1.) The engine is the commercial gv120, not the consumer grade motors that Honda put in their later mowers
2.) Self propelled, AND an electric start!
3.) Honda lawnmower parts can still be had at any Honda dealership.
Here is a pic of my new baby!
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
The Best Lawnmower Ever?
I'm pretty pumped to have my first Honda Lawnmower. Its a Honda HR214 from 1983, and its special for a bunch of reasons. First off, its widely known as one of the best Honda Lawnmowers, and probably even one of the best lawnmowers ever made. Several reasons for this:
1.) The engine is the commercial gv120, not the consumer grade motors that Honda put in their later mowers
2.) Self propelled, AND an electric start!
3.) Honda lawnmower parts can still be had at any Honda dealership.
Here is a pic of my new baby!
1.) The engine is the commercial gv120, not the consumer grade motors that Honda put in their later mowers
2.) Self propelled, AND an electric start!
3.) Honda lawnmower parts can still be had at any Honda dealership.
Here is a pic of my new baby!
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They are great mowers. i have the same one donated to me by a neighbor. It won't start, so I am working my way through it.
ReplyDeleteAlso this one is missing the part that attaches the breathe hose to the engine block. Could you possibly take a picture of that part for me. It's no longer available from Honda and it was lost when the breather hose split so I've never actually seen one.
I took my hose loost to service the carb and it fell out of the block. Mine didn't have a connector, or it broke off with the previous owner. It looks like the hose was just stuck in the hole, but that doesn't seem like what Honda would have done. I'm probably going to silicone it at least.
DeleteI also noticed the same thing on mine. Wouldn't run, so I started to take it apart, and when the air filter assembly was removed, that breather hose to the engine case just sort of fell out! I couldn't believe that's the way Honda manufactured it either, but from indents on the hose, it was indeed jammed in that hole! Either the previous owner did that once it fell off, or this was a semi-shady engineering hack that I wouldn't think Honda would do. The parts diagram does show what looks like a connector on the engine end of that hose, but perhaps as an optional thing, as it shows two versions, one with, one without. I'm confused as to how to effectively fix this.
DeleteHey Vocegrande,
ReplyDeleteSure thing, I'll take a picture of it tomorrow and post it here!
-Jack
Thanks much. I've got a new ignition coil on the way. Hope to get her back to running by the weekend.
ReplyDeleteI don't suppose you have any idea where I might be able to get a new grass bag for a HR194 from, do you? Like you, I've just got my first Honda mower, an old HR194. It seems to run well, but the grass bag is falling to bits and it's missing the cover that sits behind the engine and covers the crankshaft. I like how sturdy the mower is - very few plastic parts to break!
ReplyDeleteNo kidding tom-not much plastic at all! A commenter said that boats.net had the best prices, I had ok dealings with planopower.com, but there is a bag for the hr194 on ebay right now...check the link http://www.ebay.com/itm/Honda-Lawnmower-HR-194-HR194-Bag-Catcher-81320-VA5-N30-/390252654883?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5adcdef123#ht_1028wt_907
ReplyDeletelet us know how it works out or who you end up buying from! Does the hr194 have the same honda gv120 engine? What are the differences between the hr194 and the hr214?
I have had mine in constant use since 1986, cuts great starts first pull, has regular maintenance, replaced gearbox wheels some wheel bearings, cables all wear and tear smokes a bit on start up, but it cuts PERFECT with mulch blades where do all that grass go? I change blades every so often,spark plug, and oil every season. Great stuff. SHARP BLADES is a must. Mulch always. Replaced a few springs for blade clutch, again all wear out items. Honda makes the BEST mowers and generators got two of them also. Parts from Plano power or ereplacement
ReplyDeleteI am rejuvenating a Honda HR214SXA. The only thing I can't find is the label(emblem) for the top of the engine cover. It's been discontinued and Honda quit making them 8 years ago.
ReplyDeletei still run an hr21 built in the 70s.....
ReplyDeleteThat is so cool man things just are not made like they used to be
Deletei still run an hr21 built in the 70s.....
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteI just picked up a 214 sm. When the black blade engage lever is disengaged, the engine stops too! Dobt know why. Also I have a huge crack on the deck. Is aluminum weldable?
ReplyDeleteIf the engine is dying when you try to engage the blade you might want to look at the governor. Yes, aluminum is weldable, but you may have to call around to different welding shops to see who has the right kind of welder. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteWill a 214 motor and drive bolt straight on to a 215 deck? My deck is getting a little holy... Still structurally good, but there's a clean 215 deck available....
ReplyDeleteHmm...I have a 215 and a 214, and it looks like they should be a straight fit. Haven't tried it though.
Deletewill an engine from a hra214 fit onto the deck of a hr214??
ReplyDeleteNot sure about this one...I'm not clear on the hr214 vs. hra214. If the engines are the same (gxv120 on mine) then it should be a direct fit.
DeleteJust been donated an old hr214 by my father in law. It's been in the back of a garage for year but just tried and it starts, smokey, but running ok. I've decide to restore it. I'm glad I found your blog, there's tons of useful info on here, so thanks for taking the time to document it.
