Honda Automobiles F200 User Manual

This manual covers operation and maintenance of the F200 tiller. All information in this publication
is based on the latest product information available at the time of approval for printing. Honda Motor Co.,
Ltd. reserves the right to make changes at any time without notice and without incurring any obligation. The
manual should be considered a permanent part of the tiller and remain with the tiller when sold.
Read the manual carefully. Pay special attention to statements preceded by the following words:

­Indicates a strong possibility of severe personal injury or loss of life if instructions are not followed.

CAUTION:

Indicates a possibility of personal injury or equipment damage if instructions are not followed.

NOTE:

Gives helpful information.
Thank you for purchasing a Honda Tiller.
If a problem should arise, or if you have any questions about the tiller, consult an authorized Honda dealer.

The Honda tiller is designed to give safe and dependable service if operated according to instructions.
Read and understand the Owner’s Manual before operating the tiller. Failure to do so could result in personal
injury or equipment damage.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission.
0 Honda Motor Co., Ltd., 1980

2

IMPORTANT NOTICE

I

This tiller is not equipped with a spark arrester. Operation on
forest, bush or grass covered land may be illegal in some
states. Check local laws and regulations before operation.

CONTENTS

SAFE OPERATION . . . . . . . . .

COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION

OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . .

TRANSPORTING/STORAGE . .

SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . .

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SAFE OPERATION

B To ensure safe operation

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Never permit anyone to operate the tiller with­out proper instruction.

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Know how to stop the tiller quickly and under­stand the operation of all the controls - READ
THIS OWNER’S MANUAL CAREFULLY.

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Keep children and pets at a safe distance when
tilling.

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Clear the area to be tilled by picking up any
stones, wire, glass, large sticks, metal, etc.

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Always stop the engine before cleaning the tines
or making adjustments.

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Never operate the tiller without the recoil
starter.

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Stop the engine whenever you leave the tiller.

Never allow it to idle unattended.

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If you strike an object while tilling, stop the

engine and check the tiller for damage.

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When tilling on an incline, keep the fuel tank less

than half full to minimize fuel spillage.

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Make sure that all fasteners are properly secured.

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Wear suitable clothing and shoes while using the
tiller.

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Whenever carrying the tiller, make sure to stop

the engine; or the rotor may turn even if the
clutch is disengaged.

COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION

1. Fuel tank cap

2. Fuel valve

3. Air cleaner

4. Muffler

5. Throttle lever

6. Front wheel

7. Engine switch

6

1. Clutch lever

2. Recoil starter

3. Spark plug

4. Drag bar

5. Mission oil level check bolt

6. Mission oil filler cap

7. Engine oil filler cap
Engine oil drain bolt

8.

9. Rotor

OPERATION

Pre-Operation Check
Always check the following before

using the tiller:

(A) Engine oil

level

(B) Transmission oil level.

(C) Air cleaner condition.
(D) Fuel level.

A. ENGINE OIL LEVEL

CAUTION:

engine

Engine oil is a major factor affecting

performance and service life. Non-detergent

or vegetable oils are not recommended.

7

Oil Recommendation

Use Honda 4-stroke oil or an equivalent.
Use only high detergent, premium quality motor oil
certified to meet or exceed US automobile manufac­turer’s requirements for Service Classification SE, in
the engine and transission.
Motor oils intended for Service SE will show this

designation on the container. The regular use of
special oil additives is unnecessary and will only
increase operating expenses.

CAUTION:

Engine oil quality is a major factor
affecting the performance and service life of the
engine.

Nondetergent or vegetable oils are not

recommended.

Recommended oil viscosity

SAE low-40

Other viscosities shown in the chart below may be
used when the average temperature in your area is
within the indicated range.
With the tiller on a level surface, remove the oil
filler cap and check the oil level.
If the level is low, fill to the upper level with the
recommended oil.

CAUTION:

Insufficient oil will cause overheating

and subsequent wear.

(1) Oil filler hole (3) Upper limit
(2) Oil filler cap

(4) Lower limit

8

B. TRANSMISSION OIL LEVEL
With the tiller on a level surface remove the oil level

check bolt and check if the oil flows out of the
bolt hole. If the oil level is low, reffi with the
recommended oil till it flows out of the bolt hole.

