Author Topic: Only you people will appreciate this (Read 3281 times)

333 · « **on:** June 06, 2009, 01:35:53 PM »

I am in lawnmower heaven, if there is such a place. First, let me say that I am a pack rat to the point that I will pick stuff out of other people's trash. And this week, I couldn't resist. And of course, we are talking Honda.

I have a Honda that is about 5 or 6 years old. It runs great, and cuts well. The transmission could work better. I am out earlier this week and spot a lawn mower I don't recognize. I have the opportunity to pass it again and stop this time. Turns out that it is a Honda. I pull the rope and it has compression. I lift it up and pull the rope again so my friend can see if the crank is bent. It isn't. It looks for the most part to be in great shape. Cast deck. Cables like new. I load it up on the trailer.

I start to do research on it and find out it is "pre 1985", HR S21 SV(self propelled). It needs rear tires(yes, just the rubber tires. Honda does it this way. $5.00 tire versus a $50.00 wheel!) and a new blade. I'm not putting any cash into it until it runs. I tear into it this morning. I do a no parts carb overhaul. Get this- Plastic body carb!! The only metal in the carb are the jets, the butterflies, and the float valve. And springs. I clean it all up. There seems to be some water in the muffler. This may be from me pressure washing it. I get it all back together, and it runs great. Idles like a dream. Started without the choke. I'm off to the dealer. They have the tires in stock!! I ordered a mulching blade and plug. It shoots grass out the side for now. I put a quick sharpening on the blade, and I'm off to mow.

After just the first row, I realize that it is this era of mower that gave Honda it's reputation in lawn equipment. I engage the tranny, and it wants to wheelie. I was going to give it to my neighbor, but I don't think so now. I have a large, steep hill in the back yard, and I think it will pull up it nicely. Not like my newer Honda that seems like the clutch is slipping. I can't try it today, as my neighbor is having a child's birthday party, and I don't want to spoil their day.

So I came in to tell you all about it. All I can say is............... Wow.

gerhed · « **Reply #1 on:** June 06, 2009, 03:57:33 PM »

Great find.!
I like the vintage lawnmower concept.
I am in the market.
I have no mower at the moment.
My "grounds keeper" has become untrustworthy.
Is this thing for sale ?

Hush · « **Reply #2 on:** June 06, 2009, 04:05:03 PM »

Gerhed are you 333's neighbour?

We could do with pictures triple3, sounds like a great find.

Uncle Ernie · « **Reply #3 on:** June 06, 2009, 05:18:36 PM »

I got my mower for free, too.
A guy across the street put it by the curb- 14 years ago.
I love this dumb thing.

Bob Wessner · « **Reply #4 on:** June 06, 2009, 05:21:25 PM »

Check the VIN number, it might be a sandcast.

736cc · « **Reply #5 on:** June 06, 2009, 05:38:47 PM »

I bought a new Honda mower in 1982. Always started 1st pull, even after sitting all winter for 6 months . Lasted until about 4 years ago (over 20 years) because the broken carb was impossible to fix (plastic). I think I changed oil once.

333 · « **Reply #6 on:** June 06, 2009, 05:41:10 PM »

Funny you should mention the VIN. There were two models. If the ser.# started with a 6, it's a U.S built model, a 1 means a Japanese built one. And it starts with a 1.

I will post pics soon. It has an odd design. The flywheel is on the bottom(?) and the recoil starter sits at the base of the crankcase and engages the flywheel at the level of the deck.

bucky katt · « **Reply #7 on:** June 06, 2009, 05:44:53 PM »

i got my first new mower ever last year. a Bolens 38" cut, 15.5 hp lawn tractor. i am just as happy as a cub bear with his first woody with this thing. i also have a strange affection for my new mini cultivator, it's a troy-bilt and has this new starting system. you slowly pull on the cord and it's a spring loaded thingamaboob, starts kind of like a recoil starter for an rc airplane motor. no constant yanking and pulling as hard as you can to start the little 25cc motor. if someone told me 20 years ago that i would get excited about lawn mowers and cultivators, i'd have asked them for some of what they were smoking lol. hell, i got all happy when i got new non-stick cookware for christmas.

amazing how our priorities change as we age isnt it?

