MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
SPARK ARRESTOR MAINTENANCE
1. Remove air filter/muffler cover. Refer to Removing
the Air Filter/Muffler Cover.
2. Locate muffler front and the two (2) bolts securing it
to the engine (Fig. 26). Remove the two (2) bolts
using a flatblade screwdriver or 5/16-inch socket or
nut driver. Pull muffler off of the engine.
3. Turn muffler over to the back side and locate the
exhaust gasket. Remove the muffler gasket from the
muffler (Fig. 26).
NOTE: If the exhaust gasket is torn or damaged, replace
it with a new gasket before reassembling muffler.
4. Using a small flatblade screwdriver, carefully pry up
the spark arrestor from the recessed hole (Fig. 27).
Remove the spark arrestor from the muffler.
5. Clean the spark arrestor with a wire brush. Replace it
if it is damaged or if it is impossible to clean
thoroughly (Fig. 27).
6. Reinstall the spark arrestor by pressing it into the
recessed hole on the muffler's back side. Make sure
it fits tightly against the muffler and is not raised up.
7. Place the exhaust gasket against muffler's back side.
Align the gasket bolt holes with the bolt holes in the
muffler. While holding exhaust gasket in place, insert
the bolts into the muffler's front side (Fig. 26).
8. Place the muffler (with the exhaust gasket in place
and bolts inserted), against the engine, aligning the
bolt holes. Tighten the bolts to secure the muffler to
the engine.
If using a torque wrench, torque to:
80-90 in.•lb. (9-10.2 N•m)
9. Reinstall the air filter/muffler cover.
WARNING: If the muffler is not tightened
securely, it could fall off causing damage to
the unit and possible serious personal injury
Bolts
Muffler - Front Side
Exhaust
Spark
Gasket
Arrestor
Muffler - Back Side
Fig. 26
Spark Arrestor
Muffler - Back Side
Fig. 27
CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT
The idle speed of the engine is adjustable through the air
filter/muffler cover (Fig. 28).
NOTE: Careless adjustments can seriously damage your
unit. An authorized service dealer should make
carburetor adjustments.
Check Fuel Mixture
Old and/or improperly mixed fuel is usually the reason
for improper unit performance. Drain and refill the tank
with fresh, properly-mixed 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 and
change the air/fuel mixture. 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
If, after checking the fuel mixture 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.
WARNING: The cutting attachment will spin
during idle speed adjustments. Wear
protective clothing and observe all safety
instructions to prevent serious personal injury.
Fig. 28
Flatblade
Screwdriver
Spark Arrestor
Idle Speed Screw
15