Hello
I unfortunately ran my Honda HR194 without checking the oil. It made a strange noise so I stopped the engine. Now it won't start, I can't even pull the starter cord. I have tried removing the plug, but still cant turn the engine over.
Is there anything else I should try to free it?
If it is seized, is it repairable, or not worth it?
It was a great mower & I am so cross with myself! Thanks for any help you may be able to offer!

Jo, July 2009

By golly miss molly - Well done jo- its worked every time for me and by gum being a gardening contractor i have siezed some engines in my exspansive career - Thanks for keeping us posted and keep the honda purring.

Hunka chunka burnin luv, August 2009

FANTASTIC NEWS!!!!!

It released with a little effort on the blade bolt. That was key I think, before I was trying to turn it over from the top. Put some oil and some fuel in and it fired up on the third pull!! It was very smokey at first, but seems absolutely fine now! What an incredible engine Honda have made.

A sincere and BIG THANK YOU to both of you - John and Hunka Chunka. I was somewhat dismayed because my father only gave it to me a few weeks ago and he has had it for almost 20 trouble-free years! I'm just going to pour a drink and toast you both!
Salut & Bon Chance my friends.

Jo, July 2009

Many thanks for your suggestions.
No joy though I'm afraid - I'll leave it to soak for another day.

Jo, July 2009

If the engine has seized due to lack of oil and you think it is the piston thats seized. Take out the spark plug and fill the cylinder with wd40 - leave to soak in for an hour or so and get a socket and a big extension bar on the blade bolt and try and turn the engine over. Remember give it some wellie as you have nothing to loose at this point!! If you get it turning keep going till you can turn it by hand easily. Fill the engine up with oil and get it running if possible. I have brought them back to life doing this Although they do usualy smoke a little on start up but you can always pretend its a two stroke.
Have a nice day and keep us posted

Hunka chunka burnin luv, July 2009

The Honda is an overhead cam four stroke engine I think, so if its been run without oil it will have had a piston seizure....its unlikely to be economic to repair, unless you can do the work yourself. You may be able to buy a 'short' engine - thats one with only the wearing bits renewed - or find one on e-bay maybe. The oil level would have to be very low indeed for this to happen though.

John, July 2009