Honda HRC216PDA Owner'S Manual Download Page 15

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TRANSPORTING

If the engine has been running, allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes
before loading the mower on 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 on 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.

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 air cleaner side 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.

Drying

1. After washing the lawn mower, wipe dry all accessible surfaces.

2. With the mower in an upright position, start the engine outdoors,

and let the engine run until it reaches normal operating
temperature to evaporate any water remaining on the engine.

3. Stop the engine and allow it to cool.

4. After the lawn mower is clean and dry, touch up any damaged

paint (touch-up paint part numbers are on page 19) and coat other
areas that may rust with a light film of oil.

Fuel

NOTICE

Depending on the region where you operate your equipment, fuel
formulations may deteriorate and oxidize rapidly. Fuel deterioration
and oxidation can occur in as little as 30 days and may cause damage
to the carburetor and/or fuel system. Please check with your servicing
dealer for local storage recommendations.

Gasoline will oxidize and deteriorate in storage. Old gasoline will
cause hard starting, and it leaves gum deposits that clog the fuel
system. If the gasoline in your mower deteriorates during storage, you
may need to have the carburetor and other fuel system components
serviced or replaced.

The length of time that gasoline can be left in your fuel tank and
carburetor without causing functional problems will vary with such
factors as gasoline blend, your storage temperatures, and whether
the fuel tank is partially or completely filled. The air in a partially filled
fuel tank promotes fuel deterioration. Very warm storage
temperatures accelerate fuel deterioration. Fuel deterioration
problems may occur within a few months, or even less if the gasoline
was not fresh when you filled the fuel tank.

To prevent fuel related problems:

1. Add gasoline stabilizer following the manufacturer’s instructions.

When adding a gasoline stabilizer, fill the fuel tank with fresh
gasoline. If only partially filled, air in the tank will promote fuel
deterioration during storage.

2. After adding a gasoline stabilizer, run the engine outdoors for

10 minutes to be sure that treated gasoline has replaced the
untreated gasoline in the fuel system.

3. Turn the fuel valve to the OFF

position.

4. Continue to run the engine until it

stops from the lack of fuel in the
carburetor fuel bowl. Running time
should be less than 3 minutes.

The

DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED

WARRANTY

(page 20) does not

cover fuel system damage or engine performance problems resulting
from neglected storage preparation.

Engine Oil