Craftsman 316.292711 User Manual
2
INTRODUCTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Service Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Rules for Safe Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Know Your Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Assembly Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Oil and Fuel Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Starting/Stopping Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
SPARK ARRESTOR NOTE
NOTE: For users on U.S. Forest Land and in the
states of California, Maine, Oregon and Washington.
All U.S. Forest Land and the state of California (Public
Resources Codes 4442 and 4443), Oregon and
Washington require, by law that certain internal
combustion engines operated on forest brush and/or
grass-covered areas be equipped with a spark arrestor,
maintained in effective working order, or the engine be
constructed, equipped and maintained for the prevention
of fire. Check with your state or local authorities for
regulations pertaining to these requirements. Failure to
follow these requirements could subject you to liability or
a fine. This unit is factory equipped with a spark
arrestor. If it requires replacement, ask your LOCAL
SERVICE DEALER to install the Accessory Part
#180890 Spark Arrestor Kit.
WARNING
THE ENGINE EXHAUST FROM THIS
PRODUCT CONTAINS CHEMICALS
KNOWN TO THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
TO CAUSE CANCER, BIRTH DEFECTS
OR OTHER REPRODUCTIVE HARM.
Full Two-Year Warranty on Craftsman Cultivator / Edger
For two (2) years from the date of purchase, if this Craftsman Equipment is maintained, lubricated, and tuned up
according to the instructions in 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 determined 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.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
Maintenance and Repair Instructions . . . . . . . . . . .12
Cleaning and Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Troubleshooting Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Notes (Intentionally Blank) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E21-E23
Repair Protection Agreement . . . . Inside Back Cover
Service Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Back Cover
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING
WARRANTY
3
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE
OPERATING
• Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the
controls and proper use of the unit.
• Do not operate this unit when tired, ill, or under the
influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
• Children and teens under the age of 15 must not use
the unit, except for teens guided by an adult.
• All guards and safety attachments must be installed
properly before operating the unit.
• Inspect the unit before use. Replace damaged parts.
Check for fuel leaks. Make sure all fasteners are in
place and secure. Replace parts that are cracked,
chipped, or damaged in any way. Do not operate the
unit with loose or damaged parts.
• Carefully inspect the area before starting the unit.
Remove all debris and hard or sharp objects such as
glass, wire, etc.
• Be aware of the risk of injury to the head, hands and
feet.
• Clear the area of children, bystanders, and pets. At a
minimum, keep all children, bystanders, and pets
outside a 50 feet (15 m) radius; there still may be a risk to
bystanders from thrown objects. Bystanders should be
encouraged to wear eye protection. If you are
approached, stop the unit immediately.
• Squeeze the throttle control and check that it returns
auto-matically to the idle position. Make all
adjustments or repairs before using unit.
SAFETY WARNINGS FOR GAS UNITS
• Store fuel only in containers specifically designed and
approved for the storage of such materials.
• Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled fuel. Do
not start the engine until fuel vapors dissipate.
• Always stop the engine and allow it to cool before
filling the fuel tank. Never remove the cap of the fuel
tank, or add fuel, when the engine is hot. Never
operate the unit without the fuel cap securely in place.
Loosen the fuel tank cap slowly to relieve any pressure
in the tank.
• Add fuel in a clean, well-ventilated outdoor area where
there are no sparks or flames. Slowly remove the fuel
cap only after stopping engine. Do not smoke while
fueling or mixing fuel. Wipe up any spilled fuel from the
unit immediately. Always wipe unit dry before using.
• Move the unit at least 30 feet (9.1 m) from the fueling
source and site before starting the engine. Do not
smoke or allow sparks and open flames near the area
while adding fuel or operating the unit.
SYMBOL MEANING
The purpose of safety symbols is to attract your
attention to possible dangers. The safety symbols,
and their explanations, deserve your careful attention
and understanding. The safety warnings do not by
themselves eliminate any danger. The instructions or
warnings they give are not substitutes for proper
accident prevention measures.
NOTE: Advises you of information or instructions vital to
the operation or maintenance of the equipment.
