Page 14 — English
MAINTENANCE
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts. Most
plastics are susceptible to damage from various types of
commercial solvents and may be damaged by their use. Use
clean cloths to remove dirt, dust, oil, grease, etc.
WARNING:
Do not at any time let brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum-
based products, penetrating oils, etc., come in contact
with plastic parts. Chemicals can damage, weaken or de-
stroy plastic which could result in serious personal injury.
Before running the engine, perform the following pre-
operation steps:
Check that all bolts, nuts, etc., are securely tightened.
Make sure the air filter is clean.
Check both the engine lubricant level and the fuel tank
level; refill as needed.
Inspect the work area for hazards.
If there is excessive noise or vibration, stop the unit
immediately.
NOZZLE MAINTENANCE
See Figure 20.
Excessive pump pressure (a pulsing sensation felt while
squeezing the trigger) may be the result of a clogged or
dirty nozzle.
Turn off the pressure washer and shut off the water sup-
ply.
Pull trigger to release water pressure.
Remove the nozzle from the spray wand.
WARNING:
NEVER remove nozzles without first turning off the en-
gine, relieving the water pressure in the trigger handle,
and locking the lock out on the trigger handle. NEVER
point the nozzle at your face or at others. The quick-
connect feature contains small springs that could eject
the nozzle with some force. Failure to follow these in-
structions could result in an eye injury or other serious
personal injury.
To free any foreign materials clogging or restricting the
nozzle, blow out or remove debris with a straightened
paper clip or fine needle (not included).
Using a garden hose, flush debris out of nozzle by back
flushing (running the water through the nozzle backwards
or from the outside to the inside).
Reconnect the nozzle to the spray wand.
Turn on the water supply and start the engine.
CLEANING/REPLACING THE AIR FILTER
See Figure 21.
A dirty air filter will cause starting difficulty, loss of perfor-
mance, and shorten the life span of the engine. Check the
air filter monthly. For best performance, replace the air filter
at least once a year.
NOTE:
DO NOT remove the shroud as you could disconnect
or loosen the wire connecting the OFF switch to the engine,
making it inoperable.
Press in on the latch to open the cover.
Remove the air filter cover.
Lift the edge of the air filter carefully and pull it out.
Wash the air filter with warm, soapy water.
Rinse and squeeze to dry.
Put small amount of motor lubricant (SAE 30) on the filter
sponge. Squeeze out the excess lubricant then reinstall
the air filter.
NOTE:
Make sure the filter is seated properly inside the
cover. Installing the filter incorrectly will allow dirt to enter
the engine, causing rapid engine wear.
To reinstall the air filter cover, insert the tabs into the
notches. Close the cover and push the latch until it snaps
into place.
CHECKING SPARK PLUG
See Figure 22.
Clean the area around the base of the spark plug before
removing to keep dirt and debris out of the engine. Re-
move spark plug.
Clean off carbon deposits on the spark plug electrode
using a plug cleaner or wire brush. Replace the plug if
worn or reuse is questionable. For replacement spark
plug, see
Product Specifications
earlier in this manual
or the accompanying engine manual, if applicable.
Check electrode gap. The gap should be .028 in.–.031 in.
Adjust the gap, if necessary, by carefully bending the
ground electrode.
Check the condition of the spark plug gasket.
Reinstall spark plug. Start the spark plug in its threads
by hand and finger-tighten.
Tighten with wrench to compress washer. If spark plug
is new, use 1/2 turn to compress washer appropriate
amount. If reusing old spark plug, use 1/8 to 1/4 turn for
proper washer compression.
NOTE:
An improperly tightened spark plug will become
very hot and could damage the engine.
CHANGING ENGINE LUBRICANT
See Figure 23.
Shut off the engine.
Clean the area around the oil cap/dipstick, then remove
the oil cap/dipstick.