If you don’t plan to use your Honda powered equipment for more than 30 days, follow these steps to reduce fuel-related problems.

Storage Time: 30 to 90 days

1. Add gasoline stabilizer to the fuel tank following the manufacturer’s instructions. When adding a gasoline stabilizer, fill the fuel tank with fresh gasoline. If only partially filled, air in the tank will promote fuel deterioration during storage.

   Note:

   • All stabilizers have a shelf life and their performance will deteriorate over time.
   • Fuel stabilizers will not reconstitute stale fuel.

2. After adding a gasoline stabilizer, run the engine outdoors for 10 minutes to be sure the treated gasoline has replaced the untreated gasoline throughout the fuel system.

3. Stop the engine and turn the fuel valve to the OFF position.

4. Restart the engine and allow it to run until it runs out of gas. Running time should be less than 3 minutes.

Storage Time: More than 90 days (long term or seasonal storage)

Start the engine and allow it to run long enough to empty all the gasoline from the entire fuel system (including the fuel tank). Do not allow gasoline to remain in the fuel system for more than 90 days of inactivity.

Stale Fuel in Your Fuel Container

If you have some fuel left in your storage container at the end of the season, the EPA suggests adding the gasoline to your car's gas tank, provided your car’s fuel tank is fairly full.
Learn more about avoiding fuel related problems for your GCV or GSV engine.

More Storage Tips

• If the engine has been running, allow it to cool for at least half an hour before cleaning. Clean all exterior surfaces, touch up any damaged paint, and coat other areas that may rust with a light film of oil.

• Select a well-ventilated storage area away from any appliance that operates with a flame, such as a furnace, water heater or clothes dryer.

• Avoid any area with a spark producing electric motor or where power tools are operated.

• If possible, avoid any area with high humidity.  Humidity promotes rust and corrosion.

• Position the equipment so that then engine is level. Tilting the engine can cause fuel or oil leakage.

• If the engine is equipped with a battery, remove the battery and store it in a cool dry place. Recharge the battery once a month while the engine is in storage. This will help to extend the service life of the battery.