15
S
ection
6 — M
aintenance
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 6-7.
Fuel Filter
Figure 6-7
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
6-7 inset.
5.
Replace fuel line and c-clamp.
Clean Engine
If the engine has been running, allow it to cool for at least half
an hour before cleaning. Periodically remove dirt build-up from
engine. Clean finger guard and around muffler. Clean with a
brush or compressed air.
IMPORTANT:
Do not spray engine with water to clean because
water could contaminate fuel. Using a garden hose or pressure
washing equipment can also force water into the air cleaner or
muffler opening. Water in the air cleaner will soak the paper
element, and water that passes through the element or muffler
can enter the cylinder, causing damage.
WARNING:
Accumulation of debris around muffler
could cause a fire. Inspect and clean before every
use.
Storage
CAUTION:
Failure to use a fuel stabilizing additive
such as
STA-BIL®
or completely run the engine until
it’s out of fuel before off-season storage may result
in damage to your engine’s carburetor. Subsequent
damage would
not
be covered under the
manufacturer’s warranty.
Gasoline that will be stored longer than 30 days needs to be
pre-treated upon purchase with fuel stabilizer such as
STA-BIL®
to prevent gum and varnish from forming in the engines fuel and
intake system. Improper fuel storage can result in hard starting,
no starting, stalling and poor performance. If the gasoline in
your engine deteriorates during storage, you may need to have
the carburetor, and other fuel system components, serviced or
replaced.
1.
Remove all fuel from tank by running engine until it stops
from lack of fuel.
WARNING:
Never leave engine unattended while
running.
2.
Change oil. See Oil Change section.
3.
Remove spark plug and pour about 1/2 an ounce of engine
oil into cylinder. Replace spark plug and crank slowly to
distribute oil.
4.
Clean debris from around engine, under finger guard, and
under, around and behind muffler. Touch up any damaged
paint, and coat other areas that may rust with a light film
of oil.
5.
Store in a clean, dry and well ventilated area away from any
appliance that operates with a flame or pilot light, such
as a furnace, water heater, or clothes dryer. Also avoid any
area with a spark producing electric motor, or where power
tools are operated.
6.
If possible, also avoid storage areas with high humidity,
because that promotes rust and corrosion.
7.
Keep the engine level in storage. Tilting can cause fuel or
oil leakage.
Removing From Storage
1.
Check your engine as described in the Pre-Operation Check
section of this manual.
2.
If the fuel was drained during storage preparation, fill the
tank with fresh gasoline. If you keep a container of gasoline
for refueling, make certain it contains only fresh fuel.
Gasoline oxidizes and deteriorates over time, causing hard
starting.
3.
If the cylinder was coated with oil during storage
preparation, the engine will smoke briefly at startup. This
is normal.