AH231_24
Cranking The Engine
Before starting the engine, make sure
the cutter assembly is in the cutting
position (extended). Refer to page 13
for adjustment procedures. Never
start the engine with the cutter
assembly in the storage/transporta-
tion position.
1. Place the unit firmly on the ground,
making sure it is stable and that the
cutter attachment is free and clear
of any bystanders or objects. Grip
the outer tube with your left hand
and grasp the starter rope handle
with your right hand.
See Figure 19.
Choke
Lever Open
Figure 19
WARNING!
When the engine starts or is
running–even at idle–the hedge
trimmer cutter blade may move
(oscillate). Keep your hands and
your body away from the cutter
assembly while starting the engine!
Figure 20
AH231_25
17
CAUTION!
The recoil starter can be damaged
by abuse.
■
Always engage the starter
before attempting to crank the
engine.
■
Never pull the starter cord to
its full length.
■
Always rewind the starter cord
slowly.
When The Engine Starts Or Fires
Open the choke by moving the choke
lever down. See Figure 20.
WARNING!
When starting the engine, make
sure the cutter attachment is well
clear of bystanders, pets or
objects. The cutter may oscillate
during start-up.
CAUTION!
Never operate the trimmer unless
a cutter attachment is installed.
2. Pull the starter handle slowly until
you feel the starter engage.
3. Pull the starter handle quickly to
start the engine.
OPERATION
Starting A Flooded Engine
1. Disconnect the spark plug lead and
use the spark plug wrench to
remove the spark plug (turn
counter clockwise to remove). See
Figure 21.
2. Slide the ignition switch to the “O”
(STOP) position.
Figure 21
Figure 22
AH231_26
18
1. Cool the engine by allowing it
to idle for two or three minutes.
2. Slide the ignition switch to the “O”
or STOP position. See Figure 22.
Stopping the Engine
WARNING!
The cutter attachment can con-
tinue moving after the engine is
stopped!
CAUTION!
Incorrect spark plug installation
can result in serious engine
damage.
If the spark plug is fouled or soaked
with fuel, clean the plug as necessary
(for spark plug gapping specifications
see page 21).
3. Open the choke (Figure 20) and
fully depress the throttle lever with
your left hand, then pull the starter
handle rapidly with your right hand
to clear excess fuel from the
combustion chamber.
4. Reinstall the spark plug and tighten
it firmly. If a torque wrench is
available, torque the spark plug to
148–165 in.-lb (170–190 kg/cm).
5. Repeat the starting procedure for a
warm engine.
6. If the engine still fails to start, refer
to the troubleshooting section near
the end of this manual.
If The Engine Fails To Start
Repeat the appropriate cranking
procedure (warm or cold engine). If
the engine fails to start after repeated
attempts, the engine is likely flooded.
If the engine does not continue to run,
repeat the appropriate cranking
procedure (warm or cold engine).
When the engine starts, clear
excess fuel from the combustion
chamber by revving the engine
several times with the throttle trigger.
WARNING!
The cutter attachment will engage
and oscillate as the engine starts
and accelerates.
OPERATION
