MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS

CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT

The idle speed of the engine is adjustable. Reach the idle adjustment screw though a hole in the top of the engine cover (Fig 26).

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

Check Fuel

Old fuel is usually the main reason for the unit not running properly. Drain and refill the tank with clean, fresh unleaded fuel prior to doing 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 Screw

WARNING: This unit needs to run during idle speed adjustment. Wear protective clothing and observe all safety instructions to prevent serious personal injury.

If after checking the fuel and cleaning the air

filter the engine still will not idle, adjust the idle speed screw as follows:

1.Start the engine and let it run at a high idle for a minute to warm up.

NOTE: Ensure the tines are not in contact with the ground when adjusting the idle.

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 engine cover

(Fig. 26). Turn the idle speed screw in, clockwise, 1/8 of a turn at a time (as needed) until the engine idles smoothly.

NOTE: The tines should not rotate when the engine idles.

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

Idle Adjustment Screw

Fig. 26

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

If this does not solve the problem and all of the following are true:

•The engine will not idle

•The engine hesitates or stalls on acceleration

•There is a loss of engine power

Have the unit checked and adjusted by an authorized service dealer.

ROCKER ARM CLEARANCE

This procedure requires disassembly of the engine. If you feel unsure or unqualified to perform this, take the unit to an authorized service center.

NOTE: Inspect the valve to rocker arm clearance with a feeler gauge after the first 10 hours of operation and then every 25 hours of operation thereafter.

•The engine must be cold when checking or adjusting the valve clearance.

•This task should be performed inside, in a clean, dust free area.

1.Remove the muffler cover by pressing down on the corner with a flat blade screwdriver (Fig. 27). Slide the notches on the sides of the muffler cover over the tabs on the engine cover and remove.

Engine Cover

Muffler Cover

Fig. 27

2.Remove the two (2) screws on top of the engine cover with a phillips screwdriver (Fig. 28).

3.Remove the screw on back of the engine cover (Fig. 29).

Engine Cover

Top View Of

The Engine

Remove Screws

Muffler

Fig. 28

16