HONDA GXV390 - Manual (Page 3)

3
BEFORE OPERATION CHECKS
IS YOUR ENGINE READY TO GO?
For your safety, and to maximize the service life of your equipment, it
is very important to take a few moments before you operate the engine
to check its condition. Be sure to take care of any problem you find, or
have your servicing dealer correct it, before you operate the engine.
Before beginning your preoperation checks, be sure the engine is level
and the throttle lever is in the STOP position. Always check the
following items before you start the engine:
1. Fuel level (see page 5).
2. Oil level (see page 5).
3. Air cleaner (see page 6).
5. General inspection: Check for fluid leaks and loose or damaged
parts.
6. Check the equipment powered by this engine.
Review the instructions provided with the equipment powered by
this engine for any precautions and procedures that should be
followed before engine startup.
OPERATION
SAFE OPERATING PRECAUTIONS
Before operating the engine for the first time, please review the
SAFETY INFORMATION section on page 1 and the BEFORE
OPERATION CHECKS section above.
Review the instructions provided with the equipment powered by this
engine for any safety precautions that should be observed with engine
startup, shutdown, or operation.
STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Turn the fuel valve to the ON
position.
2. STARTING A COLD
ENGINE:
Move the throttle control to
the CHOKE position.
STARTING A WARM
ENGINE:
Do not use the CHOKE
position when the engine is
warm. Move the throttle
control slightly past the
SLOW position.
3. Recoil Start Models
Pull the starter grip lightly until resistance is felt, then pull briskly.
NOTICE
Do not allow the starter grip to snap back against the engine.
Return it gently to prevent damage to the starter.
4. Electric Start Models
Turn the engine switch to the START position, and hold it there until
the engine starts. When the engine starts, allow the engine switch
to return to the ON position.
NOTICE
Do not use the starter for more than 5 seconds or starter motor
damage may occur. If the engine fails to start, release the switch
and wait 10 seconds before operating the starter again.
5. If the choke was used to start the engine, move the throttle to the
FAST (or HIGH) position as soon as the engine warms up enough
to run smoothly without use of the choke.
SETTING ENGINE SPEED
Position the throttle control for the desired
engine speed. For best engine performance, it
is recommended the engine be operated with
the throttle in the FAST (or high) position.
OIL ALERT
®
BUZZER
(oil alert type only)
The OIL ALERT buzzer will warn you before the engine oil level falls
below the safe operating limit. If the buzzer sounds, stop the engine
immediately and add oil (see page 5).
NOTICE
The buzzer indicates insufficient oil. Running the engine with
insufficient oil can cause serious engine damage.
 WARNING
Improperly maintaining this engine, or failure to correct a
problem before operation, can cause a malfunction in
which you can be seriously hurt or killed. Always perform a
preoperation inspection before each operation, and correct
any problem.
4. LPG models: cooling air filter (see page 6).
LPG EQUIPMENT
Carefully follow the installation and operating instructions of the LPG
equipment manufacturer.
 WARNING
Carbon monoxide gas is toxic. Breathing it can cause
unconsciousness and even kill you. Avoid any areas or
actions that expose you to carbon monoxide.
LPG Models:
Turn the fuel valve on at the
source.
LPG Models:
Always use the CHOKE position when starting the engine.
ON
FUEL VALVE LEVER
SLOW
FAST
CHOKE
FAST
SLOW
OFF