MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: To prevent serious injury, never perform maintenance or repairs with unit running. Always service and repair a cool unit. Disconnect the spark plug wire to ensure that the unit cannot start.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Perform these required maintenance procedures at the frequency stated in the table. These procedures should also be a part of any seasonal tune-up.

NOTE: Some maintenance procedures may require special tools or skills. If you are unsure about these procedures take your unit to a qualified service dealer.

NOTE: Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emission control devices and system may be performed by a qualified service dealer.

In order to assure peak performance of your engine, inspection of the engine exhaust port may be necessary after 50 hours of operation. If you notice lost RPM, poor performance or general lack of acceleration, this service may be required. If you feel your engine is in need of this inspection, refer service to a qualified service dealer for repair. DO NOT attempt to perform this process yourself as engine damage may result from contaminants involved in the cleaning process for the port.

FREQUENCY

MAINTENANCE REQUIRED

SEE

 

 

 

Before starting engine

Fill fuel tank with fresh fuel

p. 7

Check oil

p. 11

 

 

 

 

Every 10 hours

Clean and re-oil air filter

p. 12

 

 

 

1st change at 10 hours

Change oil

p. 11

2nd change at 25 hours

Change oil

p. 11

Every 25 hours after

Clean spark arrestor

p. 14

 

 

 

10 hours on new engine

Check rocker arm to valve clearance and adjust

p. 13

Every 25 hours

Check rocker arm to valve clearance and adjust

p. 13

Every 25 hours

Check spark plug condition and gap

p. 14

 

 

 

CHECKING THE OIL LEVEL

The importance of checking and maintaining the proper oil level in the crankcase cannot be overemphasized. Check oil before each use:

1.Stop the engine and allow oil to drain into the crankcase.

2.Place the engine on a level surface (Fig. 21).

Fig. 21

3.Raise the rear of the unit 3.5 inches to get a proper oil level reading (Fig. 21).

4.Clean the area around the dipstick before removing it. Keep dirt, grass clippings, and other debris out of the engine.

5.Remove the oil fill plug.

6.Look into the oil fill hole (use a flashlight if needed). The oil should be just touching the innermost thread (Fig. 22).

7.If the oil level is not touching the innermost thread on the oil fill hole, add a small amount of oil to the oil fill hole and recheck (Fig. 22). Repeat this procedure until the oil level reaches the innermost thread on the oil fill hole.

NOTE: Do not overfill the unit.

NOTE: Make sure the O-ring is in place on the oil fill plug when checking and changing the oil (Fig. 23).

Max Oil Fill Line

Oil Fill Plug

O-Ring

Oil Fill Hole

Fig. 22

Fig. 23

CHANGING THE OIL

WARNING: Wear gloves to prevent injury when handling unit.

For a new engine, change the oil after the first 10 hours of operation. Change the oil while the engine is still warm. The oil will flow freely and carry away more impurities.

1.Unplug spark plug boot to prevent accidental starting.

2.Remove the oil fill plug.

3.Pour the oil out of the oil fill hole and into a container by tipping the unit to a vertical position (Fig. 24). Allow ample time for complete drainage.

4.Wipe up any oil residue on the unit and clean up any oil that may have spilled. Dispose of the oil according to Federal,

State and local regulations.

5. Refill the crankcase with

 

 

3.04 fluid ounce (90 ml)

 

 

or 3/8 cup of SAE 30 SF,

 

Fig. 24

 

SG, SH oil.

 

 

 

 

11