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AVOIDING FUEL-RELATED PROBLEMS
When maintained properly, your Honda lawn mower should provide years of trouble-free operation. This includes the fuel system. However,
petrol 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
LIMITED WARRANTY
(see
Follow These Precautions to Prevent Most Fuel-Related Problems
During the Normal Mowing Season
Reason
Do not use petrol containing more than 10% ethanol.
A high level of ethanol in petrol attracts water and can corrode or
damage the fuel system and cause performance problems.
Store petrol 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.
Petrol will deteriorate faster when exposed to air and sunlight.
Purchase only enough petrol to last for 30 to 60 days.
If you purchase enough petrol to last for more than 60 days, add a
fuel stabilizer to your storage tank when you fill it.
Petrol deteriorates with age, so try to avoid storing it for long
periods, especially in summer heat.
Fuel stabilizer will extend the shelf life of petrol, 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.
3 to 4 Weeks Before Next Use
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 petrol. Running time should be approximately 3 minutes.
The small amount of petrol 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.
1 to 3 Months Before Next Use
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 petrol.
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 petrol, but it will not reconstitute
stale petrol.
Run the engine outdoors for 10 minutes.
To make sure treated petrol has replaced untreated petrol
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 petrol. Running time should be
approximately 3 minutes.
The small amount of petrol 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.
More Than 3 Months Before Next Use
Reason
Start the engine and let it run long enough to empty all the petrol
from the entire fuel system, including the fuel tank. Do not allow
petrol 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.
We recommend Pro Honda Fuel Stabilizer that has an improved formulation with added corrosion protection.
