Placing In Storage; Removing From Storage - Honda HRX217HMA Owner's Manual

Fuel
NOTICE
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 carburetor and/or fuel system. Please check with you servicing
dealer for local storage recommendations.
Gasoline will oxidize and deteriorate in storage. Old gasoline will
cause hard starting, and it leaves gum deposits that can clog the
small passages in 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.
The length of time that gasoline can be left in your fuel tank and
carburetor 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.
The DISTRIBUTOR'S LIMITED WARRANTY
cover fuel system damage or engine performance problems resulting
from neglected storage preparation.
Short Term Storage (30-90 days)
If your equipment will not be used for 30 to 90 days, we recommend
the following to prevent fuel-related problems:
1. Add fuel stabilizer following the manufacturer's instructions.
When adding a fuel 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.
If it will take more than 3 months to use the fuel in your storage
container, we suggest adding a fuel stabilizer to the fuel when you
fill the container.
2. After adding a fuel stabilizer, run the engine outdoors for
10 minutes to be sure that treated gasoline has replaced the
untreated gasoline in the carburetor.
3. Turn the fuel valve to the OFF position.
4. Continue to run the engine until it stops from the lack of fuel in the
carburetor fuel bowl. Running time should be less than 3 minutes.
Note:
– All stabilizers have a shelf life and their performance will
deteriorate over time.
– Fuel stabilizers will not reconstitute stale fuel.
Long Term or Seasonal Storage (greater than 90 days)
Start the engine and allow it to run long enough to empty all the
gasoline from the entire fuel system (including the fuel tank). Do not
allow gasoline to remain in your engine for more than 90 days of
inactivity.
Engine Oil
Change the engine oil (page
16
(page 21) does not
12).
Engine Cylinder
1. Remove the spark plug (page
2. Pour 1 - 2 teaspoons (5 ~ 10 cc)
of clean engine oil into the
cylinder. This will prevent rust
from developing inside the
engine.
3. Pull the starter rope several times
to distribute the oil in the cylinder.
4. Reinstall the spark plug.
5. Pull the starter rope slowly until
resistance is felt, and then return the starter grip gently. This will
close the valves so moisture cannot enter the engine cylinder.
Handlebar Folding
The handlebar can be folded for storage or transport by unlocking the
handlebar adjust knobs and swinging the handlebar forward.
1. Remove the grass
bag. You can place it
on top of the engine,
with the bag opening
to the front.
2. Unlock the handlebar
adjust knobs, and
then swing the
handlebar forward.
Prevent the cables
from getting pinched
or kinked.
When unfolding the handlebar, be sure to lock the adjust knobs to
secure the handlebar in the mowing position (see

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. Also avoid any area with a spark-producing electric
motor or where power tools are operated.
If possible, avoid storage areas with high humidity because humidity
promotes rust and corrosion.
Make sure the fuel valve is in the OFF position to reduce the
possibility of fuel leakage.
Place the mower with its wheels on a level surface. Tilting can cause
fuel or oil leakage.
The handlebar can be folded for compact storage.
With the engine and exhaust system cool, cover the mower to keep
out dust. A hot engine and exhaust system can ignite or melt some
materials. Do not use sheet plastic as a dust cover. A nonporous
cover will trap moisture around the mower, promoting rust and
corrosion.
Honda recommends using a universal lawn mower cover

REMOVING FROM STORAGE

Check your mower as described in BEFORE OPERATION
If the fuel was drained during storage preparation, fill the tank with
fresh gasoline. If you keep a container of gasoline for refueling, be
sure that it contains only fresh gasoline. Gasoline oxidizes and
deteriorates over time, causing hard starting.
If the cylinder was coated with oil during storage preparation, the
engine will smoke briefly at startup. This is normal.
Electric Start Type (HMA)
At the beginning of the mowing season, charge the battery for
20~24 hours before using the electric starter
OIL
13).
SPARK
PLUG
HOLE
page 3).
(page
(page
(page 14).
20).
4).