HONDA HHE31C - Manual (Page 32)

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STORAGE
STORAGE PREPARATION
Proper storage preparation is essential for
keeping your stick edger trouble free and
looking good. The following steps will help to
keep rust and corrosion from impairing your
stick edger's function and appearance, and will
make the engine easier to start when you use
the stick edger again.
Cleaning
Before washing the stick edger head area,
disconnect the spark plug cap.
Wash the stick edger, including the area around
the stick edger 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 stick edger, be careful
to avoid getting water into controls and the
shaft, or anywhere near the engine air cleaner
or muffler opening.
After washing the stick edger, wipe dry all
accessible surfaces, and connect the spark
plug cap.
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 stick edger is clean and dry, coat other
areas that may rust with a light film of oil.
Lubricate the control cable cores with a silicone
spray lubricant.
Fuel
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 stick edger 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.