Provided the drive pulley isn't spun on the shaft, I'd say you are correct. Oh the bizarre over engineering on Honda drive systems...

I replaced the transmission, and it is still having trouble. It spins the wheels if you lift the mower up, but it does not have enough power when it has the full weight down. I ran out of time last night, but I am to play around with the cogs and see if I have installed those incorrectly.

Are you talking about the drive pulley back at the transmission or coming out of the engine? The drive pulley at the transmission came with the new one, so that is now ruled out.

This is getting weird. Either it is the cogs, or there has to be something at the engine itself, but that is beyond my expertise.

Looks like the drive pulley on the engine. If I remember it is in 2 pieces. Also, I will assume you used a genuine honda belt.

Yes. "Drive" crank pulley vs "driven" trans pulley. An easy way to tell if you have the "cogs" on properly is that when you look at the top "notch" as the gear is on the shaft- the flat spot faces the rear.

A.)Have same problem, although my drive is not "weak". It 'stutters'. Pulling back on the handlebar seems to 're-engage' it, but it soon goes/stops/goes, etc.

B.) I didn't quite understand what the final solution to benzinok's problem was.

C.)I would also appreciate it if someone would enlighten me on what the sequence of operations are as a result of pulling on the the self-propelled handle. The length of the cable (adjusting) seems to move something closer to or farther away --- either fully or partially engaging the propelling action. Please teach me what is happening "down inside there".

D.)What indicates that the cable adjustment is correct?

Additional input from anyone would be VERY MUCH appreciated.
You may write to me at enod1@cox.net

8/22/11

I would really appreciate some help on any or all of my questions. Submitted them Aug.13 , 11

Many Thanks,
enod
Please mention my User name in the subject line if you contact me by email. enod1@cox.net

I've had the older Honda boxes apart- when time was worth less I guess. Inside the transmission, a shift fork had fatigued and I was able to rebuilt it with weld - as no parts were serviceable like yours. There is a tension cable for the drive that essentially needs a touch of slack 1/8" +-. The speed selector cable just really has to match where the detent in the gearbox. It sounds to me like your transmission has a clutching issue in the box. When you pull back on the tension lever- that fork likely slides the clutching collar into the mating gear. Best advise: Inspect the easy stuff, and then decide how dirty you want your hands to get with this. Honda drive work just plain sucks. These transmissions are serviced as assemblies only. Any internal correction will come from you and your machine shop abilities.