FE290 ENGINE
Engine Mounting Plate
2000 FE290 Gasoline Vehicle Maintenance and Service Supplement Page 13-7
13
Testing the Spark Plug
Check the sparking ability of a cleaned and regapped plug on a sparking comparator if possible. Spark
should be blue and strong and able to jump a 5/16 inch (8 mm) gap.
Setting the Spark Gap
1. Before setting the spark gap on a used plug, pass a contact point file between the electrodes to pro-
duce flat, parallel surfaces to facilitate accurate gauging.
2. Use a wire type gauge. Bend the outside or ground electrode so only a slight drag on the gauge is felt
when passing it between the electrode. Never make an adjustment by bending the center electrode.
Set gap (A) to 0.027 - 0.031 inch (0.69 - 0.79 mm) (Figure 13-4, Page 13-7).
Spark Plug Installation
1. Install the spark plug and thread it in until finger tight, then tighten the spark plug to 20 ft-lb (27 N·m).
ENGINE MOUNTING PLATE
See Engine Removal, Page 13-23.
CYLINDER HEAD
Read DANGER and WARNING on page 13-1.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Prior to attempting time-consuming repairs to the cylinder assembly, a cylinder compression test should be
performed using a standard compression tester. Low compression would normally indicate a problem in the
cylinder assembly such as defective rings, gaskets, etc. At a cranking speed of 550-600 rpm, the compres-
sion should be 156-185 psi.
CYLINDER SHROUD REMOVAL
1. Access the engine compartment.
2. Remove spark plug wire from spark plug.
3. Loosen air intake hose clamp (7) from the intake pipe (5) and remove hose (6) (Figure 13-6, Page 13-9).
4. Disconnect the fuel line (9) and vent tube10) from the carburetor (4) (Figure 13-5, Page 13-9).
• BEFORE INSTALLING THE PLUG, CHECK THE CONDITION OF THE THREADS IN THE
CYLINDER HEAD. SOFTEN DEPOSITS IN CYLINDER HEAD THREADS WITH PENETRATING
OIL AND CLEAN THE THREADS WITH A TAP IF NECESSARY.
• BEFORE REMOVAL AND DISASSEMBLY, CLEAN THE ENGINE.
NOTE
CAUTION