85
MAINTENANCE AND LUBRICATION
Spark Plugs
Spark Plug Inspection
Normal Plug
The normal insulator tip is gray, tan or light brown. There will be few
combustion deposits. The electrodes are not burned or eroded. This
indicates the proper type and heat range for the engine and the service.
NOTE:
The tip should not be white. A white insulator tip indicates
overheating, caused by use of an improper spark plug or
incorrect carburetion adjustments.
Wet Fouled Plug
The wet fouled insulator tip is black. A damp oil film covers the firing
end. There may be a carbon layer over the entire nose. Generally, the
electrodes are not worn. General causes of fouling are excessive oil,
use of non-recommended injection oil, improper use of the choke, or
incorrect carburetion adjustments.
Recoil Housing
Always drain the recoil housing after
operating the vehicle in wet
conditions. Drain the housing before
storing the vehicle. Make sure the
housing is completely dry before
reinstalling the drain plug.
1. Stop the engine.
2. Place the transmission in gear.
3. Lock the parking brake.
4. Remove the drain screw on the bottom of the recoil housing.
5. Reinstall the drain screw.
NOTE:
Do not open the
crankcase
drain unless the engine has
ingested water. On 4-cycle engines, some engine oil will be
lost if the crankcase drain is opened.
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