Craftsman 247774500 Owner’s Manual

Operator's Manual

ICRnFTSMnNiI

26 Ton Hydraulic

Log Splitter

Model No. 247.774500

CAUTION: Before using
this product, read this

manual and follow all
Safety Rules and

Operating Instructions.

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179, U.S.A.

Visit our Sears website: www.sears.com/craftsman

Printed in U.S.A.

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Parts

• Espa_ol

FORM NO. 770-10530A

(7/01)

Content Page Content Page

Warranty 2 Service and Adjustments 13
Safety 3 Storage 15
Assembly 5 Troubleshooting 16

Operation 7 Notes 17

Maintenance 11 Parts List 18

Limited Warranty on Craftsman Log Splitter

For one (1) year from the date of purchase, ifthis Craftsman Equipment is maintained, lubricated, and tuned up
according to the instructions to the operator's manual, Sears will repair or replace free of charge any parts found
to be defective in material or workmanship. Warranty service is available free of charge by returning Craftsman
equipment to your nearest Sears Service Center. In-home warranty service is available but a trip charge will

apply. This Warranty applies only while this product is in the United States.

This Warranty does not cover:

• Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as spark plugs, air cleaners, belts, and oil

filters.

• Tire replacement or repair caused by punctures from outside objects, such as nails, thorns, stumps, or glass.

• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse, including but not limited to, damage caused by objects, such
as stones or metal debris, oversized stock, impacting objects that bend the frame or crankshaft, or over-

speeding the engine.

• Repairs necessary because of operator negligence, including but not limited to, electrical and mechanical
damage caused by improper storage, failure to use the proper grade and amount of engine oil, or failure to
maintain the equipment according to the instructions contained in the operator's manual.

• Engine (fuel system) cleaning or repairs caused by fuel determine to be contaminated or oxidized (stale). In
general, fuel should be used within 30 days of its purchase date.

• Equipment used for commercial or rental purposes.

TO LOCATE THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER OR TO SCHEDULE SERVICE, SIMPLY CONTACT

SEARS AT 1-800-4-MY-HOME.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATION

Horsepower:
Engine Oil Type
Engine Oil Capacity
Fuel Capacity:

Spark Plug (.030" Gap)
Hydraulic Fluid

6.5HP
SAE 30
27 Ounces

1.5 Quarts

Champion RJ-19LM
Dexron III / 3.0 gal

Model Number .........2..4..7..:.7..7...4..5...0..0............................

Serial Number ...........................................................

Date of Purchase ......................................................

Record both serial number and date of purchase and

keep in a safe place for future reference.

WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could

endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all

instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these
instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol - heed its warning.

WARNING: Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle

components contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer

and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation inthis
manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can

result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects.
Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

TRAINING

1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on
the machine and in the manual(s) before
attempting to assemble and operate. Keep this

manual in a safe place for future and regular
reference and for ordering replacement parts.

2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper
operation. Know how to stop the machine and
disengage them quickly.

3. Never allow children under 14 years old to
operate this machine. Children 14 years old and

over should read and understand the operation

instructions and safety rules in this manual and

should betrained and supervised by a parent.

4. Never allow adults to operate this machine
without proper instruction.

5. Many accidents occur when more than one

person operates the machine. Ifa helper is

assisting in loading logs, never activate the
control until the helper is a minimum of 10 feet
from the machine.

6. Keep bystanders, helpers, pets, and children at

least 20 feet from the machine while it is in

operation.

7. Never allow anyone to ride on this machine.

8. Never transport cargo on this machine.

9. Hydraulic log splitters develop high fluid

pressures during operation. Fluid escaping
through a pin hole opening can penetrate your
skin and cause blood poisoning, gangrene, or
death. Give attention to the following instructions

at all times:

a. Do not check for leaks with your hand.
b. Do not operate machine with frayed,

kinked, cracked, or damaged hoses, fitting,

or tubing.

c. Stop the engine and relieve hydraulic

system pressure before changing or
adjusting fittings, hoses, tubing, or other
system components.

d. Do not adjust the pressure settings of the

pump or valve.

10. Leaks can be detected by passing cardboard or
wood, while wearing protective gloves and safety
glasses, over the suspected area. Look for

discoloration of cardboard or wood.

