10
Maintaining
Your
Engine
WARNING
Accumulation of
debris around muffler
could cause a fire. Inspect and clean before every use.
IMPORTANT: Do not spray engine with water to clean because water could contaminate fuel. Using a garden hose or pressure washing equipment can also force water into the air cleaner or muffler opening. Water in the air cleaner will soak the paper element, and water that passes through the element or muffler can enter the cylinder, causing damage.
Electrode
0.030 in.
Figure 10-4: Measure the plug gap with a feeler gauge.
3.Measure the plug gap with a feeler gauge. Correct as necessary by bending side electrode. See Figure 10-4. The gap should be set to 0.030 in.
4.Check that the spark plug washer is in good condi- tion and thread the spark plug in by hand to prevent
5.After the spark plug is seated, tighten with a spark plug wrench to compress the washer.
NOTE: When installing a new spark plug, tighten 1/2 turn after the spark plug seats to compress the washer. When reinstalling a used spark plug, tighten
IMPORTANT: The spark plug must be securely tight- ened. An improperly tightened spark plug can become very hot and may damage the engine.
Clean Engine
If the engine has been running, allow it to cool for at least half an hour before cleaning. Periodically remove grass and dirt
IMPORTANT: Do not spray engine with water to clean because water could contaminate fuel. Using a garden hose or pressure washing equipment can also force water into the air cleaner or muffler opening. Water in the air cleaner will soak the paper element, and water that passes through the element or muffler can enter the cylinder, causing damage.
WARNING: Accumulation of debris around muffler could cause a fire. Inspect and clean before every use.
Storage
Engines stored over 30 days need to be drained of fuel to prevent deterioration and gum from forming in fuel system or on essential carburetor parts. If the gasoline in your engine deteriorates during storage, you may need to have the carburetor, and other fuel system components, serviced or replaced.
1.Remove all fuel from tank by running engine until it stops from lack of fuel.
2.Change oil. See Oil Change section.
3.Remove spark plug and pour about 1/2 an ounce of engine oil into cylinder. Replace spark plug and crank slowly to distribute oil.
4.Clean grass and debris from around engine, under finger guard, and under, around and behind muffler. Touch up any damaged paint, and coat other areas that may rust with a light film of oil.
5.Store in a clean, dry and well ventilated area away from any appliance that operates with a flame or pilot light, such as a furnace, water heater, or clothes dryer. Also avoid any area with a spark producing electric motor, or where power tools are operated.
6.If possible, also avoid storage areas with high humidity, because that promotes rust and corrosion.
7.Keep the engine level in storage. Tilting can cause fuel or oil leakage.
Removing From Storage
1.Check your engine as described in the
2.If the fuel was drained during storage preparation, fill the tank with fresh gasoline. If you keep a container of gasoline for refueling, make certain it contains only fresh fuel. Gasoline oxidizes and deteriorates over time, causing hard starting.
3.If the cylinder was coated with oil during storage preparation, the engine will smoke briefly at startup. This is normal.
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