Honda HRA215PDA Owner's Manual page 21

5. PRE-OPERATION CHECK
Fuel Recommendation
Pump octane rating: 86 or higher.
We recommend unleaded fuel because it produces fewer engine and spark
plug deposits and extends exhaust system life.
Never use stale or contaminated gasoline or an oil/gasoline mixture. Avoid
getting dirt or water in the fuel tank.
Occasionally you may hear light "spark knock" or "pinging" (metallic rapping
noise) while operating under heavy loads. This is no cause for concern.
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 lawn mower dealer.
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Running the engine with persistent spark knock or pinging
can cause engine damage.
NOTE: Running the engine with persistent spark knock or pinging is considered
misuse, and the Distributor's Limited Warranty does not cover parts damaged
by misuse
GASOLINES CONTAINING ALCOHOL
If you decide to use a gasoline containing alcohol (gasohol), be sure its pump
octane rating is 86 or higher. There are two types of "gasohol": one containing
ethanol, and the other containing methanol.
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Using gasohol that contains more than 10% ethanol, or
gasoline containing methanol (methyl or wood alcohol) that does not also
contain cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors for methanol, can cause serious
fuel system damage and poor engine performance.
Never use gasoline containing more than 5% methanol, even if it has cosolvents
and corrosion inhibitors.
Honda does not endorse the use of fuels containing methanol, since evidence
of their suitability is as yet incomplete.
NOTE: Fuel system damage, or engine performance problems resulting from
the use of fuels that contain alcohol, is not covered under the warranty.
Before buying fuel from an unfamiliar station, first determine if the fuel contains
alcohol; if it does, find out the type and percentage of alcohol used.
NOTE: If you notice any undesirable operating symptoms while using a gasoline
that contains alcohol, or one that you think contains alcohol, switch to a
gasoline that you know does not contain alcohol.
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