Avoiding GCV/GSV Engine Powered Fuel-related Problems

When properly maintained, your Honda powered product should provide years of trouble-free operation. This includes the fuel system. However, gasoline can quickly deteriorate (in as little as 30 days) causing starting or running problems and, in some cases, damage to the fuel system. Most fuel-related problems can be avoided by following the precautions listed below. Fuel system damage and engine performance problems resulting from deteriorated gasoline are not covered by the Distributor’s Limited Warranty.

Follow These Precautions to Prevent Most Fuel-Related Problems 

During the Operating Season

1 Do not use gasoline containing more than 10% ethanol (E10). Not all automotive gasoline is safe to use in your power product.

Reason Higher levels of ethanol in gasoline attract water, and can corrode or damage the fuel system and cause performance problems. 

2 Store gasoline in a clean, plastic, sealed container approved for fuel storage. Store your fuel supply container away from direct sunlight; if the container has a vent, keep it closed.

Reason A plastic container eliminates the risk of rust and metallic contaminants from a metal container entering the fuel system. Gasoline will deteriorate faster when exposed to air and sunlight.

3 Purchase only enough gasoline to last for 1 to 2 months (about 30 to 60 days). If you purchase enough gasoline to last for more than 60 days, add a fuel stabilizer to your storage container when you fill it.

Reason Gasoline deteriorates with age so try to avoid storing it for long periods, especially in summer heat. Fuel stabilizer will extend the shelf life of gasoline, but it will not reconstitute stale fuel.

4 Keep your product’s fuel tank full of fresh fuel when not in use. Turn the fuel valve OFF.

Reason If the fuel tank is only partially filled, air in the tank will promote fuel deterioration.

5 Keep the air filter clean and properly serviced. Check it before each use.

Reason A properly maintained air filter will help prevent dirt from entering the carburetor. The small passages inside the carburetor can become blocked.

3 to 4 Weeks Before Next Use

1 Keep your product’s fuel tank full of fresh fuel when not in use. Turn the fuel valve OFF.

Reason If the fuel tank is only partially filled, air in the tank will promote fuel deterioration.

2 Turn the fuel valve to the OFF position, start the engine and let it run approximately 3 minutes until the carburetor is empty and the engine stops.

Reason The small amount of gasoline in your engine’s carburetor will deteriorate faster than the fuel in the fuel tank due to its small volume and heat from the engine.

1 to 3 Months Before Next Use

1 If you did not add fuel stabilizer to your fuel storage container when you filled it up, fill your product’s fuel tank with fresh gasoline.

Reason If the fuel tank is only partially filled, air in the tank will promote fuel deterioration.

2 Add fuel stabilizer to the product’s fuel tank according to the stabilizer manufacturer’s instructions. 

Reason Fuel stabilizer will extend the life of gasoline, but it will not reconstitute stale gasoline.

3 Run the engine outdoors for 10 minutes. 

Reason This makes sure treated gasoline has replaced untreated gasoline throughout the fuel system.

4 Turn the fuel valve to the OFF position, start the engine, and let it run approximately 3 minutes until the carburetor is empty and the engine stops. 

Reason The small amount of gasoline in your engine’s carburetor will deteriorate faster than the fuel in the fuel tank due to its small volume and heat from the engine.

More Than 3 Months Before Next Use

1 Start the engine and let it run long enough to empty all the gasoline from the entire fuel system, including the fuel tank. Do not allow gasoline to remain in your product’s fuel tank for more than 3months (about 90 days) of inactivity.

Reason All fuel stabilizers have a shelf life. It is good practice to empty the fuel system for long term inactivity.

2 If you have fuel left in your storage container at the end of the operating season, recycle the fuel into your car’s fuel tank or dispose of it properly.

Portable Fuel Container

It is recommended that you use a self-sealing portable fuel container for refueling your Honda power equipment. This will help to prevent fuel vapors from escaping and also prevent moisture from being drawn back into the container.

Fuel Stabilizer

Fuel stabilizer will extend the shelf life of gasoline, but will not reconstitute stale fuel. Always use fresh gasoline for your power products. If your product will not be used for more than a month, add fuel stabilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.