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STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE
Flooded engines can be started by placing
the ON/OFF switch in the ON position and the
choke lever in the OFF CHOKE position and
engaging the throttle lock as directed in the
STARTING A COLD ENGINE section; then,
pull the rope to clear the engine of excess
fuel. Starting could require pulling the starter
rope many times depending on how badly the
unit is flooded. If the unit still doesn’t start, refer
to the TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE or call
1-800-554-6723.
SERVICE
WARNING:
Ensure ON/OFF switch
is in the OFF position and disconnect the
spark plug before performing maintenance
except for carburetor adjustments.
We recommend all service and adjustments
not listed in this manual be performed by an
authorized service dealer.
CLEAN AIR FILTER
Air Filter
Cover
Screw
Air Filter
Cleaning the air filter:
A dirty air filter decreases engine perform-
ance and increases fuel consumption and
harmful emissions. Always clean after every
5 hours of operation.
S
Clean the cover and the area around it to
keep debris from falling into the carburetor
chamber when the cover is removed.
S
Remove parts as illustrated.
NOTE:
Do not clean filter in gasoline or other
flammable solvent. Doing so can create a fire
hazard or produce harmful evaporative emis-
sions.
S
Wash the filter in soap and water.
S
Allow filter to dry.
S
Add a few drops of oil to the filter; squeeze
filter to distribute oil.
S
Replace parts.
INSPECT MUFFLER AND SPARK
ARRESTING SCREEN
WARNING:
The muffler on this prod-
uct contains chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer.
As your unit is used, carbon deposits build up
on the muffler and spark arresting screen and
must be removed to avoid creating a fire haz-
ard or affecting engine performance.
For normal homeowner use, the muffler and
spark arresting screen will not require any
service. After 50 hours of use, we recom-
mend that your muffler be serviced or re-
placed by an authorized service dealer.
CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT
Your carburetor is equipped with limiter caps.
Damage will occur if you turn the needles be-
yond the limiter caps. Carburetor adjustment is
a complicated task. We recommend that you
take your unit to an authorized service dealer.
IGNITION TIMING
Ignition timing is fixed, non-adjustable.
SPARK PLUG
Replace spark plug yearly with a Champion
RCJ-7Y plug. Spark plug gap is 0.025 inch.
STORAGE
WARNING:
Perform the following
steps after each use:
S
Allow engine to cool, and secure the unit
before storing or transporting.
S
Store unit and fuel in a well ventilated area
where fuel vapors cannot reach sparks or
open flames from water heaters, electric
motors or switches, furnaces, etc.
S
Store unit with all guards in place. Position
unit so that any sharp object cannot acci-
dentally cause injury.
S
Store unit and fuel well out of the reach of
children.
SEASONAL STORAGE
Prepare unit for storage at end of season or if
it will not be used for 30 days or more.
If your unit is to be stored for a period of time:
S
Clean the entire unit.
S
Store in a clean dry area.
S
Clean all parts and check for damage.
Have damaged parts repaired or replaced
by an authorized service dealer.
S
Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight.
S
Lightly oil external metal surfaces, includ-
ing the blade.
To oil the blade, do the following:
S
Stop the engine and allow blade to come to
a complete stop.
S
Ensure ON/OFF switch is in the OFF posi-
tion.
S
Disconnect the spark plug wire.
S
Apply a light machine oil along the edge of
the top strap as shown.
Top Strap
OIL
