Self Drive Faults Video

By: Author John Cunningham. Published: 2020/10/14 at 9:06 am

Self-drive mowers are a lifesaver; my lawn is hilly, and there’s no way I could push a mower over it twice or even once a week. A self-drive mower that’s not working at full capacity can be tiring; you are constantly pushing, making up for the lack of Oomph. This video is dedicated to fixing all those self-drive issues, from no self-drive to annoyingly slow drive.

By the end of this video, you’ll understand all the common self-drive problems and how to fix them. The video walks you through the process step by step, from adjusting the drive control cable to replacing a drive belt.

You’ll find other useful resources on this page, tips, and links to tools, parts, and supplies required to complete your repair.

Before working on your mower, be sure to remove the plug wire to prevent accidental starting; see “Repair Safety Video”

Tools & Parts

To nail this procedure, you may need the following tools, parts, and supplies.

WD40

This is first on the list for good reason, WD solves a ton of problems. I won’t work without it, because I can’t. Picture links to Amazon.com.

Ratchet Tool Set

Before we can do anything, we’ll need tools. I’ve selected this set as I own some Craftsman tools, and while I have worn some out, they did do a lot of work. So, I expect this set will last the occasional user quite a long time.

This set carries both metric and standard sockets, and that’s important because some mowers will have both types of fastener sizes. The set includes spark plug sockets. Picture links to Amazon.com.

Impact Wrench

I love DeWalt; they make quality tools. This heavy-duty but lightweight 1/2-inch impact wrench makes short work of stubborn bolts like flywheel nuts and rusty blade fasteners. Up to 700 ft. lbs. of torque on tap, I keep one in the trunk of our family car, which makes a flat almost enjoyable. Picture links to Amazon.com.

Drill/Screw Gun

I use a DeWalt screw gun (also a drill) in the workshop to speed up the process of removing engine covers, carburetor bolts, Armature bolts, etc. It’s a brushless motor and as tough as nails; I drove over it a few times – still works great! Batteries are interchangeable, so if you have a DeWalt product already, you won’t need the battery. Picture links to Amazon.com.

Drive Belt

Original Honda drive v belt, be sure to check the listed model numbers as belt length and width are mission-critical. Picture links to Amazon.com.

Drive Control Cable

Original Honda drive cable, fitted between the bail lever and transmission. Cables come in many styles, and cable end fittings vary a lot. Don’t order without a model or part number. Picture links to Amazon.com.

Blade Stop

You’ll find this tool useful; it locks the blade, preventing it from turning while loosening or tightening. You can use a block of wood, but this tool is so much easier. Picture links to Amazon.com.

Torque Wrench

Teng 1/2 Torque wrench is a fantastic tool. I use it every day, and mine are still going strong. A torque wrench is advised for tightening components such as flywheel nuts and blades. The torque spec of these components is very important. Picture links to Amazon.com. If you’re buying a torque wrench, check out my review of Teng torque wrench, it’s the wrench I use.

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