11. If injured by escaping fluid, see a doctor

immediately. Serious infection or reaction can
develop if proper medical treatment is not
administered immediately.

12. Keep the operator zone and adjacent area clear
for safe, secure footing.

13. If your machine is equipped with an internal
combustion engine and it is intended for use near
any unimproved forest, brush, or grass covered

land, the engine exhaust should be equipped with
a spark arrester. Make sure you comply with
applicable local, state, and federal codes. Take
appropriate firefighting equipment with you.

14. This machine should be used for splitting wood
only, do not use it for any other purpose.

15. Follow the instructions in the manual(s) provided
with any attachment(s) for this machine.

PREPARATION

1. Always wear safety shoes or heavy boots.

2. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles
during operating this machine.

3. Never wear jewelry or loose clothing that might

become entangled in moving or rotating parts of

the machine.

4. Make sure this machine is on level surface before
operating.

5. Always block the machine as required to prevent

unintended movement, and lock in either the
horizontal or vertical position.

6. Always operate this machine from the operator
zone(s) specified in the manual.

7. Logs should be cut with square ends prior to
splitting.

.

Use your log splitter in daylight or under good
artificial light.

9.

To avoid personal injury or property damage use
extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is
extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.

Serious personal injury can occur when gasoline is
spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite.
Wash your skin and change immediately.

a. Use only an approved gasoline container.
b. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and

other sources of ignition.

c. Never fuel machine indoors.
d. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the

engine is hot or running.

e. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes

before refueling.

f. Never overfill the fuel tank. Fill tank to no

more than 1/2 inch below bottom of filler neck

to provide space for fuel expansion.
g. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
h. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine

and equipment, move machine to another
area. Wait 5 minutes before starting the
engine.

i. Never store the machine or fuel container

inside where there is an open flame, spark or
pilot light as on a water heater, space heater,

furnace, clothes dryer or other gas

appliances.

j. Allow machine to cool at least 5 minutes

before storing.

10. For logs which are not cut square, the least square
end and the longest portion of the log should be

placed toward the beam and wedge, and the
square end placed toward the end plate.

11. When splitting in the vertical position, stabilize the
log before moving the control. Split as follows:

a. Place log on the end plate and turn until it

leans against the beam and is stable.

b. When splitting extra large or uneven logs, the

log must be stabilized with wooden shims or
split wood between the log and the end plate
or ground.

12. Always keep fingers away from any cracks that
open in the log while splitting. They can quickly

close and pinch or amputate your fingers.

13. Keep your work area clean. Immediately remove
split wood around the machine so that you do not

stumble over it.

14. Never move this machine while the engine is
running.

15. This machine should not be towed on any street,
highway or public road without checking the

existing federal, state, or local vehicle
requirements. Any licensing or modifications such
as taillights, etc., needed to comply, is the sole
responsibility of the purchaser. If a "Statement of

Origin" is required in your state, see your local
dealer.

16. See the towing section in this manual for proper
towing instructions once all federal, local, or state

requirements are met.

OPERMION

1. Before starting this machine, review the "Safety
Instructions". Failure to follow these rules may
result in serious injury to the operator or
bystanders.

2. Never leave this machine unattended with the
engine running.

3. Do not operate machine while under the influence
of alcohol, drugs, or medication.

4. Never allow anyone to operate this machine

without proper instruction.

5. Always operate this machine with all safety
equipment in place and working. Make sure all
controls are properly adjusted for safe operation.

6. Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine. The governor controls the

maximum safe operating speed of the engine.

7. When loading a log, always place your hands on

the sides of the log, not on the ends, and never use

your foot to help stabilize a log. Failure to do so,
may result in crushed or amputated fingers, toes,

hand, or foot.

8. Use only your hand to operate the controls.

9. Never attempt to split more than one log at a time
unless the ram has fully extended and a second log
is needed to complete the separation of the first log.

MAINTENANCEANDSTORAGE

1. Stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug and
ground it against the engine before cleaning, or
inspecting the machine.

2. Stop the engine and relieve hydraulic system
pressure before repairing or adjusting fittings,

hoses, tubing, or other system components.

3. To prevent fires, clean debris and chaff from the
engine and muffler areas. If the engine is equipped

with a spark arrester muffler, clean and inspect it
regularly according to manufacturers instructions.
Replace if damaged.

