Husqvarna 343R, 345FXT, 345RX, 343F Bevel gear, Drive shaft, Spark plug, Winter use, Maintenance

MAINTENANCE

An oiled foam plastic filter (available as an accessory) must be used if the machine is operated in extremely dusty conditions. See instructions under the heading Oiling the air filter.

Oiling the air filter

Always use HUSQVARNA filter oil, art. no. 531 00 92-48. The filter oil contains a solvent to make it spread evenly through the filter. You should therefore avoid skin contact.

Put the filter in a plastic bag and pour the filter oil over it. Knead the plastic bag to distribute the oil. Squeeze the excess oil out of the filter inside the plastic bag and pour off the excess before fitting the filter to the machine. Never use common engine oil. This would drain through the filter quite quickly and collect in the bottom.

An air filter that has been in use for a long time cannot be cleaned completely. The filter must therefore be replaced with a new one at regular intervals. A damaged air filter must always be replaced.

Bevel gear

The bevel gear is filled with the right quantity of grease at the factory. However, before using the machine you should check that the bevel gear is filled three-quarters full with grease. Use HUSQVARNA special grease.

The grease in the bevel gear does not normally need to be changed except if repairs are carried out.

Drive shaft

The drive shaft must be greased every three months during full-time use. Contact your dealer if you are uncertain about the procedure.

Spark plug

The spark plug condition is influenced by:

•Incorrect carburetor adjustment.

•An incorrect fuel mixture (too much or incorrect type of oil).

•A dirty air filter.

These factors cause deposits on the spark plug electrodes, which may result in operating problems and starting difficulties.

If the machine is low on power, difficult to start or runs poorly at idle speed: always check the spark plug first before taking any further action. If the spark plug is dirty, clean it and check that the electrode gap is 0.020 inch (0.5 mm). The spark plug should be replaced after about a month in operation or earlier if necessary.

CAUTION! Always use the recommended spark plug type! Use of the wrong spark plug can damage the piston/cylinder. Check that the spark plug is fitted with a suppressor.

Winter use

Running problems can occur when using the machine in the cold and snowy conditions caused by:

•Too low engine temperature.

•Icing of the air filter and carburetor. Special measures are therefore often required:

•Partly mask the air inlet on the starter to increase the working temperature of the engine.

•Preheat the intake air to the carburetor by using the heat from the cylinder.

30 – English