8
DRAINING THE FUEL TANK AND CARBURETOR
1. Use a siphon pump (commercially available) and siphon the fuel
out of the fuel tank into an approved gasoline container.
2. Place an approved gasoline container below the carburetor, and
use a funnel to avoid spilling fuel.
3. Loosen the carburetor drain screw. and drain the carburetor into an
approved gasoline container. After draining is completed, tighten
the carburetor drain screw.
Engine Oil
1. Change the engine oil (see
2. Remove the spark plug (see
3. Pour a tablespoon (5 - 10 cc)
of clean engine oil into the
cylinder.
4. Pull the recoil starter several
times to distribute the oil.
5. Reinstall the spark plug.
Storage Precautions
If your engine 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 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.
If possible, avoid storage areas with high humidity, because that
promotes rust and corrosion.
Keep the engine level in storage. Tilting can cause fuel or oil leakage.
With the engine and exhaust system cool, cover the engine 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 engine, promoting rust and corrosion.
Removal From Storage
Check your engine as described in the
BEFORE OPERATION
CHECKS
section of this manual (see page 2).
If the fuel was drained during storage preparation, fill the tank with
fresh gasoline. If you keep a container of gasoline for refueling, be
sure it contains only fresh gasoline. Gasoline oxidizes and deteriorates
over time, causing hard starting.
If the cylinder was coated with oil during storage preparation, the
engine will smoke briefly at startup. This is normal.
TRANSPORTING
Keep the engine level when transporting to reduce the possibility of
fuel leakage.
TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS
WARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive, and you can
be burned or seriously injured when handling fuel.
• Stop engine and keep heat, sparks, and flame away.
• Refuel only outdoors.
• Wipe up spills immediately.
SIPHON PUMP
(COMMERCIALLY
AVAILABLE)
FLOAT BOWL
DRAIN SCREW
ENGINE WILL NOT
START
Possible Cause
Correction
1. Check control positions
Choke open.
Pull the choke to the
CLOSED position unless
the engine is warm.
Ignition switch OFF.
• Move the throttle lever to
the SLOW or FAST
position (p.3).
• Move the ignition switch
lever to the ON position
(p. 3).
• Move the engine stop
switch to the ON position
(p. 4).
2. Check engine oil level.
Engine oil level low (Oil Alert
models).
Fill with the recommended
oil to the proper level (p. 5).
3. Check fuel.
Out of fuel.
Refuel.
Bad fuel; engine stored
without treating or draining
gasoline, of refueled with bad
gasoline.
Drain the fuel tank and
carburetor (p. 8). Refuel
with fresh gasoline.
4. Remove and inspect
spark plug.
Spark plug faulty, fouled, or
improperly gapped.
Replace the spark plug
(p. 6).
Spark plug wet with fuel
(flooded engine).
Dry and reinstall spark
plug. Start engine with
throttle lever in FAST
position (choke in OPEN
position).
5. Take engine to an
authorized Honda
servicing dealer, or refer
to shop manual.
Fuel filter clogged, carburetor
malfunction, ignition
malfunction, valves stuck,
etc.
Replace or repair faulty
components as necessary.
ENGINE LACKS
POWER
Possible Cause
Correction
1. Check air filter
Filter clogged.
Clean or replace the filter
(p. 6).
2. Check fuel.
Bad fuel; engine stored
without treating or draining
gasoline, of refueled with bad
gasoline.
Drain the fuel tank and
carburetor (p. 8). Refuel
with fresh gasoline.
3. Take engine to an
authorized Honda
servicing dealer, or refer
to shop manual.
Fuel filter clogged, carburetor
malfunction, ignition
malfunction, valves stuck,
etc.
Replace or repair faulty
components as necessary.