4. Periodically check that all nuts and bolts, hose
clamps, and hydraulic fittings are tight to be sure
equipment is in safe working condition.

5. Check all safety guards and shields to be sure they
are in the proper position. Never operate with
safety guards, shields, or other protective features

removed.

6. The pressure relief valve is preset at the factory. Do
not adjust the valve.

7. Never attempt to move this machine over hilly or
uneven terrain without a tow vehicle or adequate

help.

IMPORTANT:This unit is shipped without gasoline or
oil in the engine. Be certain to service engine with
gasoline and oil as instructed in the separate engine
manual before operating your machine.

NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the log

spfitter is observed from the operating position.

AttachingTheTongue(SeeFigure2)

• With the log splitter still standing upright, remove
two hex bolts, lock washers, and hex nuts from

the tongue assembly.

• Align the holes in the tongue with the holes inthe
tank and secure with hardware just removed.

RemovingUnitFromCarton

• Pry the top, sides, and ends off crate.

• Set panels aside to avoid tire punctures or
personal injury.

• Remove and discard plastic bag that covers unit.

• Remove any loose parts if included with unit (i.e.,
operator's manual, etc.)

• Cut and remove straps which secure parts to
bottom of crate. Unbolt any remaining parts which
may be bolted to the bottom of the crate.

WARNING: Use extreme caution unpack-

ing this machine. Some components are
very heavy and will require additional

people or mechanical handling
equipment.

LoosePartsinCarton

• Tongue Assembly

wire and ground against the engine to

WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug
prevent unintended starting.

AssemblingTheTongue

AttachingTheJack Stand(SeeFigure1)

• The jack stand isshipped inthe transport
position.

• Remove the springclipand clevis pin and pivot
thejack stand to the operating position.

• Secure the jack stand inpositionwith the clevis
pin and spring clip.

_ VerticalLock

r / Alhig;eWHitohes

((1"_'_'_ I /_ Pre?;ure

Figure 2

ConnectingtheCylinderto Beam

• The log splitter is shipped with the beam inthe
vertical position. Pullout the vertical lock rod,

rotate it back, and pivot the beam tothe
horizontal position untilit locks.See Figure 2 &

Figure3.

• Disconnect the dislodgerfrom the beam weld
bracket by removing the six hex screws and fiat

washers. See Figure 3.

Vertical Lock

Dislodger

Spring_ Pin

(Operating.....Position)JackStand _ _J

Figure 1

Clevis

Remove
Log

Horizontal
Lock

Figure 3

• Disconnect the log cradle from the beam on the
side of the control valve

• Lift and slide the cylinder up to the top of beam
and into the weld brackets

• Attach the dislodger over the wedge assembly
and secure with the hardware previously

removed to the weld brackets. See Figure 4.

• Once the six hex screws are tighten, there may
be a slight gap between the dislodger and the

weld brackets. This gap is allowable.

• Reattach the log cradle to the side of the beam

with the control valve, aligning the ends of the

cradle with the beam flanges.

• Roll log splitter off the bottom crate.

Wedge Assembly

Dislodger

Weld ket Slot

Figure 4

PreparingTheLogSplitter

• Lubricate the beam area where the splitting

wedge will slide with engine oil (DO NOT USE

GREASE).

• Remove vented reservoir dipstick, which is
located in front of the engine on top of the reser-
voir tank. See Figure 5.

• Fill the reservoir tank with Dexron III automatic

transmission fluid or 10W AW hydraulic fluid.

• Check fluid level using the dipstick. See Figure 6.

• Do not overfill and replace vented dipstick
securely. The dipstick should be tighten until the

top of the threads are flush with the top of the

pipe.

Dipstick

Figure 5

• Use the control handle to engage the wedge to
the farthest extended position and then retract

the wedge.

• Refill tank to within the range specified on the
dipstick.

• Extend and retract the wedge 12 complete cycles
to remove trapped air in the system (system is
"self-bleeding").

• Much of the original fluid has been drawn into the
cylinder and hoses. Make certain to refill the

reservoir to prevent extreme damage to the
hydraulic pump. Failure to refill the tank will void
your warranty.

NOTE: The reservoir tank has a capacity of 3 1/2

gallons.

