Servicing the air Cleaner
CaUTion
Do not use pressurized air or solvents to clean the air cleaner
cartridge.
The air cleaner prevents damaging dirt, dust, etc., from entering the
carburetor and being forced into the engine and is important to engine
life and performance. The air cleaner consists of a pleated filter. Never
run the engine without an air cleaner completely assembled.
Clean or replace the air cleaner every 25 hours of operation.
1.
Loosen screw and tilt plastic housing cover on side of engine
down. See Figure 18.
2.
Remove air filter from plastic housing cover and replace with
clean or new filter.
3.
Insert cover's tabs into slots in bottom of base.
4.
Tilt cover up into place and tighten screw.
NOTE: If the filter is torn or damaged in any way, replace it.
Checking engine oil
1.
Stop engine and wait several minutes before checking oil level.
With engine on level ground, the oil must be to FULL mark on
dipstick.
2.
Remove oil fill dipstick and wipe clean with cloth.
3.
Replace and tighten dipstick. Remove and check oil level. Level
should be at FULL mark.
4.
If needed, add oil slowly - recheck. Do not overfill.
5.
Wipe dipstick clean, replace and tighten. Remove and check oil
level. Oil level should be at FULL line on dipstick.
CaUTion
Do not overfil. Overfilling with oil may cause the engine to not start,
or hard starting. If over the FULL mark on the dipstick, drain oil to
reduce oil level to FULL mark on dipstick.
Changing engine oil
•
Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service
classification SF, SG, or SH. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade
according to the expected operating temperature. Refer to Opera-
tion section for viscosity chart.
•
Change engine oil after the first five to eight hours of operation,
and every fifty hours or every season thereafter. Change oil every
twenty five hours when operating engine under heavy load or in
high temperatures.
To Drain oil
1.
Drain the fuel from the tank by running the engine until the fuel
tank is empty.
2.
Disconnect spark plug wire and keep it away from spark plug.
3.
With engine OFF but still warm remove oil fill dipstick.
4.
Tip unit on its side (spark plug side up) to drain through the oil fill
tube into appropriate receptacle.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
Used oil is a hazardous waste product. Dispose of used oil properly.
Do not discard with household waste. Check with your local authori-
ties or Sears Service Center for safe disposal/recycling facilities.
5.
When engine is drained of all oil, place engine level. Refill with
approximately 18 oz. of fresh oil. Fill to FULL line on dipstick. Do
not overfill. Refer to Gas And Oil Fill-Up in OPERATION section.
6.
Replace oil fill dipstick and tighten.
7.
Replace spark plug wire before starting.
Temperature of muffler and nearby areas may exceed 150˚ F (65˚C).
Avoid these areas.
Servicing Muffler
•
Inspect muffler periodically, and replace if necessary. Replace-
ment parts for the muffler must be the same and installed in the
same position as the original parts, otherwise fire can occur.
Cleaning engine
•
Daily or before every use, clean grass, chaff or accumulated
debris from engine. Keep linkage, spring, and controls clean.
Keep area around and behind muffler free of any combustible
debris.
•
Keeping engine clean allows air movement around engine.
•
Engine parts should be kept clean to reduce the risk of over-
heating and ignition of accumulated debris. This is especially
important if cutting tall grass.
Do not use water to clean engine parts. Water could contaminate fuel
system. Use a brush or dry cloth.
17
Figure 18
CaUTion
Warning
CaUTion