16

PLACING IN STORAGE

Since 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 well-ventilated storage area away from any
appliance that operates with a flame, such as a furnace, water heater,
or clothes dryer. Also avoid any area with a spark-producing electric
motor, or where power tools are operated.
If possible, avoid storage areas with high humidity, because that
promotes 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.

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.
TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS

Engine Will Not Start

Loss of Power

Vibration

Mowing and Bagging Problems

Possible Cause Correction
Fuel valve OFF Turn the fuel valve ON (page 6).
Throttle lever in the wrong
position (PDA, SDA) Move the throttle lever to the CHOKE
position, unless the engine is warm
(page 6).
Out of fuel Refuel (page 14).
Bad fuel; mower stored without
treating gasoline, or refueled
with bad gasoline
Refuel with fresh gasoline (page 14).
Spark plug faulty, fouled, or
improperly gapped Gap or replace the spark plug
(page 13).
Spark plug wet with fuel (flooded
engine) Dry and reinstall the spark plug.
Fuel filter clogged, carburetor
malfunction, ignition malfunction,
valves stuck, etc.
Take the mower to an authorized
Honda servicing dealer for repair.
Possible Cause Correction
Throttle not set to FAST (PDA,
SDA) Move the throttle to FAST (page 7).
Grass is too tall to cut Raise the cutting height (page 5), cut a
narrower swath, use a slower ground
speed, or cut more frequently.
Mower deck is clogged Clean out the mower deck (page14).
Air filter is clogged Clean or replace the air filter
(page 12).
Bad fuel; mower stored without
treating gasoline, or refueled with
bad gasoline
Refuel with fresh gasoline (page 14).
Fuel filter clogged, carburetor
malfunction, ignition malfunction,
valves stuck, etc.
Take the mower to an authorized
Honda servicing dealer for repair.
Possible Cause Correction
Grass and debris lodged under
the mower deck Clean out the mower deck (page 14).
Blade(s) loose, bent, damaged,
or unbalanced by improper
sharpening
Tighten loose blade bolts (page 11).
If blade(s) are found to be bent or
damaged, take the lawn mower to an
authorized Honda servicing dealer for
inspection.
Mechanical damage, such as a
bent crankshaft Take the mower to an authorized
Honda servicing dealer for repair.
Possible Cause Correction
Engine speed is too slow to cut
well (PDA, SDA) Move the throttle lever to the FAST
position (page 7).
Mower is moving too fast for lawn
conditions Release the clutch lever and push
slower (SDA, PDA). Move at a slower
speed (VKA).
Cutting height adjustment levers
set at different positions Set all levers at the same cutting height
position (page 5).
Grass bag overfilled or clogged
(HRR) Empty the grass bag. Wash the grass
bag if it is clogged with dirt (page 5).
Mower deck is clogged Clean out the mower deck (page14).
Blade(s) dull, worn, or damaged Sharpen or replace the blade(s) if
necessary (page 10).
Wrong blade(s) installed Install correct blade(s) (page19).