• If not already, disconnect the spark plug wire and
prime the pump, by pulling the recoil starter to

turn the engine over approximately10 times.

• Reconnect the spark plug wire.

• Start engine according to Starting the Engine in

the OPERATION section.

Figure 6

NOTE: Some fluid may overflow from the vented

dipstick as the system builds heat and the fluid
expands and seeks a balanced level

IMPORTANT:Do not operate the log splitter without

the proper amount of transmission fluid in the

reservoir tank.

Know Your Log Splitter

Read this operator's manual and safety rules before operating your log splitter. Compare the
illustrations below with your equipment to familiarize yourself with the location of various

controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
The operation of any log splitter can result in foreign objects being thrown into the eyes,
which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses, for operating this
equipment or while performing any adjustments or repairs on it.

Horizontal
Beam Lock

Reverse

Neutral

_l_Forward

Control Handle

Splitting Wedge

OperatingControls(SeeFigure7)

WARNING: Be familiar with all controls

and their proper operation. Know how to
stop the machine and disengage them
quickly.

ControlHandle

The controlhandle has three positions. See Figure7.

Forward: Push the control handle forward or down.

Splitting wedge moves towardthe end plate.

Neutral: Control handle will return to neutral position

when handle is released. Splitting wedges stops in

place.

Reverse: When pulling the control handle up or back,
the splitting wedge moves towardthe cylinder.The
controlhandle will lockinthe disengaged position. It
willreturn to neutral automatically when the

disengage stroke is complete.

Vertical
Beam Lock

Figure 7

BeamLocks

There are two position locks for each operating
position. See Figure 7.

Vertical: The vertical position lock is located next to
the oil filter.

Horizontal: The horizontal position lock is part of the
beam support latch bracket.

EngineControls

ThrottleControl
Permits selection offast or slow engine speed.

Primer
Used to start a coldengine. Do not use itto restart a

warm engine after a short shut-down.
Starter Handle

The starter handle is located on the engine. Pull the
starter handle tostart engine.

Meets ANSI safety standards

Craftsman Log Splitter conform to the safety standard of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

GasAndOilFill-up

Oil

Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API

service classification SF, SG, or SH. Select the oil's

SAE viscosity grade according to the expected

operating temperature. Follow the chart below.

Colder _-" 32°F ,._ Warmel

y

5W30 SAE 30

Oil Viscosity Chart

but will require special care when engine is left
unused for extended period.

Replace fuel cap.
To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should
be emptied before storage for 30 days or longer.
Drain the gas tank, start the engine and let it run

until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use
fresh fuel next season. See STORAGE section
for additional information.

WARNING: Use extreme care when

handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely

flammable and the vapors are explosive.

Never fuel machine indoors or while the

engine is hot or running.

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30,

etc.) improve starting in cold weather, they will result

in increased oil consumption when used above 32°F.

Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid

possible engine damage from running low on oil.

• Remove oil fill dipstick.

• With the log splitter on level ground, use a funnel
to fill engine with oil to FULL mark on dipstick.

Capacity is approximately 27 oz. Be careful not

to overfill. Overfilling will cause the engine to

smoke profusely and will result in poor engine
performance.

• Check the oil level making certain not to rub the

dipstick along the inside walls of the oil fill tube.
This would result in afalse dipstick reading. Refill

to FULL mark on dipstick, if necessary. Replace

dipstick and tighten.

• Check oil level three times prior to starting engine
to be certain you've gotten an accurate dipstick

reading. Running the engine with too little oil can
result in permanent engine damage.

Gasoline

• Remove fuel cap from the fuel tank.

• Make sure the container from which you will pour
the gasoline is clean and free from rust or foreign

particles. Never use gasoline that may be stale

from long periods of storage in its container.

Gasoline that has been sitting for any period
longer than four weeks should be considered

stale.

• Fill fuel tank with about 1.5 quarts of clean, fresh,

lead-free grade automotive gasoline. DO NOT
use Ethly or high octane gasoline.

NOTE: Gasoline can be added to the engine when
the log splitter is in either the horizontal or vertical

position; however, there are less obstructions when

the unit is in the vertical position.

NOTE: Do not use gasoline containing methanol.
Gasoline containing up to about 10% ethanol or up to

15% methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) may be used,

ToStopEngine

• Move throttle control lever to STOP or OFF
position.

