Ella Clark They reveal which cuts cleaner, which saves more on fuel, and whether the HRX’s advanced deck truly outperforms the Toro’s proven Recycler—could one mower trim costs by up to 30% over five years?
Surprisingly, a clogged filter often sours lawn care, so they compare the HOODELL GCV160 tune‑up kit for Honda HRX217 engines and the Toro Recycler 20333** air filter plus spark plug pack, assessing fitment, performance, durability, maintenance, and Amazon overall value.
Complete Tune-up
It offers a broad tune-up package that restores engine breathing and starting reliability without a high cost. Performance and fit are strong for Honda-compatible walk-behind mowers, though a few parts show modest deviations from OEM robustness.
Filter Replacement
It delivers a practical, low-friction replacement solution for Toro Recycler owners needing filters and a spark plug. Fit and immediate performance are reliable, though component quality and the generic plug choice are modest compromises.
Honda HRX217 Kit
Toro 20333 Pack
Honda HRX217 Kit
Toro 20333 Pack
Honda HRX217 Kit
Toro 20333 Pack
Honda HRX217 vs Toro Recycler: Battle of the Best Walk-Behind Mowers
Product Specifications and What’s Included
HOODELL GCV160 Tune‑Up Kit (for Honda HRX217-compatible engines)
The HOODELL kit targets Honda GCV160/GCV190/GC160-series engines and is sold as a multi-piece tune‑up pack intended to match common OEM part numbers.
NVLMBL / Toro Recycler Air Filter Pack (2 filters, 1 spark plug)
The NVLMBL pack is a simple replacement set for 22″ Toro Recycler models, sold as a multi‑piece spare kit.
Side-by-Side Feature Comparison
Compatibility, Fitment and Installation Ease
HOODELL GCV160 Tune‑Up Kit — Compatibility & fit
HOODELL advertises direct replacement for Honda part numbers 17211‑ZL8‑023 / 17211‑ZL8‑003 / 17211‑Z8B‑901 and lists fitment for GCV160/GCV190/GC160/GX100 families and HRX217‑compatible models. In practice, users report the paper/foam element seats into the Honda airbox without trimming; the pre‑cleaner foam may require light positioning to avoid catching the airbox cover lip. Clamps and fuel filter are slightly smaller than OEM in a minority of cases but functional.
NVLMBL / Toro Recycler Pack — Compatibility & fit
NVLMBL markets its filters as direct fits for Toro Recycler 22″ models (20332/20333/20334/20339/20340). Review summaries show the filter frame aligns with Toro housings and the spare filter is a useful duplicate. The included spark plug is generic; some buyers noted the plug’s hex size or gap may differ from Toro OEM and advised checking torque and gap before installation.
Reported fit issues (Amazon Q&A / reviews)
Installation difficulty & tools needed
Both kits are aftermarket alternatives (not OEM‑branded). HOODELL aims to be an OEM‑equivalent fit for Honda engines; NVLMBL is a functional aftermarket match for Toro decks with a generic spark plug caveat.
Performance, Durability and Maintenance Impact
Filtration efficiency & engine performance
HOODELL supplies a paper element plus a foam pre‑cleaner and a matched spark plug; this combination follows Honda’s OEM style and yields strong particulate capture and consistent throttle response. Users report easier cold starts and steadier idling after installation.
The NVLMBL/Toro pack provides two paper filters and a generic spark plug. The paper elements restore airflow and power on Toro decks but lack a pre‑cleaner, so initial filtration efficiency is good while clean, then degrades faster under heavy dust.
Clogging resistance & expected lifespan
Common OEM guidance (and owner experience) is to inspect air filters every ~25 hours and replace every ~100 hours or annually. Reported customer service intervals:
Material durability under dusty conditions
HOODELL’s foam pre‑cleaner traps coarser grit, reducing load on the paper element and extending element life; clamps and small parts are slightly lower grade than OEM but functional. NVLMBL’s paper only element performs well in light to moderate dust but will clog sooner under heavy particulate loads.
Maintenance frequency & mower longevity
HOODELL’s kit reduces cleaning frequency and helps maintain compression and carburetor cleanliness over multiple seasons when users follow inspection intervals. NVLMBL is cost‑effective for routine suburban use or as an emergency spare but may increase filter change frequency in heavy‑usage scenarios.
Pros and cons (data‑driven)
Price, Availability, and Overall Value on Amazon
Pricing & Availability
HOODELL lists at about $6 and is consistently one of the lowest-priced full tune‑up kits for Honda GCV engines. NVLMBL for Toro lists at about $10 as a two‑filter + spark plug pack. Both are commonly in stock on Amazon with Prime options; occasional third‑party sellers add minor availability windows.
Bundle value comparison
Shipping, returns, and price volatility
Reviews, complaints, and seller credibility
Practical value scores (out of 10)
Recommendations by profile:
Final Verdict: Which Kit Suits Which User
Honda HRX217 owners will find the HOODELL kit the clear winner for OEM-like fit, engine-specific compatibility, and consistent performance. It best replicates factory parts.
Toro Recycler owners should choose the Toro multi-item value pack for broad compatibility with 20333-series decks and included filters plus spark plug — a better value. Buy HOODELL for Honda and Toro pack for Toro owners.
Long post incoming — I own both a Honda HRX217 and an old Toro Recycler 20333 (hand-me-down from my dad). I tested the HOODELL GCV160 kit on the Honda and the Toro air filters on the Toro mower.
