HONDA HHT35S - Manual (Page 25)

25
STORAGE
STORAGE PREPARATION
Proper storage preparation is essential to keep your trimmer trouble
free and looking good. The following steps will help to keep rust and
corrosion from impairing your trimmer's function and appearance, and
will make the engine easier to start when you use the trimmer again.
Cleaning
Wash the trimmer, including the area around the trimmer head.
Wash the engine by hand and be careful to prevent water from
entering the air cleaner.
NOTICE
Using a garden hose or pressure washing equipment can force water
into the air cleaner. Water in the air cleaner will soak the filter and can
enter the carburetor or engine, causing damage.
Water on a hot engine can cause damage. If the engine has been
running, allow it to cool for at least 1/2 hour before washing.
If using a garden hose or pressure washing equipment to clean the
trimmer, be careful to avoid getting water into controls and cable, or
anywhere near the engine air cleaner or muffler opening.
Before washing the trimmer head area, disconnect the spark plug cap
from the spark plug.
After washing the trimmer, wipe dry all accessible surfaces.
Start the engine outdoors and let it run until it reaches normal
operating temperature to evaporate any water remaining on the
engine.
Stop the engine and allow it to cool.
After the trimmer is clean and dry, coat 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 trimmer 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 DISTRIBUTORS LIMITED WARRANTY 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 the fuel tank and carburetor.
Adding Fuel Stabilizer to Extend Fuel Storage Life
When adding a fuel 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.
Add fuel stabilizer following the manufacturer's instructions.
After adding a fuel stabilizer, run the engine outdoors for 10 minutes
to be sure that treated gasoline has replaced the untreated gasoline in
the carburetor.
Draining the Fuel Tank and Carburetor
Disconnect the spark plug cap. Make sure the ignition switch is in the
STOP (O) position.
Drain the fuel from the fuel tank into a suitable container. Press the
primer bulb a few times to draw any remaining fuel out of the
carburetor, then drain this fuel from the tank.
Engine Oil
Change the engine oil (see page 17).
Carburetor & Air Cleaner
Clean the air filter (see page 18) and move the choke lever to the
CLOSED position.
Blade
If a blade is installed, put the blade cover on the blade.
Engine Cylinder
Remove the spark plug (see page 18). Pour a 1/4 tablespoon
(1 ~ 3 cc) of clean engine oil into the cylinder. Pull the starter rope
several times to distribute the oil in the cylinder. Reinstall the spark
plug. Pull the starter rope slowly until resistance is felt, then return the
starter grip gently. This closes the valves so moisture cannot enter.
STORAGE PRECAUTIONS
If your trimmer 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 that
promotes rust and corrosion.
With the engine and exhaust system cool, cover the trimmer 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 non-porous
cover will trap moisture, promoting rust and corrosion.
REMOVAL FROM STORAGE
Check your trimmer as described in the BEFORE OPERATION
section of this manual.
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.