Chester345 · « **Reply #8 on:** June 06, 2009, 08:33:37 PM »

I need pics.

My ex stole my honda mower in the divorce.

Yes, she took all the ice cube trays and all the ligtht bulbs in the house when she left.

That should clue you in.

We hates that thing-person.

333 · « **Reply #9 on:** June 06, 2009, 08:42:16 PM »

Okay. Here is one. I want to detail it before I post any more.

alltherightpills · « **Reply #10 on:** June 06, 2009, 09:00:02 PM »

You going to put clubmans on that thing Stan?

Ecosse · « **Reply #11 on:** June 06, 2009, 10:18:59 PM »

Quote from: alltherightpills on June 06, 2009, 09:00:02 PM

You going to put clubmans on that thing Stan?

if it's sandcast he might wanna keep it original.

that is one very cool score 333!

754 · « **Reply #12 on:** June 06, 2009, 10:27:25 PM »

Its the Yank-N-Go model..

Is the deck sandcast?

At first when you found it, it didnt sound like it... but Now, I think it sounds like a 'works" model..

bender01 · « **Reply #13 on:** June 06, 2009, 10:34:00 PM »

Does it say SHOWA anywhere. I think that would confirm factory works mower.Has the right early mid 80s colors too. Is the push(hang on) handle padding blue? Did you get this from a Bailey family?

bucky katt · « **Reply #14 on:** June 07, 2009, 04:35:18 AM »

isnt that the hondaline mulching kit on there?

74cb750 · « **Reply #15 on:** June 08, 2009, 08:30:18 AM »

funny, I just joined an online forum to try and get my antique Ariens 514 running again, sorta like most of my bikes

Inkscars · « **Reply #16 on:** June 08, 2009, 08:42:51 AM »

Spiffy.
i used to work on those things.

my78k · « **Reply #17 on:** June 08, 2009, 09:23:38 AM »

I see a nomination for Mower of the Month in your future...

Dennis

tramp · « **Reply #18 on:** June 08, 2009, 01:03:27 PM »

my wife cuts the grass bless her soul, she loves to
anything that will make her happy cutting grass she gets

333 · « **Reply #19 on:** June 08, 2009, 03:58:00 PM »

Quote from: bucky katt on June 07, 2009, 04:35:18 AM

isnt that the hondaline mulching kit on there?

On order. No kidding. The mulching blade and the mulching plug. That will turn from a HR S 21 to a HR M 21.

bill440cars · « **Reply #20 on:** June 08, 2009, 08:08:51 PM »

Hey Triple Trey, Great find there!

Some folks "dump" things that have very little wrong with them and whoever happens to come upon such a find, is most fortunate. Sure am glad that that Honda mower found it's way to be in YOUR stable.

BTW, will it be your "Occassional Mower" or your Regular Mower (as in Daily Rider)?

Sam Green Racing · « **Reply #21 on:** June 08, 2009, 08:16:15 PM »

Quote from: 74cb750 on June 08, 2009, 08:30:18 AM

funny, I just joined an online forum to try and get my antique Ariens 514 running again, sorta like most of my bikes

How the hell did we get things done in the old days without forums

Good find 333.

Sam.

bill440cars · « **Reply #22 on:** June 09, 2009, 12:36:42 PM »

Quote from: Samcr750 on June 08, 2009, 08:16:15 PM

Quote from: 74cb750 on June 08, 2009, 08:30:18 AM
funny, I just joined an online forum to try and get my antique Ariens 514 running again, sorta like most of my bikes

How the hell did we get things done in the old days without forums

Good find 333.

Sam.

Not nearly as good Sam.

And, speaking for myself, I didn't have anywhere near as many friends.

jsaab2748 · « **Reply #23 on:** June 09, 2009, 06:32:40 PM »

Is the exhaust original? Maybe start a "what's it worth?" thread

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Author Topic: Only you people will appreciate this (Read 3281 times)

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