Avoiding Fuel-Related Problems - Honda GS160 Owner's Manual

When properly maintained, your Honda powered product should provide years of trouble-free operation. This includes the fuel system.
However, gasoline can quickly deteriorate (in as little as 30 days) causing starting or running problems and, in some cases, damage to the fuel
system. Most fuel-related problems can be avoided by following the precautions listed below. Fuel system damage and engine performance
problems resulting from deteriorated gasoline are not covered by the Distributor's Limited Warranty
Follow These Precautions to Prevent Most Fuel-Related Problems
During the Operating Season
Do not use gasoline containing more than 10% ethanol (E10). Not
all automotive gasoline is safe to use in your power product.
Store gasoline in a clean, plastic, sealed container approved for
fuel storage.
Store your fuel supply container away from direct sunlight; if the
container has a vent, keep it closed.
Purchase only enough gasoline to last for 1 to 2 months (about 30
to 60 days).
If you purchase enough gasoline to last for more than 60 days,
add a fuel stabilizer to your storage container when you fill it.
Keep your product's fuel tank full of fresh fuel when not in use.
Turn the fuel valve OFF.
Keep the air filter clean and properly serviced. Check it before
each use.
3 to 4 Weeks Before Next Use
Keep your product's fuel tank full of fresh fuel when not in use.
Turn the fuel valve OFF.
Turn the fuel valve to the OFF position, start the engine and let it
run approximately 3 minutes until the carburetor is empty and the
engine stops.
1 to 3 Months Before Next Use
If you did not add fuel stabilizer to your fuel storage container
when you filled it up, fill your product's fuel tank with fresh
gasoline.
Add fuel stabilizer to the product's fuel tank according to the
stabilizer manufacturer's instructions.
Run the engine outdoors for 10 minutes.
Turn the fuel valve to the OFF position, start the engine, and let it
run approximately 3 minutes until the carburetor is empty and the
engine stops.
More Than 3 Months Before Next Use
Start the engine and let it 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 product's fuel tank for
more than 3 months (about 90 days) of inactivity.
If you have fuel left in your storage container at the end of the operating season, recycle the fuel into your car's fuel tank or dispose of
it properly.

AVOIDING FUEL-RELATED PROBLEMS

GS ENGINE POWERED PRODUCTS
Higher levels of ethanol in gasoline attract water, and can
corrode or damage the fuel system and cause performance
problems.
A plastic container eliminates the risk of rust and metallic
contaminants from a metal container entering the fuel system.
Gasoline will deteriorate faster when exposed to air and sunlight.
Gasoline deteriorates with age so try to avoid storing it for long
periods, especially in summer heat.
Fuel stabilizer will extend the shelf life of gasoline, but it will not
reconstitute stale fuel.
If the fuel tank is only partially filled, air in the tank will promote
fuel deterioration.
A properly maintained air filter will help prevent dirt from entering
the carburetor. The small passages inside the carburetor can
become blocked.
If the fuel tank is only partially filled, air in the tank will promote
fuel deterioration.
The small amount of gasoline in your engine's carburetor will
deteriorate faster than the fuel in the fuel tank due to its small
volume and heat from the engine.
If the fuel tank is only partially filled, air in the tank will promote
fuel deterioration.
Fuel stabilizer will extend the life of gasoline, but it will not
reconstitute stale gasoline.
This makes sure treated gasoline has replaced untreated
gasoline throughout the fuel system.
The small amount of gasoline in your engine's carburetor will
deteriorate faster than the fuel in the fuel tank due to its small
volume and heat from the engine.
All fuel stabilizers have a shelf life. It is good practice to empty
the fuel system for long term inactivity.
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