HONDA GXV390 - Manual (Page 7)

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3. Inspect the spark plug. Replace it if
damaged, badly fouled, if the sealing
washer is in poor condition, or if the
electrode is worn.
4. Measure the electrode gap with a
suitable gauge. The correct gap is
0.028 - 0.031 in (0.70 - 0.80 mm). If
adjustment is needed, correct the gap
by carefully bending the side electrode.
5. Install the spark plug carefully, by hand,
to avoid cross-threading. After the
spark plug is seated, tighten with the
proper size spark plug wrench to compress the washer. When
installing a new spark plug, tighten 1/2 turn after the spark plug
seats to compress the washer. When reinstalling the original spark
plug, tighten 1/8 - 1/4 turn after the spark plug seats to compress
the washer.
NOTICE
A loose spark plug can become very hot and can damage the
engine. Overtightening the spark plug can damage the threads in
the cylinder head.
6. Attach the spark plug cap to the spark plug.
SPARK ARRESTER (optional equipment)
In some areas, it is illegal to operate an engine without a USDA
(United States Department of Agriculture)-qualified spark arrester.
Check local laws and regulations. A USDA-qualified spark arrester is
available from an authorized Honda servicing dealer. The spark
arrester must be serviced every 100 hours to keep it functioning as
designed. If the engine has been running, the muffler will be hot. Allow
it to cool before servicing the spark arrester.
Spark Arrester
Removal
1. Remove the three
5 mm screws and
remove the heat
shield.
2. Remove the 8 mm
nuts and then
remove the
identification plate,
muffler and gasket.
3. Remove the spark arrester from the muffler.
Spark Arrester Cleaning & Inspection
1. Use a brush to remove carbon deposits
from the spark arrester screen. Be
careful not to damage the screen.
Replace the spark arrester if it has
breaks or holes.
2. Install the spark arrester in the reverse
order of removal.
HELPFUL TIPS & SUGGESTIONS
STORING YOUR ENGINE
Storage Preparation
Proper storage preparation is essential for keeping your engine
troublefree and looking good. The following steps will help to keep rust
and corrosion from impairing your engine’s function and appearance,
and will make the engine easier to start when you use it again.
Cleaning
If the engine has been running, allow it to cool for at least half an hour
before cleaning.
Fuel
Gasoline will oxidize and deteriorate in storage. Deteriorated gasoline
will cause hard starting, and it leaves gum deposits that clog the fuel
system. If the gasoline in your engine 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 problems may occur
within a few months, or even less if the gasoline was not fresh when
you filled the fuel tank.
Fuel system damage or engine performance problems resulting from
neglected storage preparation are not covered under the Distributor’s
Limited Warranty (see page 11). 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 the fuel tank and
carburetor.
Battery (if equipped)
Remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry place. Recharge it once
a month.
ADDING A GASOLINE STABILIZER TO EXTEND FUEL
STORAGE LIFE
When adding a gasoline stabilizer, 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 gasoline stabilizer following the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. After adding a gasoline stabilizer, run the engine outdoors for 10
minutes to be sure that treated gasoline has replaced the untreated
gasoline in the carburetor.
3. Stop the engine, and turn the fuel valve to the OFF position (see
page 4).
0.028 ~ 0.031 in
(0.70 ~ 0.80 mm)
SEALING
WASHER
SPARK ARRESTER
5 mm SCREW (3)
HEAT SHIELD
8 mm NUT (2)
IDENTIFICATION
PLATE
GASKET
MUFFLER
LPG fuel does not require treatment during storage.