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The information and specifications included in this publication were in effect at the time of approval for printing. American Honda Motor Co., Inc. reserves the right, however, to discontinue or change specifications or design at any time without notice and without incurring any obligation whatever.
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When your mower needs scheduled maintenance, keep in mind that an authorized Honda servicing dealer is specially trained in servicing Honda mowers and is supported by the parts and service divisions of American Honda. Your Honda dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction and will be pleased to answer your questions and concerns.
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INTRODUCTION A FEW WORDS ABOUT SAFETY Your safety, and the safety of others, is very important. And using this lawn mower safely is an important responsibility. To help you make informed decisions about safety, we have provided operating procedures and other information on labels and in this manual.
CONTENTS LAWN MOWER SAFETY ....................4 IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ..............4 IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO PARENTS ..............5 IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS ............6 SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS ................7 CONTROLS & FEATURES ..................8 COMPONENT & CONTROL LOCATIONS ............8 BEFORE OPERATION ....................12 ARE YOU READY TO GET STARTED? ............12 IS YOUR LAWN MOWER READY TO GO? ............12 CHECK YOUR WORK AREA ................13 GET THE MOWER READY ................14...
LAWN MOWER SAFETY IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Most accidents with walk-behind mowers can be prevented if you follow all instructions in this manual and on the mower. The most common hazards, according to accident statistics, are discussed below, along with the best way to protect yourself and others. Avoid Rotating Blades Rotating blades can cause serious cuts and even amputate fingers, hands, toes, or feet.
LAWN MOWER SAFETY IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO PARENTS YOUR CHILDREN’S SAFETY IS VERY IMPORTANT to Honda. That’s why we urge you to read this message before letting your child operate this lawn mower. Lawn mowers are tools, not toys. As with any equipment, bad judgments can result in serious injuries.
LAWN MOWER SAFETY IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS As an employer, you have special responsibilities to the people who work for you. Before you ask anyone to operate this mower, you need to determine whether the person is old enough, large enough, and strong enough to safely handle and control the mower.
LAWN MOWER SAFETY SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS These labels warn you of potential hazards that can cause serious injury. Read them carefully. If a label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact an authorized Honda servicing dealer for a replacement. WARNING CAUTION UNDER NORMAL USAGE, THIS BAG MATERIAL Objects thrown by blade can cause serious injury.
CONTROLS & FEATURES COMPONENT & CONTROL LOCATIONS HANDLEBAR DISCHARGE GUARD RECOIL FUEL TANK CAP STARTER GRASS OIL FILLER CAP/ DIPSTICK MUFFLER MOWER DECK...
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CONTROLS & FEATURES FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER THROTTLE LEVER SPARK PLUG CAP REAR CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER FUEL VALVE AIR CLEANER CARBURETOR FRONT CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER...
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CONTROLS & FEATURES Fuel Valve The fuel valve opens and closes the fuel passage from the fuel tank to the carburetor. Throttle Lever The throttle lever controls engine speed and opens and closes the choke. THROTTLE LEVER CHOKE Closes the choke; use when starting a cold engine. FAST For restarting a warm engine and for mowing.
CONTROLS & FEATURES Flywheel Brake Lever This lever is connected to the engine flywheel brake and the engine switch. The engine will not start or run unless this lever is held against the handlebar. FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER Cutting Height Adjustment Levers Each wheel of the mower can be adjusted to one of eight settings.
BEFORE OPERATION ARE YOU READY TO GET STARTED? Your safety is your responsibility. A little time spent in preparation will significantly reduce your risk of injury. Knowledge Read and understand this manual. Know what the controls do and how to operate them. Familiarize yourself with the lawn mower and its operation before you begin using it.
BEFORE OPERATION Check the General Condition of the Lawn Mower • Look around and underneath the lawn mower for signs of oil or gasoline leaks. • Look for signs of damage. • Check each control for proper operation. • Check the blades for wear. Replace as necessary (page 28). •...
BEFORE OPERATION GET THE MOWER READY Grass Bag A lawn mower works like a vacuum cleaner; it blows air through the bag, which traps the grass clippings. Always empty the grass bag before it becomes filled to the limit of its capacity. Bagging performance will diminish after the bag becomes about 90% filled.
