That's a shame about the instructions, mine are gone as well.
The engine may just have a spark issue or something, these old Honda's are basically bulletproof
I am in the process of restoring my Yellow HD8 and for now my red one is staying rusty
They are definitely a different animal to a modern mower, yours will only have 5-6hp, so they aren't for the heavy going, that and the skinny little wheels make for a rough ride.
Also only being a 25" cut you'll do quite a few more laps of the yard!
