Honda GX240 Owner's Manual page 4

BEFORE OPERATION CHECKS
IS YOUR ENGINE READY TO GO?
For your safety, to ensure compliance with environmental
regulations, and to maximize the service life of your equipment, it is
very important to take a few moments before you operate the
engine to check its condition. Be sure to take care of any problem
you find, or have your servicing dealer correct it, before you
operate the engine.
Failure to properly maintain this engine, or failing to
correct a problem before operation, could result in a
significant malfunction.
Some malfunctions can seriously hurt or kill you.
Always perform a pre-operation inspection before
each operation and correct any problems.
Before beginning your pre-operation checks, be sure the engine is
level and the engine switch is in the OFF position.
Always check the following items before you start the engine:
Check the General Condition of the Engine
1. Look around and underneath the engine for signs of oil or
gasoline leaks.
2. Remove any excessive dirt or debris, especially around the
muffler and recoil starter.
3. Look for signs of damage.
4. Check that all shields and covers are in place, and all nuts,
bolts, and screws are tightened.
Check the Engine
1. Check the fuel level (see page 8). Starting with a full tank will
help to eliminate or reduce operating interruptions for refueling.
2. Check the engine oil level (see page 9). Running the engine with
a low oil level can cause engine damage.
The Oil Alert system (applicable types) will automatically stop
the engine before the oil level falls below safe limits. However,
to avoid the inconvenience of an unexpected shutdown, always
check the engine oil level before startup.
3. Check the reduction case oil level on applicable types (see page
9). Oil is essential to reduction case operation and long life.
4. Check the air filter element (see page 10). A dirty air filter
element will restrict air flow to the carburetor, reducing engine
performance.
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.
4
OPERATION
SAFE OPERATING PRECAUTIONS
Before operating the engine for the first time, please review the
SAFETY INFORMATION section on page 2 and the BEFORE
OPERATION CHECKS on page 4.
Carbon Monoxide Hazards
For your safety, do not operate the engine in an enclosed area such
as a garage. Your engine's exhaust contains poisonous carbon
monoxide gas that can collect rapidly in an enclosed area and
cause illness or death.
Exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide gas
that can build up to dangerous levels in closed areas.
Breathing carbon monoxide can cause
unconsciousness or death.
Never run this engine in a closed, or even partly
closed area where people may be present.
Review the instructions provided with the equipment powered by
this engine for any safety precautions that should be observed with
engine startup, shutdown or operation.
Do not operate the engine on slopes greater than 20° (36%).
STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Move the fuel valve lever to the ON position.
ON
2. To start a cold engine, move the choke lever or choke rod
(applicable types) to the CLOSED position.
C C C L L L O O O S S S E E E D D D
ENGLISH
FUEL VALVE LEVER
O O N N
OFF
CHOKE LEVER
O O O P P P E E E N N N
CLOSED
CHOKE ROD (applicable types)
O O O P P P E E E N N N
C C C L L L O O O S S S E E E D D D