15
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
Check Fuel Mixture
Old and/or improperly mixed fuel is usually the reason
for improper unit performance. Drain and refill the tank
with fresh, properly-mixed fuel prior to making any
adjustments. Refer to
Oil and Fuel Information
.
Clean Air Filter
The condition of the air filter is important to the operation
of the unit. A dirty air filter will restrict air flow and
change the air/fuel mixture. This is often mistaken for an
out of adjustment carburetor. Check the condition of the
air filter before adjusting the idle speed screw. Refer to
Air Filter Maintenance
.
Adjust Idle Speed Screw
If, after checking the fuel mixture and cleaning the air
filter, the engine still will not idle, adjust the idle speed
screw as follows:
1. Start the engine and let it run at a high idle for a
minute to warm up. Refer to
Starting/Stopping
Instructions
.
CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT
The idle speed of the engine is adjustable through the air
filter/muffler cover (Fig. 24).
NOTE: Careless adjustments can seriously damage your
unit. Contact a Sears or other qualified service
dealer to make carburetor adjustments. Call 1-
800-4-MY-HOME® for more information.
The cutting
attachment may spin
during idle speed adjustments. Wear
protective clothing and observe all safety
instructions to prevent serious personal injury.
WARNING:
Idle Speed Screw
Fig. 24
Fig. 23
If the exhaust
deflector assembly is
not tightened securely, it could fall off causing
damage to the unit and possible serious
personal injury.
WARNING:
SPARK ARRESTOR MAINTENANCE
NOTE:
Please let engine cool.The exhaust can only flow
in one direction: AWAY from the engine. Pay
close attention when disassembling the muffler
so you can put it back together correctly. Failure
to do so will damage the unit and may cause
serious personal injury.
1. Remove air filter/muffler cover. Refer to
Removing
the Air Filter/Muffler Cover
.
2. Locate the muffler, but do not remove it. Find the two
(2) screws on the bottom of the muffler (Fig. 23).
These two screws hold the Spark Arrestor Hood
Assembly and the spark arrestor screen to the
bottom of the muffler. Remove the two (2) screws
using either a Torx T20 or flat blade screwdriver.
3. Using a small flat blade screwdriver, carefully pry up
the spark arrestor screen from the recessed hole,
taking care to notice that the “raised” part of the
spark arrestor screen is inside the recessed hole.
Remove the spark arrestor screen from the muffler.
4. Clean the spark arrestor screen with a wire brush.
Replace it if it is damaged, or if you are unable to
clean it thoroughly.
5. Reinstall the spark arrestor screen by putting the
“raised” portion of the screen inside the recessed
hole of the muffler. Make sure that the spark arrestor
screen fits flat against the muffler.
6. Place the spark arrestor plate on top of the spark
arrestor screen with the raised side up and the
opening facing toward the engine (Fig. 23)
7. Place the spark arrestor hood on top of the spark
arrestor plate with the “raised” side up and the
opening facing AWAY from the engine (Fig. 23). Verify
that the exhaust will be directed AWAY from the
engine.
Spark Arrestor
Screen
Spark Arrestor
Plate
Spark
Arrestor
Hood
Screws
Muffler
Recessed Hole
Engine
Spark Arrestor Hood
Assembly Includes:
Spark Arrestor Screen
Spark Arrestor Plate
Spark Arrestor Hood
and Screws
Opening
8. Replace the two screws you removed in Step 2 and
tighten them securely.
9. Reinstall the air filter/muffler cover (Fig. 18).
