Frequently asked questions

• Regular unleaded 98, 95, 95 E5 or E10 can be used in Honda products (E5 or E10 contains 5% or 10% ethanol). Please check your owner's manual.
• Do not use any gasoline containing more than 10% ethanol. This will cause corrosion damage to fuel system components and will attack rubber and plastic parts.
• Honda does not anticipate any adverse effects from the use of Alkylate type gasoline. Please refer to the instructions and data sheet provided by the Alkylate manufacturer for more information.
• If your Honda product is used intermittently (eg more than 4 weeks between each use) add fuel stabiliser when you buy gasoline.
  > Honda fuel stabiliser has a shelf life and its performance will deteriorate over time. Once the bottle is opened it has a maximum life of 2 years.
  > Fuel stabiliser will not reconstitute or reinvigorate stale gasoline. It must be added when the gasoline is fresh.

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• Gasoline will start to deteriorate if stored for more than 1 month.
• Add Honda fuel stabilizer to fresh gasoline likely to be stored for more than 1 month.
• Only use clean, sealed, approved fuel containers, designed specifically to carry or store gasoline.
• If gasoline is stored in a steel container (eg a jerrycan) make sure there is no corrosion on the inside of the container.
• Store gasoline in a cool place away from direct sunlight.

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• If your Honda product will be used intermittently (eg more than 4 weeks between each use) use gasoline which has been treated with fuel stabilizer, when fresh.
• Turn the fuel tap off when the machine is not being used.
• Before use, check the engine oil level is correct and ensure the air filter is clean.
• Before winter storage:
  Drain the gasoline from the carburetor and fuel tank (refer to the owner's manual for correct procedure).  
  OR
  > Add fuel stabilizer, which will extend the storage life of any gasoline remaining in the fuel tank and carburetor. Fill the fuel tank to the recommended maximum level, using treated gasoline. Run the engine for at least 5 minutes to allow treated gasoline to enter the carburetor, before storage.

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• 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 which may rust with a light film of oil.
• Gasoline will oxidise and deteriorate in storage. Old gasoline will cause starting problems and it leaves gum deposits which may clog the fuel system. Avoid fuel deterioration problems by draining the fuel tank and carburetor. Please check your owner's manual.
• Select a well-ventilated storage area away from any appliance which operates with a flame, such as a furnace, water heater or clothes drier.
• Also avoid any area with an electric motor producing sparks or where power tools are operated. If possible, avoid any area with high humidity which can lead to rust and corrosion.
• Position the equipment so the engine is level. Tilting the engine can cause fuel or oil leakage.
• If your engine is equipped with a battery, remove it and store it in a cool dry place. Recharge the battery once a month while the engine is in storage which will help to extend its life.

Watch our training films to learn more about cleaning carburettors. Please be aware that the engine should be serviced by an authorised Honda dealer unless the owner has proper tools, service data and the necessary technical skills.

• Fill the fuel tank with fresh gasoline and preferably add fuel stabilizer.
• Drain any old fuel and fill the tank with fresh gasoline.
• Turn the fuel valve to the ON or OPEN position.
• Turn the engine stop switch to ON.
• Is the engine equipped with a battery? Recharge the battery or check and replace the fuse.
• Move the choke lever to the ON position.
• If a problem occurs with the spark plug:
  > Check the spark plug wire and connect if necessary.
  > Remove the spark plug cap. Clean any dirt from around the spark plug base and then remove the spark plug.
  > Grounding the side electrode to the engine, pull the recoil starter to see if sparks jump across the gap. If there is no spark, replace the plug. If there is a spark, reinstall the spark plug and start again.
• If the engine still does not start, take it to an authorised Honda dealer. See service network.

• If a problem occurs with the spark plug:
  > Check the spark plug wire and connect it if necessary.
  > Remove the spark plug cap. Clean any dirt from around the spark plug base, and then remove the spark plug.
  >Grounding the side electrode to the engine, pull the recoil starter to see if sparks jump across the gap. If there is no spark, replace the plug. If there is a spark, reinstall the spark plug and start again.
• If the air cleaner is clogged, clean or replace the air cleaner.
• If the carburetor is clogged, clean the carburetor. Watch our training film to learn more about cleaning carburetors.
• Check if the valve clearance is correct. If not, readjust the valve clearance to the correct setting.
• Check if the governor is out of adjustment. If so, readjust the governor.
• If the problem is not solved, take your engine to an authorised Honda dealer. See service network.

In you have a problem with the Honda engine on your machine, you can claim a repair or replacement under warranty if certain conditions are fulfilled. Read more…

Every Honda engine has a model code and serial number stamped into the side of the engine. The location of this unique number depends on the engine model. Read more…