honda-automobiles gsv160 User Manual

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10
Oxygenated Fuels
Some conventional gasolines are being blended with alcohol or an 
ether compound. These gasolines are collectively referred to as 
oxygenated fuels. To meet clean air standards, some areas of the 
United States and Canada use oxygenated fuels to help reduce 
emissions.
If you use oxygenated fuel, be sure it is unleaded and meets the 
minimum octane rating requirements.
Before using an oxygenated fuel, try to confirm the fuel’s contents. 
Some states/provinces require this information to be posted on the 
pump.
The following are the EPA approved percentages of oxygenates:
If you notice any undesirable operating symptoms, try another service 
station or switch to another brand of gasoline.
Fuel system damage or performance problems resulting from the use 
of an oxygenated fuel containing more than the percentages of 
oxygenates mentioned above are not covered under the Distributor’s 
Limited Warranty 
(see page 11).
Emission Control System Information
Source of Emissions
The combustion process produces carbon monoxide, oxides of 
nitrogen, and hydrocarbons. Control of hydrocarbons and oxides of 
nitrogen is very important because, under certain conditions, they 
react to form photochemical smog when subjected to sunlight. Carbon 
monoxide does not react in the same way, but it is toxic.
Honda utilizes lean carburetor settings and other systems to reduce 
the emissions of carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, and 
hydrocarbons.
The U.S. and California Clean Air Acts
EPA and California regulations require all manufacturers to furnish 
written instructions describing the operation and maintenance of 
emission control systems.
The following instructions and procedures must be followed in order to 
keep the emissions from your Honda engine within the emission 
standards.
Tampering and Altering
Tampering with or altering the emission control system may increase 
emissions beyond the legal limit. Among those acts that constitute 
tampering are:
• Removal or alteration of any part of the intake, fuel, or exhaust 
systems.
• Altering or defeating the governor linkage or speed-adjusting 
mechanism to cause the engine to operate outside its design 
parameters.
Problems That May Affect Emissions 
If you are aware of any of the following symptoms, have your engine 
inspected and repaired by your servicing dealer.
• Hard starting or stalling after starting.
• Rough idle.
• Misfiring or backfiring under load.
• Afterburning (backfiring).
• Black exhaust smoke or high fuel consumption.
Replacement Parts
The emission control systems on your Honda engine were designed, 
built, and certified to conform with EPA and California emission 
regulations. We recommend the use of genuine Honda parts 
whenever you have maintenance done. These original-design 
replacement parts are manufactured to the same standards as the 
original parts, so you can be confident of their performance. The use of 
replacement parts that are not of the original design and quality may 
impair the effectiveness of your emission control system.
A manufacturer of an aftermarket part assumes the responsibility that 
the part will not adversely affect emission performance. The 
manufacturer or rebuilder of the part must certify that use of the part 
will not result in a failure of the engine to comply with emission 
regulations.
Maintenance
Follow the maintenance schedule on page 5. Remember that this 
schedule is based on the assumption that your machine will be used 
for its designed purpose. Sustained high-load or high-temperature 
operation, or use in unusually wet or dusty conditions, will require 
more frequent service.
ETHANOL    — (ethyl or grain alcohol) 10% by volume
You may use gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol 
by volume. Gasoline containing ethanol may be 
marketed under the name Gasohol.
MTBE           — (methyl tertiary butyl ether) 15% by volume
You may use gasoline containing up to 15% MTBE 
by volume.
METHANOL — (methyl or wood alcohol) 5% by volume
You may use gasoline containing up to 5% 
methanol by volume as long as it also contains 
cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors to protect the 
fuel system. Gasoline containing more than 5% 
methanol by volume may cause starting and/or 
performance problems. It may also damage metal, 
rubber, and plastic parts of your fuel system.