25
Installing the Foam and Paper Elements
Important
To prevent engine damage, always operate
the engine with the complete foam and paper air cleaner
assembly installed.
1. Carefully slide the foam element into the paper air
cleaner element (Fig. 20).
2. Place the air cleaner assembly onto the air cleaner base
and install the wing nut (Fig. 20).
3. Install the air cleaner cover and latch it (Fig. 20).
Servicing the Spark Plug
Check the spark plug(s) after every 100 operating hours.
Make sure the air gap between the center and side
electrodes is correct before installing the spark plug. Use a
spark plug wrench for removing and installing the spark
plug(s) and a gapping tool/feeler gauge to check and adjust
the air gap. Install a new spark plug(s) if necessary.
Type: Champion RCJ8Y (or equivalent)
Air Gap: 0.030 inch (0.76 mm)
Removing the Spark Plug
(s)
1. Disengage the PTO, set the parking brake, stop the
engine, and remove the key.
2. Pull the wire(s) off of the spark plug(s) (Fig. 23). Clean
around the spark plug(s) to prevent dirt from falling into
the engine and potentially causing damage.
3. Remove the spark plug(s) and metal washer.
2
1
M-4294
Figure 23
1.
Spark plug wire installed
2.
Spark plug
Checking the Spark Plug
1. Look at the center of the spark plug(s) (Fig. 24). If you
see light brown or gray on the insulator, the engine is
operating properly. A black coating on the insulator
usually means the air cleaner is dirty.
Important
Never clean the spark plug(s). Always
replace the spark plug(s) when it has a black coating, worn
electrodes, an oily film, or cracks.
2. Check the gap between the center and side electrodes
(Fig. 24). Bend the side electrode (Fig. 24) if the gap is
not correct.
0.030 inch
(0.76 mm)
2
3
1
m–3215
Figure 24
1.
Center electrode insulator
2.
Side electrode
3.
Air gap (not to scale)
Installing the Spark Plug
(s)
1. Install the spark plug(s). Make sure that the air gap is
set correctly.
2. Tighten the spark plug(s) to 11 ft.-lb. (15 N
⋅
m).
3. Push the wire(s) onto the spark plug(s) (Fig. 23).
