Related Manuals for Honda Harmony HRB217TDA
Summary of Contents for Honda Harmony HRB217TDA
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Page 1: Rotary Mower
Owner’s Manual Rotary Mower HRB217TDA ® © 1997, 2000–2002 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.—All Rights Reserved... - Page 2 Keep this owner’s manual handy, so you can refer to it at any time. This owner’s manual is considered a permanent part of the lawn mower and should remain with the lawn mower if resold. The information and specifications included in this publication were in effect at the time of approval for printing.
- Page 3 INTRODUCTION Congratulations on your selection of a Honda lawn mower! We are certain you will be pleased with your purchase of one of the finest lawn mowers on the market. We want to help you get the best results from your new mower and to operate it safely.
- Page 4 Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the hazards associated with operating or maintaining a lawn mower. You must use your own good judgment. You will find important safety information in a variety of forms including: •...
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Page 5: Table Of Contents
CONTROLS & FEATURES ... 7 COMPONENT & CONTROL LOCATIONS ...7 BEFORE OPERATION ... 11 ARE YOU READY TO GET STARTED? ...11 IS YOUR LAWN MOWER READY TO GO? ...11 CHECK YOUR WORK AREA ...12 GET THE MOWER READY ...13 OPERATION ... 16 MOWING PRECAUTIONS ...16... -
Page 6: Lawn Mower Safety
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. -
Page 7: 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 youngster operate this lawn mower. Lawn mowers are tools, not toys. As with any equipment, bad judgments can result in serious injuries. You can help prevent accidents by making good decisions about if, when, and how your youngster operates this equipment. -
Page 8: Safety Label Locations
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. -
Page 9: Controls & Features
COMPONENT & CONTROL LOCATIONS HANDLEBAR GRASS CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER OIL FILLER CAP RECOIL STARTER GRIP SPARK PLUG CAP CARBURETOR CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVERS CONTROLS & FEATURES SHIFT LEVER THROTTLE LEVER DISCHARGE GUARD FUEL TANK CAP MUFFLER FUEL VALVE AIR CLEANER FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER DRIVE... - Page 10 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.
- Page 11 CONTROLS & FEATURES Flywheel Brake Lever This lever is connected to the FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER engine flywheel brake and the ignition switch. The engine will not start unless this lever is pushed forward. Drive Clutch Lever The drive clutch lever engages FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER and disengages the transmission speed selected...
- Page 12 CONTROLS & FEATURES Shift Lever The shift lever selects and controls the mower’s drive speed. 1 (slow) For mowing thick grass or maneuvering in small areas. 2 (medium) For intermediate self-propelled mowing speed. 3 (fast) For maximum self-propelled transport speed. SHIFT LEVER Cutting Height Adjustment Levers Each wheel of the mower can...
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Page 13: Before Operation
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. Know how to quickly shut off the lawn mower in case of an emergency. IS YOUR LAWN MOWER READY TO GO? -
Page 14: Check Your Work Area
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 30). -
Page 15: Get The Mower Ready
GET THE MOWER READY Handlebar Height Adjustment 1. Adjust handlebar height for a comfortable operating position. 2. Loosen the handlebar locking knobs. Spread the lower ends of the handlebar to release the locating pins. 3. Move the handlebar up or down, so the locating pins engage other holes on the handlebar mounting brackets. - Page 16 BEFORE OPERATION 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.
- Page 17 BEFORE OPERATION Cutting Height Bagging/Side-Discharge ADJUSTMENT LEVERS Move all four adjustment levers to the same position. Mulching Move the front adjustment levers one position higher than the rear levers. To adjust cutting height, pull each ADJUSTMENT LEVER adjustment lever toward the wheel, and move it into another notch.
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Page 18: Operation
OPERATION MOWING PRECAUTIONS Before operating the mower for the first time, please review IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION (page 4) and BEFORE OPERATION (page 11). 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. - Page 19 3. Release the drive clutch lever. If the drive clutch lever is engaged, the mower will move forward when you operate the starter. 4. Push forward on the flywheel brake lever and hold it against the handlebar. 5. Pull the starter grip lightly until you feel resistance, then pull briskly. Return the starter grip gently.
