Honda GXV390 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 cause seriously injuries or death.
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 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'' buzzer (applicable types) will warn you when engine
oil needs to be added to the crankcase. If the buzzer sounds, stop the
engine and add oil.
3. Check the air filter element (see page 10). A dirty air filter element will
restrict air flow to the carburetor, reducing engine performance.
4. 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 the engine in a closed, or even partly closed area.
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.
Control Lever
The control lever operates the engine switch, throttle, and choke.
OFF Stop the engine by switching off the ignition system. All
other control lever positions leave the ignition system
switched on.
MIN. For running the engine at idle speed.
MAX. For restarting a warm engine, and for running the engine at
maximum speed.
CHOKE Enriches the fuel mixture for starting a cold engine.
The control lever shown here will be connected to a remote control on
the equipment powered by this engine. Refer to the instructions
provided with that equipment for remote control information.
ENGLISH
CHOKE
MAX.
MIN.
OFF
CONTROL LEVER