Honda Power Equipment H3011H User Manual
O Manualwner's
Riding Mower
H3011 • H3011H
©1989 Honda Motor Co., LTD. — All Rights Reserved
Thank you for purchasing a Honda riding mower.
This manual describes operation and maintenance of the Honda H3011
(manual transmission) and H301 1 H (hydrostatic transmission) riding
mower, type SA and HSA.
Information in this manual is based on the H301lSA model with
Mechanical Auto-clutch Transmission (MAT) except as noted. The noted
areas apply to the H3011 HSA model with Hydrostatic Transmission
(HSTI.
All information in this manual is based.on‘the latest product information
available at the time of printing.
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. reserves the right to make changes at any time
without notice and without incurring any obligation.
No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission.
This manual is considered a permanent part of the riding mower and it
must stay with the riding mower if resold.
You can purchase an optional, U.S.D.A. qualified spark arrester for this
product from your authorized Honda Power Equipment dealer. Spark ar-
resters are required in some areas; check local laws and regulations before
operating this Honda product.
READ THIS OWNER’S MANUAL CAREFULLY. Pay special attention to
these symbols and any instructions that follow:
m
IMPORTANT NoTrCE -Indicates that equipment or property damage can
-Indicates severe personal injury or death WILL
result if instructions are not followed.
-Indicates a strong possibility of severe personal injury or death if instructions are not followed.
-Indicates a possibility of personal injury or equip-
ment damage if instructions are not followed.
result if instructions are not followed.
NOTE: Gives helpful information.
Honda riding mowers are designed to give safe and dependable service if
operated according to instructions. Operating this riding mower requires
special effort on your part to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
m
or property damage. Use only for mowing (cutting) grass, and for bagging
cut grass when equipped with an optional grass catcher.
Read and understand this Owner’s Manual before operating the riding
mower.
Using this product for a purpose not intended may cause injury
If a problem should arise, or if you have any questions about your riding
mower, consult an authorized Honda riding mower dealer.
HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. 1989, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
1
CONTENTS
1. SAFETY INFORMATION
2. COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION
3. CONTROLS
Engine switch
Throttle lever
Cutter deck height adjusting lever
Shift lever
Power Take-Off (P.T.O.) lever
Brake pedal
Parking brake lever and warning buzzer
Transmission release lever
4. PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
COOLING AIR INTAKE
ENGINE OIL
................................................................................. 21
FUEL
Fuel recommendation
GASOLINES CONTAINING ALCOHOL
AIR CLEANER .....................................................................
BATTERY
TRANSMISSION OIL ............................................................ 26
TRANSMISSION FLUID
BRAKE
PRIMARY BELT AND BLADE BELT ..........................................
TIRES
CUTTER DECK ....................................................................
BLADE .............................................................................. 30
SAFETY SWITCH
SEAT ADJUSTMENT ........................................................... 32
........................................................................
..................................................................... 12
...................................................................... 12
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........................................................................ 15
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........................................................................... 25
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4
9
12
13
13
14
16
18
20
23
24
27
27
28
29
29
32
5. OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mowing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mowing tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting the riding mower
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cutting patterns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stopping on a hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Uphill starting procedure
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stopping the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High altitude operation
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6. TRANSPORTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
7. MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Engine oil change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air cleaner service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark plug service
Recommended spark plug
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drive clutch inspection (H301 1 only, Manual Transmission) . . . . . . . .
Wheel removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cutter deck removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Blade belt adjustment/replacement
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Primary belt replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Blade bolt tightness/Blade replacement
Spark arrester maintenance
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8. STORAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preparation for storage
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removal from storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
9. TROUBLESHOOTING
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10. SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11. WIRING DIAGRAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12. WARRANTY SERVICE
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33
33
36
36
38
40
42
42
43
44
46
47
48
49
50
50
52
54
55
56
58
60
iti;
64
65
65
68
72
74
76
1. SAFETY INFORMATION
Read all safety instructions before you ride!
(H301 1 only, Manual Transmission)
GASOLINE IS FLAMMABLE
Read all safety instructions before you ride!
(H301 1 H only, Hydrostatic Transmission)
GASOLINE IS FLAMMABLE
STOP ENGINE. AVOID HEAT,
SAFETY INFORMATION
For your safety and the safety of others, pay special attention to these
precautions:
Operator Responsibility
l Keep the riding mower in good operating condition. Operating a riding
mower in poor, or questionable condition could result in serious injury.
l Be sure all safety devices are in working order and warning labels are in
place, these items are installed for your safety.
l Know how to stop the engine and blade quickly in case of emergency.
