honda-automobiles hrx217hxa User Manual

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17
CARBURETOR MODIFICATION FOR HIGH 
ALTITUDE OPERATION
At high altitude, the standard carburetor air-fuel mixture will be too 
rich. Performance will decrease, and fuel consumption will increase. A 
very rich mixture will also foul the spark plug and cause hard starting. 
Operation at an altitude that differs from that at which this engine was 
certified, for extended periods of time, may increase emissions.
High altitude performance can be improved by specific modifications 
to the carburetor. If you always operate your lawn mower at altitudes 
above 5,000 feet (1,500 meters), have your servicing dealer perform 
this carburetor modification. This engine when operated at high 
altitude with the carburetor modifications for high altitude use will 
meet each emission standard throughout its useful life.
Even with carburetor modification, engine horsepower will decrease 
about 3.5% for each 1,000-foot (300-meter) increase in altitude. The 
effect of altitude on horsepower will be greater than this if no 
carburetor modification is made.
NOTICE
When the carburetor has been modified for high altitude operation, 
the air-fuel mixture will be too lean for low altitude use. Operation at 
altitudes below 5,000 feet (1,500 meters) with a modified carburetor 
may cause the engine to overheat and result in serious engine 
damage. For use at low altitudes, have your servicing dealer return 
the carburetor to original factory specifications.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
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 appropriate air/fuel ratios and other emissions control 
systems to reduce the emissions of carbon monoxide, oxides of 
nitrogen, and hydrocarbons. Additionally, Honda fuel systems utilize 
components and control technologies to reduce evaporative 
emissions.
The U.S., California Clean Air Act and Environment 
Canada
EPA, California, and Canadian regulations require all manufacturers 
to furnish written instructions describing the operation and 
maintenance of emissions control systems.
The following instructions and procedures must be followed in order to 
keep the emissions from your Honda engine within the emissions 
standards.
Tampering and Altering
Tampering with or altering the emissions control system may increase 
emissions beyond the legal limit. Among those acts that constitute 
tampering are:
• Removing or altering any part of the intake, fuel, or exhaust 
systems.
• Altering or defeating the 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 emissions control systems on your new Honda engine were 
designed, built, and certified to conform with EPA, California, and 
Canadian emissions 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 emissions 
control system.
A manufacturer of an aftermarket part assumes the responsibility that 
the part will not adversely affect emissions 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 emissions 
regulations.
Maintenance
Follow the MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE on page 9. Remember 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.