Honda HRX timing belt issues?

Prime · Mar 3, 2017

I have been using hrx lawn mowers for most of 10 years now, no serious issues, normal maintenance. I run them to 6-700 hours and sell them and replace. Last fall when preparing my mower for storage, oil change and cleanup, I hit an issue. After finishing up I decided to stat the engine one last time. Engine started for maybe 2 seconds then I could not restart. Checked everything I could think of and found nothing. So I take it to the dealer. Im told the timing belt needs to be replaced.... at a cost of +$350. estimated. Wow this engine has only 140 hours on it. (I put hour meters on all my gear) This is virtually a new mower. I have yet to get the mower back so Im not sure of the exact cost of this repair. Is anyone else having trouble with honda timing belts? I really like honda mowers on my 6th HRX but this may move me to change over to another brand.

ed2hess · Mar 3, 2017

Well learning something i didn't know they had timing belt? I have seen them break off shear key affecting timing.

oqueoque · Mar 4, 2017

Where is the timing belt? the only belt I see is the one that is above the blades, and is turned by the mower engine and goes to the transmission.
I could never get transmissions on these to last much more than a year and the dealer wanted about $350 to replace the trans. ( I do not know why font has changed either)

Prime · Mar 4, 2017

Trannys have never been an issue. I change the oil in them at about 300 hours.

BigFish · Mar 4, 2017

Can you spell " overhead cam engine" ?
The cam is driven by...

a toothed belt. AKA timing belt.
Bingo !

http://cssportal.css-club.net/honda/PowerProducts/contents/1020142en_.pdf
Look at block " E "

dishboy · Mar 4, 2017

Sounds like a new engine price not a repair price.

ed2hess · Mar 4, 2017

Yep didn't know they used on 21"..http://engines.honda.com/why/overhead-cam-design

Prime · Mar 4, 2017

i never gave it much thought until it failed.

Prime · Mar 4, 2017

I think what happened is it came off at the top. The engine didnt really start. It fired a couple times and quit. Seems it fired as the belt was rolling off. Had it broke while running it probably would not be repairable.

Prime · Mar 19, 2017

Mower is back from the dealer. Replaced timing belt $357. Nasty. Apparently due to the design the engine it has to be removed and tore down to replaced the belt and re time. about 5 hrs labor so im told. Had the mower been any older a repair would not have made any sense at all. Hopefully I get another 600+ hours from the mower.

ricky86 · Mar 19, 2017

Five hrs labor? Don't change mowers. Every brand has strong and weak points.
Change you dealer.

dutch1 · Mar 19, 2017

I've been into 2 GCV's in the last couple of years with timing issues. Neither were timing belt problems----the lobe on cam gear was damaged in both cases. Both engines were on economy line pressure washers.

ricky86 · Mar 20, 2017

What'd you find? Lobes worn down? I thought the labor was more than excessive.

dutch1 · Mar 20, 2017

Ricky, in both cases, a portion of the lobe had broken/cracked off, preventing valve operation. Strangely enough, the owner and close friend said the pressure washer probably didn't have more than 5-10 hours of use in 1 1/2 years---oil level and condition very evident of the low usage. The one year warranty wouldn't cover. Fixed him up on the cheap with a Briggs OHV, taken off a similar unit with a freeze damaged pump.

BigFish · Mar 20, 2017

Good to see yer still hangin' in there, Dutch.

Honda HRX timing belt issues?

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