18
MAINTENANCE
season or every 50 hours of operation.
• Clean the area around the spark plug. Remove and inspect the
spark plug.
• Replace the spark plug if the electrodes are pitted, burned or the
porcelain is cracked.
• Check the electrode gap with a wire feeler gauge and reset the gap
to .030 inches. See Figure 5-3.
NOTE
: Do not sand the spark plug. The spark plug should be cleaned
with a wire brush and a commercial solvent.
Clean Engine
• Clean the engine periodically, by removing dirt and debris with a
cloth or brush.
NOTE
: Cleaning with a forceful spray of water is not recommended as
water could contaminate the fuel system.
• To ensure smooth operation of the engine, keep the governor
linkage, springs and controls free of debris.
• Every 100 hours of operation, remove combustion deposits from
top of cylinder, head, top of piston and around valves.
NOTE
: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30, etc.) improve
starting in cold weather, they will result in increased oil consumption
when used above 32°F. Check your engine oil level more frequently to
avoid possible engine damage from running low on oil.
Change the engine oil after the first five hours of operation, and every
50 hours thereafter. Change the oil every 25 hours of operation if the
engine is operated under heavy load or in high ambient temperatures.
To Drain oil
Drain the oil while the engine is warm. Follow the instructions given
below.
1. Remove the drain plug on the engine and drain the oil into a
suitable container.
2. When the engine is drained of all oil, replace the drain plug and
refill with approximately 20 oz. of fresh oil. Refer to Gas And Oil
Fill-up in the OPERATION section.
Service Air Cleaner
The air cleaner prevents damaging dirt, dust, etc., from entering the
carburetor and being forced into the engine and is important to engine
life and performance.
WARNING
Never run the engine without an air cleaner completely assembled.
Service the cartridge every 25 operating hours or every season.
Service the cartridge more often under dusty conditions.
To Service Air Filter
1. Loosen the air cleaner cover screw, but do not remove the screw
from the cover. Swing the cover down to remove from the hinge.
2. Inspect the filter for discoloration or dirt accumulation. If either is
present, proceed as follows:
a. Clean the inside of body and cover thoroughly and remove the
cartridge.
b. Reassemble the new cartridge in the body. Swing the cover
down and tighten the screw loosened earlier.
WARNING
Temperature of muffler and nearby areas may exceed 150˚ F(65˚C).
Avoid these areas.
Service Spark plug
• Clean the spark plug and reset the gap to .030” at least once a
Figure 5-3
2
3
1
1. .030 (.76 mm) Gap
2. Electrodes
3. Porcelain
