HONDA GXV160 - Manual (Page 8)

8
HELPFUL TIPS & SUGGESTIONS
STORING YOUR ENGINE
Storage Preparation
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. 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 cleaner elements, and water that passes through the air
cleaner or muffler can enter the cylinder, causing damage.
Fuel
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 11).
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 A GASOLINE STABILIZER TO EXTEND FUEL
STORAGE LIFE
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. If you keep a container of gasoline for refueling, be
sure that it contains only fresh gasoline.
1. Add gasoline stabilizer following the manufacturer’s instructions.
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 carburetor.
3. Stop the engine, and turn the fuel valve to the OFF position (see
page 3).
DRAINING THE FUEL TANK AND CARBURETOR
1. Place an approved gasoline container below the carburetor, and
use a funnel to avoid spilling fuel.
2. Remove the drain bolt, then move the fuel valve lever to the ON
position (see page 2).
3. After all the fuel has drained into the container, reinstall the drain
bolt and washer. Tighten the drain bolt securely.
Engine Oil
1. Change the engine oil (see page 5).
2. Remove the spark plug (see page 6).
3. Pour a tablespoon (5 - 10 cc) of clean
engine oil into the cylinder.
4. Pull the recoil starter several times to
distribute the oil.
5. Reinstall the spark plug.
Storage Precautions
If 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.
If there is gasoline in the fuel tank, leave the fuel valve in the OFF
position (see page 3).
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 fuel was drained during storage preparation, fill the tank with
fresh gasoline. If you keep a container of gasoline for refueling, be
sure 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.
 WARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive, and you can
be burned or seriously injured when handling fuel.
• Stop engine and keep heat, sparks, and flame away.
• Refuel only outdoors.
• Wipe up spills immediately.
FLOAT BOWL
DRAIN BOLT
WASHER
SPARK PLUG
HOLE
OIL