MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
WARNING:
To prevent serious injury, never perform maintenance or repairs with unit running. Always
service and repair a cool unit. Disconnect the spark plug wire to ensure that the unit cannot start.
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. If you are unsure about these procedures
take your unit to any non-road engine repair establishment, individual or authorized service dealer.
NOTE:
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emission control devices and system may be performed by any
non-road engine repair establishment, individual or authorized service dealer.
NOTE:
Please read the California/EPA statement that came with the unit for a complete listing of terms and
coverage for the emissions control devices, such as the spark arrestor, muffler, carburetor, etc.
FREQUENCY
MAINTENANCE REQUIRED
Before starting engine
Fill fuel tank with fresh fuel
Every 10 hours
Clean and re-oil air filter
Every 25 hours
Check spark plug condition and gap
LINE INSTALLATION
WARNING:
Never use metal-reinforced line, wire, chain or rope.
These can break off and become dangerous projectiles.
Only use the trimming line described in the Specifications section. Other types of
trimming line may cause the engine to overheat or fail.
NOTE: Always use the correct line length when installing trimming line. The line may
not release properly if the line is too long.
Part 1 - Removing the Inner Reel
1. Hold the outer spool with one hand and unscrew the bump knob
counterclockwise (Fig. 13).
NOTE: The outer spool will remain attached to the unit.
2. Inspect the bolt inside the bump knob to make sure it moves freely. Replace the
bump knob if it is damaged.
3. Remove the inner reel from the outer spool (Fig. 14).
4. Remove the spring from the inner reel (Fig. 14).
5. Use a clean cloth to clean the inner reel, spring, shaft and inner surface of the
outer spool.
6. Check the indexing teeth and holding slots for wear (Fig. 15). If necessary, remove
burrs or replace the inner reel and outer spool.
Proceed to Part 2 - Winding New Trimming Line onto the Inner Reel.
Part 2 - Winding New Trimming Line onto the Inner Reel
• If using single line, refer to Winding Single Line.
• If using split line, refer to Winding Split Line.
• If using a prewound inner reel, proceed to Part 3 - Installing the Inner Reel.
Winding Single Line
1. Cut two 8-foot (2.4 m) lengths of new single trimming line.
2. Insert the end of one line into the top hole in
the inner reel (Fig. 16). Wind the line tightly in
the direction shown on the bottom of the inner
reel until about 6 inches (150 mm) of line
remains. Keep the line above the split wall.
Insert the 6-inch section into the nearest .095
holding slot (Fig. 17).
3. Insert the end of the other line into the bottom
hole in the inner reel (Fig. 18). Wind the line
tightly in the direction shown on the bottom of
the inner reel until about 3 to 9 inches (75 to
225 mm) of line remains. Keep the line below
the split wall. Insert the 3 to 9-inch section into
the opposite .095 holding slot (Fig. 19).
NOTE: Failure to wind the line in the direction
indicated will cause the cutting head to operate
incorrectly.
Proceed to Part 3 - Installing the Inner Reel.
Winding Split Line
1. Cut one 6-foot (1.8 m) length of new split line
trimming line. Split each end about 6 inches
(150 mm).
2. Using one split end, insert one line into the top
hole and the other line into the bottom hole in
the inner reel (Fig. 20).
3. Wind the line tightly in the direction shown on
the bottom of the inner reel. The split wall will
automatically divide the line. Wind the line until
it is completely divided and about 6 inches
(150 mm) of line remains.
NOTE: Failure to wind the line in the direction
indicated will cause the cutting head to operate incorrectly.
4. Insert the two 6-inch sections into the two .095 holding slots (Fig. 21).
Proceed to Part 3 - Installing the Inner Reel.
Part 3 - Installing the Inner Reel
1. Pass the two line ends through the eyelets in the outer spool. Place the spring
inside the inner reel. Insert the inner reel into the outer spool. Push the inner reel
and outer spool together (Fig. 22).
NOTE: The spring must be assembled on the inner reel before reassembling the
cutting head.
2. While holding the inner reel and outer spool together, firmly pull the two line ends
to release them from the holding slots.
3. While holding the inner reel and outer spool together, screw the bump knob on clockwise. Tighten the bump knob
securely.
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. 23).
2. Remove the air filter (Fig. 23).
3. Wash the filter in detergent and water. Rinse the filter thoroughly and allow it to
dry.
4. Apply enough clean SAE 30 motor oil to lightly coat the filter.
5. Squeeze the filter to spread and remove excess oil.
6. Replace the air filter into the air filter cover (Fig. 23).
NOTE:
Operating the unit without the air filter WILL VOID the warranty.
7. Close the air filter cover by swinging it to the left and then pressing it down until the lock tab snaps into place (Fig. 23).
IDLE SPEED ADJUSTMENT
NOTE:
Careless adjustments can seriously damage the unit. An authorized service dealer should make carburetor
adjustments.
WARNING:
The cutting attachment will spin during idle speed adjustments. Wear protective clothing
and observe all safety instructions to prevent serious personal injury.
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 run for one 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 screwdriver into the idle adjustment screw (Fig. 24 ). Turn the idle speed
screw clockwise 1/8 of a turn at a time (as needed) until the engine idles smoothly.
3. If the engine appears to be idling too fast, turn the idle speed screw
counterclockwise 1/8 of a turn at a time (as needed), to reduce idle speed.
