MAINTENANCE
WARNING:
When servicing, use only identical Homelite replacement parts. Use of any other parts may create a hazard or cause product damage.
WARNING:
Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1, along with hearing protection. Failure to do so could result in objects being thrown into your eyes and other possible serious injuries.
WARNING:
Before inspecting, cleaning, or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and disconnect spark plug wire and move it away from spark plug. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts. Most plastics are susceptible to damage from various types of commercial solvents and may be damaged by their use. Use clean cloths to remove dirt, dust, lubricant, grease, etc.
WARNING:
Do not at any time let brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum- based products, penetrating lubricants, etc., come in con- tact with plastic parts. Chemicals can damage, weaken or destroy plastic which may result in serious personal injury.
You can often make adjustments and repairs described here. For other repairs, have the trimmer serviced by an authorized service dealer.
SPOOL REPLACEMENT reel-Easy™ Tap Advance System
See Figures 11 - 12.
If replacing string only, refer to String Replacement later in this manual.
Use only .080 in. diameter trimmer line.
Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire. Hold the string head and unscrew the spool retainer.
To remove the spool retainer:
Turn the spool retainer counterclockwise for 26CS. Turn the spool retainer clockwise for 26SS.
Remove the empty spool from the string head.
NOTE: It is not necessary to remove the string head housing from the drive shaft.
Insert the new spool into the string head.
NOTE: Make sure the arrows on the spool are aligned with the eyelets in the string head housing. Push down and hold the spool and housing together while complet- ing the installation.
Reinstall the spool retainer to secure.
To install the spool retainer:
Turn the spool retainer clockwise for 26CS.
Turn the spool retainer counterclockwise for 26SS.
Install string as described in String Replacement.
STRING REPLACEMENT
See Figures 12 - 14.
Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire.
Rotate the spool clockwise as necessary to align the arrows on the spool with the eyelets in the string head housing.
nCut one piece of trimmer line 15 ft. long. Insert the line into the eyelet on the string trimmer housing. Push until the end of the line comes out the other side of the string head. Pull the line from the other side until equal amounts of line appear on both sides of the spool.
Rotate the spool clockwise to wind the string on the spool until approximately 6 in. of line is showing on each side.
Push the spool retainer down while pulling on string(s) to manually advance the string and to check for proper assembly of the string head.
CLEANING THE EXHAUST PORT
Depending on the type of fuel used, the type and amount of lubricant used, and/or your operating conditions, the exhaust port may become blocked with carbon deposits. If you notice a power loss with your gas powered tool, you may need to remove these deposits to restore performance. We highly recommend that only qualified service technicians perform this service.
SPARK ARRESTOR
The spark arrestor must be replaced every 50 hours or yearly to ensure proper performance of the product. Spark arres- tors may be in different locations depending on the model purchased. Please contact the nearest service dealer for the location of the spark arrestor for your model.
CLEANING THE AIR FILTER SCREEN
See Figures 15 - 16.
For proper performance and long life, keep air filter screen clean.
Remove the air filter cover by pushing down on the latch with your thumb while gently pulling on the cover.
Brush the air filter screen lightly to clean.
Replace the air filter cover by inserting the tabs on the bottom of the cover into the slots on the air filter base; push the cover up until it latches securely in place.
