MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS

2.Release the throttle trigger 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. 22). 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, cleaning the air filter, and adjusting the idle speed should solve most engine problems. If not and all of 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 or other qualified service dealer.

Idle Adjustment Screw

3 2 1

Fig. 22

REPLACING THE SPARK PLUG

Use a replacement Champion RDZ19H spark plug. The correct air gap is 0.025 in. (0.635 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 it counterclockwise with a 5/8” socket.

3.Replace cracked, fouled or dirty spark plug. Set the air

gap at 0.025 in. (0.635 mm.) using a feeler gauge (Fig. 23).

0.025 in.

(0.635 mm.)

Fig. 23

WARNING: Do not sand blast, scrape or clean

electrodes. Grit in the engine could damage the cylinder.

4.Install a correctly-gapped spark plug in the cylinder head. Turn the 5/8 in. socket clockwise until snug.

If using a torque wrench torque to:

110-120 in.•lb. (12.3-13.5 N•m)

Do not over tighten.

SPARK ARRESTOR MAINTENANCE

1.Remove the muffler cover. See Rocker Arm Clearance.

2.With a flat blade screwdriver or Torx T-20 bit, remove the screw attaching the spark arrestor cover to the muffler (Fig. 24).

Muffler

Spark Arrestor Screen

Tab Screw

Spark Arrestor Cover

Slot

Fig. 24

3.Pull the tab on the spark arrestor cover out of the muffler. Remove the spark arrestor cover.

4.Remove the spark arrestor screen from the spark arrestor cover.

5.Clean the spark arrestor screen with a wire brush or replace it.

6.Reinstall the spark arrestor screen, spark arrestor cover and screw.

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