Flywheel Brake Inspection; Spark Arrester; Helpful Tips & Suggestions; Storing Your Engine - Honda GCV160 Owner's Manual

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.
7. When installing a new spark plug, tighten 1/2 turn after the spark
plug seats to compress the washer.
8. 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.
9. Attach the spark plug cap to the spark plug.

FLYWHEEL BRAKE INSPECTION

1. Remove the three flange
nuts from the recoil starter,
and remove the recoil
starter from the engine.
2. Remove the fuel tank from
the engine without
disconnecting the fuel
tube. If the fuel tank
contains fuel, keep it level
as you remove it and set it
beside the engine in a level
position.
3. Check the brake shoe
thickness. If it is less than
0.12 in (3 mm), take the
engine to your authorized
Honda servicing dealer.
4. Install the fuel tank and
recoil starter, and tighten
the three nuts securely.
FLANGE NUTS (3)
RECOIL
STARTER
FUEL TANK
SPACER (3)
BRAKE SHOE
THICKNESS
BRAKE SHOE
SPARK ARRESTER (optional equipment)
In some areas, it is illegal to operate an engine without a USDA
(United States Department of Agriculture)-qualified spark arrester.
Check local laws and regulations. A USDA-qualified spark arrester is
available from an authorized Honda servicing dealer.
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.
Spark Arrester Removal
1. Remove the three 6 mm
bolts from the muffler
protector, and remove
the muffler protector.
2. Remove the two special
screws from the spark
arrester, and remove the
spark arrester from the
muffler.
Spark Arrester 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.
HELPFUL TIPS & SUGGESTIONS

STORING YOUR ENGINE

Storage Preparation
Proper storage preparation is essential for keeping your engine
FUEL
TUBE
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
Gasoline will oxidize and deteriorate in storage. Deteriorated gasoline
will cause hard starting, and it leaves gum deposits that clog the fuel
system. If the gasoline in your engine deteriorates during storage, you
may need to have the carburetor, and other fuel system components,
serviced or replaced.
The length of time that gasoline can be left in your fuel tank and
carburetor without causing functional problems will vary with such
factors as gasoline blend, your storage temperatures, and whether the
fuel tank is partially or completely filled. The air in a partially filled fuel
tank promotes fuel deterioration. Very warm storage temperatures
accelerate fuel deterioration. Fuel problems may occur within a few
months, or even less if the gasoline was not fresh when you filled the
fuel tank.
7

SPARK ARRESTER

MUFFLER
PROTECTOR
6 mm BOLT (3)
MUFFLER
SPECIAL
SCREW (2)