BEFORE OPERATION Mulching Plug To mulch the grass clippings SLOT rather than bag them, install the mulching plug. 1. Stop the engine. 2. Raise the discharge guard. 3. Remove the grass bag. 4. Insert the mulching plug into the discharge chute at the back of the mower.
OPERATION MOWING PRECAUTIONS Before operating the mower for the first time, please review IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION (page 4) and the previous chapter, BEFORE OPERATION (page 12). Even if you have operated other mowers, take time to become familiar with how this mower works and practice in a safe area until you build up your skills.
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OPERATION 3. Push forward on the flywheel brake lever and hold it against the handlebar. 4. Pull the starter grip lightly until you feel resistance, then pull briskly. Return the starter grip gently. Keep your hands and feet away from the mower deck at all times when starting and running the engine.
OPERATION OPERATING THE CONTROLS FOR MOWING Throttle Lever THROTTLE LEVER For best cut quality, always mow with the throttle lever in the FAST position. When the blades rotate at the preset fast FAST speed, it creates a strong fan action that lifts and cuts grass more efficiently.
OPERATION STOPPING THE ENGINE 1. Move the throttle lever to the SLOW position. SLOW THROTTLE LEVER 2. Release the flywheel brake lever. FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER 3. When the mower is not in use, turn the fuel valve to the OFF position.
OPERATION SAFE MOWING PRACTICES For your safety, keep all four wheels on the ground, and be careful to avoid losing your footing and your control of the mower. Keep a firm grip on the handlebar, and walk, never run, with the mower. Be very careful when mowing uneven or rough ground.
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OPERATION Obstacles Use the side of the mower to cut close to large obstacles, such as fences or walls. Be careful when mowing over obstacles embedded in the lawn, such as sprinkler heads, paving, edging, raised tree roots, etc. Avoid anything that sticks up above the surface of the lawn.
OPERATION MOWING TIPS When to Mow Most grasses should be mowed when they have grown 1/2 to 1 inch above their recommended height. More frequent mowing is required for mulching than for bagging. For best results, you may need to mow the lawn twice a week during the growing season.
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OPERATION Blade Sharpness A sharp blade cuts cleanly. A dull blade tears the grass, leaving shredded ends that turn brown. When your blades don’t cut cleanly anymore, have them sharpened or replaced. Dry Grass If the ground is too dry, mowing will stir up a lot of dust. Besides being unpleasant to work in, too much dust will clog the air filter.
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OPERATION Mowing Patterns Your Honda mower will work most efficiently if you use the following mowing patterns as much as possible. Mower deck and equipment design, and the direction in which the blade rotates, cause these mowing patterns to give the best results.
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...
Remember that an authorized Honda servicing dealer knows your mower best and is fully equipped to maintain and repair it. To ensure the best quality and reliability, use only new, genuine Honda parts or their equivalents for repair and replacement.
– (1) Service more frequently when used in dusty areas. (2) These items should be serviced by an authorized Honda servicing dealer, unless you have the proper tools and are mechanically proficient. Refer to the Honda shop manual for service procedures.
If the blades are bent or dull, take the lawn mower to an authorized Honda servicing dealer for crankshaft runout inspection. If you have a torque wrench, you can remove and install the blades yourself (page 29).
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Wear heavy gloves to protect your hands. BLADE SHARPENING: To avoid weakening the blades or causing imbalance or poor cutting, the blades should be sharpened by trained staff at an authorized Honda servicing dealer. BLADE REPLACEMENT: Use genuine Honda replacement blades (page 67). Blade Removal 1.
Blade bolt torque: 36 ~ 43 ft-lb; 5.0 ~ 6.0 kg-m (49 ~ 59 N·m) If you do not have a torque wrench, have an authorized Honda servicing dealer tighten the blade bolts before you use the mower.
Wash the bag with a garden hose, and allow it to dry completely before use; a wet bag will clog quickly. Grass Bag Replacement Replace a worn or damaged bag with a Honda replacement bag (page 67). Bag Removal 1. Unclip the plastic edges of the bag from the frame.
The SAE oil viscosity and service classification are in the API label on the oil container. Honda recommends API SERVICE category SJ or later oil with the ILSAC “starburst” certification mark displayed on the container.
