25
Cleaning the Foam and Paper Elements
Foam Element:
1. Wash the foam element in liquid soap and warm water.
When the element is clean, rinse it thoroughly.
2. Dry the element by squeezing it in a clean cloth. Do not
oil the element.
Important
Replace the foam element if it is torn or
worn.
Paper Element:
1. Lightly tap the element on a flat surface to remove dust
and dirt.
2. Carefully clean the rubber seal on the paper element to
prevent debris from entering the engine.
3. Inspect the element for tears, an oily film, and damage
to the rubber seal.
Important
Never clean the paper element with
pressurized air or liquids, such as solvent, gas, or kerosene.
Replace the paper element if it is damaged or cannot be
cleaned thoroughly.
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. Place the foam element and paper element into the
blower housing.
Note: Make sure that the rubber seal is flat against the air
cleaner base.
2. Align the tabs on the air cleaner cover with the slots of
the blower housing (Fig. 23). Hook the handle onto the
cover and press down on the handle to lock the cover in
place.
3. Close the hood.
Servicing the Spark Plug
Install a new spark plug after every 100 operating hours.
Check the spark plug after every 25 operating hours. Make
sure that 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 and a
gapping tool/feeler gauge to check and adjust the air gap.
Type: Champion RC12YC (or equivalent)
Air Gap: 0.030 in. (0.76 mm).
Removing the Spark Plug
1. Disengage the PTO, set the parking brake, stop the
engine, and remove the engine key.
2. Open the hood.
3. Pull the wire off of the spark plug (Fig. 24). Clean
around the spark plug to prevent dirt from falling into
the engine and potentially causing damage.
4. Remove the spark plug and metal washer.
1
Figure 24
1.
Spark plug wire
Checking the Spark Plug
1. Look at the center of the spark plug (Fig. 25). 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. Always replace
the spark plug when it has a black coating, worn electrodes,
an oily film, or cracks.
2. Check the gap between the center and side electrodes
(Fig. 25). Bend the side electrode (Fig. 25) if the gap is
not correct.