• Disconnect spark plug wire and ground itto the
post to prevent accidental starting while the

equipment is unattended.

StartingEngine

• Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain

the metal cap on the end of the spark plug is
fastened securely over the metal tip on the spark

plug.

• The throttle control lever is located on the engine.
Move engine throttle control lever to FAST or

START position.

• Push the primer three times, waiting about two or

three seconds between each push. In cold
weather with temperatures below 55° prime

engine five times.

• Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly until
engine reaches start of compression cycle (rope

will pull slightly harder at this point).

• Pull rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke.
Keep a firm grip on starter handle. Let rope
rewind slowly.

• Repeat the previous steps until engine fires.

• If weather is cold, run wedge up or down beam 6

to 8 times to circulate the hydraulic fluid.

engine, the muffler and surrounding

WARNING: When starting a warm
areas are hot and can cause a burn.

Always:

• Use clean fluidand check fluid level regularly.

• Use Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid or
10W AW hydraulic fluid.

• Use a filter (clean or replace regularly)

• Use a breather cap on fluid reservoir.

• Make certain pump ismounted and aligned
properly.

• Useaflexible"spider"typecouplingbetween
engineandpumpdriveshafts.

• Keephosesclearandunblocked.

• Bleedairoutofhosesbeforeoperating.

• Flushandcleanhydraulicsystembeforestarting
afteranymalfunctionorservicing.

• Use"pipedope"onallhydraulicfittings.

• Allowtimeforwarm-upbeforesplittingwood.

• Primethepumpbeforeinitialstart-upbyturning
overtheenginewithsparkplugdisconnected.

• Splitwoodwiththegrain(lengthwise)only.

Never:

• Use when fluidis below20 ° F or above 150° F.

• Use a solid engine/pump coupling.

• Operate through relief valve for more than
several seconds.

• Attempt to adjust unloading or relief valve
settings without pressure gauges.

• Operate with air in hydraulic system.

• Use teflon tape on hydraulic fittings.

• Attempt to cut wood across the grain.

UsingTheLogSplitter

• Place the log splitter on level, dry, and solid
ground.

• Place the beam in either the horizontal or vertical

position and lock in place with the appropriate
locking rod.

• Block the front and back of both wheels.

• Place the log against the end plate and only split
wood in the direction of the grain.

• When necessary to stabilize the log, place your

hand only on sides of log. NEVER place hand on

the end between the log and splitting wedge.

• Only one adult should stabilize the log and
operate the control handle, so the operator has

full control over stabilizing the log and movement
of the splitting wedge.

Control HandlePositions

• Move control handle FORWARD or DOWN to
split wood.

• Release the control handle to stop the wedge

movement.

• Move control handle BACK or UP to return the
wedge.

VerticalPosition

• Pullthe horizontal beam lockout to release the

beam and pivot the beam to the vertical position.

• To lockthe beam inthe vertical position, pull out

on the vertical beam lockand pivotit to secure
the beam. See Figure 8.

• Stand in front ofthe logsplitterto operate the
controlhandle and to stabilizethe log.

HorizontalPosition

• Pullthe verticalbeam lock out and pivot itdown.

Pivotthe beam to the horizontal position.

• To lock the beam in the horizontal position, pull
out on the horizontal beam lock and pivot itto
secure the beam. See Figure 8.

• Stand behind the reservoir tank to operate the
control handle and to stabilize the log.

Beam Lock

Figure 8

TransportingTheLog Splitter

• Lower the beam to its horizontal position. Make
certain the beam is locked securely with the

horizontal beam lock.

• Remove the spring clip and clevis pin from jack
stand. Support the tongue and pivot the jack
stand up against the tongue. Secure with the

spring clip and clevis pin previously removed.
See Figure 8.

• Attach coupler hitch to a class I or higher 1-7/8"
ball on the towing vehicle, making certain to latch

securely.

• Connect the safety chains to the towing vehicle.

• Do not tow faster than 45mph and check local,
state, and federal requirements before towing on
any public road.

NOTE: Use caution when backing up. It is
recommended to use a spotter outside the vehicle.

