14
SERVICE & MAINTENANCE
1. Remove the spark plug boot and use a spark plug wrench to
remove the plug. See Figure 15.
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 side electrode. See Figure 16. The gap should be set
to 0.030 in.
4. Check that the spark plug washer is in good condition and thread
the spark plug in by hand to prevent crossthreading.
5. After the spark plug is seated, tighten with a spark plug wrench to
compress the washer.
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 improp-
erly tightened spark plug can become very hot and may damage the
engine.
Servicing the Air Cleaner
Air Filter Service
Paper filters cannot be cleaned and must be replaced once a year
or every 100 operating hours; more often if used in extremely dusty
conditions.
IMPORTANT:
Never run the engine without the air filter. Rapid engine
wear will result.
1. Press down on the tabs securing the air filter cover. Pull back and
remove the cover. See Figure 17.
2. Remove the paper element. To loosen debris, gently tap the filter
on a hard surface. If the filter is excessively dirty or damaged,
replace with a new filter.
3. Insert the cover’s bottom tabs into slots in bottom of base.
4. Tilt the cover up into place and secure with tabs.
Fuel Filter Service
The fuel filter cannot be cleaned and must be replaced once a year or
every 100 operating hours; more often if run with old gasoline.
1. Remove all fuel from tank by running engine until it stops from
lack of fuel.
2. Remove hose clamp from fuel line and remove fuel line from tank
outlet. See Figure 18.
3. Pull out old fuel filter from tank outlet. Replace when dirty or
damaged.
4. Grasp new fuel filter from shouldered end and insert it completely
to the shoulder into the tank outlet. See Figure 18 inset.
5. Replace fuel line and hose clamp.
Figure 17
Figure 15
Figure 16
WARNING
Never use gasoline or low flash point solvents for cleaning the air
cleaner element. A fire or explosion could result.
Electrode
0.030 in.
Spark Plug
Spark Plug Boot
Paper Element
Tab