Fig. 20
Spark Plug 0.020 in.
(0.5 mm)
Fig. 21

MAINTENANCE & REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS

plate with the

Spark Arrestor Slots

To Engine

“raised” side up

Hood

 

 

and the

 

 

 

opening facing

 

 

 

AWAY from the

 

 

 

engine (Fig. 19).

 

 

 

Verify that the

 

 

 

exhaust will be

Screw

Spark Arrestor

 

directed AWAY

Muffler

from the

Tabs

Screen

 

 

 

engine.

 

Fig. 19

 

8.Replace the screw you removed in Step 2 and tighten securely.

9.Reinstall the air filter/muffler cover (Fig. 14).

WARNING: If the spark arrestor hood and spark arrestor screen are not tightened securely, they could fall off causing damage to the unit and possible serious personal injury.

REPLACING THE SPARK PLUG

Use a Champion RDJ7Y spark plug or equivalent. 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 boot

firmly and pull it from the spark plug.

2. Clean around the spark plug. Remove the spark plug from the cylinder head by turning a 5/8-inch socket counterclockwise.

3.Replace a cracked, fouled or dirty

spark plug. Set the air gap at 0.020

in. (0.5 mm) using a feeler gauge (Fig. 21).

4.Install a correctly-gapped spark plug in the cylinder head. Tighten by turning the 5/8-inch 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.

5.Reattach the plug boot.

WARNING: Do not sand blast, scrape or clean spark plug electrodes. Grit in the engine could damage the cylinder.

CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT

The idle speed of the engine is adjustable through the air

filter/muffler cover (Fig. 20).

Idle

NOTE: Careless adjustments can

Speed

seriously damage your unit.

Screw

Contact a Sears or other qualified service dealer to make carburetor adjustments. Call 1-800-4-MY-HOME®for more information.

Check Fuel Mixture

Old and/or improperly mixed fuel is

usually the reason for improper unit performance. Drain and refill the tank with fresh, properly-mixed fuel prior to making any adjustments. Refer to Oil and Fuel Information (p. 5).

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 screw. Refer to Air Filter Maintenance (p. 8).

Adjust Idle Speed Screw

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 at a high idle for a minute to warm up. Refer to Starting/Stopping Instructions (p. 6).

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. 20). Turn the idle speed screw in, clockwise, 1/8 of a turn at a time (as needed) until the engine idles smoothly.

3.If the engine appears to be idling too fast, 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 should solve most engine problems. If not, have the carburetor adjusted by a Sears or other qualified service dealer. Call 1-800-4-MY-HOME®for more information.

WARNING: The cutting attachment may spin during idle speed adjustments. Wear protective clothing and observe all safety instructions to prevent serious personal injury.

TRANSPORTING

•Allow the engine to cool before transporting.

•Drain fuel from unit.

•Tighten fuel cap before transporting.

•Secure the unit while transporting.

CLEANING

Use a small brush to clean off the outside of the unit. Do not use strong detergents. Household cleaners that contain aromatic oils such as pine and lemon, and solvents such as kerosene, can damage plastic housing or handle. Wipe off any

WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury, always turn your trimmer off and allow it to cool before you clean or maintain it.

moisture with a soft cloth.

STORAGE

•Never store a fueled unit where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.

•Allow the engine to cool before storing.

•Store the unit locked up to prevent unauthorized use or damage.

•Store the unit in a dry, well-ventilated area.

•Store the unit out of the reach of children.

LONG TERM STORAGE

If you plan on storing the unit for an extended time, use the following storage procedure:

1.Carefully drain the fuel tank by running the unit dry or remove fuel cap and tip the motor housing over and drain oil/gas fuel into a container with the same 2-cycle fuel mixture. Do not use fuel that has been stored for more than 60 days.

2.Start the engine and allow it to run until it stalls. This ensures that all fuel has been drained from the carburetor.

3.Allow the engine to cool. Remove the spark plug and put 1

oz. (30 ml) of any high quality motor oil or 2-cycle oil into the cylinder. Pull the starter rope slowly to distribute the oil. Reinstall the spark plug.

NOTE: Remove the spark plug and drain all of the oil from the cylinder before attempting to start the trimmer after storage.

4.Thoroughly clean the unit and inspect it for any loose or damaged parts. Repair or replace damaged parts and tighten loose screws, nuts or bolts. The unit is ready for storage.

9