MAINTENANCE _ _

I,-

o Lubricate Beam and Wedge <_
0 Change Hydraulic Fluid

n

Change Hydraulic Filter
Check Reservoir Fluid <_

Check Engine Oil

,,, Change Engine Oil <_

Z

Service Air Cleaner

Z
I&l

Service Spark Plug
Clean Engine

GENERALRECOMMENDATIONS

• Always observe safety rules when performing any
maintenance.

• The warranty on this log splitter does not cover
items that have been subjected to operator abuse

or negligence. To receive full value from the
warranty, operator must maintain the equipment

as instructed in this manual.

• Some adjustments will need to be made
periodically to maintain your equipment properly.

• Follow the maintenance schedule.

• Periodically check all fasteners and make sure

they are tight.

WARNING: Always stop the engine and

disconnect and ground the spark plug
wire before performing any maintenance
or adjustments.

HydraulicFluid

• Check the hydraulic fluid level in the log splitter
reservoir tank before each use. Maintain fluid

level within the range specified on the dipstick at

all times.

• Change the hydraulic fluid in the reservoir every
100 hours of operation. Disconnect the suction
hose from the bottom of the reservoir tank and

drain the fluid into a suitable container. Refill

using only Dexron IIIautomatic transmission fluid
or 10W AW hydraulic fluid.

NOTE: Drain the fluid and flush the reservoir tank
and hoses with kerosene whenever any repair work

is performed on the tank, hydraulic pump, or valve.
Contaminants in the fluid will damage the hydraulic

components. Any repair to the hydraulic components
should be performed by a Sears Service Center.

working with kerosene. It is an
WARNING: Use extreme caution when

extremely flammable fluid.

HydraulicFilter

• Change the hydraulic filter every 50 hours of
operation. Use only a 10 micron hydraulic filter.

BeamAndSplittingWedge

Lubricate both sides of the beam (where it comes into
contact with the splitting wedge) before each use with
engine oil. The wedge plate on the log splitter is
designed so the gibs on the side of the wedge plate

can be removed and rotated and/or turned over for
even wear. Make certain to readjust the adjustment

bolts so wedge moves freely, but no excess space
exists between the wedge plate and beam.See the

Adjustment Section.

10

EngineMaintenance

CheckEngine0il

• Remove oilfill dipstick.

• Check oil level on dipstick. Level should be at

FULL mark.

• Replace dipstickand tighten.
ChangingEngine0il

• Only use high qualitydetergent oilrated withAPI

service classificationSF, SG, or SH. Select the
oil's SAE viscositygrade according tothe
expected operating temperature. Refer to
operation sectionfor viscositychart.

• Stop engine and wait several minutes before

checking oil level. Withengine on levelground,
the oil must be to FULL mark on dipstick.

• Change engine oilafter the first five hoursof
operation, and every 50 hoursthereafter. Change

oilevery 25 hoursofoperation ifthe engine is
operated under heavy load orin high ambient
temperatures.

To Drain0il

Drain oilwhile engine iswarm. Followthe instructions

given below.

• Remove oil drain plug and fill dipstick.Catch oil in
a suitable container.

• When engine is drained of all oil, replace drain

plug securely.

• Refill with fresh oil, using the recommended
grade.

• Replace dipstick.

ServiceAirCleaner
The aircleaner prevents damaging dirt, dust,etc.,

from enteringthe carburetorand being forced intothe
engine and is importanttoengine life and

performance. The air cleaner consistsof a paper pre-
cleaner and a foam filter cartridge.

• Inspect filter for discoloration or dirt
accumulation. Ifeither is present, proceed as

follows:

• Clean inside of body and cover thoroughly.

• Remove foam cartridge and wash in liquid
detergent and water. Squeeze dry in a clean
cloth and saturate in engine oil. Squeeze (don't

twist) in a clean absorbent cloth to remove all

excess oil.

• Reassemble foam cartridge and paper pre-
cleaner in the body. Swing cover down and

tighten the two screws loosened earlier.

WARNING: Temperature of muffler and

nearby areas may exceed 150° F(65°C).
Avoid these areas.

ServiceSparkPlug

• Clean the spark plug and reset the gap to .030" at
least once a season or every 50 hoursof

operation. See Figure9.

• Clean area around spark plug. Remove and
inspectspark plug.

• Replace ifelectrodes are pitted, burned orthe
porcelain iscracked.

• Check electrode gap with wire feeler gauge and
reset gap to .030 inches.

