Fuel
The gas tank holds 9 liters (2.38 gallons) of fuel. The low fuel light will come on when there is less than one liter (0.26 gallons) of gas left in the tank. The engine is designed to use unleaded automotive gasoline with an octane rating of 86 or higher, and no more than 10% ethanol (E10.)
It’s important to use fresh gas: if the mower has been sitting for a while or has been recently purchased, it’s a good idea to add new fuel. Drain the fuel out by pumping gas out of the tank into a suitable container. The carburetor will also need to be drained: remove the drain screw at the bottom of the carburetor, and let it drain into the fuel container. Honda recommends draining the tank if the mower will be stored for more than 30 days.
The fuel line, connected between the fuel tank and the rear of the carburetor, should be inspected every two years and replaced if it shows signs of cracking.
Oil
The motor holds 1.2 quarts (1.1 liters) of oil. Honda recommends 10W40 oil that meets API service classification SG, SF/CC or CD. The oil should be changed every 20 hours of use, then every year or 100 hours.
Air Cleaner
The cleaner is made of a paper element surrounded by a foam element. Every 50 hours or 6 months, the foam element should be washed in soapy water and soaked in clean engine oil, while paper filter should be tapped on a hard surface to remove surface dust. Either element should be replaced if it is damaged.
Spark Plug
The spark plug should be gapped to 0.07-0.08 mm (0.028-0.031 in.) If the insulator is chipped or cracked, or the electrode is worn, the spark plug should be replaced.
Battery
To check the electrolyte, open the caps for the cells on top of the battery. Add distilled water to each cell until the level is between the upper and lower level marks on the side of the battery. If the battery won’t charge, there may be a loose connection. Otherwise, it’s time to replace the battery.
When removing the battery or cleaning corrosion from the battery terminals, remove the connections in this order: negative terminal, battery set plate and positive terminal. Reinstall in reverse. Disconnecting the positive terminal first could cause a short circuit if a wrench comes in contact with the negative terminal.
Spark Arrestor
A spark arrestor doesn’t come with the mower from the factory, but it can be added at any time. The arrestor should be replaced if it has any holes or cracks, but otherwise, it only needs an occasional cleaning with a wire brush. Allow the exhaust to cool completely before servicing or installing an arrestor.
Blades
The blades should be fitted so that the curved side of the blade is pointed toward the deck. The deck uses two types of blades; the high lift blade, which has the steepest curve, should be installed next to the discharge chute.
The blade bolts should be tightened to 44 ft-lbs. (6 kg m.) When installing a blade, make sure the parts are in this order: holder, blade, washer, and bolts.
Blades should be replaced if they are heavily worn, bent or cracked. Using anything other than a Honda OEM blade could cause the chute to clog.
PTO Belt
If the blades don’t rotate or won’t stop, the belt either is too loose, so it won’t engage, or too tight, so it won’t disengage. In either case, this is caused by belt wear. Replace the current belt with a new one.
Fuel Filter
The filter, located just below the fuel tank, should be replaced if there are any signs of water or dirt inside. Drain the fuel tank before changing the filter. The fuel line is long enough that the filter can be pulled up and in front of the rear panel.
Transmission Oil
Oil is added through an opening on the rear panel, just below the fuel tank. It should be filled with SAE 10W30 motor oil, just like the engine.
Brakes
To check the brakes, set the parking brake and check the wear indicator, next to the rear right wheel. If the indicator and wear limit arrow are next to each other, the brake lining needs to be replaced.
Where to Buy Honda Parts
Need parts? Hondalawnparts.com is an OEM dealer covering all Honda power equipment including lawn tractors like the H4013. Whether you need to add a spark arrestor, replace a spark plug, or do a complete overhaul, Honda Lawn Parts can help you find the parts you need and ship it to any address in the U.S. or Canada.