What I noticed:
– HOODELL kit: really solid build, air filter media felt dense. Improved throttle response on the Honda.
– Toro pack: super convenient (2 filters + spark plug) and cheap. The fit on my Toro was exact, and the plug fired perfectly.
If you have the HRX217, get the HOODELL kit. If you have a Recycler 22″ Toro, the Toro-specific pack is the obvious choice. Both are fine if you’re on a budget, honestly.
Appreciate the detail! Did you clean the carb before/after? I usually de-gum carbs when swapping parts.
Thanks for the real-world comparison, Daniel — that type of side-by-side feedback is exactly what readers asked for.
Minor rant: product listings sometimes show the same photo for different filter numbers and it’s confusing. Wish sellers would list exact part numbers and dimensions more clearly.
Torn between saving money and getting ‘quality’ — anyone think the HOODELL is noticeably louder than OEM? I love quiet mowers.
Agreed — no noise difference for me. If anything, engine ran smoother which felt less ‘strained’.
A filter swap usually doesn’t change mower noise significantly. Loudness would more likely come from exhaust, blade wear, or engine issues. HOODELL shouldn’t make it louder.
Question: will the HOODELL GCV160 kit work on an older HRR216 model? I know the listing mentions HRC216/HRR216 but I don’t want to guess.
Good catch, Owen. The HOODELL listing covers several GCV-style engines and part fitment usually matches HRC/HRR/HRX families, but double-check your engine model stamped on the housing or the owner’s manual before ordering.
I like that the Toro pack has two filters. For me that’s peace of mind — one in the mower, one in the shed. But curious: does the HOODELL kit include any gasket or little rubber seals? The article didn’t say.
Thanks — I’ll double-check before ordering.
HOODELL kits often include the filter(s) and a replacement spark plug; gaskets/seals vary by kit. Best to check the specific product photos or ask the seller directly.
Picked the Toro 2-pack for my 22″ Recycler and it’s been fine. One thing tho — the foam edge on one filter was slightly imperfect out of the box, had to trim a tiny bit. No biggie but FYI for picky folks.
How does the Toro plug compare to Bosch/NGK? Anyone tested the included spark plug brand?
Generally the included plugs are OEM-equivalent. If you want a high-performance plug, pick a known brand — but many users find the included ones adequate.
That’s normal sometimes. I sanded the foam edge for a perfect seal once. Took 5 minutes.
It fired fine for me. No brand stamp but zero misfires so far.
Haha Marcus, the handyman way. Worked tho 😄
Thanks for mentioning quality control, Chloe. Small manufacturing variances do pop up occasionally.
Heads up — shipping times can vary. I ordered the Toro pack and it arrived in two days; a buddy ordered the HOODELL kit and waited a week. If you’re mid-season and need a filter fast, check shipping before committing.
Good reminder — I once waited a week and had to borrow my neighbor’s mower. Never again.
Yep, same here. Amazon Prime made the Toro an easy buy for me last minute.
Prime is a lifesaver during mowing season 😂
Thanks for the logistics tip, Alex. We try to note typical availability in the article, but it changes with stock.
Neutral take: both products do the job. If you have a Honda HRX217, I’d favor the HOODELL because it’s made for GCV engines. If you’re replacing for a Toro Recycler 20333, get the Toro pack. No drama either way.
Does anyone know whether the HOODELL spark plug gap matches the Honda spec out of the box? I hate re-gapping plugs with tiny hands and bad lighting.
Mine was pre-gapped correctly, Liam. But double-checking takes 30 seconds and saves headaches.
Cool — I’ll keep a gauge handy. Thanks!
Many HOODELL plugs come pre-gapped to common Honda specs, but it’s still wise to check with a gap gauge. Manufacturers sometimes ship to a nominal tolerance.
Short version: the HOODELL kit feels more ‘premium’ and targeted for the Honda engines, while the Toro package is budget-friendly and perfect for routine maintenance on the Recycler.
Long version (sorry, I got carried away):
I compared materials, packaging, and actually ran both mowers for a few weeks with their respective filters. HOODELL’s foam and paper combo seemed denser and trapped finer dust — my lawn has lots of pine pollen so that mattered. The Honda’s run-time between service intervals definitely improved (less choking when grass got thicker). The Toro filters are great value though; 2 filters + plug for the price beats buying one OEM filter. If you alternate filters and store one dry, you’ll be fine.
Overall: choose based on mower: HOODELL for Honda HRX217, Toro pack for the Recycler 20333.
I cleaned it once mid-season and replaced at season end, Chloe. Depends on how dusty your yard gets.
Quick tip: cleaning frequency should depend on visible dirt and performance — clogging reduces engine life, so don’t wait too long.
Do you clean the HOODELL filter or replace it each season?
Fantastic side-by-side testing, Evelyn. The pine pollen detail is helpful for readers in similar climates.
Thanks — that was the kind of depth I wanted. Pine pollen is brutal here too.
Lol I once tried to fit a generic filter on my HRX217 and it was like putting a square peg into a round hole. Don’t cheap out if you want your mower to behave.
But to be fair, the Toro filters are cheap enough for casual users who only mow once a week.
Good warning — fitment matters more than people expect. We recommend checking the model numbers and part shapes before buying generics.
Yep. Ended up buying the HOODELL for the Honda and it was way better than the random filter I tried first.
Anyone tried reusing Toro filters after washing? I’m lazy but thrifty 😅
Agreed. I learned the hard way too. OEM-ish fit saved me time (and a broken airbox).