Engine Maintenance
Air filter
The air filter should be checked every month for dust and
dirt accumulation. Every 6 months the filter element should
be removed and cleaned. Clean the foam element with
detergent and warm water. Squeeze out excess water and
let it dry. Before reinstalling the filter element, soak it with
engine oil, and squeeze out the excess. Reinstall the filter.
The engine will smoke upon startup if too much oil is left in
the filter element.
Oil level
The oil level should be checked before each use.
Oil Change
The oil should be changed in the first month, and then every
6 months (or 100 hours of operation). To drain the oil, run
the engine until warm. Turn off the engine, remove the oil
drain plug, and let the the oil drain into a pan. Reinstall the
plug and fill with oil.
NOTE:
Dispose of used oil responsibly. DO NOT pour it
down drains, onto the ground or put it in the trash. Most
communities have collection points for used oil.
Spark Plug
The spark plug should be checked and cleaned every 6
months or 100 hours.
The sparkplug should be replaced if it is damaged, or exces-
sively worn.
The sparkplug is type BPR6ES (NGK) or equivalent. The
plug gap should be 0.030 in. (0.75 mm)
Engine Troubleshooting
If the engine won’t start:
• Check that there is gas in the tank
• Make sure the fuel valve is ON and that the engine switch
is ON
• Make sure there is enough oil in the engine to reset the
low-oil sensor
• Check that fuel is getting to the carburetor*
• Check for spark at the sparkplug*
* These checks to be done by persons with small-engine
experience.
Extended storage
If the pump will be stored for more than a month or two, fol-
low the steps below.
• Drain Gasoline
• Change oil
• Squirt oil (or a chemical made for storing engines) in the
spark plug hole.
• Rotate engine slowly until resistance is felt (this indicates
that both valves are closed).
• Install spark plug
• Cover engine
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