MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
CARBURETOR SETTING
The idle speed adjuster of the engine is adjustable through the Air filter/muffler cover (Fig 26).
NOTE: Careless adjustments can seriously damage your unit. An authorized service dealer should make carburetor adjustments.
Check Fuel Mixture
Old and/or improperly mixed fuel is usually the reason for the unit not running properly. Drain and refill the tank with fresh, properly mixed fuel prior to making any adjustments. Refer to Oil and Fuel Information, Pg. 11.
Clean Air Filter
The condition of the air filter is important to the operation of the unit. A dirty air filter will restrict air flow and change the air/fuel mixture. This is often mistaken for an out of adjustment carburetor. Check the condition of the air filter before adjusting the idle speed adjuster. Refer to Air Filter Maintenance Pg. 14.
Adjust Idle Speed Adjuster
WARNING: This unit will need to be running during idle speed adjustment. Wear protective clothing and observe all safety instructions to prevent serious personal injury.
If after checking the fuel mixture and cleaning the
air filter the engine still will not idle, adjust the idle speed screw as follows.
1.Start the engine and let it run at a high idle for a minute to warm up. See Starting/Stopping Instructions, Pg. 12.
NOTE: Ensure the tines are not in contact with the ground when adjusting the idle.
2.Release the throttle control and let the engine idle. If the engine stops, insert a small phillips or flat blade screwdriver into the hole in the air filter/muffler cover (Fig. 26). Turn the idle speed screw in, clockwise, 1/8 of a turn at a time (as needed) until the engine idles smoothly.
NOTE: The tines should not rotate when the engine idles.
3.If the tines rotate when the engine idles, turn the idle speed screw counterclockwise 1/8 of a turn at a time (as needed), to reduce idle speed.
Checking the fuel mixture, cleaning the air filter, and adjusting the idle speed screw should solve most engine problems.
If not and:
•The engine will not idle,
•The engine hesitates or stalls on acceleration,
•There is a loss of engine power,
have the carburetor adjusted by an authorized service dealer.
Idle Speed Adjuster
Fig. 26
REPLACING THE SPARK PLUG
Use a Champion RDJ7Y spark plug (or equivalent). The correct air gap is 0.020 in. (0.5 mm.). Remove the plug after every 50 hours of operation to check its condition.
1.Stop the engine and allow it to cool. Grasp the plug wire firmly and pull the cap from the spark plug.
2.Clean dirt from around the spark plug. Remove the spark plug from the cylinder head by turning a 5/8 in. socket counterclockwise.
NOTE: Replace cracked, fouled or dirty spark plug.
3.Set the air gap at 0.020 in. (0.5 mm.) using a feeler gauge (Fig. 27).
0.020 in.
(0.5 mm.)
Fig. 27
CAUTION: Do not sand blast, scrape, or clean electrodes. Grit in the engine could damage the cylinder.
4.Install a correctly gaped spark plug in the cylinder head. Tighten by turning the 5/8 in. socket clockwise until snug.
If using a torque wrench torque to;
Do not over tighten.
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