Use and Care Manual
7
• To reduce the possibility of fire or explosion, be careful when
working around gasoline. Use only a nonflammable solvent, not
gasoline, to clean parts. Keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames away
from all fuel related parts.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Perform at every indicated month/year or operating hour interval,
whichever comes first.
(1)
(1) For commercial use, log hours of operation to determine proper
maintenance intervals.
(2) Service more frequently when used in dusty areas.
(3) Change engine oil every 25 hours when used under heavy load or in high
ambient temperatures.
(4) These items should be serviced by an authorized Honda servicing dealer,
unless you have the proper tools and are mechanically proficient. Refer
to the Honda shop manual for service procedures.
(5) See your equipment manual or Honda engine shop manual.
Failure to follow this maintenance schedule could result in
non-warrantable failures.
REFUELING
This engine is certified to operate on unleaded gasoline with a:
• pump octane rating of 86 or higher
• research octane rating of 91 or higher
We recommend refueling after each use to minimize the air present in
the fuel tank.
Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped. If the engine
has been running, allow it to cool first. Never refuel the engine inside
a building where gasoline fumes may reach flames or sparks.
You may use regular unleaded gasoline containing no more than 10%
ethanol (E10) or 5% methanol by volume. In addition, methanol must
contain cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors. Use of fuels with content
of ethanol or methanol greater than shown above may cause starting
and/or performance problems. It may also damage metal, rubber, and
plastic parts of the fuel system. In addition, ethanol is hygroscopic,
which means it attracts and retains water in the fuel system. Engine
damage or performance problems that result from using a fuel with
percentages of ethanol or methanol greater than shown above are not
covered by warranty.
If your equipment will be used on an infrequent or intermittent basis
(more than 4 weeks between usage), See “AVOIDING
FUEL-RELATED PROBLEMS” on page 13. for additional information
regarding fuel deterioration.
The DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY (page 12) does not
cover fuel system damage or engine performance problems resulting
from neglected storage preparation.
Never use stale or contaminated gasoline or oil/gasoline mixture.
Avoid getting dirt or water in the fuel tank.
Adding Fuel
See Figure 1, page 3.
1. Remove the fuel tank cap.
2. Add fuel to the bottom of the fuel level gauge [1] in the neck of the
fuel tank. Do not overfill. Wipe up spilled fuel before starting the
engine.
3. Install the fuel tank cap and tighten it until it clicks.
Move at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from the fueling source and
site before starting the engine.
NOTICE
Fuel can damage paint and some types of plastic. Be careful not to
spill fuel when filling your fuel tank. Damage caused by spilled fuel is
not covered under your DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY.
ENGINE OIL
Oil is a major factor affecting performance and service life. Use
4-stroke automotive detergent oil. Always change the oil in
accordance with the maintenance schedule (page 7).
Recommended Oil
See Figure 2, page 3.
Use 4-stroke motor oil that meets or exceeds the requirements for API
service category SJ or later. Always check the API service label on
the oil container to be sure it includes the letters SJ or later.
SAE 10W-30 is recommended for general use. Other viscosities
shown in the chart may be used when the average temperature in
your area is within the indicated range.
Oil Level Check
See Figures 2, 3, page 3.
1. Check the oil with the engine stopped and level.
2. Remove the oil filler cap/dipstick [1] and wipe it clean.
3. Insert the oil filler cap/dipstick into the oil filler neck as shown, but
do not screw it in, and then remove it to check the oil level.
Regular
Service Period
Item Page
Before each
use
Check: Engine oil level
Check: Air filter
page 7
page 8
First month
or 5 hours
Change: Engine oil page 7
Every 3 months
or 25 hours
Clean: Air filter
(2)
page 8
Every 6 months
or 50 hours
Change: Engine oil
(3)
Clean: Air filter
(2)
Check: Flywheel brake pad
(if equipped)
page 7
page 8
page 8
Every year
or 100 hours
6 month items plus:
Check-adjust: Spark plug
Clean: Spark arrester (if equipped)
Check: Blade brake clutch
(if equipped)
Check-adjust: Idle speed
Clean: Fuel tank and filter
Check-adjust: Valve clearance
page 8
page 9
(5)
(4)
(4)
(4)
Every 2 years
or 200 hours
Yearly items plus:
Replace: Air filter
Replace: Spark plug
page 8
page 8
Every 2 years Check: Fuel lines (replace if necessary) (4)
WARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive, and you can be
burned or seriously injured when refueling.
• Stop the engine and let cool before refueling.
• Stop engine and keep heat, sparks, and flame away.
• Refuel only outdoors.
• Wipe up spills immediately.