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SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER Engine Oil Change Drain the used oil while the engine is warm. Warm oil drains quickly and completely. 1. Turn the fuel valve OFF (page 19). This will reduce the possibility of fuel leakage. 2. Wipe the oil filler area clean, then remove the oil filler cap/dipstick. 3.
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SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER Air Cleaner Service A dirty air filter will restrict air flow to the carburetor, reducing engine performance. If you operate the mower in very dusty areas, clean the air filter more often than specified in the MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE (page 27).
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SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 5. Clean the paper element by tapping it several times on a hard surface to remove dirt, or blow compressed air (not exceeding 30 psi [207 kPa]) through the filter from the clean side that faces the engine.
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SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER Spark Plug Service RECOMMENDED SPARK PLUGS REGULAR RESISTOR* BP6ES BPR6ES DENSO W20EP-U W20EPR-U *Resistor spark plugs reduce interference with radio and TV reception. NOTICE Incorrect spark plugs can cause engine damage. For good performance, the spark plug must be properly gapped and free of deposits.
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SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 5. Install the spark plug carefully, 0.028 ~ 0.031 IN by hand, to avoid (0.7 ~ 0.8 MM) cross-threading. 6. After the spark plug seats, tighten with a 13/16 in (21 mm) SEALING spark plug wrench to compress WASHER the washer.
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An optional 4 x 6 mm SELF- USDA approved spark TAPPING SCREW (2) arrester is available from an authorized Honda servicing dealer. 6 x 12 mm BOLT (3) The spark arrester must be serviced every 100 hours to keep it functioning as designed.
3. Start the engine outdoors. Move the throttle to FAST. Release the flywheel brake lever; the engine should stop quickly. If the flywheel brake did not operate properly with the correct cable adjustment, take the mower to an authorized Honda servicing dealer for repair. 1-3/16 ~ 1-3/8 in...
3. If the choke arm does not move all the way to its stop in either direction, take the mower to an authorized Honda servicing dealer. Throttle cable adjustment involves related control plate adjustments.
SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER FUEL SYSTEM Refueling Fuel tank capacity: 0.29 US gal (1.1 If the fuel level is low, refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped. If the engine has been running, allow it to cool first. Refer to page 42 for fuel recommendations and page 59 for information about oxygenated fuels.
If spark knock or pinging occurs at a steady engine speed, under normal load, change brands of gasoline. If spark knock or pinging persists, see an authorized Honda servicing dealer. NOTICE Running the engine with persistent spark knock or pinging can cause engine damage.
STORAGE STORAGE PREPARATION Proper storage preparation is essential for keeping your lawn mower trouble free and looking good. The following steps will help to keep rust and corrosion from impairing your lawn mower’s function and appearance, and will make the engine easier to start when you use the lawn mower again.
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STORAGE 2. After washing the lawn mower, wipe dry all accessible surfaces. 3. With the mower in an upright position, start the engine outdoors, and let it run until it reaches normal operating temperature to evaporate any water remaining on the engine. 4.
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STORAGE Fuel Gasoline will oxidize and deteriorate in storage. Old gasoline will cause hard starting, and it leaves gum deposits that clog the fuel system. If the gasoline in your mower deteriorates during storage, you may need to have the carburetor and other fuel system components, serviced or replaced.
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STORAGE Draining the Carburetor and Fuel Tank 1. Make sure the fuel valve is OFF (page 19). 2. Place an approved gasoline container below the carburetor and use a funnel to avoid spilling. 3. Remove the carburetor drain bolt with a 10 mm wrench, and drain the fuel from the carburetor bowl into an approved container.
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STORAGE Engine Cylinder Remove the spark plug (page 36). Pour a tablespoon SPARK (5 ~ 10 cc) of clean engine oil PLUG HOLE into the cylinder. Pull the starter rope several times to distribute the oil in the cylinder. Reinstall the spark plug.
STORAGE PLACING IN STORAGE If your mower will be stored with gasoline in the fuel tank and carburetor, it is important to reduce the hazard of gasoline vapor ignition. Select a well-ventilated storage area away from any appliance that operates with a flame, such as a furnace, water heater, or clothes dryer.
