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 every 25 hours of operation.

• The engine must be cold when checking or adjusting the valve clearance.

• This task should be performed inside, in a clean, dust free area.

Fig. 24

 

 

 

Fig. 25

 

1. Remove the six (6) screws on the back of the engine cover

 

 

 

 

 

 

with a Flat-head or T-25 Torx screwdriver (Fig. 27).

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTE: If the unit is operated without the air filter, you will VOID the warranty.

7.Reinstall the air filter cover. Position the tabs on the sides of the air filter cover onto the slots at the top of the back plate (Fig. 22).

8.Push the cover in until the tab on the air filter backplate snaps into place in the slot on the air filter cover (Fig. 22).

CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT

The idle speed of the engine is adjustable. An idle adjustment screw is between the air filter cover and the engine starter housing (Fig. 26).

Idle Adjustment Screw

3 2 1

Fig. 26

NOTE: Careless adjustments can seriously damage your unit. An authorized service dealer should make carburetor adjustments.

Check Fuel

Old fuel is usually the reason for improper unit performance. Drain and refill the tank with fresh fuel prior to making any adjustments. Refer to Oil and Fuel Information.

Adjust Idle Speed Screw

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. Refer to Starting/Stopping Instructions.

2. Move the throttle control lever to the Slow position () and let the engine idle. If the engine stops, insert a small phillips in between the Air Filter Cover and the Engine Cover (Fig. 26).

NOTE: Do not engage the Blade Clutch Lever while adjusting the idle speed screw to ensure that the blade will not rotate.

3.Turn the idle speed screw in, clockwise, 1/8 of a turn at a time (as needed) until the engine idles smoothly.

WARNING: To prevent serious personal injury, make sure the blade has stopped rotating before you turn it off.

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.

Remove

Remove

Screws

Screws

Fig. 27

2.Disconnect the spark plug wire.

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

4.Remove the engine cover (Fig. 27).

5.Clean dirt from around the rocker arm cover. Remove

the screw holding the rocker

Rocker

arm cover with a large flat

Arm

blade screwdriver or Torx T-

Cover

25 bit (Fig. 28). Remove the

 

rocker arm cover and gasket.

 

6.Pull the starter rope slowly to

bring the piston to the top of its

Spark

travel, (known as top dead

Plug

center). Check that:

 

Hole

• The piston is at the top of its

 

travel while looking in the

 

spark plug hole (Fig. 29)

 

• Both rocker arms move

 

freely, and both valves are

Fig. 28

closed

 

 

 

Rocker Arms

INTAKE

Adjusting Nuts

 

 

 

EXHAUST

Feeler Gauge

Spark Plug

Hole

Fig. 29

If these statements are not true, repeat this step.

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