HONDA WMP20X - Manual (Page 12)

12
STORAGE
STORAGE PREPARATION
Proper storage preparation is essential for keeping your pump
trouble-free and looking good. The following steps will help to keep
rust and corrosion from impairing your pump’s function and
appearance, and will make the engine easier to start when you use
the pump again.
Cleaning the Engine
Wash the engine by hand, and be careful to prevent water from
entering the air cleaner or muffler.
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 contacting a hot engine can cause damage. If the engine
has been running, allow it to cool for at least half an hour before
washing.
Cleaning the Pump
1. Wash the pump with a garden hose or other low pressure
equipment. Keep water away from controls and all other places
that are difficult to dry, as water may promote rust.
2. After washing, remove as much standing water as possible with a
dry cloth. Fill the pump chamber with water. Start the engine
outdoors and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature to evaporate any water remaining on the engine.
NOTICE
Operating the pump dry will damage the pump seal. Be sure the
pump chamber is filled with water before starting the engine.
3. Stop the engine and allow it to cool.
4. If the pump was filled with
a chemical, follow the
chemical manufacturer’s
handling procedures.
Clean the pump interior by
removing the pump drain
plug and flushing with
fresh water. After flushing,
drain the water from the
pump chamber. Install the
pump drain plug.
5. After the pump is clean
and dry, touch up any
damaged paint, and coat
other areas that may rust
with a light film of oil.
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 pump's 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 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 does not cover fuel
system damage or engine performance problems resulting from
neglected storage preparation.
You can extend fuel storage life by adding a fuel 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
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 treated gasoline has replaced the
untreated gasoline in the carburetor.
NOTICE
Operating the pump dry will damage the pump seal. Be sure the
pump chamber is filled with water before starting the engine.
3. Stop the engine and turn the fuel valve to the OFF position
(page 6). Drain the pump chamber.
Draining the Fuel Tank and Carburetor
1. Make sure the fuel valve is OFF.
2. Remove the carburetor drain screw with a 10 mm wrench or
screwdriver, and drain the fuel into an approved gasoline
container.

WARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive.
You can be burned or seriously injured when handling
fuel.
• Stop the engine and keep heat, sparks, and flame
away.
• Handle fuel only outdoors.
• Wipe up spills immediately.
POM50594-G_WMP20X.fm Page 12 Tuesday, March 25, 2008 2:34 PM