HONDA GCV190 - Manual (Page 9)

9
ENGLISH
STORING YOUR ENGINE
Proper storage preparation is essential for keeping your engine
trouble-free 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. Wash the engine by hand, and be careful to prevent
water from entering the air cleaner. Clean all exterior surfaces, touch
up any damaged paint, and coat other areas that may rust with a light
film of oil.
NOTICE
Using a garden hose or pressure washing equipment can force water
into the air cleaner or muffler opening. Water in the air cleaner will
soak the air filter, and water that passes through the air filter or muffler
can enter the cylinder, causing damage.
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. 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 14).
To prevent fuel related problems:
1. Add gasoline stabilizer following the manufacturer’s instructions.
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.
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 fuel system.
3. Turn the fuel valve to the OFF
position.
4. Continue to run the engine until it
stops from the lack of fuel in the
carburetor fuel bowl. Running time
should be less than 3 minutes.
ENGINE OIL
1. Change the engine oil (see page 7).
2. Remove the spark plug (see page 8).
3. Pour a tablespoon (5 ~ 10 cc) of
clean engine oil into the cylinder.
4. Pull the starter grip several times to
distribute the oil.
5. Reinstall the spark plug.
STORAGE PRECAUTIONS
Since your engine 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.
Keep the engine level in storage. Tilting can cause fuel or oil leakage.
With the engine and exhaust system cool, cover the engine 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 nonporous
cover will trap moisture around the engine, promoting rust and
corrosion.
REMOVAL FROM STORAGE
Check your engine as described in the BEFORE OPERATION
CHECKS section of this manual (see page 2).
If the cylinder was coated with oil during storage preparation, the
engine will smoke briefly at startup. This is normal.
TRANSPORTING
Keep the engine level when transporting to reduce the possibility of
fuel leakage. Turn the fuel valve to the OFF position.
Review the instructions provided with the equipment powered by this
engine for any procedures that should be followed for transporting.
OFF
POM52684-N.book Page 9 Friday, May 2, 2008 9:05 AM