15

PLACING IN STORAGE

Since your mower will be stored with gasoline in the fuel tank, 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 humidity
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. Honda recommends using the optional stretch fabric
storage cover (page 18).

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 7).
Out of fuel Refuel (page 13).
Bad fuel, mower was stored
without treating the gasoline,
or refueled with bad gasoline
Refuel with fresh gasoline
(page 13).
Spark plug faulty, fouled, or
improperly gapped Gap or replace the spark plug
(page 12).
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
Grass too tall or wet Raise the cutting height (page 8),
cut a narrower swath, use a slower
ground speed, cut more frequently
when the grass is dry, or move the
Clip Director knob toward the BAG
position (page 5).
Mower deck clogged Clean out the mower deck.
Air filter clogged Clean or replace the air filter
(page 11).
Bad fuel, mower was stored
without treating the gasoline,
or refueled with bad gasoline
Refuel with fresh gasoline
(page 13).
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.
Blades loose, bent,
damaged, or unbalanced by
improper sharpening
Tighten loose blade bolts (page 10).
If blades are found to be bent or
damaged, take the lawn mower to
an authorized Honda servicing
dealer for inspection (page 9).
Mechanical damage, such as
a bent crankshaft Take the mower to an authorized
Honda servicing dealer for repair.
Possible Cause Correction
Mower is moving too fast for
lawn conditions Reduce the pressure on the Smart
Drive control to slow the mower
(page 5).
Cutting height adjustment
levers set at different
positions
Set all levers at the same cutting
height position (page 6).
Grass bag overfilled or
clogged Empty the grass bag. Wash the
grass bag if it is clogged with dirt
(page 10).
Mower deck clogged Clean out the mower deck.
Blades dull, worn, or
damaged Sharpen or replace the blades if
necessary (page 9).
Wrong blades installed Install correct blades (page 9).