11
ENGINE MAINTENANCE

Engine Oil Level Check

1. Unscrew and remove the filler cap/dipstick and wipe it clean.
2. Insert and remove the
dipstick without
screwing it into the filler
neck. Check the oil level
shown on the dipstick.
3. If the oil level is low, add
oil to reach the upper limit
mark on the dipstick. Do
not overfill. If the engine
is overfilled, the excess
oil may get transferred to
the air cleaner housing
and air cleaner filter.
NOTICE
Running the engine with a low oil level can cause engine damage.
This type of damage is not covered by the DISTRIBUTOR’S
LIMITED WARRANTY (page 20).
4. Screw in the filler cap/dipstick securely.

Engine Oil Recommendations

Oil is a major factor affecting performance and service life. Use
4-stroke automotive detergent oil.
Always change the oil in accordance with the maintenance schedule
(page 9).
SAE 10W-30 is recommended for
general use. Other viscosities
shown in the chart may be used
when the average temperature in
your area is within the
recommended range.
The SAE oil viscosity and service
category are in the API label on the oil container. Honda recommends
API service category SJ or later oil.

Engine Oil Change

Drain the used oil while the engine is warm. Warm oil drains quickly
and completely.
1. Turn the fuel valve OFF (page 6). This will reduce the possibility of
fuel leakage.
2. Wipe the oil filler area clean, then remove the oil filler cap/dipstick.
3. Place a suitable container
next to the mower to catch
the used oil, then tilt the
mower on its right side.
The used oil will drain
through the filler neck. Allow
the oil to drain completely.
Please dispose of used
motor oil and the containers in a manner that is compatible with the
environment. We suggest you take it in a sealed container to your
local recycling center or service station for reclamation. Do not
throw it in the trash, pour it on the ground, or pour it down a drain.
4. Fill with the recommended oil.
Do not overfill. Allow a couple of
minutes for the oil to settle in
the engine, then measure the oil
level as shown previously.
NOTICE
Using nondetergent oil can
shorten the engine’s service life,
and using 2-stroke oil can
damage the engine.

Air Cleaner Service

A dirty air filter restricts air flow to the carburetor, reducing engine
performance. If you operate the mower in very dusty areas, clean the
air filter more often than specified in the MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
(page 9).
NOTICE
Operating the engine without an air filter or with a damaged filter
allows dirt to enter the engine, causing rapid engine wear. This type of
damage is not covered by the DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED
WARRANTY (page 20).
1. Remove the wing nuts from
the air cleaner cover.
2. Remove the air filter and
separate the filter
elements.
3. Inspect the elements for
holes, tears, or other
damage, and replace them
if they are damaged.
4. Clean the elements:
Paper: Tap the element
several times on a hard
surface to remove dirt, or
blow compressed air not
exceeding 30 psi [207 kPa]
through the filter from the
inside. Never try to brush
off dirt; brushing will force
dirt into the fibers.
Foam: Clean in warm
soapy water and rinse or
clean in non-flammable
solvent and allow to dry.
Apply oil to the clean filter and squeeze out all excess oil.
NOTICE
Excess oil will restrict air flow through the foam element and may
transfer to the paper element, soaking and clogging it.
5. Use a moist rag to wipe dirt from the inside of the air cleaner
housing and cover. Be careful to prevent dirt from entering the air
duct that leads to the carburetor.
6. Place the foam air filter element over the paper element and
reinstall the assembled air filter.
7. Install the air cleaner cover and tighten the cover wing nuts
securely.
FILLER
CAP/DIPSTICK
LOWER
LIMIT
UPPER
LIMIT
-20 20 30 40°C-10 0 10
40 60 100°F80020
30
5W-30 • 10W-30
WING NUTS
COVER
PAPER
FILTER
ELEMENT
AIR CLEANER HOUSING
FOAM
FILTER
ELEMENT