SYMBOL MEANING
• IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS •
Failure to obey a
safety warning can
result in injury to yourself and others.
Always follow the safety precautions to
reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and
personal injury.
WARNING:
Failure to obey a
safety warning will
result in serious injury to yourself or to
others. Always follow the safety precautions
to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and
personal injury.
DANGER:
Failure to obey a
safety warning may
result in property damage or personal injury
to yourself or to others. Always follow the
safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire,
electric shock and personal injury.
CAUTION:
Indicates
danger,
warning or caution. Attention is required in
order to avoid serious personal injury. May
be used in conjunction with other symbols
or pictographs.
SAFETY ALERT:
Gasoline is highly
flammable, and its
vapors can explode if ignited. Take the
following precautions:
WARNING:
Read the Operator’s Manual(s) and follow all
warnings and safety instructions.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury to the
operator and/or bystanders.
4
• Always stop the engine when cultivating is delayed or
when walking from one cultivating location to another.
• If you strike or become entangled with a foreign object,
stop the engine immediately and check for damage. Do
not operate before repairing damage. Do not operate the
unit with loose or damaged parts.
• Stop the unit, switch the engine to off, and disconnect
the spark plug for maintenance or repair.
• Use only original equipment manufacturer
replacement parts and accessories for this unit. These
are available from your authorized service dealer. Use
of any unauthorized parts or accessories could lead to
serious injury to the user, or damage to the unit, and
void your warranty.
• Keep unit clean of vegetation and other materials.
They may become lodged between the tines and
guard.
• To reduce fire hazard, replace faulty muffler and spark
arrestor, keep the engine and muffler free from grass,
leaves, excessive grease or carbon build up.
AFTER USE
• Clean tines with a household cleaner to remove any
gum buildup. Oil the tines with machine oil to prevent
rust.
OTHER SAFETY WARNINGS
• Never store a fueled unit inside a building where fumes
may reach an open flame or spark.
• Allow the engine to cool before storing or transporting.
Be sure to secure the unit while transporting.
• Store the unit in a dry area, locked up or up high to
prevent unauthorized use or damage, out of the reach
of children.
• Never douse or squirt the unit with water or any other
liquid. Keep handles dry, clean and free from debris.
Clean after each use, see Cleaning and Storage
instructions.
• Keep these instructions. Refer to them often and use
them to instruct other users. If you loan someone this
unit, also loan them these instructions.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
WHILE OPERATING
• Never start or run the unit inside a closed room or
building. Breathing exhaust fumes can kill. Operate
this unit only in a well ventilated outdoor area.
• Wear safety glasses or goggles that meet ANSI Z87.1
standards and are marked as such. Wear ear/hearing
protection when operating this unit. Wear a face or dust
mask if the operation is dusty.
• Wear heavy, long pants, boots, gloves and a longsleeved shirt. Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry, short
pants, sandals or go barefoot. Secure hair above
shoulder level.
• This unit has a clutch. The tines remain stationary
when the engine is idling. If they do not, have the unit
adjusted by an authorized service technician.
• Be sure the tines are not in contact with anything
before starting the unit.
• Use the unit only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Avoid accidental starting. Be in the starting position
whenever pulling the starter rope. The operator and unit
must be in a stable position while starting. See
Starting/Stopping Instructions.
• Use the right tool. Only use this tool for the purpose
intended.
• Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the unit
towards you.
• Do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and
balance. Take extra care when working on steep
slopes or inclines.
• Always hold the unit with both hands when operating.
Keep a firm grip on the grips.
• Keep hands, face, and feet at a distance from all moving
parts. Do not touch or try to stop the tines when they are
rotating.
• Do not touch the engine or muffler. These parts get
extremely hot from operation, even after the unit is turned
off.
• Do not operate the engine faster than the speed
needed to cultivate. Do not run the engine at high
speed when you are not cultivating.
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
5
SYMBOL MEANING
• SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL
Indicates danger, warning, or
caution. May be used in conjunction
with other symbols or pictographs.
