Maintenance And Repair Instructions

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS

3.Remove the screw on back of the engine cover (Fig. 51).

Screw

Fig. 51

4.Clean dirt from around the spark plug. Remove the spark plug from the cylinder head by turning a 5/8 in. socket counterclockwise.

5.Disconnect the spark plug wire.

6.Remove the engine cover.

7.Clean dirt from around the rocker arm cover. Remove the screw holding the rocker arm cover with a large flat blade screwdriver or Torx T25 bit

(Fig. 52). Remove the rocker arm cover and gasket.

Rocker Arm Cover

Spark Plug Hole

Fig. 52

8.Pull the starter rope slowly to bring the piston to the top of its travel, (known as top dead center). Check that:

•The piston is at the top of its travel while looking in the spark plug hole (Fig. 52).

•Both rocker arms move freely, and both valves are closed.

If not, repeat this step.

9.Slide the feeler gauge between the rocker arm and the valve return spring. Measure the clearance between the valve stem and rocker arm (Fig 53). Do both intake and exhaust valves.

The recommended clearance for both intake and exhaust is .003 – .006 in. (.076 – 0.152 mm). Use a standard automotive .005 in. (0.127 mm) feeler gauge. The feeler gauge should slide between the rocker arm and valve stem with a slight amount of resistance, without binding (Fig. 54).

Rocker Arms	Adjusting Nuts

Feeler Gauge

Gasket

Fig. 53

Adjusting Nut

Rocker Arm

.003–.006 in.

(.076–0.152 mm)

Feeler Gauge

Valve Stem

Fig. 54

10.If the clearance is not within specification:

a.Turn the adjusting nut using a 5/16 inch (8 mm) wrench or nut driver (Fig. 53).

•To increase clearance, turn the adjusting nut counterclockwise.

•To decrease clearance, turn the adjusting nut clockwise.

b.Recheck both clearances, and adjust as necessary.

11.Reinstall the rocker arm cover using a new gasket. Torque the screw to 20–30 in•lb (2.2–3.4 N•m).

NOTE: A rocker arm cover gasket, Part # 182099 can be purchased from your local authorized dealer.

12.Reinstall the engine cover. Check alignment of the cover before tightening the screws. Tighten screws.

13.Replace the muffler cover. Slip the long tabs on the muffler cover into the engine cover. Slide the notches on the side of the muffler cover over the tabs on the engine cover and snap into place (Fig. 49).

14.Check the spark plug and reinstall. See Replacing the Spark Plug.

15.Replace the spark plug wire.