--8 --
CAUTION: If the clearance betweenthe
cuttingblades is set too wide, the blades will
notcut correctly. If the blades are adjusted too
tight,overheating may occur.

REPLACE SPARKPL UG

Replace spark plugeach year to ensure the
engine starts easierand runsbetter. Set
sparkpluggap at 0.025inch (0.6 mm). Igni-
tiontiming is fixed,nonadjustable.
1. Twist, thenpull off spark plugboot.
2. Remove sparkplug from cylinderand dis-
card.
3. Replace with ChampionRCJ-6Y spark
plugand tighten securely witha3/4 inch
(19mm) socket wrench.
4. Reinstallthe spark plugboot.

REPLACE FUEL FILTER

Toreplacefuel filter,drainunit by running it dry
offuel, then remove fuel cap/retainer assem-
blyfrom tank. Pull filter from tankand remove
itfrom the fuelline. Installnewfuelfilter onfuel
line;reins tallparts.
FuelLine
Fuel
Filter
STORAGE
WARNING: Perform the following
steps aftereach use:
•Allowengine to cool,and secure the unit
befores toring or transporting.
•Storeunitand fuel in a well ventilated area
where fuel vapors cannot reach sparks or
open flames from water heaters, electric
motorsor switches , furnaces, etc.
•Store unit with the blade cover installed.
Positionunits o thatany sharp object can-
notacc identally cause injury.
•Storeunitand fuel wellout of the reach of
children.

SEASONAL STORAGE

Prepareunit for storage at end of season or if
itwillnot be used for 30days ormore.
Ifyourunit is tobe stored for a period of time:
•Cleanthe entire unit.
•Storein a clean dry area.
•Clean all parts and check for damage.
Have damagedparts repaired or replaced
byan authorized servic e dealer.
•Keepallnuts, bolts, andscrews tight.
•Lightlyoil externalmetal surfaces, includ-
ingthe blade.
•Installthe bladecover.
•Empty fuel tank before storage.
Tooil the blade, do the following:
•Stopthe engineandallowblade to come to
acomplete s top.
•EnsureON/OFF s witch is in the OFF posi-
tion.
•Disconnect thes parkplug wire.
•Apply a light machineoilalongtheedgeof
thetop strap as show n.
TopStrap
OIL

FUEL SYSTEM

Under FUELING ENGINE in the OPERA-
TIONsection of this manual, see messagela-
beledIMPORTANTregarding the use of ga-
sohol in yourengine. Fuelstabilizer is an ac-
ceptablealternativeinminimizingthe formation
offuelgum deposits duringstorage. Addstabi-
lizerto gasolinein fuel tank orfuel storage con-
tainer.Followthe mixinstructions foundon sta-
bilizercontainer.Run engine at least5 minutes
afteradding stabilizer.
HELPFUL TIP
Duringstorage of yourgas/
oilmixture, the oil will sepa-
ratefrom the gas.
We recommend that you
shake the gas can weekly
toinsure proper blending of
thegasandoil.

ENGINE

•Removespark plugandpour 1 teaspoon of
40:1,2-cycle engineoil (air cooled) through
the spark plugopening. Slowly pullthe
starterrope 8 to 10 times to distribute oil.
TOPSIDE
OF BLADE