Draining the Fuel Tank and Carburetor
See Figure 18, page A-4.
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive.
You can be burned or seriously injured when
handling fuel.
• Stop the engine and let it cool before handling fuel.
• Keep heat, sparks, and flame away.
• Handle fuel only outdoors.
• Keep away from your vehicle.
• Wipe up spills immediately.
1. Make sure the engine oil filler cap / dipstick [1] is tightened
securely.
2. Remove the fuel filler cap and drain the fuel into an approved
gasoline container by tipping the engine toward the fuel filler
neck [2].
3. Press the priming pump [3] several times until all fuel has
returned to the fuel tank.
4. Tip the engine toward the fuel filler neck again to drain the
fuel.
5. After all fuel has drained, reinstall the fuel filler cap securely.
Engine Oil
See Figure 5, page A-2.
See Figure 10, page A-3.
1. Change the engine oil (see page 5).
2. Loosen the hex bolt, then remove the top cover.
3. Remove the spark plug (see page 6).
4. Apply a couple of drops of clean engine oil into the cylinder.
5. Install the top cover temporarily.
6. Pull the starter grip several times to distribute the oil in the
cylinder.
7. Remove the top cover, then reinstall the spark plug.
8. Install the top cover, and tighten the hex bolt securely.
9. Pull the starter grip slowly until resistance is felt.
Storage Precautions
If your engine will be stored with gasoline in the fuel tank and
carburetor, it is important to reduce the hazard of gasoline vapor
ignition. Select a well ventilated storage area away from any
appliance that operates with a flame, such as a furnace, water
heater, or clothes dryer. Also avoid any area with a
spark-producing electric motor, or where power tools are
operated.
If possible, avoid storage areas with high humidity, because that
promotes rust and corrosion.
Keep the engine level in storage. Tilting can cause fuel or oil
leakage.
With the engine and exhaust system cool, cover the engine to
keep out dust. A hot engine and exhaust system can ignite or
melt some materials. Do not use a plastic sheet as a dust cover.
A nonporous cover will trap moisture around the engine,
promoting rust and corrosion.
Removal from Storage
Check your engine as described in the
CHECKS
section of this manual (see page 2).
If the fuel was drained during storage preparation, fill the tank
with fresh gasoline. If you keep a container of gasoline for
refueling, be sure it contains only fresh gasoline. Gasoline
oxidizes and deteriorates over time, causing hard starting.
If the cylinder was coated with oil during storage preparation,
the engine will smoke briefly at startup. This is normal.
TRANSPORTING
If the engine has been running, allow it to cool for at least 15
minutes before loading the engine-powered equipment on the
transport vehicle. A hot engine and exhaust system can burn
you and can ignite some materials.
TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS
ENGINE WILL NOT START
Possible Cause
Choke open.
Engine switch OFF. (on the
equipment)
Out of fuel.
Bad fuel; engine stored without
treating or draining gasoline, or
refueled with bad gasoline.
Spark plug faulty, fouled, or
improperly gapped.
Spark plug wet with fuel
(flooded engine).
Fuel filter restricted, carburetor
malfunction, ignition
malfunction, valves stuck, etc.
ENGINE LACKS POWER
Possible Cause
Filter element restricted.
Bad fuel; engine stored without
treating or draining gasoline, or
refueled with bad gasoline.
Fuel filter restricted, carburetor
malfunction, ignition
malfunction, valves stuck, etc.
ENGLISH
BEFORE OPERATION
Correction
Move lever to CLOSED position
unless the engine is warm.
Turn engine switch to ON
position.
Refuel (p. 4).
Drain fuel tank and carburetor
(p. 9). Refuel with fresh
gasoline (p. 4).
Gap or replace spark plug
(p. 6).
Allow the spark plug to dry.
After drying, install the spark
plug and start the engine (p. 2).
Take engine to your servicing
dealer, or refer to shop
manual.
Correction
Clean or replace filter element
(p. 5).
Drain fuel tank and carburetor
(p. 9). Refuel with fresh
gasoline (p. 4).
Take engine to your servicing
dealer, or refer to shop
manual.
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