• WARNING - READ OPERATOR'S
MANUAL
Read the Operator’s Manual(s) and
follow all warnings and safety
instructions. Failure to do so can
result in serious injury to the
operator and/or bystanders.
• WEAR EYE AND HEARING
PROTECTION
WARNING:Thrown
objects and loud noise can cause
severe eye injury and hearing loss.
Wear eye protection meeting ANSI
Z87.1-1989 standards and ear
protection when operating this unit.
Use a full face shield when needed.
• KEEP BYSTANDERS AWAY
WARNING:Keep all
bystanders, especially children and
pets, at least 50 feet (15 m.) from the
operating area.
• UNLEADED FUEL
Always use clean, fresh unleaded fuel.
• OIL
Refer to operator's manual for the
proper type of oil.
SAFETY AND INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS
This operator's manual describes safety and international symbols and pictographs that may appear on this product.
Read the operator's manual for complete safety, assembly, operating and maintenance and repair information.
SYMBOL MEANING
• THROWN OBJECTS AND
ROTATING CUTTER CAN CAUSE
SEVERE INJURY
WARNING:Do not
operate without the proper guards in
place. Keep away from the rotating
tines.
• ON/OFF STOP CONTROL
ON / START / RUN
• ON/OFF STOP CONTROL
OFF or STOP
• CHOKE CONTROL
1 • FULL choke position.
2 • PARTIAL choke position.
3 • RUN position.
• HOT SURFACE WARNING
Do not touch a hot muffler or
cylinder. You may get burned. These
parts get extremely hot from
operation. When turned off they
remain hot for a short time.
• GARDEN CULTIVATORS –
ROTATING TINES CAN CAUSE
SEVERE INJURY
WARNING:Stop the
engine and allow the tines to stop
before installing or removing tines,
or before cleaning or performing any
maintenance. Keep hands and feet
away from rotating tines.
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
12
3
6
KNOW YOUR UNIT
Tine Guard
Cultivator
Tines
Primer Bulb
Muffler
Handlebar
Knob
Starter Rope Grip
Handlebar
Throttle
Control
7
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
NOTE: Before setting up your cultivator / edger,
disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark
plug.
POSITIONING THE HANDLEBARS
1. Loosen the two knobs on the inside of the
handlebars (Fig. 1).
2. With the unit upright, swing the handlebars up into
the operating position (Fig. 1).
NOTE: Take care not to pinch the throttle cable or
switch wires when positioning the handlebar.
3. Tighten the knobs to secure the handlebars in place.
NOTE: Do not over-tighten the knobs.
4. Reconnect the spark plug wire to the spark plug.
ADJUSTING TINE DEPTH
To adjust the wheel support bracket proceed as follows:
1. Stop engine and disconnect spark plug to avoid
accidental starting.
2. Remove cotter pin from the clevis pin and slide clevis
pin out of tailpiece bracket (Fig. 3).
3. Slide the wheel support bracket up or down in the
tailpiece, aligning the holes to the desire height.
4. Place the clevis pin through the hole and secure with
cotter pin.
ATTACHING THE EDGER WHEEL AND
BLADE
To convert the cultivator to an edger proceed as follows:
1. Push the On/Off switch to Off (O) position to stop
engine and tines and disconnect spark plug to avoid
accidental starting.
NOTE: It may be necessary to lay the cultivator / edger
back in a horizontal position on a flat level surface
with the upper handle touching the ground.
2. Remove the click pin from each end of the tine shaft
and slide the tines off the shaft.
3. Slide the edger wheel, with the hub facing inward,
onto the right side of the tine shaft and secure with
the click pin in the inside hole (Fig. 4).
4. Slide the edger blade with the hub facing out onto
the left side of tine shaft and secure with the click pin
in the inside hole (Fig. 4).
5. The edger guide line indicates where cutting will
occur. Guide the unit along a flowerbed, sidewalk, or
driveway so the edger guide line is above the desired
line of cut.