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Page 20: Operating The Controls For Mowing
OPERATION OPERATING THE CONTROLS FOR MOWING Throttle Lever For best cut quality, always mow THROTTLE LEVER with the throttle lever in the FAST position. When the blades rotate at the preset fast speed, it creates a strong fan action that lifts and cuts grass more efficiently. - Page 21 OPERATION Drive Clutch Lever Push the drive clutch lever FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER forward and hold it against the handlebar to propel the mower forward. Release the drive clutch lever to stop the mower’s forward movement. Always release the drive clutch lever before starting the engine.
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Page 22: Stopping The Engine
OPERATION STOPPING THE ENGINE 1. Move the throttle lever to the SLOW position. 2. Release the flywheel brake lever and the drive clutch lever. 3. When the mower is not in use, turn the fuel valve to the OFF position. THROTTLE LEVER FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER... -
Page 23: Safe Mowing Practices
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. - Page 24 OPERATION Obstacles Use the side of the mower to cut close to large obstacles, such as fences or walls. Release the drive clutch lever to disengage the drive when mowing around trees and other obstacles. Push the mower around obstacles for better directional control.
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Page 25: Mowing Tips
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. - Page 26 OPERATION Blade Speed The blade must spin very fast to cut properly. Always use the FAST throttle setting, and keep the engine running at maximum rpm. If engine speed drops, it could mean the engine is being overloaded by the blade trying to cut too much grass. Mow a narrower swath, move the mower slower, or raise the cutting height.
- Page 27 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. Mulching Use a counterclockwise mowing pattern.
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Page 28: Servicing Your Lawn Mower
SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTENANCE Good maintenance is essential for safe, economical, and trouble-free operation. It will also help reduce air pollution. Improper maintenance, or failure to correct a problem before operation, can cause a malfunction in which you can be seriously hurt or killed. -
Page 29: Maintenance Safety
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. SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER WARNING... -
Page 30: Maintenance Schedule
SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE REGULAR SERVICE PERIOD Perform at every ITEM indicated interval Inspect condition Blades Check bolt torque Grass bag Check Check Engine oil Change Check Air cleaner Clean Replace filter Check-Adjust Spark plug Replace Spark arrester... -
Page 31: Blades
Honda servicing dealer. Or, if you have a torque wrench, you can remove and install the blades yourself (page 30). 4. Check that the blade bolts are tight (page 31). SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER BLADE BOLTS WARNING NORMAL EXCESSIVELY... - Page 32 SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER Blade Removal and Installation If you remove the blades for sharpening or replacement, you will need a torque wrench for installation. 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.
- Page 33 In either case, it would be possible for the blades to fly off while you are operating the mower. BLADES TORQUE WRENCH SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER BLADES SPECIAL WASHER (2) BLADE...
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Page 34: Grass Bag Cleaning And Replacement
SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER GRASS BAG CLEANING AND REPLACEMENT Grass Bag Cleaning 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 or its equivalent (page 65). -
Page 35: Engine Maintenance
The SAE oil viscosity and service classification are in the API label on the oil container. Honda recommends that you use API SERVICE category SH or SJ oil with the ILSAC “starburst” certification mark displayed on the container. SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER –20 –30 –20 –10... - Page 36 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 8). This will reduce the possibility of fuel leakage. 2. Wipe the oil filler area clean, then remove the oil filler cap/dipstick.
- Page 37 5. Wipe dirt from the inside of the air cleaner housing and cover, using a moist rag. Be careful to prevent dirt from entering the air duct that leads to the carburetor. 6. Reinstall the filter and cover. SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER FILTER COVER TABS COVER...
- Page 38 SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER Spark Plug Service RECOMMENDED SPARK PLUGS DENSO *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.
- Page 39 A loose spark plug can overheat and damage the engine. Overtightening the spark plug can damage the threads in the cylinder head. 7. Install the spark plug cap on the spark plug. SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 0.028 ~ 0.031 in (0.7 ~ 0.8 mm) SEALING...
- Page 40 SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER Spark Arrester Service (optional equipment) Your lawn mower engine is not factory-equipped with a spark arrester. In some areas, it is illegal to operate an engine without a spark arrester. Check local laws and regulations. An optional USDA approved spark arrester is available from an authorized Honda servicing dealer.
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Page 41: Control Cable Adjustments
If the flywheel brake does not operate properly with the correct cable adjustment, take the mower to an authorized Honda servicing dealer for repair. FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER 3/16 ~ 3/8 in (5 ~ 10 mm) SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER LOCK NUTS ADJUSTER... - Page 42 SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER Drive Clutch Cable Adjustment Measure free play at the top of the lever, as shown. Free play should be 1/16 ~ 3/16 in (1 ~ 5 mm). If adjustment is necessary: 1. Loosen the lock nuts with a 10 mm wrench, and move the adjuster up or down as required.
