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MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
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. 30). 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.
ROCKER ARM CLEARANCE
This requires disassembly of the engine. If you 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 after the first 10 hours of operation and every 25
hours of operation.
• 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 six (6) screws on the back of the engine cover with
a Flat-head or T-25 Torx screwdriver (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
holding the rocker arm cover with
a large flat blade screwdriver or
Torx T-25 bit (Fig. 32). Remove
the rocker arm cover and gasket.
6. Pull the starter rope slowly to
bring the piston to the top of its
travel, (known as top dead
center). Check 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
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. 34). 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.
WARNING: The cutting attachment may spin during
idle speed adjustments. Wear protective clothing and
observe all safety instructions to prevent serious personal
injury.
Remove
Screws
Fig. 31
View Of The Rear Engine Cover
Remove
Screws
Rocker
Arm
Cover
Fig. 32
Spark
Plug
Hole
Adjusting Nuts
Feeler Gauge
Rocker Arms
Fig. 33
INTAKE
EXHAUST
Spark Plug
Hole
Feeler Gauge
Adjusting Nut
Rocker Arm
.003–.006 in.
(.076–.152 mm)
Valve Stem
Fig. 34
12