NOTE: Do not sandblast spark plug. Spark plug

should be cleaned by scraping or wire brushing and

washing with a commercial solvent.

.030" Feeler Gau

an air cleaner completely assembled.

WARNING: Never run the engine without

Replace paper pre-cleaner once a year or every

100 operating hours. Replace more frequently if
operating under dusty conditions. Replacement
filters are available at any Sears Service Center.

NOTE: Do not attempt to clean or oil the paper pre-

cleaner element.

• Service cartridge every 3 months or every 25
operating hours. Service cartridge more often

under dusty conditions.

To ServiceFoamCartridge

• Loosen air cleaner cover screws, but do not

remove screw from cover. Swing cover down to
remove from hinge.

Figure 9

CleanEngine

• Clean engine periodically, by removing dirt and
debris with a cloth or brush.

NOTE: Cleanig with a forceful spray of water is not

recommended as water could contaminate the fuel
system.

• To ensure smooth operation of the engine, keep

the governor linkage, springs, and controls free

of debris.

• Every 100 hours of operation, remove
combustion deposits from top of cylinder, cylinder

head, top of piston, and around valves.

11

WARNING: Do not at any time make any
adjustments without first stopping

engine, disconnecting spark plug wire,
and grounding it against the engine.

WedgeAssemblyAdJustment

As normal wear occurs and there is excessive "play"
between the wedge and beam, adjust the bolts on the

side of the wedge assembly to eliminate the excess
space between the wedge and beam. See Figure 10.

• Loosen the jam nuts on the two adjustment bolts
on the side of the wedge. Turn the adjustment

bolts in until snug and then back them off slowly
until the wedge assembly will slide on the beam.

• Tighten the jam nuts securely against the side of
the wedge to hold the adjustment bolts in this

position.

GibPlateAdjustment

Periodically remove and replace the "gibs" (spacers)
between the wedge plate and the back plate.

See Figure 10.

NOTE: The gibs may be rotated and/or turned over
for even wear.

• Loosen the lock nuts under the each back plate
and slide the gibs out.

• Turn or replace the gibs.

• Reassemble the back plate and secure with the

lock washers and lock nuts.

• Readjust the bolts on the side of the wedge
assembly.

;dlt:tment

HexJam Nut ,_ "_'_

Lock Nut__.__._.___ "_

_ _"_ _vOCker

Figure 10

HoseClamps

Check the hose clamps onthe suctionhose (attached
to side of the pump) for propertightness before each
use. Check the hose clamps on the return hose at

least once a season.

FlexiblePumpCoupler

The flexible pump coupler is a nylon "spide¢' insert,
located between the pump and engine shaft. Over a

period of time, the coupler will harden and
deteriorate.

Replacement is needed if you detect vibration or
noise coming from the area between the engine and
the pump. If the coupler fails completely, you will
experience a loss of power.

IMPORTANT:Never hit the engine shaft in any
manner, as a blow will cause permanent damage to

the engine.
When replacing the flexible pump coupler, proceed

as follows:

• Remove three nuts and lock washers that secure
the pump to the coupling shield. Two nuts are at

the bottom corners and one is in the top center.

• Remove the pump.

• Rotate the engine by slowly pulling starter handle
until engine coupling half set screw is visible.

Loosen set screw using allen wrench and slide

coupling half off of engine shaft.

• Loosen set screw on pump coupling half and
remove coupling half.

• Slide new engine coupling half onto the engine
shaft until the end of the shaft is flush with the

inner portion of the coupling half. (There must be
space between end of the engine support bracket
and coupling halo. Tighten set screw.

• Install pump coupling half and key on pump shaft.

Rotate coupling half until set screw faces opening

in shield. Do not tighten set screw.

• Install nylon "spider" onto engine coupling half.

• Align pump coupling half with nylon "spider" by
rotating engine using starter handle. Slide
coupling half into place while guiding three
mounting bolts through holes in pump support

bracket.

• Secure with nuts and washers removed earlier.

• Set .010" to .060" clearance between the nylon
"spider" and the engine coupling half by sliding a
matchbook cover between the nylon "spider" and

the engine coupling half and moving pump
coupling half as needed. Secure pump coupling
half with set screw. See Figure 11.

NOTE: Make certain proper clearance is obtained
before tightening set screw.

12