MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT
The idle speed of the engine is adjustable. An idle adjustment screw is reached though a hole in the top of the engine cover (Fig 48).
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: The cutting attachment may be spinning 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.
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. 48). 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.
Idle Adjustment Screw
Fig. 48
Checking the fuel, 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.
WARNING: When the unit is turned off make sure the cutting attachment has stopped before the unit is set down to prevent serious personal injury.
ROCKER ARM CLEARANCE
This 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 50 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. 49). Slide the notches on the sides of the muffler cover over the tabs on the engine cover and remove
Engine Cover
Muffler Cover 
Fig. 49
2.Remove the two (2) screws on top of the engine cover with a phillips screwdriver (Fig. 50).
Engine Cover
Top View Of
The Engine
Remove Screws
Muffler
Fig. 50
22
