New Honda Walk-behind mower

2341 Views 4 Replies 3 Participants Last post by [email protected], Jul 2, 2012

Newbie22

Discussion Starter · Jun 27, 2012

I just bought a Honda...specifically a Honda 21 in. Steel Deck Smart Drive Variable Speed Self-Propelled Gas Mower.

I assembled it and filled it with the provided oil and it started on the first pull. There was some really mild puttering that resolved quickly anfter a few seconds of just running the engine. Then I noticed some white smoke coming from the front, at which point I released the throttle. After a few minutes, I started the mower again...and it backfired! It still started...and ran without any puttering, but I was a little concerned. There seemed to be less of the white smoke and I just let ir run for a minute or so.

My question is...anyone else have this issue of white smoke and a backfire after assembling and starting the mower for the first time? My assumption is that some of the oil leaked over into the manifold and will burn off...but I really have no idea.

Thanks for the help!
http://www.homedepot.com/Outdoors-O...splay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051

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[email protected]

· #2 · Jun 27, 2012

Newbie22 said:
I just bought a Honda...specifically a Honda 21 in. Steel Deck Smart Drive Variable Speed Self-Propelled Gas Mower.

I assembled it and filled it with the provided oil and it started on the first pull. There was some really mild puttering that resolved quickly anfter a few seconds of just running the engine. Then I noticed some white smoke coming from the front, at which point I released the throttle. After a few minutes, I started the mower again...and it backfired! It still started...and ran without any puttering, but I was a little concerned. There seemed to be less of the white smoke and I just let ir run for a minute or so.

My question is...anyone else have this issue of white smoke and a backfire after assembling and starting the mower for the first time? My assumption is that some of the oil leaked over into the manifold and will burn off...but I really have no idea.

Thanks for the help!

A little smoke would likely be just a bit of oil in the cylinder. Provided it clears up within a few minutes, probably nothing to worry about.

FYI, there is a hose that connects the crankcase to the air cleaner. If the mower is tipped on its side the wrong way (right side wheels UP) then engine oil can drain into the air cleaner and be ingested into the engine, producing smoke or even fouling the spark plug.

You may wish to inspect the air filter and cleaner housing for oil if the problem continues. Full details in the manual on how to do this.

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expfcwintergreen

· #3 · Jun 29, 2012

As Robert said, I would think at some point that the mower was turned with the air filter side down and the oil filler side up, and oil got in your air cleaner. Honda makes great mowers. I just got my first one and plan to get a Honda engine to put on my John Deere lawn tractor. It is great not to have to work on my lawn mower before I cut the yard.

Also, the manual says to be sure to turn the fuel valve to the off position before you turn the mower on its side; I assume that is to keep from flooding the carburetor.

If you bought new, you probably have a 3 year warranty on your mower, so if all else fails, take it to an authorized Honda repair shop. My Honda dealer is excellent, and I believe Honda is very particular about the people who represent them.

Good luck. Your yard will look great.

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Newbie22

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jun 29, 2012

Thanks for the responses yall! That makes me feel better. I did not turn it on the side, but it certainly could have been at some point. I also think the fuel valve might have been left OPEN while I was filling the gas and oil tanks. I'm going to mow today...in the 100 degree heat...so I'll let you know how it goes!

By the way...the clipping bag has an odd set-up as well. It has a sort of hidden compartment without cross-stitching. I thought it was a mistake, but when I went to switch it out...they were all that way. Curious.

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[email protected]

· #5 · Jul 2, 2012

Newbie22 said:
By the way...the clipping bag has an odd set-up as well. It has a sort of hidden compartment without cross-stitching. I thought it was a mistake, but when I went to switch it out...they were all that way. Curious.

I think that's a storage compartment for the owner's manual, but that's just a guess...

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