MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS

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. 62).

Engine Cover

Rear Slot

and Tab

Middle Tab

 

Front Tab

Middle Slot

Front Slot

 

Fig. 62

2.Remove the two (2) screws on top of the engine cover with a Flat-head or T-25 Torx screwdriver (Fig. 63).

Top View Of The Engine

Remove

Engine Cover

Screws

Muffler

Fig. 63

3.Remove the screw behind the engine cover (Fig. 64).

Screw

Fig. 64

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 (Fig. 63).

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. 65). Remove the rocker arm cover and gasket.

Rocker Arm Cover

Spark Plug Hole

Fig. 65

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. 65)

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

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. 66). Measure both the intake and exhaust valves.

The recommended clearance for the intake and exhaust is .003 – .006 in. (.076 – 0.152 mm).

Use a standard automotive feeler gauge at .005 (0.127mm). The feeler gauge should slide between the rocker arm and valve stem with a slight amount of resistance, without binding. Figure 67 shows how to measure the clearance.

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