13

REFUELING

Honda recommends using a No-Spill® gas can (page 18) that meets
the stringent requirements of the California Air Resources Board.
This engine is certified to operate on unleaded gasoline with a pump
octane rating of 86 or higher.
Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped. If the engine
has been running, allow it to cool first. Never refuel the engine inside a
building where gasoline fumes may reach flames or sparks.
You may use regular unleaded gasoline containing no more than 10%
ethanol (E10) or 5% methanol by volume. In addition, methanol must
contain cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors. Use of fuels with content
of ethanol or methanol greater than shown above may cause starting
and/or performance problems. It may also damage metal, rubber, and
plastic parts of the fuel system. Engine damage or performance
problems that result from using a fuel with percentages of ethanol or
methanol greater than shown above are not covered by warranty.
If your equipment will be used on an infrequent or intermittent basis,
please refer to the fuel section of the STORAGE chapter (page 14) for
additional information.
Never use stale or contaminated gasoline or an oil/gasoline mixture.
Avoid getting dirt or water in the fuel tank.
NOTICE
Fuel can damage paint and plastic. Be careful not to spill fuel when
filling your fuel tank. Damage caused by spilled fuel is not covered by
the DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY (page19).
Adding Fuel
1. Remove the fuel tank cap.
2. Add fuel to the bottom of the
fuel level limit in the neck of
the fuel tank. Do not overfill.
Wipe up spilled fuel before
starting the engine.
3. Secure the fuel tank cap.
Tighten the cap until it clicks.
Move the mower at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from the fueling
source and site before starting the engine.
TRANSPORTING
If the engine has been running, allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes
before loading the mower onto the transport vehicle. A hot engine and
exhaust system can burn you and ignite some materials.
1. Turn the fuel valve to the OFF position. This will prevent carburetor
flooding and reduce the possibility of fuel leakage.
2. If installed, remove the grass bag.
If a suitable loading ramp is not available, two people should lift the
mower onto and off the transport vehicle while holding the mower
level.
Position the mower so all four wheels are on the bed of the transport
vehicle. Tie the mower down with rope or straps and block the wheels.
Keep the tie-down rope or straps away from the controls, adjustment
levers, cables, and the carburetor.
The handlebar can be folded so the mower will take up less space.
STORAGE

PREPARING FOR STORAGE

Proper storage preparation is essential for keeping your lawn mower
trouble free and looking good. The following steps will help keep rust
and corrosion from impairing your lawn mower’s function and
appearance, and will make the engine easier to start when you use
the lawn mower again.

Cleaning

Engine

Wash the engine by hand, and be careful to prevent water from
entering the air cleaner.
NOTICE
Using a garden hose or pressure washing equipment can force water
into the air cleaner. Water in the air cleaner will soak the paper filter
and can enter the carburetor or engine cylinder, causing damage.
Water contacting a hot engine can cause damage. If the engine has
been running, allow it to cool for at least half an hour before washing.

Mower Deck

Wash the lawn mower, including the underside of the mower deck.
If using a garden hose or pressure washing equipment to clean the
mower deck, be careful to avoid getting water into controls and
cables, or anywhere near the engine air cleaner or muffler opening.
Before washing the underside of the mower deck, be sure the fuel
valve is in the OFF position. Disconnect the spark plug cap. Rest the
mower on its right side so the fuel filler cap is up. This will help prevent
fuel leakage and hard starting due to carburetor flooding. Wear heavy
gloves to protect your hands from the blades.

Grass Bag

Remove the bag from the mower, and wash it with a garden hose or
pressure washing equipment. Allow the bag to dry completely before
storage.
The grass bag can be stored flat when not in use by unhooking the
plastic clips from the fabric bag and pushing the frame lower support
legs outward from the eyelets.
B WARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive, and you can
be burned or seriously injured when refueling.
• Stop the engine and keep heat, sparks, and flame away.
• Refuel only outdoors.
• Wipe up spills immediately.
MAXIMUM FUEL LEVEL
FUEL
CAP