What can happen to your engine if fuel is left in the tank?

Petrol can go stale in as little as 15 days due to factors like air exposure, warm storage, high humidity, and fluctuating temperatures. This can lead to performance issues such as power loss or engine fading.

The Effects of Ethanol

Honda recommends using regular unleaded 98, 95, E5 (5% Ethanol), or E10 (10% Ethanol). Fuels with higher ethanol content may damage engine components.

Ethanol attracts water, which settles at the bottom and promotes bacteria growth, leading to corrosion. This can necessitate replacing parts like the carburettor, fuel pump, or valves. Regular maintenance can help prevent these issues.

How to use Fuel Stabilisers

If your machine is used infrequently, such as more than 4 weeks between uses, treat the gasoline with a fuel stabiliser to preserve it.

Measurements:

• Long-term storage: 10ml in 3 litres of fuel
• Infrequent usage: 10ml in 10 litres of fuel

When using the stabiliser for the first time, run the engine outdoors for 10 minutes to flush untreated gasoline from the fuel system. If you regularly add stabiliser when refilling, you can skip this step.

Stabiliser has a shelf life, and its effectiveness diminishes over time. Once opened, it should be used within 2 years. Only add it to fresh petrol; it will not restore stale petrol.

General Maintenance

• If not using the machine for over 3 months, run it long enough to empty the petrol tank.
• Store gasoline in a clean, sealed plastic container away from sunlight. If using a steel container, ensure it is free from corrosion.
• Maintain the air filter properly, as a dirty filter can cause starting issues.
• If storing for longer than 30 days, consult your user manual for proper storage guidelines.