Table Of Contents; Safety Messages; Safety Information; Before Operation Checks - Honda GCV170 Owner's Manual

INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing a Honda engine! We want to help you get
the best results from your new engine and to operate it safely. This
manual contains information on how to do that; please read it carefully
before operating the engine. If a problem should arise, or
if you have any questions about your engine, consult an authorized
Honda servicing dealer.
All information in this publication is based on the latest product
information available at the time of printing. American Honda Motor
Co., Inc. reserves the right to make changes at any time without
notice and without incurring any obligation. No part of this publication
may be reproduced without written permission.
This manual should be considered a permanent part of the engine
and should remain with the engine if resold.
We suggest you read the warranty policy to fully understand its
coverage and your responsibilities of ownership.
Review the instructions provided with the equipment powered by this
engine for any additional information regarding engine startup,
shutdown, operation, adjustments or any special maintenance
instructions.
CONTENTS
SAFETY MESSAGES......................
SAFETY INFORMATION.................
BEFORE OPERATION
CHECKS...........................................
OPERATION ....................................
SAFE OPERATING
PRECAUTIONS ...........................
STARTING/STOPPING THE
ENGINE........................................
SERVICING YOUR ENGINE...........
THE IMPORTANCE OF
MAINTENANCE ...........................
MAINTENANCE SAFETY ...........
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS............
MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULE..................................
REFUELING.................................
ENGINE OIL...............................
AIR CLEANER ...........................
SPARK PLUG ............................
SPARK ARRESTER ..................

SAFETY MESSAGES

Your safety and the safety of others are very important. We have
provided important safety messages in this manual and on the
engine. Please read these messages carefully.
A safety message alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you
or others. Each safety message is preceded by a safety alert symbol
and one of three words, DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.
These signal words mean:
Each message tells you what the hazard is, what can happen, and
what you can do to avoid or reduce injury.
7
7 STORING YOUR
ENGINE...........................................11
7 TRANSPORTING ..........................
8 TAKING CARE OF
UNEXPECTED
8 PROBLEMS ...................................
TECHNICAL
8 INFORMATION..............................
9 CONSUMER
INFORMATION..............................
9 AVOIDING FUEL-RELATED
PROBLEMS ...................................
9
DISTRIBUTOR'S LIMITED
9
WARRANTY...................................
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
9
WARRANTY...................................
9
10
10
10
11
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY
HURT if you don't follow instructions.
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY
HURT if you don't follow instructions.
You CAN be HURT if you don't follow
instructions.
DAMAGE PREVENTION MESSAGES
You will also see other important messages that are preceded by the
word NOTICE.
This word means:
Your engine, other property, or the environment
NOTICE
can be damaged if you don't follow instructions.
The purpose of these messages is to help prevent damage to your
engine, other property, or the environment.

SAFETY INFORMATION

• Understand the operation of all controls and learn how to stop the
engine quickly in case of emergency. Make sure the operator
receives adequate instruction before operating the equipment.
• Do not allow children to operate the engine. Keep children and pets
away from the area of operation.
• Your engine's exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide.
Do not run the engine without adequate ventilation, and never run
the engine indoors.
• The engine and exhaust become very hot during operation.
Keep the engine at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from buildings and
other equipment during operation. Keep flammable materials away,
and do not place anything on the engine while it is running.
SAFETY LABEL LOCATION
This label warns you of potential hazards that can cause serious
injury. Read it carefully. (See
12
If the label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact your Honda
servicing dealer for replacement.
12
COMPONENT & CONTROL LOCATIONS
See page 1.
12

BEFORE OPERATION CHECKS

14
IS YOUR ENGINE READY TO GO?
15
For your safety, to ensure compliance with environmental regulations,
and to maximize the service life of your equipment, it is very important
16
to take a few moments before you operate the engine to check its
18
condition. Be sure to take care of any problem you find, or have your
servicing dealer correct it, before you operate the engine.
Improperly maintaining this engine, or failing to correct a problem
before operation, could cause a malfunction.
Some malfunctions can seriously hurt or kill you.
Always perform a pre-operation inspection before each operation,
and correct any problem.
Before beginning your pre-operation checks, be sure the engine is
level and the flywheel brake lever, throttle lever, or engine stop switch
is in the STOP or OFF position.
Always check the following items before you start the engine:
1. Fuel level (page 10).
2. Oil level (page 10).
3. Air cleaner (page 10).
4. General inspection: Check for fluid leaks and loose or damaged
parts.
5. Check the equipment powered by this engine.
Review the instructions provided with the equipment powered by
this engine for any precautions and procedures that should be
followed before engine startup.
page 1.)
 WARNING
7