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Cleaning
Mower Deck
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
Wash the engine by hand, and 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.
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.
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.
Removing From Storage
Check your mower as described in "BEFORE EACH OPERATION" on
page
6.
If the cylinder was coated with oil during storage preparation, the
engine may smoke briefly at startup.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Engine Will Not Start
Possible Cause
Flywheel brake lever not engaged
Mower deck clogged with grass
Fuel valve OFF
Out of fuel
Throttle lever in the wrong position
Bad fuel; mower stored without
treating gasoline, or refueled with
bad gasoline
Spark plug faulty, fouled, or
improperly gapped
Spark plug wet with fuel (flooded
engine)
Fuel filter clogged, carburetor
malfunction, ignition malfunction,
valves stuck, etc.
Loss of Power
Possible Cause
Throttle not set to FAST
Grass is too tall
Mower deck is clogged
Air filter is clogged
Bad fuel; mower stored without
treating gasoline, or refueled with
bad gasoline
Fuel filter clogged, carburetor
malfunction, ignition malfunction,
valves stuck, etc.
Correction
Engage flywheel brake lever
Clean out mower deck
Turn the fuel valve ON
(page
3).
Refuel
(page
8).
Move the throttle lever to the
CHOKE position, unless the
engine is warm
(page
9).
Refuel with fresh gasoline
(page
8).
Gap or replace the spark plug
(page
14).
Dry and reinstall the spark
plug.
Take the mower to an
authorized Honda servicing
dealer for repair.
Correction
Move the throttle lever to
FAST
(page
9).
Raise the cutting height
(page
7), cut a narrower
swath, use a slower ground
speed, or cut more frequently.
Instead of mulching, try rear
discharging or bagging.
Clean out the mower deck
(page
17).
Clean or replace the air filter
(page
14).
Refuel with fresh gasoline
(page
8).
Take the mower to an
authorized Honda servicing
dealer for repair.
17
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