Checking the fuel mixture, 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.
REPLACING THE SPARK PLUG
4
Outer Spool
Fig. 13
Outer Spool
Fig. 14
Indexing Teeth
Holding Slots
Fig. 15
Split Wall
Top Hole
Split Wall
Fig. 16
Fig. 17
Split Wall
Split Wall
Bottom Hole
Fig. 18
Fig. 19
Top Hole
Split Wall
Bottom Hole
Holding Slots
Fig. 20
Fig. 21
Outer Spool
Spring
Eyelets
Fig. 22
Lock
Tab
Fig. 23
Idle Adjustment Screw
Fig. 24
Use replacement #753-06193, a Champion RDJ7J spark plug, or equivalent. The correct air gap is 0.025 inch (0.635 mm).
Remove the plug after every 25 hours of operation and check its condition.
1. Stop the engine and allow it to cool. Grasp the plug wire firmly and pull it from the spark plug.
2. Clean around the spark plug. Remove the spark plug from the cylinder head by turning a 5/8-inch socket counterclockwise.
3. Replace a cracked, fouled or dirty spark plug. Set the air gap at 0.025 in. (0.635 mm) using a feeler gauge (Fig. 25).
WARNING:
the engine could damage the cylinder.
4. Install a correctly-gapped spark plug in the cylinder head. Tighten by turning the
5/8-inch socket clockwise until snug.
If using a torque wrench torque to: 110-120 in.•lb. (12.3-13.5 N•m)
Do not over tighten.
CLEANING
SEE
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
p. 3
any moisture with a soft cloth.
p. 4
WARNING:
p. 4
clean or service it.
STORAGE
Bump Knob
• Never store a fueled unit where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.
Bolt
• Allow the engine to cool before storing.
• Store the unit locked up to prevent unauthorized use or damage.
• Store the unit in a dry, well-ventilated area.
• Store the unit out of the reach of children.
LONG TERM STORAGE
If planning on storing the unit for an extended time, use the following storage procedure:
1. Drain all fuel from the fuel tank into a container with the same 2-cycle fuel mixture. Do not use fuel that has been
stored for more than 30 days. Dispose of the old fuel/oil mix in accordance to Federal, State and Local regulations.
Inner Reel
2. Start the engine and allow it to run until it stalls. This ensures that all fuel has been drained from the carburetor.
Spring
3. Allow the engine to cool. Remove the spark plug and put 3-5 drops of any high quality motor oil or 2-cycle oil into
the cylinder. Pull the starter rope slowly to distribute the oil. Reinstall the spark plug.
NOTE:
Remove the spark plug and drain all of the oil from the cylinder before attempting to start the unit after storage.
4. Thoroughly clean the unit and inspect it for any loose or damaged parts. Repair or replace damaged parts and
tighten loose screws, nuts or bolts. The unit is ready for storage.
Shaft
ENGINE WILL NOT START
CAUSE
Empty fuel tank
Primer bulb wasn't pressed enough
Engine is flooded
Old or improperly mixed fuel
Fouled spark plug
ENGINE WILL NOT IDLE
CAUSE
Holding Slot
Air filter is plugged
Old or improperly mixed fuel
Improper idle speed
ENGINE WILL NOT ACCELERATE
CAUSE
Old or improperly mixed fuel
Cutting head bound with grass
Holding Slot
Dirty air filter
ENGINE LACKS POWER OR STALLS
CAUSE
Old or improperly mixed fuel
Fouled spark plug
ENGINE STOPS WHILE IN USE
CAUSE
Engine overspeed protection engaged
Inner Reel
CUTTING HEAD WILL NOT ADVANCE LINE
CAUSE
Cutting head bound with grass
Cutting head out of line
Inner reel bound up
Bump Knob
Cutting head dirty
Line welded
Line twisted when refilled
Not enough line is exposed
CUTTING LINE ADVANCES UNCONTROLLABLY
CAUSE
Oil, cleaner or lubricant in cutting head
Air Filter Cover
IF FURTHER ASSISTANCE IS REQUIRED, CONTACT AN AUTHORIZED SERVICE DEALER.
Air Filter
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
Do not sand blast, scrape or clean electrodes. Grit in
To avoid serious personal injury, always turn the unit off and allow it to cool before you
TROUBLESHOOTING
ACTION
Fill fuel tank with properly mixed fuel
Press primer bulb fully and slowly 10 times
With blue choke lever in position 3, squeeze the trigger
and pull the starter rope
Drain fuel tank and add fresh fuel mixture
Replace or clean the spark plug
ACTION
Replace or clean the air filter
Drain fuel tank and add fresh fuel mixture
Adjust according to the Idle Speed Adjustment section
ACTION
Drain fuel tank and add fresh fuel mixture
Stop the engine and clean the cutting head
Clean or replace the air filter
ACTION
Drain fuel tank and add fresh fuel mixture
Replace or clean the spark plug
ACTION
Allow the engine to cool down for 10 minutes before
restarting.
ACTION
Stop the engine and clean cutting head
Refill with new line
Rewind the inner reel
Clean inner reel and outer spool
Disassemble, remove the welded section and rewind
Disassemble and rewind the line
Push the bump knob and pull out line until 4 inches (102 mm)
of line is outside of the cutting head
ACTION
Clean and thoroughly dry the cutting head
0.025 in.
(0.635 mm.)
Fig. 25