Filter
Top Products
4. ApplyenoughcleanSAE30motoroiltolightlycoatthefilter
(Fig.27).
5. Squeezethefiltertospreadandremoveexcessoil(Fig.28).
Fig. 27 Fig. 28
6. Replace the filter (Fig. 25).
NOTE: Ifthe unit is operated without the air filter,you will VOIDthe
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 (Figs. 25 & 29).
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. 29).
Air Filter Cover
Air Filter
Back Plate
Tab
Fig. 29
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. 30).
NOTE: Careless adjustments can
seriously damage your unit.
Aside from the idlespeed,
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
J_ Adjulsd_eent
Screw
Fig. 30
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 carburetor. 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 in between the Air Filter Cover and the
Engine Cover (Fig. 30). Turn the idle speed screw in, clockwise,
1/8 of a turn at a time (asneeded) until the engine idles smoothly.
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.
ROCKER ARM CLEARANCE
This requires disassembly of the engine. Ifyou feel unsure or unqualified
to perform this, take the unit to a Sears or other qualified service dealer.
NOTE: Inspect the valve to rocker arm clearance with a feeler
gauge per the Maintenance Schedule.
The engine must be cold when checking or adjusting the valve
clearance.
This task should be performed inside, in a clean, dust free area.
1. Remove the seven (7) screws on the back of the engine cover
with a Flat-head or T-25 Torx screwdriver (Fig. 31).
Remove
Screws"
Fig. 31
2. Disconnect the spark plug wire.
3. Clean dirt from around the spark plug. Remove the spark plug
from the cylinder head by turning a 5/8 in. socket
counterclockwise.
4. Remove the engine cover (Fig. 31).
5. Clean dirt from around the rocker
arm cover. Remove the screw Rocker
holding the rocker arm cover with a Arm
large flat blade screwdriver or Torx T- Cover
25 bit (Fig. 32). Remove the rocker
arm cover and gasket.
6. Pull the starter rope slowly to bring Spark
the piston to the top of its travel, Plug
(known as top dead center). Check Hole
that:
The piston is at the top of its travel.
Look in the spark plug hole to view
the piston (Fig. 33).
Both rocker arms move freely, and Fig. 32
both valves are closed.
If these statements are not true, repeat step 6.
7. Slide the feeler gauge between the rocker arm and the top of each
valve stem. Measure the clearance between the valve stem and
rocker arm (Fig. 33). Measure both the intake and exhaust valves.
The recommended clearance for both intake and exhaust is .003 -
.006 in. (.076 - 0.152 mm). Use a standard automotive .005 in.
(0.127 mm) feeler gauge. The feeler gauge should slide between
the rocker arm and valve stem with a slight amount of resistance,
without binding. See Figures 33 and 34.
8. If the clearance is not within specification:
a. Turn the adjusting nut using a 5/16 inch (8 mm) wrench or nut
driver (Fig. 33).
To increase clearance, turn the adjusting nut counterclockwise.
To decrease clearance, turn the adjusting nut clockwise.
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