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12
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
Fig. 25
ROCKER ARM CLEARANCE
This requires disassembly of the engine. If you feel unsure or
unqualified to perform this, take the unit to an authorized
service center.
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. 27).
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. 27).
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. 28). 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 while looking in the
spark plug hole (Fig. 29)
• Both rocker arms move
freely, and both valves are
closed
If these statements are not true, repeat this step.
Remove
Screws
Fig. 27
Remove
Screws
NOTE: If the unit is operated without the air filter, you will
VOID the warranty.
7. Reinstall the air filter cover. Position the tabs on the sides of the
air filter cover onto the slots at the top of the back plate (Fig. 22).
8. Push the cover in until the tab on the air filter backplate
snaps into place in the slot on the air filter cover (Fig. 22).
CARBURETOR 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. 26).
NOTE: Careless adjustments can seriously damage your unit. An
authorized service dealer should make carburetor adjustments.
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.
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. Move the throttle control lever to the Slow
position ( )
and let
the engine idle. If the engine stops, insert a small phillips in
between the Air Filter Cover and the Engine Cover (Fig. 26).
NOTE: Do not engage the Blade Clutch Lever while adjusting
the idle speed screw to ensure that the blade will not rotate.
3. Turn the idle speed screw in, clockwise, 1/8 of a turn at a time (as
needed) 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 an authorized service dealer.
Fig. 24
WARNING: To prevent serious personal injury,
make sure the blade has stopped rotating before
you turn it off.
Rocker
Arm
Cover
Fig. 28
Spark
Plug
Hole
Adjusting Nuts
Feeler Gauge
Rocker Arms
Fig. 29
INTAKE
EXHAUST
Spark Plug
Hole
1
23
Idle Adjustment Screw
Fig. 26