Owner's manual

15
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.
Gasoline will oxidize and deteriorate in storage. Old gasoline will
cause hard starting, and it leaves gum deposits that clog the fuel
system. If the gasoline in your mower deteriorates during storage, you
may need to have the carburetor and other fuel system components
serviced or replaced.
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 deterioration
problems may occur within a few months, or even less if the gasoline
was not fresh when you filled the fuel tank.
To prevent fuel related problems:
1. Add gasoline stabilizer following the manufacturer’s instructions.
When adding a gasoline stabilizer, fill the fuel tank with fresh
gasoline. If only partially filled, air in the tank will promote fuel
deterioration during storage.
2. After adding a gasoline stabilizer, run the engine outdoors for
10 minutes to be sure that treated gasoline has replaced the
untreated gasoline in the fuel system.
3. Turn the fuel valve to the OFF
position.
4. Continue to run the engine until it
stops from the lack of fuel in the
carburetor fuel bowl. Running time
should be less than 3 minutes.
The DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED
WARRANTY (page 20) does not
cover fuel system damage or engine performance problems resulting
from neglected storage preparation.
Engine Oil
Change the engine oil (page 11).
Engine Cylinder
1. Remove the spark plug
(page 12).
2. Pour a teaspoon
(5 ~ 10 cc) of clean engine
oil into the cylinder. This will
prevent rust from
developing inside the
engine.
3. Pull the starter rope several
times to distribute the oil in
the cylinder.
4. Reinstall the spark plug.
5. Pull the starter rope slowly until resistance is felt, and then return
the starter grip gently. This will close the valves so moisture cannot
enter the engine cylinder.
PLACING IN STORAGE
If your mower will be stored with gasoline in the fuel tank and
carburetor, it is important to reduce the hazard of gasoline vapor
ignition. Select a well-ventilated storage area away from any
appliance that operates with a flame, such as a furnace, water heater,
or clothes dryer. Also avoid any area with a spark-producing electric
motor or where power tools are operated.
If possible, avoid storage areas with high humidity because humidity
promotes rust and corrosion.
Unless all the fuel has been drained from the fuel tank, move the fuel
valve to the OFF position to reduce the possibility of fuel leakage.
Place the mower with its wheels on a level surface. Tilting can cause
fuel or oil leakage.
With the engine and exhaust system cool, cover the mower to keep
out dust. A hot engine and exhaust system can ignite or melt some
materials. Do not use sheet plastic as a dust cover. A nonporous
cover will trap moisture around the mower, promoting rust and
corrosion. Honda recommends using the optional stretch fabric
storage cover (page 19).
REMOVING FROM STORAGE
Check your mower as described in BEFORE OPERATION (page 6).
If the fuel was drained during storage preparation, fill the tank with
fresh gasoline. If you keep a container of gasoline for refueling, be
sure that it contains only fresh gasoline. Gasoline oxidizes and
deteriorates over time, causing hard starting.
If the cylinder was coated with oil during storage preparation, the
engine will smoke briefly at startup. This is normal.
OFF
SPARK PLUG HOLE
OIL