HONDA HRX217HXA - Manual (Page 12)

12
Air Cleaner Service
A dirty air filter restricts air flow to the carburetor, reducing engine
performance. If you operate the mower in very dusty areas, clean the
air filter more often than specified in the MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
(page 9).
NOTICE
Operating the engine without an air filter or with a damaged filter
allows dirt to enter the engine, causing rapid engine wear. This type of
damage is not covered by the Distributor’s Limited Warranty
(page 19).
1. Press down on the cover tabs and remove the cover.
2. Remove the filter from the air cleaner housing.
3. Inspect the filter and replace it if it is damaged.
4. Clean the filter by tapping it 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.
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.
6. Reinstall the filter and cover.
Spark Plug Service
NOTICE
Incorrect spark plugs can cause engine damage.
For good performance, the spark plug must be properly gapped and
free of deposits.
1. Disconnect the spark plug
cap and remove any dirt
from around the spark plug
area.
2. Remove the spark plug with
a 13/16 in (21 mm) spark
plug wrench.
3. Inspect the spark plug.
Replace it if the electrodes
are worn, or if the insulator
is cracked or chipped.
4. Measure the spark plug
electrode gap with a
suitable gauge. The gap
should be 0.028 ~
0.031 in (0.7 ~ 0.8 mm).
Correct the gap, if
necessary, by carefully
bending the side
electrode.
5. Install the spark plug
carefully, by hand, to
avoid cross-threading.
6. After the spark plug
seats, tighten with a
13/16 in (21 mm) spark
plug wrench to
compress the washer.
If reinstalling the old spark plug, tighten 1/8 to 1/4 turn after the
spark plug seats.
If installing a new spark plug, tighten 1/2 turn after the spark plug
seats to compress the sealing washer.
NOTICE
A loose spark plug can overheat and damage the engine.
Overtightening the spark plug can damage the threads in the
cylinder head.
7. Install the spark plug cap on the spark plug.
REFUELING
This engine is certified to operate on unleaded gasoline with a pump
octane rating of 86 or higher.
Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped. If the engine
has been running, allow it to cool first. Never refuel the engine inside a
building where gasoline fumes may reach flames or sparks.
You may use regular unleaded gasoline containing no more than 10%
Ethanol (E10) or 5% Methanol by volume. In addition, Methanol must
contain cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors. Use of fuels with content
of Ethanol or Methanol greater than shown above may cause starting
and/or performance problems. It may also damage metal, rubber, and
plastic parts of the fuel system. Engine damage or performance
problems that result from using a fuel with percentages of Ethanol or
Methanol greater than shown above are not covered under warranty.
RECOMMENDED SPARK PLUGS REGULAR RESISTOR*
NGK BP6ES BPR6ES
DENSO W20EP-U W20EPR-U
*Resistor spark plugs reduce interference with radio and TV
reception.
AIR CLEANER
HOUSING
FILTER
COVER
COVER TABS
SPARK PLUG
SPARK
PLUG
CAP
SPARK PLUG
WRENCH
0.028 ~ 0.031 in
(0.7 ~ 0.8 mm)
SEALING
WASHER