MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS

NOTE: Ensure the tines are not in contact with the

Top View Of The Engine

ground when adjusting the idle.

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:

Engine Cover

Remove Screws

Muffler

•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 Troy-Bilt or other qualified service dealer.

Idle Adjustment Screw

3 2 1

Fig. 22

ROCKER ARM CLEARANCE

The rocker arm clearance may need adjustment if your unit suffers a loss of performance power or has trouble starting. Adjusting the rocker arm clearance requires disassembly of the engine. If you feel unsure or unqualified to perform this, take the unit to a Sears or other qualified service dealer.

NOTE: Inspect the valve to rocker arm clearance with a feeler gauge after the first 10 hours of operation and then every 25 hours of operation thereafter.

•The engine must be cold when checking or adjusting the valve clearance.

•This task should be performed inside, in a clean, dust free area.

To adjust the rocker arm clearance:

1.Remove the two (2) screws on top of the engine cover with a Flat-head or T-25 Torx screwdriver (Fig. 25).

2.Remove the screw behind the engine cover (Fig. 26).

Fig. 25

Screw

Fig. 26

3.Disconnect the spark plug wire.

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

5.Remove the engine cover.

NOTE: To ease engine cover removal, pull the starter rope out a little to give some slack.

6.Clean dirt from around the rocker arm cover. Remove the screw holding the rocker arm cover with a large flat blade screwdriver or Torx T-25 bit

(Fig. 27). Remove the rocker arm cover and gasket.

Rocker Arm Cover

Gasket

Spark Plug Hole

Fig. 27

15