Understand the use of all controls.
l Allowing anyone, to operate this riding mower without proper instruc-
tion may result in injury.
l Allowing passengers to ride on the mower or any of its attachments
may cause the mower to tip over.
l Wear sturdy, full coverage footwear. Operating this riding mower
barefoot, or with open toe shoes or sandals increases your risk of injury.
l Dress sensibly. Loose clothing may get caught in moving parts, increas-
ing your risk of injury.
l Be alert. Operating this riding mower when you are tired, ill or under the
influence of alcohol or drugs may result in serious injury.
l Keep all persons and pets away from the mowing area.
Child Safety
Serious injury or death can occur when children fall off the mower and are
run over by the machine, or when children run or fall in the path of a
mower and are run over.
l Allowing children to ride as passengers on the riding mower can be
dangerous.
l Keep children indoors and supervised at all times when any outdoor
power equipment is being used nearby. Young children move quickly
and are attracted to the mower and the mowing activity especially if
they have been given rides before.
l Never assume children will remain where you last saw them. Be alert
and turn the mower off if children enter the area. Use extra care when
approaching corners, shrubs, and trees that might shield children from
sight.
l Children should never be allowed to operate the riding mower, even
under adult supervision.
6
-, . .
Cutting Blade Hazard
The cutting blade is sharp, and it turns at high speed. Accidental contact
can cause serious injury.
l Keep your hands and feet away from the mower deck while the engine
is running.
l Stop the engine, disengage the Power Take Off (P.T.O.) clutch and
remove the key before inspection or maintenance of the deck or blade.
l Disconnect the spark plug cap to prevent any possibility of accidental
starting. Wear heavy gloves to protect your hands from the blade when
cleaning out the mower deck, or when inspecting or replacing the
blade.
Thrown Object Hazard
Objects hit by the cutting blade can be thrown from the mower with great
force, and may cause serious injury.
l Before mowing, clear the mowing area of sticks, stones, dog bones,
and other litter and loose objects. Mow only in daylight, or in well-lit
areas at night, so you can see and avoid objects in the grass.
l Before operating the mower, be sure the side discharge guard is down,
or that the optional grass catcher bags and discharge chute are in place.
l Disengage the Power Take Off (P.T.O.) lever to stop the blade before
crossing a gravel driveway or any other area with loose stones.
l Always inspect the mower for damage after striking a foreign object.
Repair or replace any damaged parts before continued use.
l Broken pieces thrown from a worn or damaged blade can cause serious
injury. Always inspect the blade before using the mower.
Fire and Burn Hazard
Gasoline is extremely flammable, and gasoline vapor can explode.
Use extreme care when handling gasoline. Keep gasoline out of reach of
children.
l Refuel in a well ventilated area with the engine stopped.
l Allowed the engine to cool before refueling. Fuel vapor or spilled fuel
may ignite.
l The accumulation of dry grass and leaves around the engine or exhaust
may ignite.
l It is illegal in some areas to operate an engine without a USDA qualified
spark arrester. Periodic maintenance is required to keep it functioning
as designed.
7
The engine and exhaust system become very hot during operation and re-
main hot for a while after stopping. Contact with hot engine components
can cause burn injuries and can ignite some materials.
l Avoid touching a hot engine or exhaust system.
l Allow the engine to cool before performing maintenance or storing the
riding mower indoors.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Hazard
Exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless
gas. Breathing exhaust can cause loss of consciousness and may lead to
death.
l If you run the engine in an area that is confined, or even partially enclos-
ed, the air you breathe could contain a dangerous amount of exhaust
gas. To keep exhaust gas from building up, provide adequate
ventilation.
Towing Hazard
Towing vehicles such as garden carts, trailers, or other vehicles is not
recommended. Towing vehicles could cause brake failure, transmission
failure or loss of control.
Operation on Slopes
This r‘ding mower is intended for use on relatively flat terrain.
Openlting the riding mower on slopes exceeding 10 degrees (17% grade)
could cause the mower to tip over.
l When mowing on slopes, empty the grass bags when they are half full.
The weight of full grass bags may cause the riding mower to tip over.
Maximum safe operating angle
MAXIMUM lOa (17% GRADE1
loo MAX
2. COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION
SHIFT LEVER
I
H3011H (HYDROSTATIC TRANSMISSION)
\
STEERING WHEEL
BRAKE LEVER
JNG AIR INTAKE
WARNING BUZZER
9
POWER TAKE-OFF
8.. .w ‘. . I .-.,I-” .