C. AIR CLEANER CONDITION
Remove the cover and inspect the elements, clean

them if necessary (see p. 19).

(1) Oil level check bolt (2) Oil filler cap

(3) Air cleaner cover

(4) Air cleaner elements

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E. FUEL
Use any automotive gasoline with a research octane

y) of 86 or

of 91 or higher or a pump octane

(

higher.

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Gasoline is extremely flammable and explosive
under certain conditions. Refuel in a well venti­lated area with the engine stopped. Do not
smoke or allow flames or sparks in the area
where the tiller is refueled or stored.

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Never fill the tank above the level.

CAUTION:

Gasoline substitutes are not recommend­ed, they may be harmful to the fuel system compo­nents.

Fuel tank capacity: 0.85 Q (1.80 US pt).

(1) Fuel filler holk

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(2) Upper level

Starting the Engine

-

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Exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide
gas. Never run the engine in a green house or
confined area. Be

sure

to provide adequate

ventilation.

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The muffler becomes very hot during operaton,

and it remains hot for a time after the engine is

turned of5 Avoid touching a hot muffler.

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Keep away from rotating parts while the engine

is running.

1. Turn the fuel valve ON.

2. Turn the engine switch to ON.

(1) Fuel valve

(3) Engine switch

(2) ON

3.

Move the

choke lever to CLOSE, when the out-

side temperature is low or the engine is cold.

4. Move the throttle lever about 30 degrees from
the extreme right (idle position).

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(1) Choke lever

(3) Throttle lever

(2) CLOSE

NOTE:

The clutch is engaged by pulling in the

clutch lever and disengaged by releasing the lever.

5. Make sure the clutch is disengaged, then pull the
starter rope briskly to start the engine.

CAUTION :

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Be sure the clutch is disengaged to prevent

sudden uncontrolled movement when the engine
starts.

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Release the starter rope gradually. Allowing it to

snap back can damage the mechanism.

(1) Clutch lever
(3) Disengaged

(4) Starter

(2) Engaged

6.

Allow the

enigne to warm up, then move the

choke lever to OPEN.

7. Move the throttle lever to the left as desired to
increase engine speed.

(1) OPEN

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Stopping the Engine

1. Disengage the clutch (release the lever).

2. Move the throttle lever to the extreme right.

3. Turn the engine switch OFF to stop the engine.

(1) Throttle lever

4. Turn the fuel valve OFF.

NOTE:

To stop the engine in an emergency, dis-

engage the clutch and turn the engine switch OFF.

(2) Engine switch (3) OFF

(4) Fuel valve

Handlebar Height Adjustment

CAUTION:

the tiller on jim level ground to prevent the handle

Before adjusting the handlebar, place

from falling accidentally.

To adjust the handlebar height, loosen the adjuster,
select the appropriate holes and tighten the adjuster.

Tilling depth adjustment

The tilling depth adjustment can be made by remov­ing retainer and sliding drag bar up or down as
necessary.

(1) Handle height adjuster

0

(2) Drag bar

(3) Retainer

,

16

MAINTENANCE

m Shut off the engine
before performing any maintenance.

CAUTION: To maintain the safety
and rt%izbility of your HONDA tiller
do not mod@ the tiller. Use only

genuine HONDA parts or their

equivalent when servicing or repair-

ing.
MAINTENANCE GUIDE
Periodic inspection and adjustment

of the Honda Tiller is essential if a
high level of performance is to be
maintained.
will also insure the longest possible
life of your Honda tiller.

0 Performed by owner.

l

Should be performed by an authorized

Honda dealer unless the owner has the
proper tools and is mechanically pro­ficient. See the Honda Shop Manual.

* Service the air cleaner more frequently

as required.

