12

Spark Plug Service

Recommended Spark Plug:
NGK - BPR5ES or DENSO - W16EPR-U
NOTICE
Incorrect spark plugs can cause engine damage.
For good performance, the spark plug must be properly gapped and
free of deposits.
1. Disconnect the spark plug
cap and remove any dirt from
around the spark plug area.
2. Remove the spark plug with a
13/16 in spark plug wrench.
3. Inspect the spark plug.
Replace it if the electrodes
are worn, or if the insulator is
cracked or chipped.
4. Measure the spark plug
electrode gap with a suitable
gauge. The gap should be
0.028 ~ 0.031 in (0.7 ~ 0.8 mm).
Correct the gap, if necessary,
by carefully bending the side
electrode.
5. Install the spark plug carefully,
by hand, to avoid
cross-threading.
6. After the spark plug seats, tighten with a 13/16 in spark plug
wrench to compress the washer.
If reinstalling the old spark plug, tighten 1/8 to 1/4 turn after the
spark plug seats.
If installing a new spark plug, tighten 1/2 turn after the spark plug
seats to compress the sealing washer.
NOTICE
A loose spark plug can overheat and damage the engine.
Overtightening the spark plug can damage the threads in the
cylinder head.
7. Install the spark plug cap on the spark plug.

Spark Arrester (optional equipment)

Your lawn mower engine is not factory-equipped with a spark arrester.
In some areas, it is illegal to operate an engine without a spark
arrester. Check local laws and regulations. An optional USDA
approved spark arrester is available from an authorized Honda
servicing dealer. See page 19 for part numbers.
The spark arrester must be serviced every 100 hours to keep it
functioning as designed.
1. Allow the engine to cool and disconnect the spark plug cap.
2. Remove the muffler heat shield, identification plate, muffler, and
gasket.
3. Remove the spark arrester from the muffler.
4. Check for carbon deposits on the spark arrester and the exhaust
port. Brush carbon deposits away. Be careful to avoid damaging
the spark arrester screen.
5. Installation is the reverse of removal. Tighten all hardware
securely.
6. Install the spark plug cap on the spark plug.
CONTROL CABLE ADJUSTMENTS

Blade Control Lever Adjustment

1. Push the button down
on the blade control
lever and measure free
play at the top of lever.
Free play should be
3/4 ~ 1 in (20 ~ 25 mm).
If adjustment is
necessary:
2. Loosen the lock nuts
with a 10 mm wrench, and
move the adjuster up or down
as required.
3. Tighten the lock nuts and
recheck free play.
4. Start the engine outdoors.
Move the throttle to FAST.
Operate the blade control
lever. The blades should
engage when you push the
lever forward, and the blades
should stop quickly when the
lever is released.
If the blades do not start or
stop as they should with the
correct cable adjustment, take
the mower to an authorized Honda servicing dealer for repair.
SPARK PLUG
SPARK
PLUG CAP
SPARK PLUG
WRENCH
0.028 ~ 0.031 in
(0.7 ~ 0.8 mm)
SEALING
WASHER
SPARK ARRESTER
MUFFLER
SCREEN
IDENTIFICATION
PLATE
MUFFLER
HEAT
SHIELD
GASKET
3/4 ~ 1 in
(20 ~ 25 mm)
BLADE CONTROL
LEVER
LOCK NUTS
ADJUSTER