,I-. I .“.I LCVC”
DECK HEIGHT
ADJUSTING LE
CUTTER DECK
OWNER’S MANU
POWER TAKE-OFF
tP.T.0.) LEVER
TRANSMISSION
RELEASE LEVER
E SERIAL NUMBER
\
l ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER
* Record the frame and engine serial numbers for your reference. Refer to
the serial numbers when ordering parts, and when making technical or
warranty inquiries (see page 76).
Frame serial number:
Engine serial number:
IO
Engine compartment
AIR CLEANER
TRANSMISSION FLUID RESERVOIR
lH3011H HYDROSTATIC TRANSMISSION)
BATTERY
OIL FILLER CAP
’ %+&\ ~l?%&J%: ,“,“,:‘,E,
I??+--
ENGINE OIL DRAIN BOLT
(LOCATED UNDER ENGINE)
I
I
1 BATTERY
-
OIL FILLER CAP
SPARK PLUG
CAP
H3011H (HYDROSTATIC TRANSMISSION)
SPARK PLUG CAP
11
3. CONTROLS
Engine switch
m Always remove the key from the engine switch whenever the
riding mower is Unattended to prevent childrenor unauthorized persons
from-starting the engine.
This riding mower is equipped with an automotive type ignition switch, which controls all the electrical circuits. The switch is located on the right-hand side in front of the gear shift lever. Key positions:
“START” to start the engine
“ON”
“OFF” to stop the engine.
1 IMPORTANT NoT’CE 1 Do not leave the engine switch “ON” (key on “ON”
position) when the engine is not running as the battery will discharge.
(H3011 only, Manual Transmission)
NOTE: The starter motor will not work unless the shift lever is in
NEUTRAL and the P.T.O. lever is in the OFF (Disengaged) position.
to run the engine after
starting
ENGINE
SWITCH
(H3011 H only, Hydrostatic Transmission)
The starter motor can only be activated when the shift lever is set to
neutral and the P.T.O. lever to OFF with the seat switch ON or the parking
brake applied.
Throttle lever
The throttle lever controls engine speed from SLOW (idle) to FAST (max
speed). START (CHOKE) is for starting a cold engine.
START (CHOKE)
THROT
TLE
LEVER
12
Cutter deck height adjusting lever
This lever is used to raise and lower the cutter deck. To adjust the cutting
height, squeeze the handle lock and then press in and hold the set button.
Raise or lower the lever until the desired cutting height appears on the indicator. At that point, release the set button and the handle lock. Be sure
the handle lock returns to its normal position when released.
Cutting height: 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5 in (Approx.)
1 IMPORTANT NOTICE 1
l To avoid damage to the cutter deck, always:aise it fully when driving
the riding mower to and from the mowing area; this provides maximum
ground clearance.
l To avoid damaging or disabling the handle locking mechanism, never
attempt to screw the adjusting lever’s set button in or out.
Shift lever (H3011 only, Manual Transmission)
This lever is used to select one of the five forward speeds, neutral, or
reverse. The drive clutch automatically disengages while the lever is being
moved. The clutch will then engage automatically when put into gear
unless the brake pedal is depressed.
m
m
a forward speed to reverse, or from reverse to a forward speed. Shifting
between forward and reverse speeds while the riding mower is moving
can cause transmission damage.
When shifting from one forward speed range to another while moving, do
not force the shift lever and do not shift up or down more than one slot at a
time.
NOTE: The riding mower will pull
away from a stop in any speed
range. No shifting is necessary.
4th and 5th speeds are not recommended for mowing but may be used
for driving the riding mower from one
area to another.
Do not operate the shift lever on a slope.
Bring the riding mower to a complete stop before shifting from
h
13
Shift lever (H3011 H only, Hydrostatic Transmission)
Use the shift lever to change the forward/reverse speed of the riding
mower and/or to shift the transmission into NEUTRAL (STOP).
To drive the riding mower forward, release the parking brake and slowly
move the shift lever from NEUTRAL to forward direction (away from you).
To drive in reverse, slowly move the shift lever back (toward you).
NOTE: The shift lever is interconnected with the brake pedal, the shift
lever returns to NEUTRAL when the brake pedal is fully depressed bring
the riding mower to a complete stop.
m
m
a forward speed to reverse, or from reverse to a forward speed. Shifting
between forward and reverse speeds while the riding mower is moving
can cause transmission damage.
