Oxygenated Fuels; Emissions Control System Information; Source Of Emissions; The U.s. And Califomia Clean Air Acts - Honda HHE31C Owner's Manual

TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION

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 USA and Canada use
oxygenated fuels to help reduce emissions.
If you use an oxygenated fuel, be sure it is
unleaded and meets the minimum octane rating
requirement. 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:
ETHANOL You may use gasoline containing
(ethyl or grain up to 10% ethanol by volume.
alcohol) 10% Gasoline containing ethanol may
by volume be marketed under the name
"Gasohol".
MTBE
You may use gasoline containing
(Methyl up to 15% MTBE by volume.
Tertiary Butyl
Ether) 15% by
volume
METHANOL You may use gasoline containing
(methyl or up to 5% methanol by volume, as
wood alcohol) long as it also contains cosolvents
5% by volume 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.
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
warranty.
36
EMISSIONS 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 Califomia Clean Air Acts

EPA and California 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:
• Removal or alteration of 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.