Spark Arrester; Storing Your Engine - Honda GCV170 Owner's Manual

The required spark plug is the correct heat range for normal engine
operating temperatures.
NOTICE
Incorrect spark plugs can cause engine damage.
For good performance, the spark plug must be properly gapped and
free of deposits.
1. Disconnect the cap from the spark plug, and remove any dirt from
the spark plug area.
2. Use the proper size spark plug wrench [1] to remove the spark
plug.
3. Inspect the spark plug. Replace it if damaged, badly fouled, if the
sealing washer [2] is in poor condition, or if the electrode is worn.
4. Measure the electrode gap with a suitable gauge. The correct gap
is 0.028 ~ 0.030 in (0.70 ~ 0.80 mm). If adjustment is needed,
correct the gap by carefully bending the side electrode.
5. Install the spark plug carefully, by hand, to avoid cross-threading.
6. After the spark plug is seated, tighten with the proper size spark
plug wrench to compress the washer.
When installing a new spark plug, tighten 1/2 turn after the spark
plug seats to compress the washer.
When reinstalling the original spark plug, tighten 1/8 ~ 1/4 turn
after the spark plug seats to compress the washer.
NOTICE
Properly tighten the spark plug. A loose spark plug can become
very hot and can damage the engine. Overtightening the spark
plug can damage the threads in the cylinder head.
7. Attach the spark plug cap to the spark plug.
FLYWHEEL BRAKE INSPECTION
See Figure 12, page 4.
Release the flywheel brake lever and confirm the engine quickly
stops.
Check the flywheel brake lever clearance. If it is less than 2 mm
(0.08 in), take the engine to an authorized Honda dealer.
SPARK ARRESTER (if equipped)
See Figure 17, page 6.
The spark arrester may be standard or an optional part, depending on
the engine type. In some areas, it is illegal to operate an engine
without a spark arrester. Check local laws and regulations. A spark
arrester is available from authorized Honda servicing dealers.
The spark arrester must be serviced every 100 hours to keep it
functioning as designed.
If the engine has been running, the muffler will be hot. Allow it to cool
before servicing the spark arrester.
Removal
1. Remove the three 6 mm bolts [1] from the muffler protector [2], and
remove the muffler protector.
2. Remove the special screw [3] from the spark arrester [4], and
remove the spark arrester from the muffler [5].
Cleaning & Inspection
1. Use a brush to remove carbon deposits from the spark arrester
screen. Be careful not to damage the screen. Replace the spark
arrester if it has breaks or holes.
2. Install the spark arrester in the reverse order of removal.

STORING YOUR ENGINE

STORAGE PREPARATION
Proper storage preparation is essential for keeping your engine
trouble-free and looking good. The following steps will help to keep
rust and corrosion from impairing your engine's function and
appearance, and will make the engine easier to start when you use it
again.
Cleaning
If the engine has been running, allow it to cool for at least half an hour
before cleaning. Clean all exterior surfaces, touch up any damaged
paint, and coat other areas that may rust with a light film of oil.
NOTICE
Using a garden hose or pressure washing equipment can force water
into the air cleaner or muffler opening. Water in the air cleaner will
soak the air filter, and water that passes through the air filter or muffler
can enter the cylinder, causing damage.
Fuel
See "AVOIDING FUEL-RELATED PROBLEMS" on
of recommended procedures to avoid fuel related problems.
The DISTRIBUTOR'S LIMITED WARRANTY
cover fuel system damage or engine performance problems resulting
from neglected storage preparation
Engine Oil
1. Change the engine oil (see
2. Remove the spark plug (see
3. Pour 1 - 2 teaspoons (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, 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.
If there is gasoline in the fuel tank, leave the fuel valve in the OFF
position.
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
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.
page 15
(page 14) does not
page 10).
page 10).
page 7).
for a list
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