Drying
1.After washing the lawn mower, wipe dry all accessible surfaces.
2.With the mower in an upright position, start the engine outdoors, engage the blade, and let the engine run until it reaches normal operating temperature to evaporate any water remaining on the engine.
3.Stop the engine and allow it to cool.
4.After the lawn mower is clean and dry, touch up any damaged paint
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 can clog the small passages in 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.
If you keep a container of gasoline for refueling, be sure that it contains only fresh gasoline.
If it will take 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.
The DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY (page 19) does not cover fuel system damage or engine performance problems resulting from neglected storage preparation.
Short Term Storage (30-90 days)
If your equipment will not be used for 30 to 90 days, we recommend the following to prevent
1.Add fuel stabilizer following the manufacturer’s instructions.
When adding a fuel stabilizer, fill the fuel tank with fresh gasoline. If the tank is 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.
2.After adding a fuel stabilizer, run the engine outdoors for
10 minutes to be sure that treated gasoline has replaced the untreated gasoline in the carburetor.
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.
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Long Term or Seasonal Storage (greater than 90 days)
Start the engine and allow it to 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 engine for more than 90 days of inactivity.
Engine Oil
Change the engine oil (page 11).
Engine Cylinder
1.Remove the spark plug (page 12).
2.Pour 1 ~ 2 teaspoons (5 ~ 10 cc) of clean engine oil into the cylinder to keep it from rusting.
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.
Handlebar Folding
The handlebar can be folded for storage or transport by lowering the handlebar as shown.
1.Remove the grass HANDLEBAR ADJUST KNOB (2)
bag. You can place it on top of the engine, with the bag opening to the front.
2. Turn the handlebar adjust knobs 90 degrees to release
the locating pins, and then swing the
handlebar forward.
Prevent the cables from getting pinched or kinked.
When unfolding the handlebar, be sure to lock the adjust knobs to secure the handlebar in the mowing position (page 3).
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
If possible, avoid storage areas with high humidity to prevent rust and corrosion.
Make sure the fuel valve is in 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.
The handlebar can be folded for compact storage.
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 universal lawn mower cover (page 18).
REMOVING FROM STORAGE
Check your mower as described in BEFORE OPERATION (page 4).
If the cylinder was coated with oil during storage preparation, the engine will smoke briefly at startup. This is normal.