Do not operate the shift lever on a slope.
Bring the riding mower to a complete stop before shifting from
SHIFT LEVER
NOTE: The riding mower will pull
away f.-om a stop in any speed
range.
No shifting is necessary.
Be sure that the shift lever is in the
mowing range whenever mowing.
Mowing in the transport range is not
recommerded: as this will affect cut
quality. Transport range shou!d only
be used to drive to and from the
mowing area.
NOTE: An interlock switch prevents
the engine from starting unless the
shift lever is in the N (neutral)
position.
Power Take-Off (P.T.O.1 lever
This lever engages and disengages
the power take-off clutch to drive the P.r.0.
blade.
Lever positions:
ON (Engaged) . . . . . . . . Blade turns
OFF (Disengaged). . . . Blade stops
NOTE: An interlock switch prevents
the engine from starting unless the
P.T.O. lever is in the OFF position.
14
ON (Engaged)
/
OFF IDisengaged)
Brake pedal (H3011 only, Manual Transmission)
Depressing the pedal will first disengage the riding mower drive clutch. As
you continue to depress the pedal, the brake will be applied to stop the
riding mower.
\
When the clutch pedal is released, the clutch will automatically engage
smoothly.
m Releasing the brake pedal too slowly can cause the clutch to
slip, and may lead to premature clutch wear.
Brake pedal (H3011 H only, Hydrostatic Transmission)
The brake pedal and the shift lever are interconnected. When the brake
pedal is fully depressed, the riding mower will stop and the shift lever will
return to NEUTRAL. If the brake pedal is depressed half-way and then
released, the riding mower will stop and then continue at a slower speed.
IMPORTANT NoT’CE Driving the riding mower with the brake pedal partly
depressed can damage the brake linings.
PEDAL
15
Parking brake lever and warning buzzer
(H3011 only, Manual Transmission)
This lever is used to set the brake when the riding mower is parked.
To set the parking brake, pull up on the parking brake lever until the set
button locks in place.
To release the parking brake, pull the lever up slightly and press the set
button, lower the lever while holding in the button.
The warning buzzer will sound continuously when the following conditions
are present:
With the parking brake set, the engine switch “ON” and the shift lever in
gear.
lMPORTANT NOTKE When washing the riding mower, do not spray water
directly warning buzzer holes:
WARNING BUZZER
SET BUTTON
16
PARKING BRAKE LEVER
Parking brake lever and warning buzzer
(H3011 H only, Hydrostatic Transmission)
This lever is used to set the brake when the riding mower is parked. Pull
the lever fully up until the ratchet locks.
To set the parking brake, pull up on the parking brake lever until the set
button locks in place.
To release the parking brake, pull the lever up slightly and press the set
button, lower the lever while holding in the button.
The warning buzzer will sound continuously when the following conditions
are present:
Operator in the seat with the parking brake set, the engine switch “ON”
and the shift lever moved from the “N” position.
To prevent operating riding mower with the parking brake set, a delayed
engine cutoff is interlinked with the warning buzzer. The engine will stop
within a few seconds if the parking brake is not released.
) IMPORTANT NOTICE 1
directly into the warning buzzer holes.
“,,,,
washing the riding mower, do not spray water
en
PARKING BdAKE LEVER
17
Transmission release lever
This lever is used when it becomes necessary to push or move the riding
mower manually.
m
hill, could result in a loss of control causing serious injury or equipment
damage.
[ IMPORTANT NoT’CE 1 Operating the transmission release lever while the
engine is running could cause transmission damage.
To operate the transmission release lever:
Stop the engine and apply the parking brake.
1.
Place the shift lever in the NEUTRAL position.
2.
Move the transmission release lever down to the lower groove (red dot)
3.
Operating the transmission release lever while on a slope or
and lock it in place.
Release the parking brake carefully.
4.
IMPORTANT NoTCE 1 Towing or pushing the riding mower with another
vehicle will damage the transmission.
If the riding mower becomes inoperable due to transmission failure, trailer-
ing the mower to the place of repair is recommended.
18
LEVER
4. PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
Following the procedures below ‘and check all of the following items
before each use:
1. Park the riding mower on a level surface.
2. Place the shift lever in the neutral position and set the park brake.
3. Disconnect the spark plug cap and remove the engine switch key to
prevent accidental engine start-up.
m
the pre-operation checks, moving parts may cause serious injury.
COOLING AIR INTAKE
Make sure the cooling air intake screens are clean.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
engine may overheat.
