Spark Plug
i_
WARNING!
DO NOT check for spark with spark
plug removed.
DO NOT crank engine with spark
plug removed.
i_
WARI!ING!
If the engine
has been running,
the
muffler
will be very hot. Be careful not to touch the
muffler.
To ensure proper
engine operation,
the spark plug must be
properly
gapped
and free of deposits.
1.
Remove the spark plug boot and use a spark plug wrench
to remove the plug, Figure 7-2.
2_
3_
/
Spark Plug Boot
Figure 7-2
J
Visually inspect the spark plug. Discard the spark plug
if there is apparent
wear, or if the insulator
is cracked or
chipped.
Clean the spark plug with a wire brush if it is to be
reused.
Measure the plug gap with a feeler gauge. Correct as
necessary by bending
side electrode,
Figure 7-3. The gap
should
be set to .02-.03 inches (0.60-0.80
mm).
f
Electrode
_____
.__
°
=°
" o
(0.60-0.80 ram)
Figure 7-3
4_
5_
Check that the spark plug washer is in good condition
and thread the spark plug in by hand to prevent
cross-
threading.
After the spark plug is seated, tighten
with a spark plug
wrench
to compress
the washer.
NOTE:When
installing
a new spark plug, tighten
1/2-turn
after the spark plug seats to compress
the washer. When
reinstalling
a used spark plug, tighten
Ys- to 1/4-turn after
the spark plug seats to compress
the washer.
_
CAUTION!
The spark plug must be tightened
securely. A loose spark plug can become very hot
and can damage
the engine.
Cleaning the Engine
If the engine
has been running,
allow it to cool for at least half
an hour before cleaning.
Periodically
remove dirt build-up
from
engine.
CAUTION!
Do not spray engine with water to clean
because water could contaminate
fuel. Using a
garden hose or pressure washing
equipment
can
also force water into the muffler
opening.
Water that
passes through
the muffler
can enter the cylinder,
causing damage.
_
ARNING!
Accumulation
of debris around
muffler
could cause a fire. Inspect and clean before every
use.
Off-Season Storage
Engines stored over 30 days need to be drained
of fuel to
prevent
deterioration
and gum from forming
in fuel system
or on essential
carburetor
parts. If the gasoline
in your engine
deteriorates
during
storage, you may need to have the
carburetor,
and other fuel system components,
serviced
or
replaced.
1.
Remove all fuel from tank by running
engine
until it stops.
2.
Change the engine
oil.
3.
Remove spark plug and pour approximately
1 oz. (30 ml)
of clean engine
oil into the cylinder.
Pull the recoil starter
several times to distribute
the oil, and reinstall the spark
plug.
4.
Clean debris from around
engine, and under, around,
and
behind
muffler.
Apply
a light film ofoil on any areas that
are susceptible
to rust.
Store in a clean, dry and well ventilated
area away from any
appliance
that operates
with a flame or pilot light, such as a
furnace, water heater, or clothes dryer. Avoid any area with
a spark producing
electric
motor, or where power tools are
operated.
If possible,
avoid storage
areas with
high humidity.
Keep the engine
level in storage. Tilting
can cause fuel or
oil leakage.
SECTION 7
--
ENGINE MAINTENANCE