Service

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Flexible Pump Coupler

The flexible pump coupler is a nylon “spider” insert, located between the pump and the engine shaft. Over time, the coupler will harden and deteriorate. Replace the coupler if you detect vibration or noise coming from the area between the engine and the pump. If the coupler fails completely, you will experience a loss of power.

NOTE: Never hit the engine shaft in any manner, as a blow will cause permanent damage to the engine.

1.Remove three nuts that secure the pump to the coupling shield. Two nuts are at the bottom corners and one is in the top center. See Fig. 7-1.

Hex Screw

Set Screw

Side-View Coupier

.0600 .0100

Flange Lock Nut

Figure 7-1

2.Remove the pump.

3.Remove spark plug wire from spark plug and ground it to the engine before pulling the starter rope.

4.Rotate the engine by slowly pulling starter handle until engine coupling half set screw is visible. Loosen set screw using allen wrench and slide coupling half off engine shaft.

5.Loosen the set screw on pump coupling half and remove coupling half.

6.Slide new engine coupling half onto the engine shaft until the end of the shaft is flush with the inner portion of the coupling half. (There must be space between the end of the engine support bracket and coupling half). Tighten set screw.

7.Install pump coupling half and key on pump shaft. Rotate coupling half until set screw faces opening in shield. Do not tighten set screw.

8.Install nylon “spider” onto engine coupling half.

9.Align pump coupling half with nylon “spider” by rotating engine using starter handle. Slide coupling half into place while guiding three mounting bolts through holes in pump support bracket.

10.Secure with nuts removed earlier.

11.Set .010” to .060” clearance/gap between the nylon “spider” and the engine coupling half by sliding a feeler gauge

or matchbook cover between the nylon “spider” and the engine coupling half and moving pump coupling half as needed. Secure pump coupling half with set screw. See Fig.

7-1.

NOTE: Make certain proper clearance/gap is obtained before tightening set screw.

12.Reconnect the spark plug.

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