Product Manual

8
ENGLISH
SPARK PLUG
See Figure 11, page 3.
Recommended Spark Plug: NGK - BPR6ES
The recommended spark plug is the correct heat range for normal
engine operating temperatures.
NOTICE
Incorrect spark plugs can cause engine damage.
For good performance, the spark plug must be properly gapped and
free of deposits.
1. Disconnect the cap from the spark plug, and remove any dirt from
the spark plug area.
2. Use the proper size spark plug wrench [1] to remove the spark
plug.
3. Inspect the spark plug. Replace it if damaged, badly fouled, if the
sealing washer [2] is in poor condition, or if the electrode is worn.
4. Measure the electrode gap with a suitable gauge. The correct gap
is 0.028 ~ 0.031 in (0.70 ~ 0.80 mm). If adjustment is needed,
correct the gap by carefully bending the side electrode.
5. Install the spark plug carefully, by hand, to avoid cross-threading.
6. After the spark plug is seated, tighten with the proper size spark
plug wrench to compress the washer.
When installing a new spark plug, tighten 1/2 turn after the spark
plug seats to compress the washer.
When reinstalling the original spark plug, tighten 1/8 ~ 1/4 turn
after the spark plug seats to compress the washer.
NOTICE
Properly tighten the spark plug. A loose spark plug can become
very hot and can damage the engine. Overtightening the spark
plug can damage the threads in the cylinder head.
7. Attach the spark plug cap to the spark plug.
SPARK ARRESTER (IF EQUIPPED)
See Figure 12, page 3.
The spark arrester may be standard or an optional part, depending on
the engine type. In some areas, it is illegal to operate an engine
without a spark arrester. Check local laws and regulations. A spark
arrester is available from authorized Honda servicing dealers.
The spark arrester must be serviced every 100 hours to keep it
functioning as designed.
If the engine has been running, the muffler will be hot. Allow it to cool
before servicing the spark arrester.
Removal
1. Remove the three 6 mm bolts [1] from the muffler protector [2], and
remove the muffler protector.
2. Remove the 4 mm screw [3] from the spark arrester [4], and
remove the spark arrester from the muffler [5].
Cleaning & Inspection
1. Use a brush to remove carbon deposits from the spark arrester
screen. Be careful not to damage the screen. Replace the spark
arrester if it has breaks or holes.
2. Install the spark arrester in the reverse order of removal.
STORING YOUR ENGINE
STORAGE PREPARATION
Proper storage preparation is essential for keeping your engine
trouble-free and looking good. The following steps will help to keep
rust and corrosion from impairing your engine’s function and
appearance, and will make the engine easier to start when you use it
again.
CLEANING
If the engine has been running, allow it to cool for at least half an hour
before cleaning. Clean all exterior surfaces, touch up any damaged
paint, and coat other areas that may rust with a light film of oil.
NOTICE
Using a garden hose or pressure washing equipment can force water
into the air cleaner or muffler opening. Water in the air cleaner will
soak the air filter, and water that passes through the air filter or muffler
can enter the cylinder, causing damage.
FUEL
NOTICE
Depending on the region where you operate your equipment, fuel
formulations may deteriorate and oxidize rapidly. Fuel deterioration
and oxidation can occur in as little as 30 days and may cause damage
to the carburetor and/or fuel system. Please check with your servicing
dealer for local storage recommendations.
The length of time that gasoline can be left in your fuel tank and
carburetor without causing functional problems will vary with such
factors as gasoline blend, your storage temperatures, and whether
the fuel tank is partially or completely filled. The air in a partially filled
fuel tank promotes fuel deterioration. Very warm storage
temperatures accelerate fuel deterioration. Fuel problems may occur
within a month of inactivity, or even less if the gasoline was not fresh
when you filled the fuel tank.
Gasoline will oxidize and deteriorate in storage. Deteriorated gasoline
will cause hard starting, and it leaves gum deposits that can clog the
small passages in the fuel system. If the gasoline in your engine
deteriorates during storage, you may need to have the carburetor and
other fuel system components serviced or replaced.
If you keep a container of gasoline for refueling, be sure that it
contains only fresh gasoline. If it takes more than 3 months to use the
fuel in your storage container, we suggest adding a fuel stabilizer to
the fuel when you fill the container.
Fuel system damage or engine performance problems resulting from
neglected storage preparation are not covered under your engine
warranty.
Short Term Storage (30 - 90 days)
If your equipment will not be used between 30 and 90 days, we
recommend the following to prevent fuel-related problems:
1. Add fuel stabilizer following the manufacturer’s instructions.
When adding a fuel stabilizer, fill the fuel tank with fresh gasoline. If
only partially filled, air in the tank will promote fuel deterioration
during storage.
Note:
– All stabilizers have a shelf life and their performance will
deteriorate over time.
– Fuel stabilizers will not reconstitute stale fuel.