MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS

Clean Air Filter

The condition of the air filter is important to the operation of the unit. A dirty air filter will restrict air flow and change the air/fuel mixture. This is often mistaken for an out of adjustment carburetor. Check the condition of the air filter before adjusting the idle speed screw. Refer to Air Filter Maintenance.

Adjust Idle Speed Adjuster

If after checking the fuel mixture and cleaning the air filter the engine

still will not idle, adjust the idle speed adjuster as follows.

1.Start the engine and let it run about 2–3 minutes at a high speed (full throttle) to warm up.

2.Release the throttle trigger and let the engine idle. If the engine stops, insert a small phillips screwdriver into the hole in the air filter/muffler cover (Fig. 23).

Turn the idle speed adjuster in, clockwise, 1/8 of a turn at a time (as needed) until the engine idles smoothly. See Specifications for idle RPM.

NOTE: The unit does not have a clutch and the cutting attachment continues rotating when the engine is idling.

3.To reduce the idle speed, turn the idle speed adjuster counterclockwise 1/8 of a turn at a time (as needed).

Checking the fuel mixture, cleaning the air filter, and adjusting the idle

speed screw should solve most engine problems. If not and:

•The engine will not idle,

•The engine hesitates or stalls on acceleration,

•There is a loss of engine power,

Have the carburetor adjusted by an authorized service dealer.

REPLACING THE SPARK PLUG

Use a Champion RDJ7Y spark plug (or equivalent). The correct air gap is 0.5 mm (0.020 in.). Remove the plug after every 50 hours of operation and check its condition.

1.Stop the engine and allow it to cool. Grasp the plug wire firmly and pull the cap from the spark plug.

2.Clean dirt from around the spark plug.

3.Replace cracked, fouled or dirty spark plug. Set the air gap at 0.5 mm (0.020 in.) using a feeler gauge (Fig. 24).

4.Install a correctly gapped spark plug in the cylinder head. Tighten by turning the 5/8 in. socket clockwise until snug.

Do not over tighten.

CLEANING

Use a small brush to clean off the outside of the unit. Do not use strong detergents. Household cleaners that contain aromatic oils

such as pine and lemon, and solvents such as kerosene, can damage plastic housing or handle. Wipe off any moisture with a soft cloth.

STORAGE

•Never store the unit with fuel in the tank where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.

•Allow the engine to cool before storing.

•Store the unit in a dry place, locked up or up-high to prevent

unauthorized use or damage. Keep out of the reach of children.

LONG TERM STORAGE

If the unit will be stored for an extended time, use the following storage procedure.

1.Drain all fuel from the fuel tank and drain into a container with the same 2-cycle fuel mixture. Do not use fuel that has been stored for more than 60 days.

2.Start the engine and allow it to run until it stalls. This ensures that all fuel has been drained from the carburetor.

3.Allow the engine to cool. Remove the spark plug and put 30 ml (1 oz.) of any high quality motor oil or 2- cycle oil into the cylinder. Pull the starter rope slowly to distribute the oil. Reinstall the spark plug.

NOTE: Remove the spark plug and drain all of the oil from the cylinder before attempting to start the trimmer after storage.

4.Thoroughly clean the unit and inspect for any loose or damaged parts. Repair or replace damaged parts and tighten loose screws, nuts or bolts. The unit is ready for storage.

5Store the unit in a dry place, locked up or up-high to prevent unauthorized use or damage. Keep out of the reach of children.

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