7
ENGLISH
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.
7. When installing a new spark plug, tighten 1/2 turn after the spark
plug seats to compress the washer.
8. When reinstalling the original spark plug, tighten 1/8 - 1/4 turn after
the spark plug seats to compress the washer.
NOTICE
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.
9. Attach the spark plug cap to the spark plug.

SPARK ARRESTER (optional equipment)

The spark arrester my 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 from the
muffler protector, and
remove the muffler
protector.
2. Remove the 4 mm screw
from the spark arrester,
and remove the spark
arrester from the muffler.

Cleaning and 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
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.
Gasoline will oxidize and deteriorate in storage. Deteriorated gasoline
will cause hard starting, and it leaves gum deposits that clog 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.
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 few months, or even less if the gasoline was not fresh when
you filled the fuel tank.
Fuel system damage or engine performance problems resulting from
neglected storage preparation are not covered under the
DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY (see page 11).
You can extend fuel storage life by adding a gasoline stabilizer that is
formulated for that purpose, or you can avoid fuel deterioration
problems by draining the fuel tank and carburetor.

Adding A Gasoline Stabilizer

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. If you keep a container of gasoline for refueling, be
sure that it contains only fresh gasoline.
1. Add gasoline stabilizer following the manufacturer’s instructions.
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 carburetor.
3. Stop the engine.
SPARK
ARRESTER
IDENTIFICATION
PLATE
MUFFLER
PROTECTOR
6 mm BOLT (3)
4 mm SCREW
MUFFLER
SPARK
ARRESTER
00X31Z8A0230.book Page 7 Thursday, August 27, 2009 8:29 AM