Regular

maintenance

Regular Service Period

indicated month or

interval. whichever

Engine oil

Air cleaner eleme

Spark plug Ciean
Clutch shoe Change
Ignition timing Adjust
Tappet clearance Adjust

1 Combustion chamber )

Fuel line Check

(Replace, if necessary)

Fuel strainer

(Replace, if necessary)

Fuel tank

Check level 1

(Inc. valve lapping)

Clean I

Check

Clean

Before A-

pi

operation

I I

r lrsr

Initial ”

operation operation operation operation

I.. f

I I I.1

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Engine Oil Change

NOTE:

Change the oil when the engine is warm to

assure rapid and complete draining.

1. Remove the oil drain bolt and the filler cap to
drain.

2. Reinstall the drain bolt and fill the crankcase to
the upper level with the recommended oil.

3. Reinstall and tighten the filler cap.

Oil capacity: 0.45 R (0.95 US pt)

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(1) Oil filler cap

(3) Upper level (4) Lower level

(2) Oil drain bolt

Air Cleaner Service

A dirty air cleaner will restrict air flow to the

carburetor.
To prevent carburetor malfunction, service the air
cleaner frequently.

1. Remove the screws and air cleaner cover.
Remove the elements and separate them.

2. Wash the foam element in liquid detergent and
water and flush until water is clear. Dry it
thoroughly by applying compressed air. After
drying, soak in oil and squeeze out the excess.

3. Remove dust from paper element by applying
compressed air or tapping the case lightly. If the
paper element is excessively dirty, replace or
wash it in liquid detergent and water and flush
until water is clear. Dry it thoroughly by
applying compressed air before installing.

(1)

Air

cleaner

cover (2) Foam element

(3) Paper element.

Spark Plug Service
Recommended spark plug: BMR-4A (NGK),

W14MR-U (ND) To ensure proper engine operation,
the spark plug must be properly gapped and free of
deposits.

1. Clean any dirt from around the spark plug base.

2. Remove the plug cap and use the wrench to re­move the spark plug.

3. Visually inspect the spark plug. Discard it if the
insulator is cracked or chipped.

4. Measure the plug gap with a feeler gauge. The gap
should be 0.6-0.7 mm (0.024-0.028 in). Correct
as necessary by bending the side electrode.

5. Attach the plug washer. Thread the plug in by
hand to prevent cross-threading.

6. Tighten a new spark plug l/2 turn with the
wrench to compress the washer. If you are

reusing a plug, it should only take l/8-1/4 turn

after the plug seats.

CAUTION:

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The spark plug must be securely tightened. An

improperly tightened plug can become vev hot

and possibly damage the tiller.

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Never use a spark plug with an improper heat
range.

(1) Spark plug wrench

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(2) 0.6-0.7 mm (0.024-0.028 in)

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Throttle Cable Adjustment

Loosen the lock nut and turn the throttle cable
adjusting bolt until free play at the throttle lever is
between 5 - 10 mm (l/4-3/8 in) as shown. Tighten
the lock nut securely.

(1) Lock nut
(2) Throttle cable adjusting bolt

Clutch Cable

1. Squeeze the clutch lever lightly until resistance is
felt (in this position, the clutch starts to engage),
and measure the clearance between the handlebar
end and the lever tip as illustrated.
Clutch lever clearance: 45-50 mm (1.77-l .97 in)

2. If the clearance is incorrect, loosen the lock nut
and turn the adjusting bolt in or out as required.

3. After adjustment, tighten the lock nut securely.
Then start the engine and check for proper
clutch lever operation.

(1) Clearance

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(2) Lock nut

(3) Adjusting bolt

Rotor Assembly

Install the tine assemblies and side disks as illustrated below.

NOTE:

Side disks can be installed on each side.

“L” side

> “R” side

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TRANSPORTING/STORAGE

Transporting

Always turn the fuel valve off when transport­ing the tiller.
Keep it level to avoid fuel and oil leakage, and
secure it with a suitable strap or rope.

Preparation For Storage

l

Close the IN. & EX. valves and the contact

breaker points.

