MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS

8.Replace the two screws you removed in Step 2 and tighten them securely.

9.Reinstall the air filter/muffler cover.

WARNING: If the exhaust deflector assembly is not tightened securely, it could fall off causing damage to the unit and possible serious personal injury.

CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT

The idle speed of the engine is adjustable through the air filter/muffler cover (Fig. 31).

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

REPLACING THE SPARK PLUG

Use a Champion RDJ7Y spark plug, or equivalent. The correct air gap is 0.020 inch (0.5 mm). Remove the plug after every 25 hours of operation and check its condition.

1.Stop the engine and allow it to cool. Grasp the plug wire firmly and pull it from the spark plug.

2.Clean around the spark plug. Remove the spark plug from the cylinder head by turning a 5/8-inch socket counterclockwise.

3.Replace a cracked, fouled or dirty spark plug. Set the air gap at 0.020 in. (0.5 mm) using a feeler gauge (Fig. 32).

WARNING: Do not sand blast, scrape or clean electrodes. Grit in the engine could damage the cylinder.

4.Install a correctly-gapped spark plug in the cylinder head. Tighten by turning the 5/8-inch socket clockwise until snug.

If using a torque wrench torque to 110-120 in.•lb. (12.3-13.5

N•m). Do not over-tighten.

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

If, after checking the fuel mixture 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. Refer to Starting/Stopping Instructions.

TRANSPORTING

•Allow the engine to cool before transporting.

•Drain fuel from unit.

•Tighten fuel cap before transporting.

•Secure the unit while transporting.

CLEANING

0.020 in.

(0.5 mm)

Fig. 32

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

2.Release the throttle trigger and let the engine idle. If the engine stops, insert a small phillips screwdriver into the hole in the air filter/muffler cover (Fig. 31). Turn the idle speed screw in, clockwise, 1/8 of a turn at a time (as needed) until the engine idles smoothly.

WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury, always turn your trimmer off and allow it to cool before you clean or maintain it.

Use a small brush to clean off the outside of the unit. Do not use strong detergents. Household cleaners that contain aromatic oils such as pine and lemon, and solvents such as kerosene, can damage plastic housing or handle. Wipe off any moisture with a soft cloth.

STORAGE

•Never store a fueled unit where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.

Idle Speed Screw

Fig. 31

3.If the engine appears to be idling too fast, 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 not 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 carburetor adjusted by an authorized service dealer.

•Allow the engine to cool before storing.

•Lock up the unit to prevent unauthorized use or damage.

•Store the unit in a dry, well-ventilated area.

•Store the unit out of the reach of children.

LONG TERM STORAGE

If you plan on storing the unit for an extended time, use the following storage procedure:

1.Drain all fuel from the fuel tank into a container with the same 2-cycle fuel mixture. Do not use fuel that has been stored for more than 60 days. Dispose of the old fuel/oil mix in accordance to Federal, State and Local regulations.

2.Start the engine and allow it to run until it stalls. This ensures that all fuel has been drained from the carburetor.

3.Allow the engine to cool. Remove the spark plug and put 1 oz. (30 ml) of any high quality motor oil or 2-cycle oil into the cylinder. Pull the starter rope slowly to distribute the oil. Reinstall the spark plug.

NOTE: Remove the spark plug and drain all of the oil from the cylinder before attempting to start the trimmer after storage.

4.Thoroughly clean the unit and inspect it for any loose or damaged parts. Repair or replace damaged parts and tighten loose screws, nuts or bolts. The unit is ready for storage.

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