TRANSPORTING BEFORE LOADING If the engine has been running, allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before loading the mower on the transport vehicle. A hot engine and exhaust system can burn you and can ignite some materials. 1.
Spark plug wet with fuel (flooded engine) Dry and reinstall spark plug. Start the engine with the throttle in the FAST position. Fuel filter clogged, carburetor malfunction, Take the mower to an authorized Honda ignition malfunction, valves stuck, etc. servicing dealer for repair. Loss of Power...
Tighten loose blades bolts (page 30). unbalanced by improper sharpening If blades are found to be bent or damaged, take the lawn mower to an authorized Honda servicing dealer for crankshaft runout inspection (page 28). Mechanical damage, such as a bent...
SET-UP Loose Parts Use the following included loose parts to set up the lawn mower. Part Quantity Handle support plate Handle support hanger Flange bolt (8 x 40 mm) Self-locking nut (8 mm) Handlebar Setup 1. Slip a handle support RIBS OUT hanger over each end of the handle.
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SET-UP 2. Insert the 8 x 40 mm lower handle bolts and finger tighten them. 3. Insert the 8 x 40 mm 8 mm LOCK upper handle bolts into one of the holes at the desired handle height. Install an 8 mm self-locking nut on the inside of each handle.
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SET-UP 7. From the grass bag side of the handle, LEFT HANDLE insert the stud on the end of the handle support plate STUD through the handle support hanger. HANDLE SUPPORT Make sure the stud HANGER HANDLE goes through both SUPPORT holes in the handle PLATE...
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SET-UP 11. Position cable ties at the locations shown. CABLE TIES 10 in (250 mm) 3 in (75 mm) 12 in (300 mm) 12. Insert the recoil rope through the rope guides. ROPE GUIDES...
SET-UP Engine Oil The mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL in the engine. Add enough SAE 10W-30 API service category SJ or later oil to bring the oil level between the upper and lower limit marks on the dipstick as shown. Do not overfill engine with oil.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION Serial Number Locations ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER HRC2162PDA XXXX –– XXXXXXX AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. ALPHARETTA, GA 30005-8847 FRAME SERIAL NUMBER There are two serial numbers, one for the engine and one for the mower frame. Record the engine and frame serial numbers in the space below.
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TECHNICAL AND CONSUMER INFORMATION Carburetor Modification for High Altitude Operation At high altitude, the standard carburetor air-fuel mixture will be too rich. Performance will decrease, and fuel consumption will increase. A very rich mixture will also foul the spark plug and cause hard starting. Operation at an altitude that differs from that at which this engine was certified, for extended periods of time, may increase emissions.
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TECHNICAL AND CONSUMER INFORMATION Oxygenated Fuels Some conventional gasolines are being blended with alcohol or an ether compound. These gasolines are collectively referred to as oxygenated fuels. To meet clean air standards, some areas of the United States and Canada use oxygenated fuels to help reduce emissions.
Carbon monoxide does not react in the same way, but it is toxic. Honda uses lean carburetor settings and other systems to reduce the emissions of carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, and hydrocarbons.
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TECHNICAL AND CONSUMER INFORMATION Replacement Parts The emission control systems on your new Honda engine were designed, built, and certified to conform with EPA, California and Canadian emission regulations. We recommend the use of genuine Honda parts whenever you have maintenance done. These...
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TECHNICAL AND CONSUMER INFORMATION Air Index An Air Index Information hang tag/label is applied to engines certified to an emission durability time period in accordance with the requirements of the California Air Resources Board. The bar graph is intended to provide you, our customer, the ability to compare the emissions performance of available engines.
TECHNICAL AND CONSUMER INFORMATION SPECIFICATIONS Mower Model HRC2162PDA Push type, flywheel brake, recoil starting, twin blades, grass bag and mulch plug Dimensions, Weights and Capacities Overall Length 65.0 in (1650 mm) Overall Width 23 in (585 mm) Maximum Height 39.2 in (995 mm) [Cutting height set at 1 in (25 mm) and handle high] Dry Weight...
