15
MAINTAINING THE AIR FILTER
Failure to maintain the air filter can result in poor performance or
can cause permanent damage to the engine. Engine failure due to
improper air filter maintenance is not covered by the product warranty.
Cleaning the Air Filter
1. Open the air filter cover: press in the lock tab and swing the air
filter cover up (Fig. 22).
2. Remove the air filter (Fig. 22).
3. Wash the air filter in detergent and water. Rinse the air filter
thoroughly and allow it to dry.
4. Lightly coat the air filter with clean SAE 30 oil.
5. Squeeze the air filter to spread and remove excess oil.
6. Reinstall the air filter (Fig. 22).
NOTE:
Operating the unit without the air filter and air filter cover will
VOID the warranty.
7. Close the air filter cover: insert the tabs on the backplate into the
slots on the air filter cover. Swing the air filter cover down and
press it closed until the lock tab snaps into place (Fig. 22).
WARNING:
To avoid serious personal injury, always stop
the engine and allow it to cool before cleaning or maintaining
the unit.
Fig. 23
Idle Speed Screw
ADJUSTING THE IDLE SPEED
NOTE:
Careless adjustments can seriously damage the unit. A Sears or
other qualified service dealer should make carburetor adjustments.
If, after checking the fuel and cleaning the air filter, the engine still
will not idle, adjust the idle speed screw as follows:
1. Start the engine. Refer to
Starting and Stopping
.
2. Release the throttle control and let the engine idle.
• If the engine stops, use a small Phillips screwdriver to turn the
idle speed screw clockwise, 1/8 of a turn at a time (as needed)
until the engine idles smoothly (Fig. 23).
• If the engine idles too quickly, turn the idle speed screw
counterclockwise, 1/8 of a turn at a time (as needed) to reduce
the idle speed (Fig. 23).
NOTE:
The cutting head should not spin when the engine idles. If it
does, reduce the idle speed until the cutting head stops moving.
Checking the fuel, cleaning the air filter, and adjusting the idle speed
should solve most engine problems. If not, and any of the following
conditions are true, take the unit to a Sears or other qualified service
dealer:
•
the engine will not idle
•
the engine hesitates or stalls on acceleration
•
there is a loss of engine power
WARNING:
The cutting head may spin during idle speed
adjustments. Wear protective clothing and observe all
safety instructions to prevent serious personal injury.
Fig. 22
Air Filter
Air Filter Cover
Lock Tab
Tabs
Slots
Backplate
Fig. 21
Fill Line