Clevis Pin
Cotter Pin
Wheel
Support
Bracket
Tailpiece Bracket
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Edger Guide
Line
Click Pin
Hub
Edger Blade
Edger Wheel
8
OIL AND FUEL INFORMATION
RECOMMENDED OIL TYPE
Using the proper type and weight of oil in
the crankcase is extremely important.
Check the oil before each use and change
the oil regularly. Using incorrect or dirty oil can cause
premature engine wear and failure.
Use a high-quality SAE 30 weight oil of API (American
Petroleum Institute) service class SF, SG, SH.
ADDING OIL TO CRANKCASE: INITIAL USE
NOTE: This unit is shipped without oil in the crankcase.
In order to avoid damage to the unit, put oil in
the crankcase before attempting to start unit.
Your unit is supplied with one 3.04 fluid oz. (90 ml.)
bottle of SAE 30 SF, SG, SH oil (Fig. 5).
NOTE: Save the bottle to measure the correct amount
for future oil changes. See Changing the Oil.
NOTE:
Your new 4-Cycle cultivator is shipped for
operation in conditions above 40°F (4°C). For
cold weather operation, where temperatures
fall below 40°F (4°C), use a high-quality SAE
10W30 weight oil of API (American Petroleum
Institute) service class SF, SG, SH.
1. Unscrew the oil bottle top and remove the paper seal
covering the opening. Replace the top and cut the
tip off the funnel spout (Fig. 5).
2. Place the unit on a flat level surface with the
cultivator in a horizontal position (Fig. 6).
3. Remove the oil plug / dipstick from the crankcase
(Fig. 7).
4. Pour the entire bottle of oil into the oil fill hole
(Fig. 8).
NOTE: Never add oil to the fuel or fuel tank.
5. Wipe up any oil that may have spilled and reinstall
the oil fill plug / dipstick.
The importance of checking and maintaining the proper
oil level in the crankcase cannot be overemphasized.
Check oil before each use and change as specified in
the Maintenance Schedule.
Fig. 5
Fig. 7
Funnel Spout
9
Add fuel in a clean,
well ventilated
outdoor area. Wipe up any spilled fuel
immediately. Avoid creating a source of
ignition for spilt fuel. Do not start the engine
until fuel vapors dissipate.
WARNING:
Gasoline is
extremely
flammable. Ignited Vapors may explode.
Always stop the engine and allow it to cool
before filling the fuel tank. Do not smoke
while filling the tank. Keep sparks and open
flames at a distance from the area.
WARNING:
Remove fuel cap
slowly to avoid injury
from fuel spray. Never operate the unit
without the fuel cap securely in place
.
WARNING:
RECOMMENDED FUEL TYPE
Old fuel is the primary reason for improper
unit performance. Be sure to use fresh,
clean, unleaded gasoline.
NOTE: This is a four cycle engine. In order to avoid
damage to the unit, do not mix oil with gasoline.
Definition of Blended Fuels
Today's fuels are often a blend of gasoline and
oxygenates such as ethanol, methanol or MTBE (ether).
Alcohol-blended fuel absorbs water. As little as 1%
water in the fuel can make fuel form acids when stored.
When using alcohol-blended fuel, use fresh fuel that is
less than 60 days old.
Using Blended Fuels
If you choose to use a blended fuel, or if its use is
unavoidable, follow recommended precautions:
• Always use fresh unleaded gasoline
• Use Craftsman Fuel Stabilizer or an equivalent
• Drain tank and run the engine dry before storing unit
Using Fuel Additives
The use of fuel additives, such as Craftsman Fuel
Stabilizer or an equivalent, will inhibit corrosion and
minimize the formation of gum deposits. Using a fuel
additive can keep fuel from forming harmful deposits in
the carburetor for up to six (6) months. Add 0.8 oz.
(23 ml.) of fuel additive per gallon of fuel to an approved
gas container according to the instructions on the
container. NEVER add fuel additives directly to the unit's
gas tank.
OIL AND FUEL INFORMATION
FUELING THE UNIT
NOTE: Fill or add fuel to the tank only when the
cultivator is in a horizontal position (Fig. 9).
1. Remove fuel cap. Remove the tag from the fuel tank
neck.
