SECTION 7: MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS

Carburetor Adjustment

The idle speed of the engine is adjustable through the air filter/muffler cover. See Figure 33.

NOTE: Careless adjustments can seriously damage your unit. An authorized service dealer should make carburetor adjustments.

Check Fuel Mixture

Old and/or improperly mixed fuel is usually the reason for improper unit performance. Drain and refill the tank with fresh, properly mixed fuel prior to making any adjustments. Refer to Oil and Fuel Information.

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

WARNING: The cutting attachment may spin during idle speed adjustments. Wear protective clothing and observe all safety instructions to prevent serious personal injury.

If, after checking the fuel mixture and cleaning the air filter, the engine still will not idle, adjust the idle speed as follows.

1.Start the engine and let it run at a high idle for a minute to warm up. See Starting/Stopping Instructions.

2.Release the throttle trigger and let the engine idle. If the engine stops, insert a small Phillips or flat blade screwdriver into the hole in the air filter/muffler cover. See Figure 33. Turn the idle speed screw in, clockwise, 1/8 of a turn at a time (as needed) until the engine idles smoothly.

NOTE: The cutting attachment should not rotate when the engine idles.

3.If the cutting attachment rotates when the engine idles, turn the idle speed screw counterclockwise 1/8 of a turn at a time (as needed), to reduce idle speed.

Checking the fuel mixture, cleaning the air filter, and adjusting the idle speed should solve most engine problems.

If this is not the case and the following are all true:

•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.

WARNING: After turning the unit off, make sure the cutting attachment has stopped before setting the unit down. This helps prevent serious personal injury.

Idle Speed Screw

Figure 33

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