ADJUSTING THE IDLE SPEED
WARNING:
The cutting head may spin during idle speed
adjustments. Wear protective clothing and observe all
safety instructions to prevent serious personal injury.
If the engine will not idle properly:
1. Start the engine. Refer to Starting and Stopping.
2. Release the throttle control and let the engine idle.
NOTE: Make sure the choke lever is NOT engaged while adjusting
the idle speed.
• If the engine stops, increase the idle speed. Use a small
Phillips screwdriver to turn the idle speed screw clockwise,
1/8 of a turn at a time, until the engine idles smoothly (Fig. 30).
• If the cutting head spins when the engine idles, reduce the idle
speed. Turn the idle speed screw counterclockwise, 1/8 of a
turn at a time, until the cutting head stops moving (Fig. 30).
MAINTAINING THE SPARK PLUG
1. Stop the engine and allow it to cool. Grasp the spark plug boot
firmly and pull it from the spark plug.
2. Clean around the spark plug. Remove the spark plug from the
cylinder head with a 5/8-inch socket, turning counterclockwise.
WARNING:
Do not sand blast, scrape or clean spark plug
electrodes. Grit in the engine could damage the cylinder.
3. Inspect the spark plug. If the spark plug is cracked, fouled or
dirty, replace it with replacement part #753-06193, a Champion
RDJ7J or an equivalent spark plug.
4. Use a feeler gauge to set the air gap at 0.025 in. (0.635 mm)
(Fig. 31).
5. Install the spark plug in the cylinder head. Tighten the spark plug
with a 5/8-inch socket, turning it clockwise until snug.
NOTE: If using a torque wrench, torque to:
110-120 in.•lb. (12.3-13.5 N•m). Do not over tighten.
6. Reattach the spark plug boot.
Idle Speed Screw
0.025 in.
(0.635 mm)
19
Fig. 30
Fig. 31