Fuel System Maintenance; Avoiding Fuel-Related Problems - Honda HRR216VLA Owner's Manual

When properly maintained, your Honda lawn mower 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 gasoline are not covered by the DISTRIBUTOR'S LIMITED WARRANTY
Follow These Precautions to Prevent Most Fuel-Related Problems
During the Normal Mowing Season
Do not use gasoline containing more than 10% ethanol (E10).
Not all automotive gasoline is safe to use in your power product.
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.
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 container when you fill it.
Keep your lawn mower's fuel tank full of fresh fuel when not in
use. Turn the fuel valve OFF.
3 to 4 Weeks Before Next Use
Keep your lawn mower's fuel tank full of fresh fuel when not in
use. Turn the fuel valve OFF.
With the fuel valve OFF, start the engine and let it run
approximately 3 minutes until the carburetor is empty and the
engine stops.
1 to 3 Months Before Next Use
If you did not add fuel stabilizer to your fuel storage container
when you filled it up, fill your lawn mower's fuel tank with fresh
gasoline.
Add fuel stabilizer to the lawn mower's fuel tank according to the
stabilizer manufacturer's instructions.
Turn the fuel valve OFF, start the engine, and let it run
approximately 3 minutes until the carburetor is empty and the
engine stops.
More Than 3 Months Before Next Use
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 lawn mower's fuel tank
for more than 3 months (about 90 days) of inactivity.
If you have fuel left in your storage container at the end of the operating season, recycle the fuel into your car's fuel tank and dispose
of it. We recommend Pro Honda Fuel Stabilizer, that has improved formulation with added corrosion protection (page 18)

AVOIDING FUEL-RELATED PROBLEMS

Higher levels of ethanol in gasoline attract water, and can
corrode or damage the fuel system and cause performance
problems.
A plastic container eliminates the risk of rust and metallic
contaminants from a metal container entering the fuel system.
Gasoline will deteriorate faster when exposed to air and sunlight.
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.
If the fuel tank is only partially filled, air in the tank will promote
fuel deterioration.
If the fuel tank is only partially filled, air in the tank will promote
fuel deterioration.
The small amount of gasoline in your engine's carburetor will
deteriorate faster than the fuel in the fuel tank due to its small
volume and heat from the engine.
If the fuel tank is only partially filled, air in the tank will promote
fuel deterioration.
Fuel stabilizer will extend the life of gasoline, but it will not
reconstitute stale gasoline.
The small amount of gasoline in your engine's carburetor will
deteriorate faster than the fuel in the fuel tank due to its small
volume and heat from the engine.
All fuel stabilizers have a shelf life. It is good practice to empty
the fuel system for long term inactivity.
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