2. Place spout of gas container into the fill hole on the
fuel tank and fill tank.
NOTE: Do not overfill tank.
3. Wipe up any gasoline that may have spilled.
4. Reinstall the fuel cap.
5. Move the unit at least 30 ft. (9.1 m) from the fueling
source and site before starting the engine.
NOTE: Dispose of the old gasoline in accordance to
Federal, State and Local regulations.
10
STARTING/STOPPING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Check the oil level in the crankcase. Refer to
Checking the Oil Level.
2. Fill the fuel tank with fresh, clean unleaded gasoline.
Refer to Fueling the Unit.
3. Put the On/Off Stop Control in the ON [I] position
(Fig. 10).
4. Place the choke lever in Position 1 (Fig. 11).
5. Fully press and release the primer bulb 10 times,
slowly. Some amount of fuel should be visible in the
primer bulb and fuel lines (Fig. 11). If you can’t see
fuel in the bulb, press and release the bulb as many
times as it takes before you can see fuel in it.
6. Hold the throttle and handlebar with one hand and
grab the starter rope with your other hand. Use your
foot to hold down the cultivator (Fig. 12).
NOTE: Tilt the unit back slightly to bring the tines off the
ground when starting.
7. While squeezing the throttle control, pull the starter
rope with a smooth and steady pull. Repeat this 5
times.
NOTE: The unit uses the Incredi-Pull™ starting system ,
which significantly reduces the effort required to
start the engine. You must pull the starter rope out
far enough to hear the engine attempt to start.
There is no need to pull the rope briskly-- there is
no harsh resistance when pulling. Be aware that
this starting method is vastly different from (and
much easier than) what you may be used to.
8. Move the choke lever to Position 2.
9. While squeezing the throttle control, pull the starter
rope in the same manner as explained in Step 7. Pull
1 to 3 times to start the engine.
10. Keep the throttle squeezed and allow the engine to
warm up for 15 to 30 seconds.
11. Place the choke lever in Position 3. Release the
throttle control to the idle position and begin
operation.
IF
...
The engine does not start, repeat Steps 4 - 11.
IF... The engine fails to start after a few attempts, place
the choke lever in Position 3 and squeeze the
throttle control. Pull the starter rope 3 to 8 times.
The engine should start. If not, continue pulling
starter rope until the engine starts.
IF WARM... If the engine is already warm, make sure
the On/Off Stop control is in the ON position and
start the unit with the choke lever in Position 2. After
the unit starts, move the choke lever to Position 3.
STOPPING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Release your hand from the throttle control. Allow the
engine to cool down by idling.
2. Put the On/Off Stop Control in the OFF (O) position.
STARTING INSTRUCTIONS
Primer Bulb
Choke Lever
Fig. 12
Fig. 10
Throttle
Control
ON (I)
Fig. 11
Operate this unit only
in a well- ventilated
outdoor area. Carbon monoxide exhaust fumes
can be lethal in a confined area.
WARNING:
Avoid accidental
starting. Make sure
you are in the starting position when pulling
the starter rope (Fig. 12).
To avoid serious
injury, the operator and unit must be in a stable
position while starting.
WARNING:
OFF (O)
Position 3
Position 1
Position 2
Cultivator
Equipped With
Incredi-Pull
Starting
11
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
TRANSPORTING THE UNIT
1. Stop the engine.
2. Tilt the unit back until the tines clear the ground.
3. Push or pull the unit to the next location to be
cultivated.
Fig. 13
OPERATING TIPS
1. Move the cultivator to the work area prior to starting
the engine. Transport the cultivator by pushing or
pulling it along on its wheels.
2. Start the unit by following the Starting Instructions.
3. With the engine running and the tines off the ground,
depress the throttle control to increase the engine
speed.
4. While holding the upper handle with both hands,
slowly lower the cultivator until the tines make
contact with the ground (Fig. 13).
5. As cultivating action begins, tilt the cultivator up
slightly using the handle so that the tines can
penetrate the ground.
6. Once the ground has been broken, continue at a
moderate pace until you are familiar with the controls
and the handling of the cultivator.
