11
ENGINE MAINTENANCE

Engine Oil Level Check

1. Unscrew and remove the filler
cap/dipstick and wipe it clean.
Insert and remove the
dipstick without screwing it
into the filler neck. Check
the oil level shown on the
dipstick.
2. 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.
3. 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 on
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 that you use 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 7). This will reduce the possibility of
fuel leakage.
2. Wipe the oil filler area clean, and then remove the oil filler
cap/dipstick.
3. Place a suitable
container next to the
mower to catch the
used oil, and 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 container 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 19).
1. Press down on the cover tabs and remove the cover.
2. Remove the filter from the air cleaner housing.
3. Inspect the filter, and replace it if it is damaged.
4. Clean the filter by tapping it 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.
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. Reinstall the filter and cover.
FILLER
CAP/DIPSTICK
LOWER
LIMIT
UPPER
LIMIT
-20 20 30 40°C-10 0 10
40 60 100°F80020
30
10W-30
AIR CLEANER
HOUSING
FILTER
COVER
COVER
TABS