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TECHNICAL AND CONSUMER INFORMATION Engine Design and Performance Engine Model GSV160 Engine Type 4-stroke, overhead-cam, single-cylinder, forced air-cooled Displacement 9.8 cu in (161 cc) Bore and Stroke 2.5 x 2.0 in (64 x 50 mm) Compression Ratio 8.5:1 Ignition System Transistorized magneto Maximum Horsepower 5.5 bhp (4.1 kW) at 3,600 rpm...
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TECHNICAL AND CONSUMER INFORMATION Maintenance Fuel Unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of page 42 86 or higher. Engine Oil SAE 10W-30, API SJ or later page 32 Spark Plug Type Regular: NGK – BP6ES page 36 DENSO – W20EP-U Resistor: NGK –...
TECHNICAL AND CONSUMER INFORMATION CONSUMER INFORMATION Dealer Locator Information To find an Authorized Honda Servicing Dealer anywhere in the United States: Visit our web site: www.hondapowerequipment.com Customer Service See page 73. Honda Publications These publications will give you additional information for maintaining and repairing your lawn mower.
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TECHNICAL AND CONSUMER INFORMATION Replacement Parts, Optional Equipment, and Service Items Contact an authorized Honda servicing dealer to purchase any of these (or other) genuine, original Honda items for your lawn mower. Replacement Parts Item Part Number Notes Spark plug...
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What American Honda will Repair or Replace Under Warranty: American Honda will repair or replace, at its option, any part that is proven to be defective in material or workmanship under normal use during the applicable warranty time period. Warranty repairs and replacements will be made without charge for parts or labor.
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TECHNICAL AND CONSUMER INFORMATION Disclaimer of Consequential Damage and Limitation of Implied Warranties: AMERICAN HONDA DISCLAIMS ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOSS OF TIME OR USE OF THE PRODUCT, TRANSPORTATION, COMMERCIAL LOSS, OR ANY OTHER INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGE. ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF THIS WRITTEN LIMITED WARRANTY.
Manufacturer's Warranty Coverage: The 1995 and later power equipment engines are warranted for two years. If any emission-related part on your engine is defective, the part will be repaired or replaced by Honda. Owner's Warranty Responsibility: As the power equipment engine owner, you are responsible for the performance of the required maintenance listed in your owner's manual.
If such a replacement part is used in the repair or maintenance of your engine, and an authorized Honda dealer determines it is defective or causes a failure of a warranted part, your claim for repair of your engine may be denied.
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OF THE PRODUCT OWNER'S MANUAL, SUCH AS: SPARK PLUGS AND FILTERS. Disclaimer of Consequential Damage and Limitation of Implied Warranties: AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. AND HONDA CANADA INC. DISCLAIM ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES SUCH AS LOSS OF TIME OR THE USE OF THE POWER EQUIPMENT, OR ANY COMMERCIAL LOSS DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE EQUIPMENT;...
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TECHNICAL AND CONSUMER INFORMATION Customer Service Information Honda Power Equipment dealership personnel are trained professionals. They should be able to answer any question you may have. If you encounter a problem that your dealer does not solve to your satisfaction, please discuss it with the dealership's management.
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When you write or call, please provide the following information: • Model and serial numbers • Name of the dealer who sold the Honda power equipment to you • Name and address of the dealer who services your equipment •...
INDEX Fuel Additive .......... 45 Air Cleaner Service ......34 Capacity ........63 Air Index ........... 62 Oxygenated Fuels ......59 Altitude, High Altitude Operation ..58 Recommendations ......42 Assembly .......... 52 Tank Draining ........ 46 Fuel valve ......... 10 Bag.
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INDEX Paint, Part Number ......67 Warnings. Safety Message Parts, loose ........52 Definitions Parts, Replacement & Optional ..67 Warranty Publications ........66 Customer Service ......73 for Emission Control System ..70 for Lawn Mower ......68 Safety Washing A few words ........
QUICK REFERENCE INFORMATION Unleaded gasoline with a pump octane Type rating of 86 or higher (page 42) Fuel Capacity 0.29 US gal (1.1l) Type SAE 10W-30, API SJ or higher (page 32) Engine oil Capacity 0.58 US qt (0.55 l) Regular: NGK BP6ES DENSO W20EP-U...
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POM53744 IPC 1000.2004.11 31VK6600 Printed on PRINTED IN U.S.A. 00X31-VK6-6000 Recycled Paper...
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