Normal maintenance, replacement or repair of emission con-
trol devices and systems may be performed by any qualified
repair establishment or individual with original or equivalent
parts. Warranty and recall repairs must be performed by an
authorized service center; please contact customer service
for assistance.
WARNING:
Before inspecting, cleaning, or servicing the machine,
shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and
disconnect spark plug wire and move it away from spark
plug. Allow 30 minutes of cool down time before perform-
ing any maintenance. Failure to follow these instructions
can result in serious personal injury or property damage.
WARNING:
When servicing, use only recommended or equivalent
replacement parts. Use of any other parts could create
a hazard or cause product damage.
NOTICE:
Periodically inspect the entire product for damaged,
missing, or loose parts such as screws, nuts, bolts,
caps, etc. Tighten securely all fasteners and caps and
do not operate this product until all missing or damaged
parts are replaced. Please contact customer service or a
qualified service center for assistance.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts. Most
plastics are susceptible to damage from various types of
commercial solvents and may be damaged by their use. Use
clean cloths to remove dirt, dust, oil, grease, etc.
WARNING:
Do not at any time let brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum-
based products, penetrating oils, etc., come in contact
with plastic parts. Chemicals can damage, weaken or
destroy plastic which can result in serious personal injury.
Before running the engine, perform the following pre-
operation steps:
Check that all bolts, nuts, etc., are securely tightened.
Make sure the air filter is clean.
Check the engine lubricant level, priming water level, and
the fuel tank level; refill as needed.
Inspect the work area for hazards.
If there is excessive noise or vibration, stop the unit
immediately.
MAINTENANCE
CLEANING THE AIR FILTER
See Figure 11.
A dirty air filter will cause starting difficulty, loss of
performance, and shorten the life span of the engine. Check
the air filter monthly. For best performance, replace the air
filter at least once a year.
Press in on the latch to open the cover.
Remove the air filter cover.
Lift the edge of the air filter carefully and pull it out.
Wash the air filter with warm, soapy water.
Rinse and squeeze to dry.
Put small amount of engine lubricant (SAE 30) on the filter
sponge. Squeeze out the excess lubricant then reinstall
the air filter.
NOTE: Make sure the filter is seated properly inside the
cover. Installing the filter incorrectly will allow dirt to enter
the engine, causing rapid engine wear.
To reinstall the air filter cover, insert the latch into the
notch. Close the cover and push the latch until it snaps
into place.
CHECKING SPARK PLUG
See Figure 12.
Clean the area around the base of the spark plug before
removing to keep dirt and debris out of the engine.
Remove spark plug using spark plug wrench provided.
Clean off carbon deposits on the spark plug electrode
using a plug cleaner or wire brush. Replace the plug
if worn. For replacement spark plug, see Product
Specifications earlier in this manual or the accompanying
engine manual, if applicable.
Check electrode gap. The gap should be .028 in. to .032 in.
(0.7- 0.8 mm). Adjust the gap, if necessary, by carefully
bending the ground electrode.
Reinstall spark plug. Tighten securely.
Page 14 — English