12
Check Fuel Mixture
Old and/or improperly mixed fuel is usually the reason for
improper unit performance. Drain and refill the tank with fresh,
properly-mixed fuel prior to making any adjustments. Refer to
Oil and Fuel Information
.
Clean Air Filter
The condition of the air filter is important to the operation of the
unit. A dirty air filter will restrict air flow and change the air/fuel
mixture. This is often mistaken for an out of adjustment
carburetor. Check the condition of the air filter before adjusting
the idle speed screw. Refer to
Air Filter Maintenance
.
Adjust Idle Speed Screw
If, after checking the fuel mixture and cleaning the air filter, the
engine still will not idle, adjust the idle speed screw as follows:
1.
Start the engine and let it run at a high idle for a minute to
warm up. Refer to
Starting/Stopping Instructions
.
2.
Release the throttle trigger and let the engine idle. If the
engine stops, insert a small phillips or flat blade screw-
driver into the hole in the air filter/muffler cover (Fig. 30).
Turn the idle speed screw in,
clockwise
, 1/8 of a turn at a
time (as needed) until the engine idles smoothly.
NOTE:
The cutting attachment should not rotate when the
engine idles.
3.
If the cutting attachment rotates when the engine idles,
turn the idle speed screw
counterclockwise
1/8 of a turn
at a time (as needed), to reduce idle speed.
Checking the fuel mixture, cleaning the air filter, and adjusting
the idle speed should solve most engine problems. If not and
all of the following are true:
• the engine will not idle
• the engine hesitates or stalls on acceleration
• there is a loss of engine power
Have the carburetor adjusted by an authorized service dealer.
CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT
The idle speed of the engine is adjustable through the air
filter/muffler cover (Fig. 30).
NOTE:
Careless adjustments can seriously damage your unit.
An authorized service dealer should make carburetor
adjustments.
Fig. 30
Idle Speed Screw
MAINTENANCE & REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
CLEANING
Use a small brush to clean off the outside of the unit. Do not
use strong detergents. Household cleaners that contain
aromatic oils such as pine and lemon, and solvents such as
kerosene, can damage plastic housing or handle. Wipe off any
moisture with a soft cloth.
STORAGE
• Never store a fueled unit where fumes may reach an open
flame or spark.
• Allow the engine to cool before storing.
• Store the unit locked up to prevent unauthorized use or damage.
• Store the unit in a dry, well-ventilated area.
• Store the unit out of the reach of children.
LONG TERM STORAGE
If you plan on storing the unit for an extended time, use the
following storage procedure:
1.
Drain all fuel from the fuel tank into a container with the
same 2-cycle fuel mixture. Do not use fuel that has been
stored for more than 60 days. Dispose of the old fuel/oil
mix in accordance to Federal, State and Local regulations.
2.
Start the engine and allow it to run until it stalls. This ensures that
all fuel has been drained from the carburetor.
3.
Allow the engine to cool. Remove the spark plug and put 1
oz. (30 ml) of any high quality motor oil or 2-cycle oil into
the cylinder. Pull the starter rope slowly to distribute the
oil. Reinstall the spark plug.
NOTE:
Remove the spark plug and drain all of the oil from the
cylinder before attempting to start the trimmer after storage.
4.
Thoroughly clean the unit and inspect it for any loose or
damaged parts. Repair or replace damaged parts and tighten
loose screws, nuts or bolts. The unit is ready for storage.
TRANSPORTING
• Allow the engine to cool
before transporting.
• Drain fuel from unit.
• Tighten fuel cap before
transporting.
• Secure the unit while
transporting.
REPLACING THE SPARK PLUG
Use a Champion RDJ7Y spark plug, or equivalent. The correct air
gap is
0.025 inch (0.635 mm)
. Remove the plug after every 25
hours of operation and check its condition.
1.
Stop the engine and allow it to cool. Grasp the plug wire
firmly and pull it from the spark plug.
2.
Clean around the spark plug. Remove the spark plug from the
cylinder head by turning a 5/8-inch socket counterclockwise.
3.
Replace a cracked, fouled or dirty spark plug. Set the air gap
at
0.025 in. (0.635 mm)
using a feeler gauge (Fig. 31).
4.
Install a correctly-gapped spark plug in the cylinder head.
Tighten by turning the 5/8-inch socket clockwise until snug.
If using a torque wrench torque to
110-120 in.•lb. (12.3-13.5
N•m). Do not over tighten.
0.025 in.
(0.635 mm)
Fig. 31
WARNING:
The cutting attachment may spin
during idle speed adjustments. Wear protective
clothing and observe all safety instructions to prevent
serious personal injury.
WARNING:
Do not sand blast, scrape or clean
electrodes. Grit in the engine could damage the
cylinder.
WARNING:
To prevent serious personal injury,
make sure the cutting attachment has stopped
rotating before you turn it off and set it down.
WARNING:
To avoid serious personal injury,
always turn your trimmer off and allow it to cool
before you clean or maintain it.
