19
AVOIDING FUEL-RELATED PROBLEMS
When properly maintained, your Honda lawn mower should provide years of trouble-free operation. This includes the fuel system.
However, gasoline can quickly deteriorate (in as little as 30 days) causing starting or running problems and, in some cases, damage to
the fuel system. Most fuel-related problems can be avoided by following the precautions listed below. Fuel system damage and engine
performance problems resulting from deteriorated gasoline are not covered by the DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY (see
page 19).
Follow These Precautions to Prevent Most Fuel-Related Problems
During the Normal Mowing Season Reason
Do not use gasoline containing more than 10% ethanol. A high level of ethanol in gasoline attracts water and can corrode
or damage the fuel system and cause performance problems.
Store gasoline in a clean, plastic, sealed container approved for
fuel storage.
Store your fuel supply container away from direct sunlight; if the
container has a vent, keep it closed.
A clean plastic container will prevent rust and metallic
contaminants from entering the fuel system.
Gasoline will deteriorate faster when exposed to air and sunlight.
Purchase only enough gasoline to last for 30 to 60 days.
If you purchase enough gasoline to last for more than 60 days,
add a fuel stabilizer to your storage tank when you fill it.
Gasoline deteriorates with age, so try to avoid storing it for long
periods, especially in summer heat.
Fuel stabilizer will extend the shelf life of gasoline, but it will not
reconstitute stale fuel.
When you finish mowing, turn the fuel valve OFF and fill the
mower’s fuel tank.
If the fuel tank is only partially filled, air in the tank will promote
fuel deterioration.
3 to 4 Weeks Before Next Use Reason
Turn the fuel valve OFF and fill the mower’s fuel tank. If the fuel tank is only partially filled, air in the tank will promote
fuel deterioration.
With the fuel valve off, start the engine and let it run until it runs
out of gas. Running time should be approximately 3 minutes.
The small amount of gasoline in your lawn mower’s carburetor
will deteriorate faster than the fuel in the fuel tank due to its small
volume and heat from the engine.
1 to 3 Months Before Next Use Reason
If you did not add fuel stabilizer to your fuel storage tank when
you filled it up, fill your mower’s fuel tank with fresh gasoline.
If the fuel tank is only partially filled, air in the tank will promote
fuel deterioration.
Add fuel stabilizer to the mower tank according to the stabilizer
manufacturer’s instructions.
Fuel stabilizer will extend the life of gasoline, but it will not
reconstitute stale gasoline.
Run the engine outdoors for 10 minutes. To make sure treated gasoline has replaced untreated gasoline
throughout the fuel system.
Stop the engine and turn the fuel valve OFF. Restart the engine
and let it run until it runs out of gasoline. Running time should be
approximately 3 minutes.
The small amount of gasoline in your lawn mower’s carburetor
will deteriorate faster than the fuel in the fuel tank due to its small
volume and heat from the engine.
More Than 3 Months Before Next Use Reason
Start the engine and let it run long enough to empty all the
gasoline from the entire fuel system, including the fuel tank. Do
not allow gasoline to remain in your lawn mower for more than 3
months of inactivity.
All fuel stabilizers have a shelf life. It is good practice to empty
the fuel system for long term inactivity.
If you have fuel left in your storage container at the end of the operating season, recycle the fuel into your car’s fuel tank and dispose
of it. We recommend Pro Honda Fuel Stabilizer, that has improved formulation with added corrosion protection (page 18)
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