16
FUEL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
When maintained properly, your Honda lawn mower should provide years of trouble-free operation. This includes the fuel system. However,
gasoline can quickly deteriorate, causing starting or running problems and, in some cases, damage to the fuel system. Most fuel-related
problems can be avoided by following the precautions listed below. Fuel system damage and engine performance problems resulting from
deteriorated fuel are not covered by the
Distributor’s Limited Warranty
(see
page 21
).
During the Normal Mowing Season
3 to 4 Weeks Before Next Use
1 to 3 Months Before Next Use
More Than 3 Months Before Next Use
Action
Reason
Do not use gasoline containing more than 10% ethanol.
A high level of ethanol in gasoline attracts water and can corrode
or damage the fuel system and cause performance problems.
Store gasoline in a clean, plastic, sealed container approved for
fuel storage.
Store your fuel supply container away from direct sunlight; if the
container has a vent, keep it closed.
A clean plastic container will prevent rust and metallic
contaminants from entering the fuel system.
Gasoline will deteriorate faster when exposed to air and sunlight.
Purchase only enough gasoline to last for 30 to 60 days.
If you purchase enough gasoline to last for more than 60 days,
add a fuel stabilizer to your storage tank when you fill it.
Gasoline deteriorates with age, so try to avoid storing it for long
periods, especially in summer heat.
Fuel stabilizer will extend the shelf life of gasoline, but it will not
reconstitute stale fuel.
When you finish mowing, turn the fuel valve OFF and fill the
mower’s fuel tank.
If the fuel tank is only partially filled, air in the tank will promote
fuel deterioration.
Action
Reason
Turn the fuel valve OFF and fill the mower’s fuel tank.
If the fuel tank is only partially filled, air in the tank will promote
fuel deterioration.
With the fuel valve off, start the engine and let it run until it runs
out of gas. Running time should be approximately 3 minutes.
The small amount of gasoline in your lawn mower’s carburetor
will deteriorate faster than the fuel in the fuel tank due to its small
volume and heat from the engine.
Action
Reason
If you did not add fuel stabilizer to your fuel storage tank when
you filled it up, fill your mower’s fuel tank with fresh gasoline.
If the fuel tank is only partially filled, air in the tank will promote
fuel deterioration.
Add fuel stabilizer to the mower tank according to the stabilizer
manufacturer’s instructions.
Fuel stabilizer will extend the life of gasoline, but it will not
reconstitute stale gasoline.
Run the engine outdoors for 10 minutes.
To make sure treated gasoline has replaced untreated gasoline
throughout the fuel system.
Stop the engine and turn the fuel valve OFF. Restart the engine
and let it run until it runs out of gasoline. Running time should be
approximately 3 minutes.
The small amount of gasoline in your lawn mower’s carburetor
will deteriorate faster than the fuel in the fuel tank due to its small
volume and heat from the engine.
Action
Reason
Start the engine and let it run long enough to empty all the
gasoline from the entire fuel system, including the fuel tank. Do
not allow gasoline to remain in your lawn mower for more than 3
months of inactivity.
All fuel stabilizers have a shelf life. It is good practice to empty
the fuel system for long term inactivity.
If you have fuel left in your storage container at the end of the season, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) recommends
adding the gasoline to your car’s gas tank (http://epa.gov/reg5oair/mobile/winter.html), provided your car’s gas tank is fairly full.