Keep your Honda lawnmower running smoothly by following some simple maintenance tips and general advice about how to use it. Honda lawnmowers are built to last, but fuel-related issues can occur if you aren’t careful. That is because gasoline’s properties mean that stale fuel can cause problems running or starting. To avoid these problems, follow these tips.
Choose the Right Gasoline
When picking the gasoline to put in your Honda lawnmower, make sure that it has 10 percent ethanol or less. Higher quantities of ethanol will attract water and be corrosive, leading to issues running or starting as well as possible damage to the fuel system.
Store Gas Correctly
Storage is crucial for preventing fuel-related problems. Make sure that you store the gas you plan on using in a sealed plastic container that has been approved for storing fuel and is clean. Keep the fuel away from direct sunlight and add a stabilizer if you will need over three months to finish the container of fuel. This will prevent metallic contaminants and rust and reduce the rate of deterioration.
Stow the Mower Correctly
After you finish mowing, put the fuel valve to OFF, leaving it there until the next time you mow. Fill up your fuel tank, as this minimizes air and the fuel deterioration caused by it. If you won’t be using your Honda lawnmower for another 3 or 4 weeks, be sure to leave the fuel valve OFF when starting the engine. Let it run until there is no more gas.
If you will be storing the mower for between 30 and 90 days, be sure to add a stabilizer to your fuel. After doing so, run the engine outside for 10 minutes, as this makes sure the treated gas goes through the system. You can skip that step if you frequently add stabilizer. Remember to stop your engine and move the fuel valve to OFF. If you won’t use the mower for over 90 days, let the engine run for enough time to completely empty the gas from the fuel system and tank. You should never let gas stay in your lawnmower if it will be inactive for 90 days or more.
Service the Air Filter
Ensuring that your lawnmower’s air filter is maintained properly prevents dirt from getting into the carburetor. Any time that you will be using the lawnmower, check the air filter first. If you use the mower in dusty areas, replace the filter frequently, and always use Honda Genuine air filters.
Now that you know how to prevent fuel-related problems in your Honda lawnmower, you are ready to pick out the right mower for your needs. Brannon Honda in Birmingham, Alabama, has a wide selection of Honda lawnmowers and other power equipment.
Disclaimer: The stock image is being used for illustrative purposes only, and it is not a direct representation of the business, recipe, or activity listed. Any person depicted in the stock image is a model.