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.
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.
TRANSPORTING
Keep the engine level when transporting to reduce the possibility of
fuel leakage.
TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS
ENGINE WILL NOT
Possible Cause
START
1. Check control positions.
Choke open.
Ignition switch OFF.
2. Check engine oil level.
Engine oil level low (Oil Alert
models).
3. Check fuel.
Out of fuel.
Bad fuel; engine stored
without treating or draining
gasoline, of refueled with bad
gasoline.
4. Remove and inspect
Spark plug faulty, fouled, or
spark plug.
improperly gapped.
Spark plug wet with fuel
(flooded engine).
5. Take engine to an
Fuel filter clogged, carburetor
authorized Honda
malfunction, ignition
servicing dealer, or refer
malfunction, valves stuck,
to shop manual.
etc.
8
1. Check air filter.
2. Check fuel.
3. Take engine to an
authorized Honda
servicing dealer, or refer
to shop manual.
TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Serial Number Location
Record the engine serial
number in the space
below. You will need this
information when
ordering parts and when
making technical or
warranty inquiries.
Engine serial number: __ __ __ __ – __ __ __ __ __ __ __
Correction
Pull the choke to the
Carburetor Modifications for High Altitude Operation
CLOSED position unless
the engine is warm.
At high altitude, the standard carburetor air-fuel mixture will be too
• Move the throttle lever to
rich. Performance will decrease, and fuel consumption will increase. A
the SLOW or FAST
position (p. 3).
very rich mixture will also foul the spark plug and cause hard starting.
• Move the ignition switch
Operation at an altitude that differs from that at which this engine was
lever to the ON position
certified, for extended periods of time, may increase emissions.
(p. 3).
• Move the engine stop
High altitude performance can be improved by specific modifications
switch to the ON position
to the carburetor. If you always operate your trimmer at altitudes
(p. 4).
Fill with the recommended
above 5,000 feet (1,500 meters), have your servicing dealer perform
oil to the proper level (p. 5).
this carburetor modification. This engine, when operated at high
Refuel.
altitude with the carburetor modifications for high altitude use, will
Drain the fuel tank and
meet each emission standard throughout its useful life.
carburetor (p. 7). Refuel
with fresh gasoline.
Even with carburetor modification, engine horsepower will decrease
about 3.5% for each 1,000-foot (300-meter) increase in altitude. The
Replace the spark plug
(p. 6).
effect of altitude on horsepower will be greater than this if no
Dry and reinstall spark
carburetor modification is made.
plug. Start engine with
throttle lever in FAST
position (choke in OPEN
NOTICE
position).
When the carburetor has been modified for high altitude operation,
Replace or repair faulty
the air-fuel mixture will be too lean for low altitude use. Operation at
components as necessary.
altitudes below 5,000 feet (1,500 meters) with a modified carburetor
may cause the engine to overheat and result in serious engine
damage. For use at low altitudes, have your servicing dealer return
the carburetor to original factory specifications.
ENGINE LACKS
Possible Cause
POWER
Filter clogged.
Bad fuel; engine stored
without treating or draining
gasoline, of refueled with bad
gasoline.
Fuel filter clogged, carburetor
malfunction, ignition
malfunction, valves stuck,
etc.
SERIAL
NUMBER
AND TYPE
LOCATION
Engine type: ___ ___ ___ ___
Correction
Clean or replace the filter
(p. 6).
Drain the fuel tank and
carburetor (p. 7). Refuel
with fresh gasoline.
Replace or repair faulty
components as necessary.
TYPE
SERIAL NUMBER
E