Maintenance Schedule; Refueling; Engine Oil - Honda GCV160 Owner's Manual

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Perform at every indicated month/year or operating hour interval,
(1)
whichever comes first.
Regular
Service Period
Before each Check: Engine oil level
use Check: Air filter
First month Change: Engine oil
or 5 hours
Every 3 months Clean: Air filter
or 25 hours
Every 6 months Change: Engine oil
or 50 hours Clean: Air filter
Check: Flywheel brake pad
(if equipped)
Every year 6 month items plus:
or 100 hours Check-adjust: Spark plug
Clean: Spark arrester (if equipped)
Check: Blade brake clutch
(if equipped)
Check-adjust: Idle speed
Clean: Fuel tank and filter
Check-adjust: Valve clearance
Every 2 years Yearly items plus:
or 200 hours Replace: Air filter
Replace: Spark plug
Every 2 years Check: Fuel lines (replace if necessary)
(1) For commercial use, log hours of operation to determine proper
maintenance intervals.
(2) Service more frequently when used in dusty areas.
(3) Change engine oil every 25 hours when used under heavy load or in high
ambient temperatures.
(4) These items should be serviced by an authorized Honda servicing dealer,
unless you have the proper tools and are mechanically proficient. Refer
to the Honda shop manual for service procedures.
(5) See your equipment manual or Honda engine shop manual.
Failure to follow this maintenance schedule could result in
non-warrantable failures.

REFUELING

This engine is certified to operate on unleaded gasoline with a pump
octane rating of 86 or higher.
We recommend refueling after each use to minimize the air present in
the fuel tank.
Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped. If the engine
has been running, allow it to cool first. Never refuel the engine inside
a building where gasoline fumes may reach flames or sparks.
You may use regular unleaded gasoline containing no more than 10%
ethanol (E10) or 5% methanol by volume. In addition, methanol must
contain cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors. Use of fuels with content
of ethanol or methanol greater than shown above may cause starting
and/or performance problems. It may also damage metal, rubber, and
plastic parts of the fuel system. In addition, ethanol is hygroscopic,
which means it attracts and retains water in the fuel system. Engine
damage or performance problems that result from using a fuel with
percentages of ethanol or methanol greater than shown above are not
covered by warranty.
Item Page
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(2)
page 8
(3)
page 7
(2)
page 8
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page 8
page 9
(5)
(4)
(4)
(4)
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(4)
If your equipment will be used on an infrequent or intermittent basis
(more than 4 weeks between usage), refer to the Fuel section of the
STORAGE chapter (page 9) for additional information regarding fuel
deterioration.
Never use stale or contaminated gasoline or oil/gasoline mixture.
Avoid getting dirt or water in the fuel tank.
 WARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive, and you can be
burned or seriously injured when refueling.
• Stop engine and keep heat, sparks, and flame away.
• Refuel only outdoors.
• Wipe up spills immediately.
Adding Fuel
See Figure 1, page 3.
1. Remove the fuel tank cap.
2. Add fuel to the bottom of the fuel level gauge [1] in the neck of the
fuel tank. Do not overfill. Wipe up spilled fuel before starting the
engine.
3. Install the fuel tank cap and tighten it until it clicks.
Move at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from the fueling source and
site before starting the engine.
NOTICE
Fuel can damage paint and some types of plastic. Be careful not to
spill fuel when filling your fuel tank. Damage caused by spilled fuel is
not covered under your Distributor's Limited Warranty.
Fuel Storage Container
Store your gasoline in a clean, plastic, sealed container designed for
fuel storage. Close the vent (if equipped) when not in use, and store
the container away from direct sunlight. If it takes more than 3 months
to use the fuel in the container, we suggest adding a fuel stabilizer to
the fuel when you fill the container. If you have some fuel left in the
storage container at the end of the season, the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) suggests adding the gasoline to your
vehicle's gas tank (http://epa.gov/reg5oair/mobile/winter.html).

ENGINE OIL

Oil is a major factor affecting performance and service life. Use
4-stroke automotive detergent oil. Always change the oil in
accordance with the maintenance schedule
Recommended Oil
See Figure 2, page 3.
Use 4-stroke motor oil that meets or exceeds the requirements for API
service category SJ or later. Always check the API service label on
the oil container to be sure it includes the letters SJ or later.
SAE 10W-30 is recommended for general use. Other viscosities
shown in the chart may be used when the average temperature in
your area is within the indicated range.
(page 7).
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