Maintaining Your Engine, Air Cleaner Service

IMPORTANT: Used motor oil may cause skin cancer if repeatedly left in contact with the skin for prolonged periods. Although this is unlikely unless you handle used oil on a daily basis, it is still advisable to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water as soon as possible after handling used oil.

NOTE: Please dispose of used motor oil in a manner that is compatible with the environment. We suggest you take it in a sealed container to your local service station for reclamation. Do not throw it in the trash or pour it on the ground.

Air Cleaner Service

A dirty air cleaner will restrict air flow to the carburetor. To prevent carburetor malfunction, service the air cleaner regularly. Service more frequently when operating the engine in extremely dusty areas.

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Maintaining

Your

Engine

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Figure 10-2: Servicing the air cleaner.

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WARNING: Never use gasoline or low flash point solvents for cleaning the air cleaner element. A fire or explosion could result.

IMPORTANT: Never run the engine without the air cleaner. Rapid engine wear will result.

1.	Remove the wing bolt and the air cleaner cover.
	Remove the elements and separate them, Figure
	10-2. Carefully check both elements for holes or tears
	and replace if damaged.
2.	Foam element: Wash the element in a solution of
	household detergent and warm water, then rinse
	thoroughly, or wash in nonflammable or high flash
	point solvent. Allow the element to dry thoroughly.

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Figure 10-3: The spark plug and boot.

WARNING

Never use gasoline or low flash point solvents for cleaning the air cleaner element. A fire or explo- sion could result.

DO NOT check for spark with spark plug removed. DO NOT crank engine with spark plug removed.

Soak the element in clean engine oil and squeeze out

the excess oil. The engine will smoke during initial

start-up if too much oil is left in the foam.

3. Paper element: Tap the element lightly several times

on a hard surface to remove excess dirt, or blow

compressed air through the filter from the inside out.

Never try to brush the dirt off; brushing will force

dirt into the fibers. Replace the paper element if it is

excessively dirty.

Spark Plug Service

WARNING: DO NOT check for spark with spark plug removed. DO NOT crank engine with spark plug removed.

To ensure proper engine operation, the spark plug must be properly gapped and free of deposits.

1.Remove the spark plug boot and use a spark plug wrench to remove the plug, Figure 10-3.

WARNING: If the engine has been running, the muffler will be very hot. Be careful not to touch the muffler.

2.Visually inspect the spark plug. Discard the spark plug if there is apparent wear, or if the insulator is cracked or chipped. Clean the spark plug with a wire brush if it is to be reused.

If the engine has been running, the muffler will be very hot. Be careful not to touch the muffler.