- Page 43 If the transmission does not shift properly, with the correct cable adjustment, take the mower to an authorized Honda servicing dealer for repair. SHIFT LEVER 1/64 - 5/64 in (.5 - 2 mm) SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER SHIFT LEVER STOPPER PLATE LOCK...
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Page 44: Throttle Cable Inspection
SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER THROTTLE CABLE INSPECTION Throttle cable adjustment is necessary if the throttle lever does not operate the choke properly. Perform the inspection and adjustment with the engine stopped. You can inspect choke operation by observing the movement of the choke arm, which is located on top of the carburetor. -
Page 45: Fuel System
Fuel can damage paint and plastic. Be careful not to spill fuel when filling your fuel tank. Damage caused by spilled fuel is not covered by the Distributor’s Limited Warranty (page 66). SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER WARNING FUEL TANK CAP... - Page 46 SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER Fuel Recommendations Use unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher. This engine is certified to operate on unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher. Unleaded gasoline produces fewer engine and spark plug deposits and extends exhaust system life.
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Page 47: Storage
Cleaning 1. Wash the lawn mower, including the underside of the mower deck. Engine Wash the engine by hand, and be careful to prevent water from entering the air cleaner. - Page 48 4. Stop the engine and allow it to cool. 5. After the lawn mower is clean and dry, touch up any damaged paint (touch-up paint part numbers are on page 65), and coat other areas that may rust with a light film of oil.
- Page 49 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.
- Page 50 STORAGE Draining the Carburetor and Fuel Tank 1. Make sure the fuel valve is OFF (page 8). Remove the carburetor drain bolt with a 10 mm wrench, and drain the fuel from the carburetor bowl into an approved container. Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive. You can be burned or seriously injured when handling fuel.
- Page 51 Engine Cylinder Remove the spark plug (see page 36). Pour a tablespoon (5 ~ 10 cc) of clean engine oil into the cylinder. Pull the starter rope several times to distribute the oil in the cylinder. Reinstall the spark plug. Pull the starter rope slowly until resistance is felt then return the starter grip gently.
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Page 52: Placing In Storage
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. -
Page 53: 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. Turn the fuel valve to the OFF position. This will prevent carburetor flooding and reduce the possibility of fuel leakage. -
Page 54: Taking Care Of Unexpected Problems
TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS ENGINE PROBLEMS Engine Will Not Start 1. Check control Fuel valve OFF. positions. Throttle lever in wrong position. Flywheel brake lever not engaged. 2. Check fuel. Out of fuel. Bad fuel; mower stored without treating or draining gasoline, or refueled with bad gasoline. -
Page 55: Vibration Problems
TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS VIBRATION PROBLEMS Excessive Vibration 1. Check mower deck and blades. 2. Take the mower to an authorized Honda servicing dealer for repair. MOWING AND BAGGING PROBLEMS Poor Cut Quality or Poor Mowing/Bagging Performance 1. Check that the throttle lever is in the FAST position. -
Page 56: Set-Up
SET-UP Unpacking Remove all the cardboard from around the handlebar. Handlebar Setup Loosen the two knobs on the lower handlebar enough to raise the handlebar into the mowing position. Select a desired handlebar height adjustment position and tighten the knobs securely. -
Page 57: Before Operation
Fuel Refer to page 43. BEFORE OPERATION Before using the lawn mower, all mower operator’s must read the following chapters and sections: • LAWN MOWER SAFETY (page 4) • CONTROLS & FEATURES (page 7) •... -
Page 58: Technical & Consumer Information
You will need these serial numbers when ordering parts and when making technical or warranty inquiries (page 70). Engine serial number:______________________________________ Frame serial number: ______________________________________ MODEL NAME AND FRAME SERIAL NUMBER HRB217TDA MAEA –– XXXXXXX AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. ALPHARETTA, GA 30005-8847... - Page 59 High altitude performance can be improved by specific modifications to the carburetor. If you always operate your lawn mower at altitudes above 5,000 feet (1,500 meters), have your servicing dealer perform this carburetor modification.
- Page 60 TECHNICAL & 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.
