MAINTENANCE & ADJUSTMENTS
AIR CLEANER
Check that the air cleaner elements are clean and in
good condition. A dirty air cleaner will restrict air flow to
the engine, reducing performance. A damaged air
cleaner will allow dirt to enter the engine, causing rapid
engine wear.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
a. Remove the wing nut to remove the air cleaner cover.
If the foam element appears clean over more than
half its surface, it does not need cleaning. Reinstall
the cover. If the foam element appears dirty, go to
Step 2.
Remove the elements. Do not allow dirt to fall into the
carburetor.
Separate the foam element from the paper element
and carefully check each one for holes or tears.
Replace any damaged element.
Clean the foam element by squeezing it in warm
soapy water, rinsing it, and allowing it to dry. You may
also use a nonflammable solvent and then allow it to dry.
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive.
You can be burned or seriously injured.
Never use gasoline to clean engine parts. Use a
nonflammable solvent.
Oil the foam element by dipping it in clean engine oil and squeezing out all
excess oil. If too much oil is left in the foam, the engine will smoke when you
first start it.
Clean the paper element by tapping it on a hard surface to knock off dirt or by
blowing compressed air (at less than 207 kPa (30 psi}) through the filter from
the inside. Never try to brush off the dirt -that will just force it into the filter
fibers.
Remove any dirt from the inside of the air cleaner housing and cover. Be
careful not to allow dirt into the duct leading to the carburetor.
Place the foam element over the paper element and install them. Install the
cover with its wing nut.
Operating the engine with no air cleaner or with damaged elements can cause
rapid engine wear.
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