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AVOIDING FUEL-RELATED PROBLEMS
When maintained properly, your Honda snow blower should provide years of trouble-free operation. This includes the fuel system.
However, gasoline can quickly deteriorate (in as little as 30 days), 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
Follow These Precautions to Prevent Most Fuel-Related Problems
During the Normal Operating Season
Reason
Do not use gasoline containing more than 10% ethanol (E10).
Not all automotive gasoline is safe to use in your snow blower.
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 1 to 2 months (about
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.
Keep your snow blower’s fuel tank full of fresh fuel when not in
use. Turn the fuel valve OFF.
If the fuel tank is only partially filled, air in the tank will promote
fuel deterioration.
3 to 4 Weeks Before Next Use
Reason
Keep your snow blower’s fuel tank full of fresh fuel when not in
use. Turn the fuel valve OFF.
If the fuel tank is only partially filled, air in the tank will promote
fuel deterioration.
Turn the fuel valve to the OFF position, start the engine and let it
run approximately 3 minutes until the carburetor is empty and the
engine stops.
The small amount of gasoline in your engines 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 snow blower’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 snow blower 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.
Turn the fuel valve to the OFF position, start the engine, and let it
run approximately 3 minutes until the carburetor is empty and the
engine stops.
The small amount of gasoline in your snow blower’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
Drain the fuel following the procedure on
. Or 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 snow blower for more than 3 months
(about 90 days) 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 improved formulation with added corrosion protection (
).
