CHECKING THE OIL LEVEL
WARNING:
To prevent extensive engine
wear and damage to the unit, always
maintain the proper oil level in the crankcase.
Never operate the unit with a low 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 unit on a flat, level surface to get a proper
oil level reading.
3. Keep dirt, grass clippings and other debris out of the
engine. Clean the area around the oil fill plug before
removing it.
4. Remove the oil fill plug.
5. Check the oil level. Oil should be just to the bottom
of the threads of the oil fill hole. (Fig. 24).
6. If the level is low, add a small amount of oil to the oil
fill hole and recheck (Fig. 24). Repeat this procedure
until the oil level reaches the the bottom of the
threads in the oil fill hole.
NOTE:
Do not overfill the unit.
NOTE:
Make sure the O-ring is in place on the oil fill
plug when checking and changing the oil
(Fig. 23).
CHANGING THE OIL
CAUTION:
Wear gloves to prevent
injury when handling the unit.
For a new engine, change the oil after the first 10 hours
of operation. Change the oil while the engine is still
warm. The oil will flow freely and carry away more
impurities.
1. Remove the oil fill plug.
2. Pour the oil out of the oil fill hole and into a container
by tipping the unit to the side (Fig. 25). 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. Refill the crankcase with 2.2 fl.oz. (60 ml) of SAE 30
SF, SG, SH oil.
NOTE:
Use the bottle and spout saved from initial
use to measure the correct amount of oil.
The top of the label on the bottle measures
approximately 3.4 ounces (100 ml) (Fig. 26).
Check the level (Fig. 24). If the level is low,
add a small amount of oil and recheck. Do
not overfill (Fig. 24).
5. Replace the oil fill plug.
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
WARNING:
To avoid serious personal
injury, always turn the unit off and allow it
to cool before you clean or service it.
Cleaning the Air Filter
Clean the air filter every 10 hours of operation. It is an
important item to maintain. Failure to maintain the air
filter properly can result in poor performance or can
cause permanent damage to the engine.
1. Open the air filter cover by pressing the lock tab in
and pulling out on the air filter cover (Fig. 27 & 28).
2. Remove the air filter (Fig. 32).
3. Wash the filter in detergent and water (Fig. 29). Rinse
the filter thoroughly and allow it to dry.
4. Apply enough clean SAE 30 motor oil to lightly coat
the filter (Fig. 30).
5. Squeeze the filter to spread and remove excess oil
(Fig. 31).
6. Replace the air filter into the base plate (Fig. 32).
NOTE:
If the unit is operated without the air filter,
you will VOID the warranty.
7. Reinstall the air filter cover. Position the two small
tabs on the air filter cover into the two slots in the
back plate and press the air filter cover down,
making sure to align the lock tab with the lock tab
slot, until it snaps into place (Fig. 28 & 27).
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. 33).
NOTE:
Careless adjustments can seriously damage
your unit. An authorized service dealer should make carburetor adjustments.
6
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
Oil Fill Plug
O-Ring
Fig. 23
Add 1.4-1.5 Oz.
(41-44 ml)
Oil Fill Hole
Fig. 24
Fig. 25
Fill Level
Fig. 26
Air Filter Cover
Air Filter
Cover Tab
Fig. 27
Air Filter Cover
Back Plate
Fig. 28
Fig. 29
Fig. 30
Fig. 31
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.
Clean Air Filter
The condition of the air filter is important to the
operation of the unit. A dirty air filter will restrict air flow.
This is often mistaken for an out of adjustment
carburetor. Check the condition of the air filter before
adjusting the idle speed screw. Refer to Air Filter
Maintenance.
Adjust Idle Speed Screw
WARNING:
The cutting attachment
may spin during idle speed adjustments.
Wear protective clothing and observe all
safety instructions to prevent serious
personal injury.
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. Release the throttle trigger and let the engine idle. If
the engine stops, insert a small phillips or flat blade
screwdriver into the hole in the air filter/muffler cover
(Fig. 33). Turn the idle speed screw in, clockwise,
1/8 of a turn at a time (as needed) until the engine
idles smoothly.
NOTE:
The cutting attachment should not rotate
when the engine idles.
3. If the cutting attachment rotates when the engine
idles, turn the idle speed screw counterclockwise
1/8 of a turn at a time (as needed), to reduce idle
speed.
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.
ROCKER ARM CLEARANCE
WARNING:
To avoid serious personal
injury, always turn the unit off and allow it
to cool before cleaning or servicing it.
This requires disassembly of the engine. If feeling
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 every 40 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.
1. Remove the two (2) screws on back of the engine
cover and the one on the front of the engine cover
with a Flat-head or T-25 Torx screwdriver (Fig. 34).
2. Remove the engine cover (Fig. 35).
3. Disconnect the spark plug wire.
4. Clean dirt from around the spark plug. Remove the
spark plug from the cylinder head by turning a 5/8
in. socket counterclockwise.
5. 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. 36). Remove the
rocker arm cover and gasket.
6. 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. 36)
• Both rocker arms move freely, and both valves are closed
If these statements are not true, repeat this step.
7. Slide the feeler gauge between the rocker arm and the valve return spring. Measure
the clearance between the valve stem and rocker arm (Fig. 38). Measure both the
intake and exhaust valves.
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,
without binding. Figure 37 and 38 show how to measure the clearance.
8. If the clearance is not within specification:
a. Turn the adjusting nut using a 5/16 inch (8 mm) wrench or nut driver (Fig. 38).
• To increase clearance, turn the adjusting nut counterclockwise.
Back Plate
Air Filter
Fig. 32
Idle Ajustment
Screw
Fig. 33
Remove Screws
Fig. 34
Engine
Cover
Muffler
Fig. 35
Screw
Rocker Arm Cover
Fig. 36
Adjusting Nuts
INTAKE
Rocker Arms
EXHAUST
Fig. 37
Exhaust
Rocker Arm
Adjusting Nut
Feeler
Gauge
0.003–0.006 in.
(0.076–0.152 mm)
Valve Stem
Fig. 38