MAINTENANCE
SPARK ARRESTOR
The muffler is equipped with a spark arrestor screen inside muffler body. After extended use the screen can become dirty and may need to have the muffler replaced by an au- thorized servicing dealer.
WARNING:
To avoid a fire hazard, never run the cultivator without the spark arrestor in place.
CLEANING THE EXHAUST PORT AND MUFFLER
Depending on the type of fuel used, the type and amount of oil used, and/or your operating conditions, the exhaust port and muffler may become blocked with carbon deposits. If you notice a power loss with your gas powered tool, a quali- fied service technician will need to remove these deposits to restore performance.
STORING THE CULTIVATOR
The following steps should be taken before storing the cul- tivator for the season.
Fuel Tank:
nDrain the fuel tank completely. Even under ideal condi- tions, stored fuel containing ethanol or MTBE can start to go stale in 30 days. Stale fuel has a high gum content and can clog the carburetor and restrict fuel flow. The fuel tank should also be drained if the cultivator will not be used for more than two weeks.
nRestart the engine to make sure no fuel is left in the car- buretor. Run the engine until it stops. This helps prevent gum deposits from forming inside the carburetor and possible engine damage.
Spark Plug:
nDisconnect spark plug wire and remove the spark plug. Pour a teaspoon of clean,
nLeaving the spark plug out, pull the starter cord two or three times to coat the inside of the cylinder wall.
nInspect spark plug and clean or replace, as necessary.
nReinstall the spark plug, but leave the spark plug wire disconnected.
Air Filter:
nClean the air filter as previously described.
Cultivator Body:
nClean dirt, grass, and other materials from the entire unit.
nWipe the tines with oil or spray them with silicone lubricant to prevent rusting.
nOil the throttle cable and all visible moving parts. Do not remove the engine cover.
nOrder new parts to replace any that are badly worn or broken.
nStore in an upright position in a clean, dry place. Store with the handles in the extended position, or loosen handle knobs and fold handles down. Do not allow throttle cable to become pinched when lowering the handlebar.
nProperly dispose of any leftover fuel.
PREPARING FOR USE AFTER STORAGE
The following steps should be taken before using the cultiva- tor after it has been stored.
nUnfold the handles into the upright position and secure by tightening handlebar knobs. Do not allow throttle cable to become pinched when raising the handlebar.
nPull the starter cord three or four times to clean oil from the combustion chamber.
nRemove spark plug from the cylinder. Wipe oil from the spark plug and return it to the cylinder.
nReconnect spark plug wire.
nFollow the steps on pages 10 - 12 to refuel and restart the cultivator.
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