Honda mower auto choke HACK

I very much dislike the auto choke on this HRR216. It takes forever to warm up and de-choke. This is a simple pull string hack to use while waiting for it to warm up.

[jimcochran]

Had this same problem and almost took it back to the dealer because he had just fixed it. Tried your trick and in 10 minutes I was back in business. Forever grateful!!!

[FabioAS]

I think it'd be better change it to manual choke with some cable going to the handle bar

[joeydelrio]

i keep having to replace the thermowax pin over and over, the mower starts right up then dies, replace that thermowax, runs great for about 3-5 cuts then you gotta replace it again. i used to love honda but i hate this autochoke BS, nothing but problems.

[andym]

It seems like the pawl on the throttle that is supposed to open the choke once the mower starts is not working right. Once it starts, you shouldn’t have to wait for it to warm up.

[lorrieadam]

Simply remove auto choke and install manual choke. The auto choke plastic is easy to remove and you can purchase the manual plastic part. Now also when the very tiny carb orifices plug a bit the manual choke can be applied tp keep working.
While at this remove the silly cap bolts holding the carb in place and replace with studs studs as this makes removing the carb and gaskits much easier.

[northoflawn]

Same issue with a toro recycler ( with honda motor) Now its fixed ! Thank you a lot !

[nosumone]

My auto choke hack is just completely taking out the Wax cartridge completely. I’ve been running it like that for 2 years runs fine

[badtothebone]

When I start my Honda I'm ready to start mowing, if it were running like that it'll smooth out as I work. I'm not waiting for it to warm up.

[trevormuggeridge]

Great hack, I bet you can’t wait for the mow Connor.😎👍👍

[joelthemowerman]

I had the same problem on my HRR216. Friend at Honda shop told me to replace the governor spring with new updated spring part# 16561-Z0L 900 PROBLEM SOLVED

[aaronl.]

Just replace the pin that controls the choke assembly. Honda had a recall. The part is only about $10.

[timturner]

Have you ever thought about just changing the thermal wax on it ? It's a simple fix

[gotaigo]

How bout replacing the thermowax located behind the air filter.

[boozie]

Can the auto-choke prevent the mower from starting outright? I cleaned the carb but I can't get it to start (verified i have a spark from the spark plug). When i rip the cord it's like a 5 year old tugged on it and basically ignores me.

[TheDmurphyar]

Why not just replace the $10 thermo wax actuator?.

[jdclay]

@Connor Ward, the auto choke on a Honda works great you just need to understand how it works. I have had MANY Honda mowers and if you know how they work THEN you can fix it. Don't modify it FIX it.

[Mercury]

Biggest mistake I ever made was getting rid of my 15 year old John Deere lawn mower which I replaced with a Honda. Even at 15 years old the John Deere started on the first pull. Honda is hell to get started, the thumb controls kind of suck, I've had teeth brake off on the gearing in the wheels.
Had I known any of this I'd have went through and refurbished the old John Deere and held onto it. I don't think the Honda mowers are worth the money. They only sell because they say "Honda" on them. They are NOT better.

[PercentOS]

Auto chokes are stupid. Best thing that ever happened is when they started making mowers with priming bulbs. The only thing that is wrong with my self propelled mower is it needs a new transmission and I can't find any repair shops that will replace this gear assembly for me. I'm dreading buying one of those mowers with auto choke.

[cryptoloverscryptoaddicts]

I saw the pin fix and a few others once you pop off carberator two bolts pin pops off with fingers or pliers just be careful. My carb also was dirty so prob will replace air filter and spray the hell out of it..

[JoeRG]

any tips on how to fix it from not starting or idling down and stalling? i can get mine to start briefly, but it dies within 10 seconds then won’t run at all. Drained gas, cleaned plug, drained carb, and ran sea foam with no relief.