Honda lawn mowers are renowned for their reliability, but even the best engines require clean air to perform optimally.
A neglected air filter is a silent threat, severely restricting airflow and accelerating engine wear, leading directly to higher fuel consumption and reduced power output.
Sourcing the right replacement can often feel daunting, given the many models and replacement options available.
To ensure your machine runs strongly season after season, choosing an air filter that guarantees a perfect, airtight seal, coupled with superior, long-term filtration, is paramount.
We have analyzed the top-rated Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and high-performance aftermarket options, covering popular engines like the GCV160 and HRX217, to simplify your next tune-up and protect your investment.
1. Honda Genuine 17211-Z8B-901 Air Filter
For those who demand uncompromising power and engine longevity, the Genuine Honda 17211-Z8B-901 Air Filter is the definitive choice.
This component is more than just a replacement part; it is an OEM-spec item engineered for a perfect, factory-grade seal on specific engines, eliminating the potential fitment anxieties associated with aftermarket filters.
Choosing this genuine filter ensures your Honda mower breathes exactly as intended by its designers, safeguarding against engine damage caused by poorly fitting alternatives.
In real-world operation, the robust filter media efficiently traps fine dust and abrasive grass clippings, especially in dry, demanding conditions.
The precise dimensions for models like the HRR216K9VKAA mean it slides into the housing with a satisfying, airtight fit, securing engine compression and preventing premature internal wear. This filter provides the highest standard of quality control for long-term engine health.
Best For Owners who prioritize guaranteed OEM quality and ultimate, long-term engine integrity.
Key Specs
- Part Number: 17211-Z8B-901
- Brand: Honda
- Model Fit: GCV160LAO and GCV190LA
- Compatibility: HRR216K9PKAA and HRR216K9VKAA
Pros
- Genuine OEM fitment
- Perfect, guaranteed seal
- Maximum engine protection
- Trusted factory quality control
- Robust, high-quality media
Cons
- Higher cost per unit
- Single pack only
- Limited engine coverage
2. HOODELL 5 Pack 17211-ZL8-023 Air Filter
Delivering exceptional economic value for the diligent DIY enthusiast, the HOODELL 5 Pack 17211-ZL8-023 Air Filter is the proactive maintenance solution.
This five-pack resolves the common issue of running out of filters mid-season, promoting consistent, peak engine performance throughout the year.
A key structural advantage is the sturdy metal stiffener screen designed to prevent the filter from deforming under heavy pressure, ensuring consistent air passage.
Furthermore, a soft gasket ensures a superior and tighter seal compared to basic options, effectively capturing debris.
Compatible with a wide array of Honda GCV160 and GCV190 engines, alongside several models from Briggs and Stratton, Toro, and Craftsman, this pack offers impressive versatility.
The larger filter area noticeably improves airflow, helping the engine breathe easier even when tackling thick grass, making this an unbeatable bulk value.
Best For Homeowners or professionals requiring multiple filters for diverse equipment and seasonal bulk savings.
Key Specs
- Compatibility: Honda GCV160 GCV190, Husqvarna 7021p
- Pack Size: 5 pack
- Filter Type: Premium air filter
- Design Feature: Sturdy metal stiffener screen
Pros
- Excellent long-term value
- Convenient bulk 5-pack
- Sturdy metal frame
- Soft gasket ensures tight seal
- Wide multi-brand compatibility
Cons
- Aftermarket brand
- Requires spare storage
- Not a factory fit
3. HOODELL 2 Pack 17211-ZL8-023 Air Filter
Striking an ideal balance between quality construction and modest quantity, the HOODELL 2 Pack 17211-ZL8-023 Air Filter is a practical choice for the average residential user.
This two-pack typically provides a full season’s worth of supply for most users, eliminating the need to over-purchase or manage excess inventory.
It retains the essential premium features of its larger sibling, including a durable metal mesh screen and a soft gasket that ensures a tight, reliable seal within the housing of popular engines like the Honda GCV160.
The filtration media is highly effective, capturing significant dust and debris that could otherwise harm sensitive internal engine components. For standard residential mowing conditions, its performance matches more expensive single units.
Furthermore, the filters are individually sealed, guaranteeing that the spare remains pristine and ready for immediate installation when the time comes for a replacement. This is the definition of a practical, budget-friendly replacement.
Best For Average homeowners needing reliable, high-quality replacement filters for a standard mowing season.
