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 such as replacement or
repair of the emission control devices and system. If unsure about these procedures or tools
are not available; take the unit to a qualifi ed service dealer. Call 1-877-282-8684 for more
information.
FREQUENCY
MAINTENANCE REQUIRED
Every 10 hours
Clean air fi lter
First 10 hours
Change oil
Check rocker arm to valve clearance and adjust
Check spark plug condition and gap
Every 40 hours
Change oil
Check rocker arm to valve clearance and adjust
Check spark plug condition and gap
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.
3. Clean the area around the oil plug before removing it. Keep
dirt, grass clippings, and other debris out of the engine.
4. Remove the oil plug (Fig. 14).
5. Look into the oil fi ll hole (use a fl ashlight if needed). The oil
should be just touching the innermost thread (Fig. 13).
6. If the oil level is not touching the innermost thread on the oil fi ll
hole, add a small amount of oil to the oil fi ll hole and recheck
(Fig. 13). Repeat this procedure until the oil level reaches the
innermost thread on the oil fi ll hole.
NOTE:
Do not overfi ll the unit.
NOTE:
Make sure the O-ring is in place on the oil plug when
checking and changing the oil (Fig. 14).
CHANGING THE OIL
Change the oil while the engine is still warm. The oil will fl ow freely
and carry away more impurities.
1. Remove the oil fi ll plug.
2. Pour the oil out of the oil fi ll hole and into a container by
tipping the unit to a vertical position (Fig. 15). Allow ample
time for complete drainage.
3. 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.
4. Refi ll the crankcase with 2.03 fl .oz. (60 ml) of SAE 30 SF, SG,
SH oil (Fig. 17).
NOTE:
Use the bottle and spout saved from initial use to
measure the correct amount of oil. The fi ll line on the
bottle's label measures approximately 2.03 fl .oz. (60 ml)
(Fig. 16).
5. Check the level, See Checking the Oil Level.
6. Once full, replace the oil plug.
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
WARNING:
To avoid serious personal injury,
always turn the unit off and allow it to cool before
cleaning or maintaining it.
Cleaning the Air Filter
Failure to maintain the air fi lter will VOID the warranty.
1. To open the air fi lter cover, push the tab on the left side of the
cover inward and pull the air fi lter cover slightly out and to the
right (Fig. 18).
2. Remove the air fi lter (Fig. 18).
3. Wash the fi lter in detergent and water. Making sure to rinse the
fi lter thoroughly and allow it to dry.
4. Lightly coat the fi lter with clean SAE 30 motor oil.
5. Squeeze the fi lter to spread and remove excess oil.
6. Replace the fi lter.
NOTE:
Operating the unit without the air fi lter will VOID the
warranty.
7. To reinstall the air fi lter cover, position the hooks on the right
side of the air fi lter cover into the slots at the right side of the
back plate (Fig. 18).
8. Swing the cover to the left and press closed so the air fi lter
cover tab snaps into the slot on the back plate (Fig. 18).
IDLE SPEED ADJUSTMENT
The idle speed of the engine is adjustable. An idle adjustment screw is between the air fi lter cover and
the engine starter housing (Fig. 19).
NOTE:
Careless adjustments can seriously damage to the unit. A qualifi ed service dealer should
make carburetor adjustments.
Check Fuel
Old fuel is usually the reason for poor unit performance. Drain and refi ll the tank with fresh fuel prior to
making any adjustments. Refer to Oil and Fuel Information.
Clean Air Filter
The condition of the air fi lter is important to the operation of the unit. A dirty air fi lter will restrict air
fl ow. This is often mistaken for an out of adjustment carburetor. Check the condition of the air fi lter
prior to adjusting the idle speed screw. Refer to Air Filter Maintenance.
Adjust Idle Speed Screw
If, after checking the fuel and cleaning the air fi lter, the engine still
will not idle, adjust the idle speed screw as follows:
1. Start the engine and warm up according to the Starting/
Stopping Instructions.
2. Release the trigger and let the engine idle. If the engine stops,
insert a small phillips screwdriver in between the Air Filter
Cover and the Engine Cover (Fig. 19). Turn the idle speed
screw 1/8 of a turn clockwise at a time until the engine idles
smoothly.
Checking the fuel, cleaning the air fi lter, 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
•
take the unit to a qualifi ed service dealer.
ROCKER ARM CLEARANCE
WARNING:
To avoid serious personal injury, always turn the unit off and allow it to cool
before cleaning or maintaining it.
This requires disassembly of the engine. If you feel unsure or
unqualifi ed to perform this, take the unit to a qualifi ed service
dealer.
The engine must be cold when checking or adjusting the
•
rocker arm clearance.
This task should be performed inside, in a clean, dust free
•
area.
1. Remove the 8 engine cover screws with the appropriate tool
(Fig. 20), then remove the cover.
