MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
IDLE SPEED ADJUSTMENT
WARNING:
The tines may spin during idle speed adjustments. Wear protective clothing and observe
all safety instructions to prevent serious personal injury.
The idle speed of the engine is adjustable. An idle adjustment screw is between the air filter cover and the engine
starter housing (Fig. 12).
NOTE:
Careless adjustments can seriously damage the unit. An authorized
service dealer should make carburetor adjustments.
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. 12). Turn
the idle speed screw in, clockwise, 1/8 of a turn at a time (as needed) until the
engine idles smoothly.
NOTE:
The tines should not rotate when the engine idles.
3. If the tines rotates when the engine idles, turn the idle speed screw counterclockwise 1/8 of a turn at a time (as
needed), to reduce idle speed.
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.
ROCKER ARM CLEARANCE
WARNING:
To avoid serious personal injury, always turn the unit off and allow it to cool before
cleaning or servicing it.
This requires disassembly of the engine. If unsure or unqualified to perform this task, 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. 13).
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. 13).
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. 14). 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. 14).
• Both rocker arms move freely, and both valves are closed.
If these statements are not true, repeat this step.
7. Slide the feeler gauge between the rocker arm and the valve return spring. Measure the clearance between the
valve stem and rocker arm (Fig. 15). 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 15 and 16.
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. 16).
• To increase clearance, turn the adjusting nut counterclockwise.
• To decrease clearance, turn the adjusting nut clockwise.
b. Recheck both clearances, and adjust as necessary.
9. Reinstall the rocker arm cover using a new gasket. Torque the screw to 20–30 in•lb (2.2–3.4 N•m).
10. Check the spark plug and reinstall. See Replacing the Spark Plug.
11. Replace the spark plug wire.
12. Reinstall the engine cover. Check alignment of the cover before tightening the screws. Tighten screws.
REPLACING THE SPARK PLUG
Use a replacement part 753-05784 or a Champion® ref. #RDZ4H spark plug. The correct air gap is 0.025 in. (0.635
mm.). Remove the plug after every 25 hours of operation and check its condition.
1. Stop the engine and allow it to cool. Remove the six (6) screws on the back of the engine cover with a Flat-head or
T-25 Torx screwdriver (Fig. 13).
2. Grasp the plug wire firmly and pull the cap from the spark plug.
WARNING: Do not sand blast, scrape or clean electrodes. Grit in the
engine could damage the cylinder.
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. Replace cracked, fouled or dirty spark plug. Set the air gap at 0.025 in. (0.635 mm)
using a feeler gauge (Fig. 17).
5. Install a correctly-gapped spark plug in the cylinder head. Turn the 5/8 in. socket clockwise until snug.
If using a torque wrench torque to: 110-120 in.•lb. (12.3-13.5 N•m)
Do not over tighten.
CLEANING
Use a small brush to clean off the outside of the unit. Do not use strong detergents. Household cleaners that contain
aromatic oils such as pine and lemon, and solvents such as kerosene, can damage plastic housing or handle. Wipe off
any moisture with a soft cloth.
STORAGE
• Never store the unit with fuel in the tank where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.
• Allow the engine to cool before storing.
• Lock up the unit to prevent unauthorized use or damage.
• Store the unit in a dry, well-ventilated area.
• Store the unit out of the reach of children.
LONG TERM STORAGE
1. Drain all gasoline from the gas tank into a container. Do not use gas that has been stored for more than 60 days.
Dispose of the old gasoline in accordance to Federal, State, and Local regulations.
2. Start the engine and allow it to run until it stalls. This ensures that all gasoline has been drained from the carburetor.
3. Allow the engine to cool. Remove the spark plug and put 5 drops of high quality motor oil into the cylinder. Pull the
starter rope slowly to distribute the oil. Reinstall the spark plug.
NOTE:
Remove the spark plug and drain all of the oil from the cylinder before attempting to start the unit after
storage.
4. Change the oil, referring to Changing the Oil. Dispose of the old oil in accordance to Federal, State and Local
regulations.
5. Thoroughly clean the unit and inspect for any loose or damaged parts. Repair or replace damaged parts and
tighten loose screws, nuts or bolts. The unit is ready for storage.
4
Idle Adjustment Screw
Screws
Rocker
Arm Cover
Spark
Screws
Plug
Hole
Screws
Fig. 13
Feeler
Gauge
Intake
0.003 - 0.006 in.
(0.076 -0.152mm)
Exhaust
Fig. 15
0.025 in.
(0.635 mm.)
PROBLEM
ENGINE WILL NOT START, IDLE OR ACCELERATE
Empty fuel tank
Primer bulb wasn't pressed enough
Old fuel
Fouled spark plug
Air filter is plugged
Improper idle speed
ENGINE LACKS POWER OR STALLS WHEN CUTTING
Fig. 12
Old fuel
Fouled spark plug
IF FURTHER ASSISTANCE IS REQUIRED, CONTACT AN AUTHORIZED SERVICE DEALER.
UNIT*
Engine Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Air-Cooled, 4-Cycle
Displacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.8 cu. in. (29 cc)
Operating RPM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,800+ rpm
Idle Speed RPM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,800 - 3,600 rpm
Valve clearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.003–0.006 in. (0.076–0.152 mm)
Spark Plug Gap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.025 inch (0.635 mm)
Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SAE 30 Oil
Crankcase Oil Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.04 oz (90 ml)
Fuel Tank Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 oz (414 ml)
Cultivating Path Width (Maximum). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 inches (22.86 cm)
Cultivating Depth (Maximum) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 inches (15.24 cm)
Approximate Weight (no fuel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 lb. (11.5 kg)
*All specifications are based on the latest product information available at the time of printing. We reserve the right to
make changes at any time without notice.
Fig. 14
Adjustment Nut
ELECTRIC STARTER AND POWER START BIT™ FEATURES
Rocker
This unit is designed to be started with an optional electric starter or Power Start Bit™
Arm
that are sold separately. If choosing to start the unit using one of these features or have
questions please contact your local retailer or call 1-800-828-5500 U.S, (1-800-668-1238
Canada), for more information and purchasing. You may also go to www.troybilt.com or
www.troybilt.ca.
Valve
Fig. 16
Fig. 17
TROUBLESHOOTING
SOLUTION
Fill fuel tank with fuel
Press primer bulb fully and slowly 10 times
Drain gas tank and add fresh fuel
Replace or clean the spark plug
Replace or clean the air filter
Adjust according to the Idle Speed Adjustments section.
Drain gas tank and add fresh fuel
Replace or clean the spark plug
SPECIFICATIONS
Electric Start Feature