If the engine is started accidentally while you are performing
1 If the cooling air intake screens are blocked the
COOLING AIR INTAKE SCREENS
19
ENGINE OIL
IMPORTANT NOTICE
1 Running the engine with low oil level will cause
serious engine damage.
1. Place the riding mower on a level surface.
2. Lift the rear body, wipe dust and dirt from around the oil filler cap,
remove the cap and wipe the dipstick clean.
3. Insert the dipstick into the oil filler neck, but do not screw it in.
4. If the level is low, add the recommended oil to the upper mark on the
dipstick.
Use high-detergent, premiun quality 4-stroke engine oil, certified to meet
or exceed U.S. automobile manufacturer’s requirements for API Service
Classification SG, SF/CC, CD.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
IMPORTANT NoT’CE 1 Using nondetergent oil or P-stroke engine oil could 1 Using nondetergent oil or P-stroke engine oil could
shorten the engine’s service life. shorten the engine’s service life.
SAE low-30 is recommended for general, all-temperature use. Other SAE low-30 is recommended for general, all-temperature use. Other
viscosities shown in the following chart may be used when the average viscosities shown in the following chart may be used when the average
temperature in your area is within the indicated range. temperature in your area is within the indicated range.
OIL FILLER CAP OIL FILLER CAP
20
-30 -20 -10 -30 -20 -10 0 0 10 10
Ambient temperature Ambient temperature
20 20 30 4O’C 30 4O’C
UPPER UPPER
LEVEL LEVEL
LOWER LOWER
LEVEL LEVEL
FUEL
Raise the rear body and check the fuel level.
Refill the tank to the upper level mark if necessary. Do not fill the fuel tank
above the UPPER level mark.
Fuel tank capacity: 2.5 P (0.66 US gal)
Gasoline is extremely flammable, and gasoline vapor can explode. Use extreme care when handling gasoline. Keep gasoline out of reach of children.
l Refuel in a well ventilated area with the engine stopped. Keep flames
and sparks away, and do not smoke in the area.
- Allow the engine to cool before refueling. Fuel vapors or spilled fuel may
ignite.
l Refuel carefully to avoid spilling fuel. Avoid overfilling the fuel tank
(there should be no fuel in the filler neck). After refueling, tighten the
filler fuel cap securely. If any fuel was spilled, make sure the area is dry
before starting the engine.
l After use, turn the fuel valve OFF, and park the riding mower on a level
surface. Be sure the storage area is well ventilated, do not allow flames
or sparks in the storage area.
Fuel Recommendation
Pump octane rating: 86 or higher
If “spark knock” (metallic rapping noise) or persistent “pinging” occurs at
a steady engine speed under normal load, change brands of gasoline. If
spark knock or pinging persists, see an authorized Honda riding mower
dealer.
21
IMPORTANT NoT’CE Running the engine with persistent spark knock or
pinging can cause engine damage.
Running the engine with persistent spark knock or pinging is considered
misuse, and the Distributor’s Limited Warranty does not cover parts
damaged by misuse.
Occasionally you may hear light spark knock while operating under heavy
loads. This is no cause for concern. It simply means your engine is
operating efficiently.
We recommend unleaded fuel because it produces fewer engine and spark
plug deposits and extends the exhaust system life.
Never use stale or contaminated gasoline or an oil/gasoline mixture. Avoid
getting dirt or water in the fuel tank.
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GASOLINES CONTAINING ALCOHOL
If you decide to use a gasoline containing alcohol (gasohol), be sure its
rating is at least as high as that recommended by Honda (see Fuel Recom-
mendation on page 21). There are two types of “gasohol”: one containing
ethanol, and the other containing methanol.
m
gasoline containing methanol (methyl or wood alcohol) that does not also
contain cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors for methanol, can cause
serious fuel system damage and poor engine performance.
Never use gasoline containing more than 5% methanol, even if it has
cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors.
Honda cannot endorse the use of fuels containing methanol since
evidence of their suitability is as yet incomplete.
NOTE: Fuel system damage or engine performance problems resulting
from the use of fuels that contain alcohol is not covered under the
warranty.
Before buying fuel from an unfamiliar station, first determine if the fuel
contains alcohol; if it does, find out the type and percentage of alcohol
used.
NOTE: If you notice any undesirable operating symptoms while using a
gasoline that contains alcohol, or one that you think contains alcohol,
switch to a gasoline that you know does not contain alcohol.
Using gasohol that contains more than 10% ethanol, or
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