ReplyDeleteNo problem Geordman, glad to hear you like the site. The smoking usually means it needs new rings, and it's a repair that is worth doing on these old honda mowers. If you have any questions along the way just ask!
DeleteYou will be so happy you restored it because that is a lifetime mower and the ones they sell at home depot are plastic garbage and they are not shaft drve
DeleteMy dad gave me his HRA-214 about 10 years ago. It ran over my foot when I was 7 years old and he still has the shoe. I still have all my toes. The mower is getting on its last leg. I would really like to restore it to new and keep it going strong.
DeleteDoes anyone know if there is a motor that I can use to replace my 214-SX with? I see replacments from Northern Tool for less than 250.00 but I have no idea if any of them will fit. Thanks.
DeleteI have seen used Honda motors from a HR214 that are on E*Bay that are about $100.00.
DeleteI just stumbled across your site searching for replacement wheels for my HR194SX. I bought it new back in 1986 and it stills runs great. I have been using my son's late model Honda mower for the past year and tonight I put some gas in the HR194, one pull and it started right up after not being used for a year. Thanks for all the great information and links!
ReplyDeleteGlad you like the site Tom!
DeleteHow do I jointhis group tx? Just got a HRA214Sx from a friend and looks like am gonna be restoring it. Could use advice, never own a Honda mower, tx again!
DeleteNo group to join Roberto-just let us know what you need to know and we'll point you towards the right resources! Lots of stuff on this site as well.
DeleteMy friend has a hr214 that was smoking bad on startup he got a spare engine from a hr215 we installed the head from the 215 onto the 214 today and everything bolted up with no problems and it works great and no smoke!
ReplyDeleteSweet!
DeleteHi. I just picked up an older HR214 SX with an aluminum deck. I paid $125 and it was probably to much, but they don't come up for sale that often so I jumped on it. I already have a HRA214 Sx with the steel deck, but the deck has a couple of holes in it. The engine other than a puff of white smoke on a cold start up runs fine. I bought the HR214 because of the aluminum deck and plan to tear it down over the winter and restore it with a full paint job. I do have a question that pertains to the air cleaner cover. On almost all of the 214s that I have seen the cover is black with the words Easy Start whereas mine is red. Can anyone give me some insight as to why this is? Thanks. Rich
ReplyDeleteHmm, never seen a red air filter cover! No idea what the difference would be. Let us know if you see any other differences as you tear it down. FYI, I think I paid about 100 for mine almost a decade ago now...still going strong.
DeleteMy hr 215 had a red cover on it
DeleteWanted to clarify that the puff of white smoke is on my older honda mower
ReplyDeleteJust got my first one! Thinking it's 87/88. Do you know how to find out year of manufacture?
ReplyDeleteOddly, I don't think there is a way to figure this out. I remember looking for my date of manufacture and came up empty.
DeleteThis may help you figure out your year of manufacture.
Deletehttps://hondanews.com/en-US/power-equipment/releases/release-2d08ca547bcf2cba36a92a004c34c489-honda-hrx-lawnmower-press-kit-product-development-timeline
Someone told me I can take the Handle, Cables, and 2-seed Transmission off of an HR214 and retrofit them onto an HR215, is this true?
ReplyDeleteI’ve got an HR215 in like-new condition with a non-working 3-speed transmission.
Don't see why this wouldn't work, but you should also troubleshoot the 3 speed before pitching it. Most issues with the transmissions are because of the cable being stretched-tighten it as far as it will go, and then replace it. I'm fairly certain that the 3 speed can be serviced as well, but only have experience with the 2 speed on the 214.
DeleteI'm trying to sell one. It's fully operational. What is a fair price?
ReplyDeleteIn my town they go for between $150 and $200 if fully functional.
DeleteI have a HR 214 FG what does FG stand for? Thanks
ReplyDeleteThat's a new one on me-never heard of an FG. Where does it say that?
DeleteJust got a hra214. 25 buck and it starts and runs and cuts. I have no idea about this mower
ReplyDeleteOk just bought a hr214,lower handel is cracked starts 1st,pull wow i am impressed,, try it on yard great vac,system for bagging ,altough im a mulching kind of guy any ideas on a blade replacment ??? Or run standard equipment,, also advice on pm or manual, thanks in advance mike,
ReplyDeleteI just do standard honda replacements for the blade. Here is a link to the manual for the mower and the engine-http://hondahr214.blogspot.com/p/honda-hr214-resources-repair-manuals.html
DeleteI just picked up a Honda hr214. This lawnmower will be collectors item within 10 years. The material used on the Honda hr214 is something to be honored...great job Honda..bring back the Honda hr2014 and with a gold shield on it..make 2500 and sell it for whatever..I will buy two.
ReplyDeleteThey really are the best. Honda used to have a story on their corporate website about how they developed their mowers-the story is fascinating and uniquely Honda!
DeleteI have a HR214. runs great. Question: can I use hrn TWIN BLADE MICROCUT system on it?
