Having problems with your Honda HRR216PKA mower? It might be the fuel: it’s the most overlooked part of maintaining small engine equipment, yet it’s also the source of the most common problems. Here’s what you need to know to maintain the fuel system on your Honda from day-to-day operation to long term storage.
Buying and Storing Fuel
The engine in the HRR216PKA is designed to use automotive unleaded gasoline. This fuel should contain no more than 10% ethanol (E10.) Why? Ethanol is very hygroscopic, which means it absorbs water. Fuel with higher concentrations of alcohol will gather water from the air at a rate that can make the fuel hard to ignite. Over time, this moisture can cause corrosion of the fuel system.
Gasoline should be used within 30-60 days after purchase; it ages faster during the summer due to heat, so more frequent replacement is necessary. If it will be stored for longer, add a fuel stabilizer. Remember: fuel stabilizers cannot revitalize stale fuel, so treat the fuel when you first purchase it.
Fuel will go stale faster when exposed to air, heat and sunlight. For this reason, gasoline should be kept in an approved gasoline container with a tight seal to reduce contact with oxygen and moisture from the air; if the container has a vent, make sure it is kept closed. Remember that this mower only holds about 1/3 of a gallon of gasoline in its tank, so there’s no need to keep a large tank of fuel on hand. The fuel container should be made of plastic, as metal gas cans can contaminate the fuel with rust. It should be stored in a place where it won’t be in direct sunlight. After mowing, turn the fuel valve to “OFF” and fill the gas tank. This will limit exposure to air and limit oxidation.
Storing for Three to Four Weeks Before Next Use
Again, it’s important that the fuel tank is full and the fuel valve is closed to limit air exposure. While the gas inside the tank should last, the fuel left in the carburetor will age quickly due to heat from the engine and exposure to air. To empty the carburetor, make sure the fuel valve off, start the engine, and let it run until it’s out of fuel. This should take about three minutes.
Storing One to Three Months Before Next Use
If the fuel wasn’t already treated, add a fuel stabilizer to the tank. With the fuel valve set to “ON,” let the mower run for 10 minutes. This will ensure that the treated fuel has reached the entire fuel system. Shut off the engine, turn the fuel valve to “OFF,” and start the motor again. Let it run until it dies to remove any fuel left in the carburetor.
Storing More than Three Months
Even stabilized fuel will only last about three months, so all fuel should be removed from the mower. To do this, leave the fuel valve on and let the engine run until it has burned all the fuel in the tank, lines and carburetor.
Dealing with Stale Fuel
Have some fuel left in storage that you don’t want to use in your mower? The EPA recommends putting it in your car’s fuel tank when it is already mostly full. Since it will be diluted with fresh gas, it won’t be as stale as it would be if used straight from the container.
Where to Buy Honda Mower parts
Anything you need to keep your Honda mower running from fuel lines to carburetors and even fuel stabilizer can be ordered off the web from hondalawnparts.com. Honda Lawn Parts is a certified Honda Small Engine Equipment dealer. It’s not just a warehouse, it’s part of a real brick and mortar store that sells and fixes equipment like this HRR216PKA mower. That means support from an experienced sales staff that knows Hondas inside and out. Shipping is easy, too, with coverage across the U.S. and Canada.
