Oil Alert ® System; Servicing Your Engine; The Importance Of Maintenance; Maintenance Safety - Honda GS160 Owner's Manual

Stopping the Engine
Move the ignition switch lever
(red) to the OFF [7] position.
TYPE 3: FIXED THROTTLE / ENGINE STOP SWITCH /
MANUAL CHOKE
Starting a Cold Engine
1. Pull the choke rod [1] to the
CLOSED [2] position.
2. Move the engine stop switch
[4] to the ON [5] position.
Some engine applications
use a remotely-mounted
ignition switch rather than
the engine-mounted engine
stop switch shown here.
3. Pull the starter grip [7] lightly
until resistance is felt, then pull
briskly.
NOTICE
Do not allow the starter grip to
snap back against the engine.
Return it gently to prevent
damage to the starter.
4. If the choke rod [1] was pulled
to the CLOSED [2] position to
start the engine, push it to the OPEN [3] position as soon as the
engine warms up enough to run smoothly.
5. The engine speed is preset on this type.
Starting a Warm Engine
If the engine has run out of fuel, pull the choke rod to the CLOSED [2]
position after refueling. If the engine has not run out of fuel, leave the
choke rod in the OPEN [3] position.
1. Pull the starter grip [7] lightly until you feel resistance, then pull
briskly.
2. If the choke rod [1] was pulled to the CLOSED [2] position to start,
push it to the OPEN [3] position as soon as the engine starts.
Stopping the Engine
Move the engine stop switch to the OFF [6] position.
4
[1]
[3]
[2]
[5]
[6]
[4]
[7]
®
OIL ALERT SYSTEM
The Oil Alert system is designed to prevent engine damage caused
by an insufficient amount of oil in the crankcase. Before the oil level in
the crankcase can fall below a safe limit, the Oil Alert system will
automatically stop the engine [the throttle lever (ignition switch lever)
will remain in a run position].
If the engine stops and will not restart, check the engine oil level
(page 5) before troubleshooting in other areas.
[7]

SERVICING YOUR ENGINE

THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTENANCE

Good maintenance is essential for safe, economical and trouble-free
operation. It will also help reduce pollution.
Improper maintenance, or failure to correct a problem
before operation, can cause a malfunction in which you
can be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the inspection and maintenance
recommendations and schedules in this owner's manual.
To help you properly care for your engine, the following pages include
a maintenance schedule, routine inspection procedures, and simple
maintenance procedures using basic hand tools. Other service tasks
that are more difficult, or require special tools, are best handled by
professionals and are normally performed by a Honda technician or
other qualified mechanic.
The maintenance schedule applies to normal operating conditions. If
you operate your engine under severe conditions, such as sustained
high-load or high-temperature operation, or use in unusually wet or
dusty conditions, consult your servicing dealer for recommendations
applicable to your individual needs and use.

MAINTENANCE SAFETY

Some of the most important safety precautions follow. However, we
cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in
performing maintenance. Only you can decide whether or not you
should perform a given task.
Failure to properly follow maintenance instructions and
precautions can cause you to be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures and precautions in this
owner's manual.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

• Make sure the engine is off before you begin any maintenance or
repairs. This will eliminate several potential hazards:
– Carbon monoxide poisoning from engine exhaust.
Be sure there is adequate ventilation whenever you operate
the engine.
– Burns from hot parts.
Let the engine and exhaust system cool before touching.
– Injury from moving parts.
Do not run the engine unless instructed to do so.
• Read the instructions before you begin, and make sure you have
the tools and skills required.
 WARNING
 WARNING
E