Honda Mower Chokes Out When Engaging Blades

Push Mower

• 1

  Start the lawn mower. Adjust the mower blade height adjustment to the highest setting and engage the blade. If the lawn mower stalls, proceed to the next step. If the lawn mower runs while cutting the grass, the problem may have been that the height adjustment was set too low.

• 2

  Disengage the lawn mower blade. Turn off the lawn mower switch (if so equipped) and remove the spark plug wire from the spark plug. Place a piece of electric tape over the spark plug wire, and tape the wire to the side of the mower; the spark plug wire must be at least four inches away from the spark plug. Put on the work gloves.

• 3

  Pull one corner of the mower up to view the mower blade. Turn the blade. If the blade turns freely, skip the next step and proceed to Step 5. If the blade is stuck, put the lawn mower corner down and drain the tank of gasoline. Turn the mower on its side to access the blade retaining bolt.

• 4

  Use the screwdriver to scrape away any debris or other buildup that is causing the blade to get stuck. If wire, rope or other material has wrapped around the blade, remove the blade by using the adjustable wrench to loosen the blade retaining nut. Remove the material from the blade, and reinstall the blade. Place the mower back on its wheels and refill the tank with gasoline.

• 5

  Check the lawn mower clutch to make sure that there are no missing pieces, frayed cables or worn-out switches. Adjust the clutch by using the screwdriver to adjust the clutch cable tension, if necessary.

• 6

  Remove the vinyl tape from the spark plug wire and reattach the spark plug wire to the lawn mower spark plug. Start the lawn mower.

Riding Mower

• 7

  Start the lawn mower. Adjust the mower blade height adjustment to the highest setting and engage the blades. If the lawn mower stalls, proceed to the next step. If the lawn mower runs while cutting the grass, the problem may have been that the height adjustment was set too low.

• 8

  Turn off the lawn mower switch and remove the spark plug wire from the spark plug. Place a piece of electric tape over the spark plug wire, and tape the wire to the side of the mower; the spark plug wire must be at least four inches away from the spark plug. Put on the work gloves.

• 9

  Engage the parking brake on the lawn mower and place the transmission in neutral. Lift the lawnmower approximately one foot from the rear by using an automotive jack. Place the rear wheels on automotive jack stands. Reach under the mower and turn each blade. If both blades turn freely, skip the next step and proceed to Step 5. If one or both blades are stuck, proceed to the next step.

• 10

  Use the screwdriver to scrape away any debris or other buildup that is causing the blade to stick. If wire, rope or other material has wrapped around the blade, remove the blade by using the adjustable wrench to loosen the blade retaining nut. Remove the material from the blade, and reinstall the blade. Use the automotive jack to lift the lawn mower off the stands, and remove the jack stands. Lower the tractor so the tires touch the ground.

• 11

  Check the blade engagement mechanism linkage and belts to make sure there are no missing pieces or misaligned belts. Replace any missing or damaged components before attempting to restart the lawn mower.

• 12

  Remove the vinyl tape from the spark plug wire and reattach the spark plug wire to the lawn mower spark plug. Start the lawn mower.