17211-ZL8-023 Air Filter with Cover, 17231-Z0L-050 Cleaner Cover with Spark Plug for Honda Lawn Mower Engine GCV135 GCV160 GCV190A HRB216 HRB217 HRS216 HRX217

What It Is

This is a genuine Honda air filter and cleaner cover kit (part #17211-ZL8-023) plus a spark plug (#17231-Z0L-050) for GCV135, GCV160, GCV190A engines used on HRB216, HRB217, HRS216, and HRX217 mowers. The air filter traps debris before it enters the carburetor; the cover seals it; the spark plug ignites the fuel. Intended for routine maintenance—replacing both at once ensures clean airflow and reliable starting.

Fitment & Compatibility

• Engines: Honda GCV135, GCV160, GCV190A (check engine model number—stamped on a metal plate near the spark plug or on the blower housing).
• Mower models: HRB216, HRB217, HRS216, HRX217 (verify deck size doesn’t alter air box shape; these are universal across all deck sizes for these series).
• OEM vs aftermarket: This is genuine Honda—no fitment issues. Aftermarket filters may be slightly thicker or thinner, causing poor seal or cover fit. Stick with OEM for guaranteed seal.
• Measurements: Filter dimensions are approx. 3.25" x 2.5" x 1". Cover fits the same footprint. Spark plug is a standard 13/16" hex, 3/4" reach, gapped to 0.028–0.031" (pre-gapped, but verify with a feeler gauge).
• What to check before buying: Confirm your engine model (look for “GCV” prefix), not just the mower brand. If you have a GCV160 but a different mower model (e.g., a self-propelled HRR), it still fits—only the engine matters.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: Genuine Honda foam filter holds oil better than aftermarket paper filters; lasts longer if cleaned regularly. Spark plug is NGK BPR6ES or equivalent—reliable, but not iridium (no performance gain needed for this engine).
• Installation difficulty: Easy—10 minutes. Remove old filter cover (two screws), swap filter, reattach cover. Spark plug: remove boot, use a spark plug socket with extension, hand-tighten then 1/2 turn.
• Common gotchas: Don’t over-tighten cover screws (strips plastic housing). If filter is wet with oil, it’s normal (pre-oiled from factory). Spark plug gap is pre-set, but check it—new plugs can shift in shipping.
• Frequency: Replace filter every 100 hours or yearly; spark plug every 200 hours or two seasons. Running dirty filter leans out the mix, causing hard starts.

Should You Buy It

Yes, if you own any Honda GCV135/160/190A mower and want a no-hassle, exact-fit maintenance kit. At $9.97, it’s cheaper than buying filter and spark plug separately from a dealer. Skip if you prefer aftermarket filters (save $3–4 but risk poor seal) or if your engine is older than 10 years—check the part number compatibility first. For everyone else, this is the correct, drop-in solution.