Poulan PE550 Carburetor Adjustment, Seasonal Storage, Fuel System, Engine, Other

CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT

WARNING: Keep others away when making idle speed adjustments. The blade shaft will be spinning during most of this pro- cedure. Wear your protective equipment and observe all safety precautions. After making adjustments, the blade shaft must not spin at idle speed.

The carburetor has been carefully set at the factory. Adjustments may be necessary if you notice any of the following conditions:

SEngine will not idle when the throttle is re-

leased.

SThe blade spins at idle.

Keep others away when making idle speed adjustments. Remove the blade before mak- ing carburetor idle speed adjustments. Do not make adjustments from the blade side of the unit. Recheck the idle speed after each ad- justment. The blade must not spin at idle speed to avoid serious injury to the operator or others. Make adjustments with the unit supported so the blade is off the ground and will not make contact with any object. Hold the unit by hand while running and making ad- justments. Keep all parts of your body away from the blade and muffler.

Idle Speed Adjustment

Allow engine to idle. Adjust speed until engine runs without the blade shaft spinning (idle too fast) or engine stalling (idle speed too slow). S Turn idle speed screw clockwise to in- crease engine speed if engine stalls or dies.

STurn idle speed screw counterclockwise to decrease engine speed if the blade shaft spins at idle speed.

WARNING: Recheck the idle speed after each adjustment. The blade shaft must not spin at idle speed to avoid serious injury to the operator or others.

Idle Speed

Adjustment

Screw

If you require further assistance or are unsure about performing this procedure, contact an authorized service dealer or call 1--800--554--6723.

WARNING: Perform the following steps after each use:

SAllow engine to cool before storing or trans-

porting.

SStore unit and fuel in a well ventilated area

where fuel vapors cannot reach sparks or open flames from water heaters, electric motors or switches, furnaces, etc.

SStore unit with all guards in place. Position unit so that any sharp object cannot acci-

dentally cause injury.

SStore unit and fuel well out of the reach of children.

SEASONAL STORAGE

Prepare unit for storage at end of season or if it will not be used for 30 days or more.

If your unit is to be stored for a period of time: S Clean the entire unit before lengthy stor-

age.

SStore in a clean dry area.

SLightly oil external metal surfaces.

FUEL SYSTEM

Under FUELING ENGINE in the OPERA- TION section of this manual, see message la- beled IMPORTANT regarding the use of ga- sohol in your engine.

Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alternative in minimizing the formation of fuel gum deposits during storage. Add stabilizer to the gasoline in the fuel tank or fuel storage container. Fol- low the mix instructions found on stabilizer container. Run engine at least 5 minutes after adding stabilizer.

ENGINE

SRemove spark plug and pour 1 teaspoon of 40:1, 2-cycle engine oil (air cooled) through the spark plug opening. Slowly pull the

starter rope 8 to 10 times to distribute oil.

SReplace spark plug with new one of recom- mended type and heat range.

SClean air filter.

S Check entire unit for loose screws, nuts, and bolts. Replace any damaged, broken, or worn parts.

S At the beginning of the next season, use only fresh fuel having the proper gasoline to oil ratio.

OTHER

SDo not store gasoline from one season to another.

S Replace your gasoline can if it starts to rust.

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