10
S
ection
6 — M
aintenance
2
1
Air Filter Cover
Figure 6-8
Spark Plug Service
WARNING
: DO NOT check for spark
with spark plug removed. DO NOT
crank engine with spark plug removed.
WARNING
: 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.
See Figure 6-9.
Spark Plug
Boot
Figure 6-9
2.
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.
3.
Measure the plug gap with a feeler
gauge. Correct as necessary by bending
electrode. See Figure 6-10. The gap
should be set to 0.024-0.031 in.
4.
Check that the spark plug washer is in
good condition and thread the spark plug
in by hand to prevent cross-threading.
5.
After the spark plug is seated, tighten
with a spark plug wrench to compress the
washer.
Electrode
0.024-0.031 in.
Figure 6-10
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
1/8-1/4 turn after the spark plug seats to
compress the washer.
IMPORTANT:
The spark plug must be
securely tightened. An improperly
tightened spark plug can become very
hot and may damage the engine.
6.
Repeat STEPS 1-5 to service the
remaining spark plug.
Clean 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.
Clean cooling fins every 25 hours. Clean with a
brush or compressed air.
IMPORTANT:
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 air
cleaner or muffler opening. Water in the air
cleaner will soak the paper element, and water
that passes through the element or muffler can
enter the cylinder, causing damage.
WARNING
: Accumulation of debris
around muffler could cause a fire.
Inspect and clean before every use.
Storage
WARNING
: Failure to use a fuel
stabilizing additive or completely run
the engine until it’s out of fuel before
off-season storage may result in
damage to your engine’s carburetor. Subsequent
damage would
not
be covered under the
manufacturer’s warranty.
Gasoline that will be stored longer than 30
days needs to be pre-treated upon purchase
with fuel stabilizer to prevent gum and varnish
from forming in the engines fuel and intake
system. Improper fuel storage can result in
hard starting, no starting, stalling and poor
performance. 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 from lack of fuel.
WARNING
Never leave engine
unattended while running.
2.
Change oil. See Oil Change section.
3.
Remove spark plug and pour about 1/2
an ounce of engine oil into cylinder.
Replace spark plug and crank slowly to
distribute oil.
4.
Clean debris from around engine, under
finger guard, and under, around and
behind muffler. Touch up any damaged
paint, and coat other areas that may rust
with a light film of oil.
5.
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. Also avoid any area with a spark
producing electric motor, or where power
tools are operated.
6.
If possible, also avoid storage areas with
high humidity, because that promotes
rust and corrosion.
7.
Keep the engine level in storage. Tilting
can cause fuel or oil leakage.
Removing From Storage
1.
Check your engine as described in the
Pre-Operation Check section of this
manual. Check for debris under blower
housing.
2.
If the fuel was drained during storage
preparation, fill the tank with fresh
gasoline. If you keep a container of
gasoline for refueling, make certain it
contains only fresh fuel. Gasoline oxidizes
and deteriorates over time, causing hard
starting.
3.
If the cylinder was coated with oil during
storage preparation, the engine will
smoke briefly at startup. This is normal.