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Page 61: Emission Control System
TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM Source of Emissions The combustion process produces carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, and hydrocarbons. Control of hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen is very important because, under certain conditions, they react to form photochemical smog when subjected to sunlight. Carbon monoxide does not react in the same way, but it is toxic. - Page 62 TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION Replacement Parts The emission control systems on your new Honda engine were designed, built, and certified to conform with EPA and California emission regulations. We recommend the use of genuine Honda parts whenever you have maintenance done. These original-design replacement parts are manufactured to the same standards as the original parts, so you can be confident of their performance.
- Page 63 TECHNICAL & 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.
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Page 64: Specifications
TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION SPECIFICATIONS Mower Model HRB217TDA Honda rotary mower, 21 inch mower deck, 6.5 bhp, three- speed transmission, zone start, USA market Dimensions, Weights and Capacities Length Width at Mower Deck Height Dry Weight Cutting Width Approximate Cutting... - Page 65 TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION Maintenance Fuel Engine Oil Spark Plug Type Maximum Governed Speed Flywheel Brake Cable Drive Clutch Cable Shift Cable Throttle Cable Blade Bolt Torque Tuneup Spark Plug Gap Idle Speed (throttle lever at SLOW) Valve Clearance (cold) Other Specifications Unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher.
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Page 66: Consumer Information
Customer Service See page 70. Honda Publications These publications will give you additional information for maintaining and repairing your lawn mower. You may order them from an authorized Honda servicing dealer. Shop Manual This manual covers complete maintenance and overhaul procedures. - Page 67 TECHNICAL & 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 Spark plug Air filter Mulching plug...
- Page 68 To Obtain Warranty Service: You must take the Honda Harmony lawn mower and proof of original retail purchase date, at your expense, to any Honda Power Equipment dealer in the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S.
- Page 69 TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION Emission Control System Warranty Your new Honda Power Equipment engine complies with both the U.S. EPA and State of California emission regulations. American Honda provides the same emission warranty coverage for engines sold in all 50 states. Your Warranty Rights And Obligations: California The California Air Resources Board and American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
- Page 70 TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION Warranty Coverage: Honda power equipment engines manufactured after January 1, 1995 and sold in the State of California, and U.S. EPA certified engines manufactured on or after September 1, 1996 and sold in all of the United States, are covered by this warranty for a period of two years from the date of delivery to the original retail purchaser.
- Page 71 TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION Exclusions: FAILURES OTHER THAN THOSE RESULTING FROM DEFECTS IN MATERIAL OR WORKMANSHIP ARE NOT COVERED BY THIS WARRANTY. THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT EXTEND TO EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS WHICH ARE AFFECTED OR DAMAGED BY OWNER ABUSE, NEGLECT, IMPROPER MAINTENANCE, MISUSE, MISFUELING, IMPROPER STORAGE, ACCIDENT AND/ OR COLLISION, THE INCORPORATION OF, OR ANY USE OF, ANY ADD-ON OR MODIFIED PARTS, UNSUITABLE ATTACHMENTS, OR THE UNAUTHORIZED...
- Page 72 When you write or call, please give us this information: • Model and serial numbers (page 58) • Name of the dealer who sold the lawn mower to you • Name and address of the dealer who services your lawn mower •...
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Page 73: Index
Accessories. See Parts Air Cleaner Service ... 35 Air Filter Part Number ... 65 Air Index ... 61 Altitude, High Altitude Operation ... 57 Bag. See Grass Bag Before Operation ... 11 Blade Inspection ... 29 Installation ... 31 Part Numbers ... 65 Cable Adjustments Drive Clutch Cable ... - Page 74 Unloading ... 51 Valve Clearance ... 63 Warnings. See Safety Message Definitions Warranty for Emission Control System ... 67 for Lawn Mower ... 66 for Xenoy Mower Deck ... 66 Getting Service ... 70 Washing Grass Bag ... 32 Mower ... 45...
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Page 75: Quick Reference Information
Type Fuel Capacity Type Engine oil Capacity Type Spark plug Electrode gap Carburetor Idle speed Before each use Maintenance First 5 hours Subsequent Unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher (page 43) 0.29 US gal (1.1l) SAE 10W-30, API SH or SJ (page 33) .58 US qt (0.55 l) Regular:... - Page 76 POM53538 IPC 20000.2002.11 31VE1300 Printed on PRINTED IN U.S.A. 00X31-VE1-3000 Recycled Paper...