13
Oil Change
Change the oil after the first 20 hours of use. Thereafter, change the
oil every 100 hours of use. Change the oil more frequently when used
under heavy load or high outdoor temperatures. See “Engine Oil
Recommendations” on this page for recommended oil properties.
Drain the used oil while the engine is warm. Warm oil drains quickly
and completely.
To reduce the chance of scratching the side of the mower deck or
wheels when tipping, place a piece of cardboard or drop cloth on the
ground. The use of a commercially available siphon pump will save
time and make the oil change easier.
1. Turn the fuel valve OFF (
). This will reduce the possibility of
fuel leakage
2. Wipe the oil filler area clean, and then remove the oil filler
cap/dipstick.
3. Place a suitable container
next to the mower to catch
the used oil, and then tilt the
mower on its right side.
The used oil will drain
through the filler neck. Allow
the oil to drain completely.
After draining, take the oil to
your local recycling center or
service station. Do not throw
it in the trash, pour it on the
ground, or pour it down a
drain.
4. Fill with the recommended oil. Do not overfill. Allow a couple of
minutes for the oil to settle in the engine, and then measure the oil
).
NOTICE
Using non-detergent oil can shorten the engine’s service life, and
using 2-stroke oil can damage the engine.
Engine Oil Recommendations
Oil is a major factor affecting performance and service life. Always
change the oil in accordance with the
Maintenance Schedule
).
Recommended oil for general use:
SAE 10W-30
Other viscosities shown in the chart may be used when the average
temperature in your area is within the recommended range.
The SAE oil viscosity and service category are in the API label on the
oil container. Honda recommends API service category SJ or later oil.
Air Filter
Clean the air filter after the first 20 hours of use. Thereafter, clean the
filter every 50 hours of use. Clean the filter more often when used in
dusty areas. Replace the filter every 200 hours of use.
A properly maintained air filter will help prevent dirt from entering your
engine. Dirt entering the carburetor can be drawn into small passages
in the carburetor and cause premature engine wear. These small
passages can become blocked, causing starting or running problems.
NOTICE
Operating the engine without an air filter, with a damaged air filter, or
with an improperly installed air filter cover will allow dirt to enter the
engine, causing rapid engine wear. This type of damage is not
covered by the
“DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY” on
.
We recommend the use of a Honda Genuine air filter to ensure it
seals and performs as designed. Using a non-Honda air filter can
result in dirt bypassing the filter, causing damage to the engine or fuel
system.
1. Remove the wing nuts from the air cleaner cover.
2. Remove the air filter and separate the filter elements.
3. Inspect the elements for holes,
tears, or other damage, and
replace them if they are
damaged.
4. Clean the elements:
Paper
: Tap the element several
times on a hard surface to
remove dirt, or blow
compressed air not exceeding
30 psi [207 kPa] through the
filter from the inside. Never try
to brush off dirt; brushing will
force dirt into the fibers.
Foam
: Clean in warm soapy
water and rinse or clean in
non-flammable solvent and
allow to dry. Apply oil to the
clean filter and squeeze out all
excess oil.
5. Use a moist rag to wipe dirt from
the inside of the air cleaner
housing and cover. Be careful to
prevent dirt from entering the air
duct that leads to the carburetor.
WARNING
If the blade bolts are not torqued properly, the blades
could loosen and be thrown from the mower.
Blades thrown from the mower could seriously hurt or kill
someone.
Ensure the blade bolts are torqued properly.
TORQUE
WRENCH
TORQUE:
36 ~ 43 ft-lb
(49 ~ 59 N•m)
WOODEN BLOCK
-20
20
30
40°C
-10
0
10
40
60
100°F
80
0
20
30
5W-30 • 10W-30
WING NUTS
COVER
PAPER
FILTER
ELEMENT
AIR CLEANER HOUSING
FOAM
FILTER
ELEMENT
