Engine Maintenance - Honda HRX217HMA Owner's Manual

ENGINE MAINTENANCE

Engine Oil Level Check
1. Unscrew and remove the
filler cap/dipstick and wipe
it clean. Insert and remove
the dipstick without
screwing it into the filler
neck. Check the oil level
shown on the dipstick.
2. If the oil level is low, add
oil to reach the upper
limit mark on the
dipstick. Do not overfill.
If the engine is
overfilled, the excess oil
may get transferred to
the air cleaner housing
and air cleaner filter.
NOTICE
Running the engine with a low oil level can cause engine damage.
3. Screw in the filler cap/dipstick securely.
Engine Oil Recommendations
Oil is a major factor affecting performance and service life. Use
4-stroke automotive detergent oil.
Always change the oil in
accordance with the
maintenance schedule on
page 10.
SAE 10W-30 is recommended
for general use. Other
viscosities shown in the chart
may be used when the
average temperature in your area is within the recommended range.
The SAE oil viscosity and service classification are in the API label on
the oil container. Honda recommends that you use API service
category SJ or later oil.
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
fuel leakage.
2. Wipe the oil filler area clean, then remove the oil filler cap/dipstick.
3. Place a suitable
container next to the
mower to catch the
used oil, then tilt the
mower on its right side.
The used oil will drain
through the filler neck.
Allow the oil to drain
completely.
12
FILLER
CAP/DIPSTICK
UPPER
LIMIT
LOWER
LIMIT
30
5W-30 • 10W-30
0 20 40 60 80 100°F
-20 -10 0 10 20 30 40°C
8). This will reduce the possibility of
Please dispose of used motor oil and the containers in a manner
that is compatible with the environment. We suggest you take it in
a sealed container to your local recycling center or service station
for reclamation. Do not throw it in the trash, pour it on the ground,
or pour it down a drain.
4. Fill with the recommended
oil. Do not overfill. Allow a
couple of minutes for the
oil to settle in the engine,
then measure the oil level
as shown previously.
NOTICE
Using nondetergent oil can shorten the engine's service life, and
using 2-stroke oil can damage the engine.
Air Cleaner Service
A properly maintained air filter will help prevent dirt from entering your
engine. Dirt entering the carburetor can be drawn into small passages
in the carburetor and cause premature engine wear. These small
passages can become blocked, causing starting or running problems.
NOTICE
Operating the engine without an air filter or with a damaged filter
allows dirt to enter the engine, causing rapid engine wear. This type of
damage is not covered by the DISTRIBUTOR'S LIMITED
WARRANTY (page 21).
We recommend the use of a Honda Genuine air filter to ensure it seals
and performs as designed. Using a non-Honda air filter can result in
dirt bypassing the filter, causing damage to the engine or fuel system.
AIR CLEANER
HOUSING
1. Press down on the cover tabs and remove the cover.
2. Remove the filter from the air cleaner housing.
3. Inspect the filter; replace if damaged.
4. Clean the filter 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 inside. Never try to brush off
dirt; brushing will force dirt into the fibers.
5. Use a moist rag to wipe dirt from the inside of the air cleaner
housing and cover. Be careful to prevent dirt from entering the air
duct that leads to the carburetor.
6. Reinstall the filter and cover.
FILTER
COVER TABS
COVER