honda-automobiles gsv190 User Manual

Storage Preparation
Proper storage preparation is essential for keeping your engine 
trouble-free and looking good. The following steps will help to keep 
rust and corrosion from impairing your engine’s function and 
appearance, and will make the engine easier to start when you use it 
again.

Cleaning
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.

Fuel 
Gasoline will oxidize and deteriorate in storage. Deteriorated gasoline 
will cause hard starting, and it leaves gum deposits that clog the fuel 
system. If the gasoline in your engine deteriorates during storage, you 
may need to have the carburetor, and other fuel system components, 
serviced or replaced.

The length of time that gasoline can be left in your fuel tank and 
carburetor without causing functional problems will vary with such 
factors as gasoline blend, your storage temperatures, and whether the 
fuel tank is partially or completely filled. The air in a partially filled fuel 
tank promotes fuel deterioration. Very warm storage temperatures 
accelerate fuel deterioration. Fuel problems may occur within a few 
months, or even less if the gasoline was not fresh when you filled the 
fuel tank.

Fuel system damage or engine performance problems resulting from 
neglected storage preparation are not covered under the Distributor’s 
Limited Warranty (see page 11).

You can extend fuel storage life by adding a gasoline stabilizer that is 
formulated for that purpose, or you can avoid fuel deterioration 
problems by draining the fuel tank and carburetor.

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. If you keep a container of gasoline for refueling, be 
sure that it contains only fresh gasoline.

1. Add gasoline stabilizer following the manufacturer’s instructions.

2. After adding a gasoline stabilizer, run the engine outdoors for 10 

minutes to be sure that treated gasoline has replaced the untreated 
gasoline in the carburetor.

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

  

1. Place an approved gasoline container below the carburetor, and 

use a funnel to avoid spilling fuel.

2. Remove the drain bolt, then move the fuel valve lever to the ON 

3. After all the fuel has drained into the container, reinstall the drain 

bolt and washer. Tighten the drain bolt securely.

Engine Oil
1. Change the engine oil (see 

2. Remove the spark plug (see 

3. Pour a tablespoon (5 - 10 cc) of 

clean engine oil into the cylinder.

4. Pull the recoil starter several 

times to distribute the oil.

5. Reinstall the spark plug.



Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive, and you can 
be burned or seriously injured when handling fuel.
• Stop engine and keep heat, sparks, and flame away.
• Refuel only outdoors.
• Wipe up spills immediately.