Spark Plug; Spark Arrester; Helpful Tips & Suggestions; Storing Your Engine - Honda GCV145 Owner's Manual

Cleaning
See Figure 13, page A-4.
1. Remove the air cleaner cover by unhooking the two upper tabs
on the top of the air cleaner cover and the two lower tabs.
2. Remove the element. Carefully check the element for holes or
tears and replace if damaged.
3. Tap the element lightly several times on a hard surface to
remove excess dirt, or blow compressed air 29 psi (200 kPa)
through the filter from the inside out. Never try to brush the dirt
off; brushing will force dirt into the fibers. Replace the element
if it is excessively dirty.
4. Wipe dirt from the inside of the air cleaner case and cover using
a moist rag. Be careful to prevent dirt from entering the air duct
that leads to the carburetor.
5. Install the element and the air cleaner cover.
FLYWHEEL BRAKE Inspection (applicable types)
Check the flywheel brake lever clearance. If it is less than 2 mm
(0.08 in), take the engine to an authorized Honda dealer.
See Figure 12, page A-3.

SPARK PLUG

See Figure 14, page A-4.
Recommended Spark Plug: BPR5ES (NGK)
The recommended spark plug has the correct heat range for normal
engine operating temperatures.
An incorrect spark plug can cause engine damage.
If the engine has been running, let it cool before servicing the spark
plug.
For good performance, the spark plug must be properly gapped and
free of deposits.
1. Disconnect the spark plug cap, and remove any dirt from
around the spark plug area.
2. Remove the spark plug with the spark plug wrench.
3. Visually inspect the spark plug. Discard the spark plug if there
is apparent wear, or if the insulator is cracked or chipped.
Clean the spark plug with a wire brush if it is to be reused.
4. Measure the spark plug electrode gap with a feeler gauge.
Correct as necessary by bending the side electrode.
The gap should be:
0.7 – 0.8 mm (0.028 0.031 in)
–
5. Check that the spark plug washer is in good condition and
thread the spark plug in by hand to prevent cross-threading.
6. After the spark plug is seated, tighten with the 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 a used spark plug, tighten 1/8–1/4 turn after
the spark plug seats to compress the washer.
TORQUE: 20 N∙m (15 lbf∙ft, 2.0 kgf∙m)
A loose spark plug can overheat and 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.
5
SPARK ARRESTER (applicable types)
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.
Spark Arrester Removal
See Figure 15, page A-4, Figure 16, page A-4 and Figure 17, page
A-5.
1. Remove the screw and spring nut.
2. Remove the fuel tank cap.
3. Remove the top cover by unhooking the four tabs of the top
cover.
4. Remove the muffler protector by removing the three 6 mm
bolts.
5. Remove the spark arrester from the muffler by removing the
screw. (Taking care not to damage the wire mesh.)
Spark Arrester Cleaning & Inspection
See Figure 15, page A-4, Figure 16, page A-4 and Figure 17, page A-5.
Check for carbon deposits around the exhaust port and spark
arrester, and clean if necessary.
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, muffler, top cover and fuel tank cap in
the reverse order of disassembly.
Do not operate the engine when the top cover is
removed.
Do not pull the recoil starter handle when the top
cover is removed.
You may be injured from the rotating parts or burned
by the muffler.
HELPFUL TIPS & SUGGESTIONS

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.
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.
ENGLISH