MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: If the exhaust deflector assembly

is not tightened securely, it could fall off causing damage to the unit and possible serious personal injury.

Spark Arrestor

Engine

 

Hood

Slots

 

Screw

Spark Arrestor

Tabs ScreenMuffler

Fig. 16

CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENTS

The engine’s idle speed adjuster is adjustable through the air filter/muffler cover (Fig 17).

NOTE: Careless adjustments can seriously damage your unit. A Sears Parts & Repair center or other qualified 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.

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.

Adjust Idle Speed Adjuster

WARNING: The unit will still run during idle speed

adjustments. 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 for about 2-3 minutes at a high speed (full throttle) to warm up. Refer to the Starting/Stopping Instructions.

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 muffler cover (Fig. 19). Turn the idle speed screw clockwise 1/8 of a turn at a time (as needed) until the engine idles smoothly.

NOTE: The tines should not rotate during engine idle.

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 all the following are true:

•The engine will not idle

•The engine hesitates or stalls on acceleration

•There is a loss of engine power

Have the carburetor adjusted by a Sears Parts & Repair center or other qualified service dealer.

Idle Speed Adjuster

Fig. 17

REPLACING THE SPARK PLUG

Use a Champion RDJ7Y spark plug. The correct air gap is 0.020 in. (0.5 mm). Remove the plug after every 25 hours of operation and 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.

3.Replace cracked, fouled or dirty spark plug. Set the air gap at 0.020 in. (0.5 mm) using a feeler gauge (Fig. 18).

0.020 in.

(0.5 mm.)

Fig. 18

14