MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS

Checking the fuel, 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.

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 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 it, separating it from the engine cover. Using a flat blade screwdriver, disengage the middle and front tabs and slots first. The cover will hinge off from the rear tab (Fig. 34).

3.Remove the screw behind the engine cover (Fig. 36).

4.Disconnect the spark plug wire.

5.Clean dirt from around the spark plug. Remove the spark plug from the cylinder head by turning a 5/8 in. socket counterclockwise.

6.Remove the engine cover.

7.Clean dirt from around the rocker arm cover. Remove the screw holding the rocker arm cover with a large flat blade screwdriver or Torx T- 25 bit (Fig. 37). Remove the rocker arm cover and gasket.

8.Pull the starter rope slowly to bring the piston to the top of its travel, (known as top dead center). Check that:

•The piston is at the top of its travel while looking in the spark plug hole (Fig. 37)

•Both rocker arms move freely, and both valves are closed

Screw

Fig. 36

Rocker

Arm

Cover

Spark

Plug

Hole

Fig. 37

Engine Cover

Rear Slot

and Tab

Middle Tab

 

Front Tab

Middle Slot

Front Slot

 

Fig. 34

2.Remove the two (2) screws on top of the engine cover with a Flat-head or T-25 Torx screwdriver (Fig. 35).

Top View Of The Engine

Remove

Engine Cover

Screws

Muffler

Fig. 35

If these statements are not true, repeat this step.

9.Slide the feeler gauge between the rocker arm and the valve return spring. Measure the clearance between the valve stem and rocker arm (Fig. 38). Measure both the intake and exhaust valves.

Adjusting Nuts

Rocker Arms

INTAKE

EXHAUST

Feeler Gauge

Fig. 38

The recommended clearance for both intake and exhaust is

.003 – .006 in. (.076 – 0.152 mm). Use a standard automotive

.005 in. (0.127 mm) feeler gauge. The feeler gauge should slide between the rocker arm and valve stem with a slight amount of resistance, without binding. See Figures 38 and 39.

10.If the clearance is not within specification:

a. Turn the adjusting nut using a 5/16 inch (8 mm) wrench or nut driver (Fig. 39).

•To increase clearance, turn the adjusting nut counterclockwise.

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