Servicing Your Engine; Maintenance Safety - Honda GCV160 Owner's Manual

Type 6: Blade Brake Clutch, Automatic Choke,
Remote Throttle
STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Move the remote throttle lever* [2] to the FAST position.
2. Make sure the blade control lever* is released.
3. Pull the starter grip lightly until resistance is felt; then pull briskly.
4. Allow the engine to warm to operating temperature, and then
engage the blade control lever*.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
1. Release the blade control lever*.
2. Move the remote throttle lever* [2] to the SLOW position, and then
to the STOP position.
Type 7: Manual Choke, Manual Throttle
STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Move the choke lever [2] to the CHOKE
2. Move the throttle control [3] to the FAST
3. Pull the starter grip lightly until resistance is felt; then pull briskly.
4. Move the choke lever [2] to the OFF position as the engine warms.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Move the throttle control [3] to the SLOW

the STOP position.
Type 8: Manual Choke, Engine Stop Switch, Fixed Throttle
STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Pull the choke rod [2] to the CHOKE
2. Turn the engine stop switch [3] to the ON position.
3. Pull the starter grip lightly until resistance is felt; then pull briskly.
The engine speed is preset on this type.
4. Move the choke rod to the OFF position as the engine warms.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Turn the engine stop switch [3] to the OFF position.
Type 9: Manual Choke, Engine Stop Switch, Auto Throttle
STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Pull the choke rod [2] to the CHOKE
2. Turn the engine stop switch [3] to the ON position.
3. Pull the starter grip lightly until resistance is felt; then pull briskly.
4. Move the choke rod [2] to the OFF position as the engine warms.
The auto throttle feature only functions when the engine is fully
warm.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
1. Remove the load from the engine so that the auto throttle returns
the engine to idle.
2. Turn the engine stop switch [3] to the OFF position.
* See the equipment manual for control location.
FREQUENCY OF USE
If your equipment will be used on an infrequent or intermittent basis
(more than 4 weeks between usage), refer to the Fuel section of the
STORAGE chapter (page 9) for additional information regarding fuel
deterioration.
6

position.

position.

position, and then to

position.

position.

SERVICING YOUR ENGINE

THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTENANCE
Good maintenance is essential for safe, economical, and trouble-free
operation. It will also help reduce pollution.
 WARNING
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.
Remember that an authorized Honda servicing dealer knows your
engine best and is fully equipped to maintain and repair it.
To ensure the best quality and reliability, use only new Honda
Genuine parts or their equivalents for repair and replacement.
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emission control
devices and systems may be performed by any engine repair
establishment or individual, using parts that are "certified" to
EPA standards.

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.
 WARNING
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.
• To reduce the possibility of fire or explosion, be careful when
working around gasoline. Use only a nonflammable solvent, not
gasoline, to clean parts. Keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames away
from all fuel related parts.