Honda Harmony 215 Blade clutch problems

[RMR]

I've got a Harmony 215, model HRM215-EM MZBB-6171708 in the shop with a clutch issue. According to the customer, the blade engages fine after startup, but then after a few min of mowing, it drops out.

First, I'll say, it has been raining here for 3 days with temps around 34˚, so I have to admit, I haven't had it out of the shop yet to verify this. I'm not real familiar with Honda push mowers, so I'm in need of a little direction. Google and youtube has been of little help on this exact problem. Past experience tells me its a gap tolerance issue. Am I correct in thinking so??

Thanks
Chad

[KE4AVB]

Since cable housing wear somewhat I check the free play of the Roto Stop cable per the owners manual. Note this mower can be either the PXA or the SXA model.

Link to owners manual.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=4&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjHzMX9sLrZAhUM7lMKHXV4Cl4QFghJMAM&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.powerequipment.honda.com%2Fpe%2Fpdf%2Fmanuals%2F31va3a02.pdf&usg=AOvVaw0FWClmPeh3MuRejt9f5r7_

[Skywatcher]

Hi RMR

Last year, a customer brought in a Honda Harmony because he believed the engine was seized. I found the engine would start and run with the blade engaged, but as soon as the blade was disengaged, it killed the engine. To make a long story short, this unit was designed to have 2 blades, the cutting blade and the mulching blade, one on top of the other. He bought and installed a new cutting blade but left the mulching blade off, so the clutch retaining bolt was jammed against the topside of the cutting blade. The mulching blade goes on top of the cutting blade and has a much larger center hole to give clearance for the clutch bolt. I realize this may not be the problem with this unit, but it's just something to keep in the back of your mind.

Sure could enjoy some of your 34ºF temperatures here, woke up yesterday morning to -14ºF (-26ºC or 247ºK). All the best,

Sky

[RMR]

Thanks for the replies.

The first thing I did yesterday when I got it up on the bench was check the Roto-Stop slack, and it's within spec.