Placing In Storage; Removing From Storage - Honda HRC216HXA Owner's Manual

4. After the lawn mower is clean and dry, touch up any damaged
paint (touch-up paint part numbers are on page 19), and coat other
areas that may rust with a light film of oil. Lubricate the control
cable cores with a silicone spray lubricant.
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 your 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 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.
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 (page 20) does not
cover fuel system damage or engine performance problems resulting
from neglected storage preparation.
You can extend fuel storage life by adding a gasoline stabilizer that is
formulated for that purpose, or you can avoid fuel deterioration
problems by draining all the fuel from the fuel tank and carburetor.
Adding a Fuel Stabilizer
When adding a fuel stabilizer (page 19), 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.
1. Add fuel stabilizer following the manufacturer's instructions.
2. After adding a fuel stabilizer, run the engine outdoors for
10 minutes to be sure that the treated gasoline has replaced the
untreated gasoline in the carburetor.
3. Turn the engine OFF and turn the fuel valve to the OFF position
(page 6).
Draining the Carburetor and Fuel Tank
1. Make sure the fuel valve is OFF (page 6). Remove the carburetor
drain bolt with a 10 mm wrench, and drain the fuel from the
carburetor bowl into an approved container.
B
WARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive.
You can be burned or seriously injured when handling
fuel.
• Stop engine and keep heat, sparks, and flame away.
• Handle fuel only outdoors.
• Wipe up spills immediately.
If you only need to drain the carburetor, skip to step 3.
2. To drain the fuel tank, turn
the fuel valve ON (page 6).
This will allow fuel in the
fuel tank to drain out
through the carburetor
bowl.
3. After the fuel is completely
drained, reinstall the drain
bolt.
Engine Oil
Change the engine oil (page 11).
Engine Cylinder
1. Remove the spark plug (page 12).
2. Pour one or two 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.

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 it
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 leaks. 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 (page 19).

REMOVING FROM STORAGE

Check your mower as described in BEFORE OPERATION (page 5).
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.
DRAIN BOLT
15