws and washers for any wear and tear they’ve accumulated. Over time, vibration from the mower and the constant function of the carburetor can cause these fittings to become stripped or worn, putting the equipment into danger. If any screws, washers, or bolts have become excessively worn, simply seek replacements at a nearby dealer to ensure the long-term integrity of the carburetor.
Choose HondaLawnParts.com When a New Carburetor is the Only Option
While it’s relatively easy and straightforward to service a Honda carburetor in today’s most popular lawn mower models, the kind of debris and damage that can be sustained by this equipment sometimes necessitates a full replacement. The good news for Honda owners, of course, is that the company maintains a solid commitment to producing OEM replacement parts for its engines and mowers, many of which can be found at HondaLawnParts.com
The site, backed by decades of experience and a unique dedication to the Honda family of power equipment products, gives customers access to a parts lookup tool as well as access to first-rate industry support. The combination of these two resources will ensure that the right OEM part is purchased for each carburetor replacement, and that any other parts needed are easy to find and quick to ship. There is simply no better option than HondaLawnParts.com for today’s Honda mower owners.