Honda HRX217HZAA Owner'S Manual Download

Page: 17 / 28

STORAGE

Proper storage preparation is essential for keeping your lawn mower

trouble free and looking good. To help keep rust and corrosion from

impairing your lawn mower’s function and appearance, and to make

the engine easier to start after storage, follow the instructions

described in this section to:
• Drain or treat the fuel
• Change the oil and coat the engine cylinder
• Clean the mower, engine, and grass bag
• Choose a storage location

Fuel

See “AVOIDING FUEL-RELATED PROBLEMS” on

page 21

for a list

of recommended procedures to avoid fuel related problems.
The

DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY

(

page 23

) does not

cover fuel system damage or engine performance problems resulting

from neglected storage preparation.

Cleaning

Mower Deck

Allow the engine to cool before washing.

Before washing the underside of the mower deck, stop the engine and

turn the fuel valve to the OFF position. Rest the mower on its right

side, so the fuel cap side is up. This will help to prevent fuel leakage

and hard starting due to carburetor flooding. Wear heavy gloves to

protect your hands from the blades.
Be careful to avoid getting water into controls and cables.

Engine

Allow the engine to cool, and then wash the engine by hand. Be

careful to prevent water from entering the air cleaner and exhaust

opening.

NOTICE

Using a garden hose or pressure washing equipment can force water

into the air filter. Water in the air cleaner will soak the paper element

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 before washing.

Grass Bag

Remove the bag from the mower, and wash it with a garden hose or

pressure washer. Allow the bag to dry completely before storage.

Drying

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

Place the mower with its wheels on a level surface. Start the engine
outdoors and let it run until it reaches normal operating temperature to
evaporate any water remaining on the engine.

Engage the Roto-Stop several times to expel any residual water from

the mechanism.
Stop the engine and allow it to cool.
After the lawn mower is clean and dry, touch up any damaged paint,

and coat other areas that may rust with a light film of oil.

Oil

Change the engine oil (

page 13

) if planned storage is 3 months or

longer or when storing in a high humidity environment.
Add oil in the engine cylinder to prevent corrosion.

1. Remove the spark plug

(

page 14

2. Pour a teaspoon (5 cc) of clean

engine oil into the cylinder to

keep it from rusting.

3. Pull the starter rope several

times to distribute the oil in the

cylinder.

4. Reinstall the spark plug.
5. Pull the starter rope slowly until

resistance is felt, and then

return the starter grip gently.

This will close the valves so

moisture cannot enter the engine cylinder.

Storage Location

If your mower will be stored with gasoline in the fuel tank and
carburetor, it is important to reduce the hazard of gasoline vapor
ignition. Select a well-ventilated dry 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.

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.

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.

Handlebar

Remove the grass bag if installed. You can place it on top of the

engine with the bag opening to the front.

1. Turn the handlebar adjust knobs 90 degrees to unlock the locating

pins