4
MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
NOTE:
2. Disconnect the spark plug wire.
3. Clean dirt from around the spark plug and rocker arm cover.
4. Remove the screw holding the rocker arm cover with the
SEE
5. Turn the fl ywheel slowly to bring the piston to the top of its
p. 4
p. 4
•
p. 4
p. 4
•
p. 4
If these statements are not true, repeat this step.
p. 4
6. Slide the feeler gauge between the rocker arm and the valve
p. 4
The recommended clearance for both intake and exhaust is .003
– .006 in. (.076 – 0.152 mm). Use a standard automotive .005 in.
(0.127 mm) feeler gauge. The feeler gauge should slide between
the rocker arm and valve stem with a slight amount of resistance,
Oil Fill Line
without binding. See Figure 22.
7. If the clearance is not within specifi cation:
a. Turn the adjusting nut using a 5/16 inch (8 mm) wrench or nut driver (Fig. 22).
•
Fig. 13
•
Oil Plug
b. Recheck both clearances, and adjust as necessary.
O-Ring
8. Reinstall the rocker arm cover using a new gasket (Fig. 21). Torque the screw to: 20–30 in•lb
9. Check the spark plug and reinstall. See Replacing the Spark Plug.
10. Reinstall the spark plug wire.
Oil Fill Hole
11. Reinstall the engine cover. Check alignment of the cover before tightening the screws. Tighten
NOTE:
Fig. 14
REPLACING THE SPARK PLUG
Use a replacement part number 753-05784 or Champion spark
plug #RDZ4H. The correct spark gap is 0.025 in. (0.635 mm).
1. Stop the engine and allow it to cool.
2. Open the spark plug cover (Fig. 23).
3. Grasp the plug wire fi rmly and pull the cap from the spark
Fig. 15
4. Clean dirt from around the spark plug. Remove the spark
5. Replace cracked, fouled or dirty spark plug. Set the spark gap
6. Install a correctly-gapped spark plug in the cylinder head. Turn
Fill Level
7. Reinstall the spark plug cover.
Fig. 16
If using a torque wrench, torque to:
110-120 in.•lb. (12.3-13.5 N•m)
Do not over tighten.
CLEANING
Use a small brush to clean off the outside of the unit. Do not use strong detergents. Household
cleaners that contain aromatic oils such as pine and lemon, and solvents such as kerosene, can
damage plastic housing or handle. Wipe off any moisture with a soft cloth.
STORAGE
•
Fig. 17
•
•
•
•
LONG TERM STORAGE
1. Drain all gasoline from the gas tank into a container. Do not use gas that has been stored for more
Slot
Tab
2. Start the engine and allow it to run until it stalls. This ensures that all gasoline has been drained
Air Filter
Air Filter Cover
Fig. 18
3. Allow the engine to cool. Remove the spark plug and put 5 drops of high quality motor oil into the
NOTE:
4. Change the oil, referring to Changing the Oil. Dispose of the old oil in accordance to Federal, State
5. Thoroughly clean the unit and inspect for any loose or damaged parts. Repair or replace damaged
TRANSPORTING
•
•
•
•
Idle Adjustment
Screw
Fig. 19
Screws
Screws
Fig. 20
Make sure to store the screws so that they can be reinstalled into their original holes.
Remove the spark plug from the cylinder by turning a 5/8 in.
socket counterclockwise.
appropriate tool (Fig. 21). Remove the rocker arm cover and
gasket.
travel (known as top dead center). Check that:
The piston is at the top of its travel by looking in the spark
plug hole (Fig. 21)
Both rocker arms move freely, and both valves are closed.
return spring. Measure the clearance between the valve stem
and rocker arm (Fig. 22). Measure both the intake and exhaust
valves.
To increase clearance, turn the adjusting nut counterclockwise.
To decrease clearance, turn the adjusting nut clockwise.
(2.2–3.4 N•m).
screws.
Make sure that the screws are reinstalled into their original holes (Fig. 20).
WARNING:
Do not sand blast, scrape or clean spark plug electrodes. Grit in the engine
could damage the cylinder.
plug.
plug from the cylinder head by turning a 5/8 in. socket
counterclockwise.
at 0.025 in. (0.635 mm) using a feeler gauge (Fig. 24).
the 5/8 in. socket clockwise until snug.
Never store the unit with fuel in the tank where fumes may reach an open fl ame or spark.
Allow the engine to cool before storing.
Lock up the unit to prevent unauthorized use or damage.
Store the unit in a dry, well-ventilated are a.
Store the unit out of the reach of children.
than 30 days. Dispose of the old gasoline in accordance to Federal, State, and Local regulations.
from the carburetor.
cylinder. Pull the starter rope slowly to distribute the oil. Reinstall the spark plug.
Remove the spark plug and drain all of the oil from the cylinder before attempting to start
the blower after storage.
and Local regulations.
parts and tighten loose screws, nuts or bolts. The unit is ready for storage.
Allow the engine to cool before transporting.
Secure the unit while transporting.
Drain the gas tank before transporting.
Tighten gas cap before transporting.
Rocker
Arm
Cover
Screw
Spark
Plug
Hole
Fig. 21
Adjustment Nut
Rocker Arm
0.003–0.006 in.
(0.076–0.152 mm)
Valve
Feeler Gauge
Stem
Fig. 22
Fig. 23
0.025 in.
(0.635 mm)
Fig. 24