Page 9 — English
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.
MAINTENANCE
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.
Cut 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 Figure 15.
For proper performance and long life, keep air filter screen
clean.
Remove the air filter cover by pushing down on the latches
while gently pulling off 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.