14
1. Press down on the cover tabs and remove the cover.
2. Remove the filter from the air cleaner housing.
3. Inspect the filter; replace if damaged.
4. Clean the filter by tapping it several times on a hard surface to
remove dirt, or blow compressed air (not exceeding 30 psi
[207 kPa]) through the air filter from the inside. Never try to brush
off dirt; brushing will force dirt into the fibers.
5. Wipe dirt from the inside of the air cleaner housing and cover using
a moist rag. Be careful to prevent dirt from entering the air duct
that leads to the carburetor.
6. Reinstall the filter and cover. Be sure both tabs are fully locked in
place.
Spark Plug
Replace the spark plug every 2 years or after 150 hours of use.
Required Spark Plug:
NGK - BPR5ES
NOTICE
An incorrect spark plug can cause engine damage.
For good performance, the
spark plug must be properly
gapped and free of deposits.
1. Allow the engine to cool,
disconnect the spark plug
cap, and remove any dirt
from around the spark plug
area.
2. Remove the spark plug
with a 13/16 in (21 mm)
spark plug wrench.
3. Inspect the spark plug.
Replace it if the electrodes
are worn, or if the insulator
is cracked or chipped.
4. Measure the spark plug
electrode gap with a suitable
gauge.
Gap:
0.028 ~ 0.031 in
(0.7 ~ 0.8 mm)
Correct the gap, if necessary,
by carefully bending the side
electrode.
5. Install the spark plug
carefully, by hand, to avoid
cross-threading.
6. After the spark plug seats,
tighten with a 13/16 in (21
mm) spark plug wrench to
compress the washer
If reinstalling the old spark plug, tighten 1/8 to 1/4 turn after the
spark plug seats.
If installing a new spark plug, tighten 1/2 turn after the spark plug
seats.
Spark plug torque:
14 ft-lb (20 N·m)
NOTICE
A loose spark plug can overheat and damage the engine.
Overtightening the spark plug can damage the threads in the
cylinder head.
7. Install the spark plug cap on the spark plug.
Spark Arrester (optional part)
The spark arrester must be serviced every 100 hours to keep it
functioning as designed.
Your lawn mower engine is not factory-equipped with a spark arrester.
In some areas, it is illegal to operate an engine without a spark
arrester. Check local laws and regulations. An optional USDA
approved spark arrester is available from an authorized Honda
servicing dealer. See “Parts, Accessories, and Service Items” on
for the part number.
1. Allow the engine to cool.
2. Unclip the two red top cover tabs [6] on the muffler side of the
engine, and then slightly lift the red top cover up to expose the
upper muffler shield bolt.
3. Remove the three bolts [1] from the muffler shield [2] using a
10 mm socket wrench.
4. Remove the muffler shield [2].
5. Remove the set screw [4].
6. Remove the spark arrester [3] from the muffler [5].
7. Check for carbon deposits on the spark arrester and the exhaust
port. Brush carbon deposits away. Be careful to avoid damaging
the spark arrester screen.
8. Install the spark arrester into the muffler.
9. Install the muffler components on the engine, and tighten the three
bolts securely.
Blade Control Check
1. Start the engine outdoors.
2. Release the blade control
lever; the engine should stop
quickly.
If it does not, take your mower
to an authorized Honda
servicing dealer for repair.
AIR CLEANER
HOUSING
FILTER
COVER
COVER
TABS
SPARK
PLUG CAP
SPARK PLUG
0.028 ~ 0.031 in
(0.7 ~ 0.8 mm)
SEALING
WASHER
[4]
[3]
[1]
[2]
[5]
[6]
(red cover shown removed)
BLADE CONTROL LEVER