Key Specs
- Compatibility: Honda GCV160 GCV190, Briggs and Stratton 491588s
- Package Includes: 2 pack air filters
- Design Feature: Sturdy metal stiffener screen
- Usage: Lawn mower / tractor air filter
Pros
- Practical, budget friendly cost
- Quality construction materials
- Fits common Honda engines
- Individual spare filter sealed
- Avoids over-buying quantity
Cons
- Not an OEM part
- Lesser bulk savings
- Standard filtration
4. AWSZH 5 Pack 17211-Z8B-901 Air Filter
Engineered for maximum utility and cross-compatibility, the AWSZH 5-Pack Air Filter is perfect for maintaining multiple machines.
This kit is a relief for users who manage a diverse tool shed, offering compatibility with numerous Honda engines (GCV160, GCV190, HRX217 series) alongside F220 tillers and various Briggs and Stratton powered mowers.
The construction features a robust metal mesh design that provides superior durability and excellent shape retention, addressing common weaknesses found in flimsier filters.
This universal application simplifies inventory, making it the ideal choice for frequent replacement across different engine types.
The filter consistently provides a secure seal across various housings, preventing unwanted dirt ingestion during use.
Whether maintaining your Honda equipment or a Craftsman mower with a Briggs engine, this single purchase delivers unbeatable versatility and consistent value.
Best For Landscapers, complex garages, or users who maintain multiple engine types requiring frequent, standardized replacements.
Key Specs
- Compatibility: Honda GC/GCV/GSV series, HRR/HRS/HRX217K series
- Quantity: Pack of 5
- Filter Type: Premium Lawn Mower Air Filter
- Application: Mowers, generators, tillers
Pros
- Extremely broad compatibility
- Durable metal mesh design
- Great bulk savings value
- Multi-purpose equipment use
- Reliable shape retention
Cons
- Universal fit focus
- Not Original Equipment
- Less model specific
5. Emmawin 4 Pack HRX217 Air Filter
The Emmawin 4 Pack 17211-Z8B-901 Air Filter is precision-engineered to be the premier fit for owners of modern Honda mowers, particularly the HRX217 and HRR216 series.
Its primary strength lies in its dimensional accuracy (5-1/8″ L x 4-1/2″ W x 7/8″ H), guaranteeing an exact, no-compromise seal that eliminates fitment concerns for these specific high-quality machines.
The flawless seal allows GCV190LA engines to draw a constant supply of clean air, preventing fine dust particles from bypassing the element and reaching the carburetor.
The use of high-quality filter media combined with a smooth, soft rubber gasket ensures optimal engine protection, especially important when mowing in dry, dusty conditions.
This four-pack offers near-OEM quality with the significant benefit of multi-pack value, providing perfectly sized filters for a fraction of the cost of individual dealer purchases.
Best For Dedicated owners of Honda HRX and HRN series mowers seeking specialized fitment and excellent long-term value.
Key Specs
- Model Number: 17211-Z8B-901
- Compatibility: Honda GCV160LA1, GCV190LA, HRX217, HRR216
- Pack Quantity: 4 Pack
- Dimensions: 5-1/8″ x 4-1/2″ x 7/8″
Pros
- Highly precise fitment
- HRX and HRN specialist
- Flawless, reliable seal
- Excellent multi-pack value
- High-quality rubber material
Cons
- Limited specific compatibility
- Aftermarket quality
- Dimensions must be checked
6. HOODELL GCV160 Tune Up Kit
For a complete, comprehensive engine refresh in one convenient purchase, the HOODELL GCV160 Air Filter Tune Up Kit is an unbeatable solution.
This package transcends a simple filter change, providing everything needed for a full seasonal service: a main air filter, a pre-cleaner, a spark plug, a fuel filter, and fuel line clamps. This masterfully solves the inconvenience of sourcing multiple parts individually.
The components are designed to work together to restore engine function; the included foam pre-cleaner captures larger debris, significantly extending the lifespan and efficiency of the main paper element.
Combined with a fresh spark plug for reliable ignition and a new fuel filter for clean fuel flow, this kit is guaranteed to restore crisp starting and smooth operation to a sluggish engine. It is a complete maintenance package offering an exceptional value proposition.
Best For Users planning annual service who want to perform a complete, in-depth engine tune-up in one purchase.