Pull the starter handle until it becomes hard to

pull (the piston is coming up on the compression
stroke).
Both valves and the contact breaker points will
be closed. This will protect the valve seats and
the points from corrosion.

l

Drain the gasoline from the fuel tank and car­buretor:

Remove the fuel line from the fuel valve, turn
the valve ON and dram all gasoline from the fuel
tank into metal container.
Remove the carburetor darin bolt to dram
gasoline from carburetor. Reinstall the fuel line
and tighten the dram bolt securely. Turn the fuel

valve OFF.
B Gasoline is flnmmable and explosive
under certain conditions. Do not smoke or allow

flames or sparks near the equipment while draining

fuel.
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(Over 30 days):

(1) Carburetor drain bolt

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Drain the engine oil and refill the engine with

fresh oil.

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Clean the tiller and coat areas of possible rust

with a light film of oil.

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Coat the cylinder walls with oil. (If anticipated

storage will exceed 1 year.)
Remove the spark plug and pour two or three
tablespoonsful of clean oil into the cylinder.

Pull the starter handle slowly to distribute the

oil over the cylinder walls. Leave the piston on
compression to close the valves and points.
Reinstall the spark plug.

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Cover the tiller and store on a level surface in
a dry, dust-free area.

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Do not place the tiller with the handlebars on the
ground. It will cause the oil entering the cylinder
or the fuel spillage.

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Removal From Storage

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Remove the spark plug and pull the starter handle several times.

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Check that the spark plug is clean and properly gapped, then reinstall and tighten the

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Check engine and transmission oil levels.

NOTE:

Oil will deteriorate if left in an engine for a long period of time. Change the engine oil if the tiller

has been stored for several times.

l

Fill the fuel tank.

plug.

B

Gasoline is flammable and explosive under certain conditions. Do not smoke or allow flames or

sparks near the equipment while filling tank. Fill the fuel tank only in a well ventilated area.

l

Check operation and condition of all controls. (If any parts are required, use only genuine Honda parts or
their equivalent).

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Turn the fuel valve ON, start the engine and check operation. (Note: If the cylinder was oiled for storage,
the engine will smoke for a while after it starts. This will clear up.)

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SPECIFICATIONS

Model

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Dimensions(LxWxH).
Dry weight.

Maximum handle height

Engine

Model.
Type
Displacement/Bore and stroke
Ignition timing
Ignition system
Enigne oil capacity
Fuel tank capacity.

Spark plug.
Clutch.
Transmission

Oil capacity

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.F200
.1,250 x 585 x 960 mm (49.2 x 23.0 x 37.8 in)
.27.0 kg (59.5 lb)
.I ,045 mm (41 .I in)

.GlOO
Single cylinder, 4-stroke, forced air cooled, side valve, gasoline

....... .76

.20”B.T.D.C.
.Flywheel magneto
.0.45 II (0.95 US pt)
.0.85 8 (1.80 US pt)
.BMR4A (NGK), W14MR-U (ND)
Internal expanding shoe
Planetary gear
.0.95 II (2.01 US pt)

cm3 (4.6 cu in)/46 x 46 mm (1.81 x 1.81 in)

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Warranty Service

Owner Satisfaction

Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to your dealer and to us. Normally, any problems with the pro­duct will be handled by your dealer’s service department. Sometimes, however, despite the best intentions
of all concerned, misunderstandings can occur. If your problem has not been handled to your satisfaction,
we suggest you take the following action:

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Discuss your problem with a member of dealership management. Often complaints can be quickly re­solved at that level. If the problem has already beeh reviewed with the Service Manager, contact the
owner of the dealership or the General Manager.

l

If your problem still has not been resolved to your satisfaction, contact the Customer Relations Department
at the regional office of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. in your area. Regional office locations are shown
on the following page. We will need the following information in order to assist you.

-Your name, address, and telephone number

-Product model and serial number

-Date of purchase

-Dealer name and address

-Nature of the problem

After reviewing all the facts involved, you will be advised of what action can be taken. Please bear in mind
that your problem will likely be resolved at the dealership, using the dealer’s facilities, equipment, and per­sonnel, so it is very important that your initial contact be with the dealer.

Your purchase of a Honda product is greatly appreciated by both the dealer and American Honda Motor Co.,
Inc. We want to assist you in every way possible to assure your complete satisfaction with your purchase.

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