ReplyDeleteHi Bill-I'm not sure what that system is. I just use the recommended blade on mine but I think there is a two blade mulching system that can be used with an adapter. Let us know if you find out
DeleteMine has a factory Twin Cut conversion that I installed a few years ago. Really does well. The grass is so finely cut the bag is noticeably heavier when emptied.
DeleteI have a HR214. runs great. Question: can I use hrn TWIN BLADE MICROCUT system on it?
ReplyDeleteI have been using the same HR214 for 35 years. Cut lawns with it when I was a kid and now my kids are using it. All we have replaced us the spark plug a couple times and went thru 3 blades. Quite amazing.
ReplyDeleteHow cool is that! Not many single-family owned mowers around anymore. They really are great machines, be careful or your grandkids will be cutting with it!
DeleteJack
ReplyDeleteI am the owner of a HR 215 HF with hydrostatic transmission which I purchased in 1998 new. This past spring I saw an ad for HR 215 AF (6065299 SXA) for $40.00. It is in excellent shape and I actually like it better than my other Honda. It had no oil when purchased; the lower oil seal leaked oil as quickly as it was poured in. I replaced the oil seal, spark plug, removed carburetor and cleaned the jets. Also removed and cleaned pilot jet. Cleaned coil. Here's my problem--it won't start unless I spray starter fluid in the carb. I have pulled the starter rope a number of times. After a spray of starter fluid starts 1st pull. Any insight on your part would be appreciated.
Sounds like a fuel delivery problem. Check to see if fuel is getting to the carb-there is a filter in the gas tank that may become blocked. Failing that you may want to swap in a new carb. Let us know how it works out!
DeleteYou can get a new carb pretty cheap. I got a hr214-sd that had been sitting in someones garage for a long time. cleaned the carb and fuel tank..... The jet was completely closed off so it took a little effort and gumout. Put in new gas & seafoam. Got it started on full choke & starting fluid. Ran it about ten minutes then gradually opened up the choke. about ten more minutes then it smoothed out. been a one-pull lawnmower ever since. good luck. im having some trouble posting here so I hope you get it.
ReplyDeleteI dont know about the 215, but the 214 has a fuel strainer in the tank. I avoided taking this out because this mower is really old. anything plastic can break very easily. I dropped the bag on the driveway from about 1 foot up and the plastic extrusions that hold the bag onto the frame fractured, broke in pieces. Now that she runs, and runs good, I'm more willing to spend some money on it. Only had to replace the ignition coil and the cable that engages the blade. New air filter and then a oil change. could not be happier with this mower, especially since I got it for free.
ReplyDeleteFree is a pretty good price point! Glad you got yours up and running.
DeleteI finished with mine I wit all the way through it it looks better than the other ones I seen.I use it some in my my business now,its turned up and out runs everything everybody's else got. I have a crushed leg and can't walk fast ,that is my luck.
ReplyDeleteI have had my HR214 from new, over 30 years. Still going strong apart from some holes appearing in the metal casing. Is it possible to weld a plate over this area. Need to know what type of metal it is to make sure the weld is correct. Anyone help out there?
ReplyDeleteThe deck is aluminum alloy, not sure what type.
DeleteI picked up a214sx cheap that would stall after 100 yds of cutting, SO after watching youtubes I cleaned the carb & instaled an in-line fuel filter. Now it ran but the engine would die when engaging the blade, SO I SLIGHTLY stretched the spring & crimped the rod to the governor for a LITTLE more revs and now I can dump the clutch
ReplyDeleteHi, new to this forum. Today I was given a 1978 hr21 with the original bag. The float and bowl is missing but the compression is great. Was curious on the value of it before I put money and time in it.
ReplyDeleteAround here they sell for about 150, maybe more with the bag.
DeleteMy dad bought a hr215 back in the 80s. Before i were born. 30 plus years from when he bought it he gave it to me after moving into my first house i think it was 2011. Started first pull every time. Smoked for a few seconds but what do you expect. Only thing was the speed adjust cable was seized and not available from honda. I gave it to a former friend who was close to being evicted for his grass being knee high cause he had nothing. A few months ago i saw a good looking hr214 by the curb in my parents neighborhood and had to knock on the people's door to verify they where chunking it cause it was in really nice shape. Someone crossed up the plug so after chasing that and cleaning the carb it runs just as or better than my 215. Now i am working in a dealership as a tech and needed some parts for mine and back in the back under a couple other mowers in the graveyard looked to be a 214 or 215 with a bag attached. So after digging it out it was a 214 and omg is it clean still has the oe plug in it. the only scratches are from what waz sitting in it. Wish i could add a few pis cause i bet no ones found one abandoned that looks ass good. There awsome little mowers that just keep going ill have them for years to come. I thought about porting one just to see if gains will happen.
ReplyDeleteHa! I love the idea of a ported gxv120-do it!
DeleteI'm the proud owner of one of these Honda mower's. I have had mine for year's now and it still starts and runs like a new one. I don't think I will ever get rid of it besides being a little bit heavy it is a mowing machine
ReplyDeleteThey don't make them like this anymore.