Key Specs
- Compatibility: Honda GCV160 GCV190 GC190 GC160 GX100
- Includes: Air filter, pre cleaner, spark plug, fuel filter, clamps
- Air Filter Size: 5-1/4″ x 4-1/2″ x 3/4″
- Application: Mower, generator, water pump
Pros
- Complete tune-up package
- Includes debris pre-cleaner
- Exceptional overall value
- All-in-one convenience
- Restores engine performance
Cons
- Aftermarket parts
- May include unneeded parts
- Airflow details are generalized
7. Hipa GCV160 Air Filter with Spark Plug
The Hipa 17211-Z8B-901 Air Filter Combo is engineered for a quick, performance-focused engine boost and enhanced protection.
The core of this kit is a high-efficiency air filter featuring multi-fiber media, specifically designed to trap an impressive 99% of airborne particles while simultaneously minimizing airflow resistance.
By bundling this advanced filter with a compatible fuel filter and spark plug, Hipa solves the problem of decreased horsepower and poor efficiency often caused by inferior, clogged elements.
The filter provides a seamless, leak-proof fit for popular Honda GCV170 and GCV190 engines, safeguarding the engine against fine, abrasive dust that causes the most wear.
This results in smoother, unimpeded airflow, which translates directly to improved throttle response and consistent power under heavy load. Installation is a simple, tool-free process, ensuring a hassle-free DIY enhancement.
Best For Mower owners prioritizing immediate performance gains and enhanced particulate filtration efficiency in a quick combo kit.
Key Specs
- Model Compatibility: Honda GCV160 GCV170 GCV190 HRX217
- Filtration Efficiency: 99%
- Includes: Air filter x1, Fuel filter x1, Spark plug x1
- Installation: Tool-free
Pros
- 99% high filtration efficiency
- Clear performance upgrade
- Excellent combo kit value
- Minimizes airflow resistance
- Easy, tool-free installation
Cons
- Aftermarket brand
- No debris pre-cleaner
- Single air filter included
8. HIPA 2 Pack HRX217 Air Filter
For those requiring superior engine safeguarding without the complexity of a full tune-up kit, the HIPA HRX217 Air Filter 2-Pack offers premium filtration in a streamlined form.
This filter stands apart due to its advanced filtration technology, boasting a robust 99% efficiency rating against airborne particles.
Crucially, it features a leak-proof polyurethane resin frame, designed specifically to create a perfect, airtight seal within the housing of Honda HRX217 and HRR216 models.
This construction ensures zero bypass of unfiltered air, a critical factor for engine longevity. The high-density, multi-fiber media and robust frame provide a confident, airtight fit, ensuring the engine receives a constant supply of clean, smooth air.
This design directly maintains higher horsepower and overall efficiency, making it an essential high-performance safeguard for demanding mowing environments.
Best For Discerning Honda owners who specifically want superior filtration technology and enhanced protection for high-end HRX models.
Key Specs
- Compatibility: Extensive HRX217, HRR216, HRC216, HRS216 models
- Filtration Efficiency: 99% airborne particles
- Material: Multi-fiber, high-density media
- Dimensions: 5-1/4″ x 4-1/2″ x 13/16″
Pros
- High 99% filtration rate
- Guaranteed leak-proof seal
- Performance-focused design
- Durable frame construction
- Fits many HRX/HRR models
Cons
- Premium aftermarket cost
- Not a full service kit
- Only two filters included
Honda Lawn Mower Air Filter Buying Guide
1. Exact Model Compatibility
Verify the filter matches your specific Honda engine model, such as GCV160 or HRX217. OEM filters, like the Honda Genuine 17211-Z8B-901, guarantee a perfect fit.
Aftermarket brands like HIPA and Emmawin list compatible models clearly, but always check your mower’s model number first to ensure optimal performance.
2. Filtration Efficiency and Material Quality
High-quality filters utilize dense, multi-layer paper or synthetic media to capture fine debris. Look for filters claiming high efficiency, such as the HIPA 2 Pack HRX217’s 99% rating.
Better filtration prevents engine wear, improving combustion efficiency and extending the life of your Honda.
3. Seal and Gasket Design
A secure, leak-proof seal is crucial to stop unfiltered air from bypassing the element and damaging the engine.
Prioritize filters featuring soft, durable rubber gaskets or specialized polyurethane frames for a tight fit. The Hipa GCV160 Air Filter, for instance, emphasizes its leak-proof sealing design for enhanced protection.
4. Value Packs versus Tune-Up Kits
For frequent mowing or multiple machines, bulk packs like the HOODELL or AWSZH 5-packs offer long-term cost savings.
For annual, complete servicing, consider comprehensive options like the HOODELL GCV160 Tune-Up Kit, which includes fuel filters and spark plugs, ensuring all critical systems are optimized.