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IDLE SPEED ADJUSTMENT
The idle speed of the engine is adjustable. An idle adjustment
screw is between the air filter
cover and the engine starter
housing (Fig. 29).
NOTE: Careless adjustments
can seriously damage
your unit. Aside from
the idle speed, only a
Sears or other qualified
service dealer should
make carburetor
adjustments.
1. Check Fuel
Old fuel is usually the reason for
improper unit performance.
Drain and refill the tank with fresh fuel prior to making any
adjustments. Refer to Oil and Fuel Information.
2. 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. This is often mistaken for an out
of adjustment idle. Check the condition of the air filter before
adjusting the idle speed screw. Refer to Air Filter Maintenance.
3. Adjust Idle Speed Screw
If, after checking the fuel 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 screwdriver in between the Air
Filter Cover and the Engine Cover (Fig. 29). 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), until the attachment stops turning.
Checking the fuel, 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 a Sears or other qualified service dealer.
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
Cleaning the Air Filter
Clean and re-oil the air filter every 10 hours of operation. It is an
important item to maintain. Failure to maintain your air filter properly
can result in poor performance or can cause permanent damage to
your engine.
1. Open the air filter cover. Push the tab on the under side of the
cover inward. Then pull the air filter cover out and up. (Fig. 23).
2. Remove the air filter (Fig. 23).
3. Wash the filter in detergent and
water (Fig. 24). Rinse the filter
thoroughly and allow it to dry.
4. Apply enough clean SAE 30 motor
oil to lightly coat the filter (Fig. 25).
5. Squeeze the filter to spread and
remove excess oil (Fig. 26).
6. Replace the filter (Fig. 23).
NOTE: If the unit is operated without
the air filter, you will VOID the
warranty.
7. Reinstall the air filter
cover. Position the
slots on the top of the
air filter cover onto the
tabs at the top of the
back plate (Fig. 27).
8. Swing the cover down
until the tab on the air
filter backplate snaps
into place in the slot
on the air filter cover
(Fig. 28).
WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury, always
turn the unit off and allow it to cool before you clean or
service it.
Air Filter Cover
Air Filter
Tab
Fig. 23
Fig. 24
Fig. 25
Fig. 26
Idle Adjustment Screw
Fig. 29
Fig. 27
Locking Tab
Tabs
Back Plate
Air Filter
Air Filter Cover
Air Filter
Tab
Fig. 28
WARNING: To prevent serious personal injury, make
sure the cutting attachment has stopped rotating before
you turn it off and set it down.
11
WARNING: The cutting attachment may spin during idle
speed adjustments. Wear protective clothing and observe
all safety instructions to prevent serious personal injury.