Honda IGX700 Owner's Manual page 11

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.
Fuel
Depending on the region where you operate your equipment, fuel
formulations may deteriorate and oxidize rapidly. Fuel deterioration
and oxidation can occur in as little as 30 days and may cause
damage to the FI system. Please check with your servicing dealer
for local storage recommendations.
Gasoline will oxidize and deteriorate in storage. Deteriorated
gasoline will cause hard starting, and it leaves gum deposits that
clog the FI system. If the gasoline in your engine deteriorates
during storage, you may need to have the FI system components
serviced or replaced.
The length of time that gasoline can be left in your fuel tank
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 deterioration
problems may occur within a few months, or even less if the
gasoline was not fresh when you filled the fuel tank.
FI system damage or engine performance problems resulting from
neglected storage preparation are not covered under the
Distributor's Limited Warranty.
You can extend fuel storage life by adding a gasoline stabilizer
that is formulated for that purpose, or you can avoid fuel
deterioration problems by draining the fuel tank.
Adding a Gasoline Stabilizer to Extend Fuel Storage Life
When adding a gasoline stabilizer, fill the fuel tank with fresh
gasoline. If only partially filled, air in the tank will promote fuel
deterioration during storage. If you keep a container of gasoline
for refueling, be sure that it contains only fresh gasoline.
1. Add gasoline stabilizer following the manufacturer's
instructions.
2. After adding a gasoline stabilizer, run the engine outdoors.
3. Stop the engine, and if the fuel tank is equipped with a fuel
valve, move the fuel valve to the CLOSED or OFF position.
Draining the Fuel Tank
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive.
You can be burned or seriously injured when handling
fuel.
• Stop the engine and let it cool before handling fuel.
• Keep heat, sparks, and flame away.
• Handle fuel only outdoors.
• Keep away from your vehicle.
• Wipe up spills immediately.
1. Disconnect the fuel line to the engine, and drain the fuel tank
into an approved gasoline container. If the fuel tank is
equipped with a valve, turn the fuel valve to the OPEN or ON
position to enable draining. After draining is completed,
reconnect the fuel line.
2. To drain the FI system completely, start the engine (see page
5) and allow the engine to run until it stops.
3. When the engine stops, turn the engine switch to the OFF
position.
Leaving the engine switch at the ON position will drain the
battery.
4. If the fuel tank is equipped with a valve, turn the fuel valve to
the CLOSED or OFF position.
Engine Oil
1. Change the engine oil (see page 8).
2. Remove the spark plugs (see page 10).
3
3. Pour 5–10 cm (5–10 cc, 1–2 teaspoons) of clean engine oil
into each cylinder.
4. Turn the engine for a few seconds by turning the engine
switch to the START position to distribute the oil in the
cylinders.
5. Reinstall the spark plugs.
ENGLISH
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