7. If the tines are digging too deep or not deep enough,
adjust the wheel bracket as described in Adjusting
Tine Depth.
To prevent serious
personal injury, use
extreme caution when reversing
or pulling the unit towards you.
WARNING:
To prevent serious
personal injury,
never pick-up or carry the unit while the
engine is running.
WARNING:
To prevent serious
personal injury,
always stop the engine when operation is
delayed or when transporting the unit from
one location to another
WARNING:
Dress properly to
reduce the risk of
injury when operating this unit. Do not
wear loose clothing or jewelry. Wear eye
and ear/hearing protection. Wear heavy
long pants, boots and gloves. Do not wear
short pants, sandals or operate barefoot.
WARNING:
12
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
Click Pin
“A” Tine
Fig. 14
TINE REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT
All 4 tines should be replaced at the same time because
they will wear evenly through normal use. Work on one
side at a time.
1. Put the On/Off Stop Control in the STOP (O) position
and disconnect the spark plug wire.
NOTE: It may be necessary to lay the cultivator back in a
horizontal position on a flat level surface with the
upper handle touching the ground.
2. Remove the click pin from each end of the tine shaft.
Slide the tines off of the shaft (Fig. 14).
3. Clean and oil the shaft.
4. Slide on the new tines with the hubs facing out. The
four tines are marked with the letters “A” or “B.”
“B” Tine
Hubs
To prevent serious
personal injury,
always wear heavy gloves when handling
the tines.
WARNING:
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Perform these required maintenance procedures at the
frequency stated in the table. These procedures should
also be a part of any seasonal tune-up.
NOTE: Some maintenance procedures may require
special tools or skills. If you are unsure about
these procedures, take your unit to a Sears or
other qualified service dealer. Call 1-800-4-MYHOME® for more information.
NOTE: Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the
emission control devices and system may be
performed by a Sears or other qualified service
dealer. Call 1-800-4-MY-HOME® for more
information.
FREQUENCY MAINTENANCE REQUIRED REFER TO
Before starting engine
Fill fuel tank with fresh fuel
Check oil
Page 9
Page 13
Every 10 hours Clean and re-oil air filter Page 14
First change at 10 hours
Every 25 hours thereafter
Every 25 hours
Change oil
Change oil
Clean spark arrestor
Page 13
Page 13
Page 15
Every 25 hours Check spark plug condition and gap Page 15
To prevent serious
injury, never perform
maintenance or repairs with unit running.
Always service and repair a cool unit.
Disconnect the spark plug wire to ensure that
the unit cannot start.
WARNING:
5. Place one “A” tine and one “B” tine onto the shaft.
6. Secure the new tines to the shaft with click pins. It
may be necessary to wash the dirt off the tines and
shaft for ease of removal.
13
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
14
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
Cleaning the Air Filter
Clean and re-oil the air filter every 10 hours of operation.
It is an important item to maintain. Failure to maintain
your air filter properly can result in poor performance or
can cause permanent damage to your engine.
1. Open the air filter cover. Push the tab on the left side
of the cover in, swing the air filter cover out and off
the air filter housing (Fig. 19).
2. Remove the air filter and the screen that sits
behind it (Fig. 19).
3. Wash the filter in detergent and water (Fig. 20). Rinse
the filter thoroughly and allow it to dry.
4. Apply enough clean SAE 30 motor oil to lightly coat
the filter (Fig. 21).
Fig. 20
5. Squeeze the filter to spread and remove excess oil
(Fig. 21).
6. Replace the filter (Fig. 19).
NOTE: If the unit is operated without the air filter, you
will VOID the warranty.
7. Reinstall the air filter cover. Position the hooks on
the right side of the air filter cover into the slots at
the right side of the air filter housing.
8. Swing the cover to the left until the tab on the air
filter cover snaps into place in the slot on the left
side of the air filter housing (Fig. 18).
CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT
The idle speed of the engine is adjustable. An idle
adjustment screw is reached though a hole in the top of
the engine cover (Fig. 22).
NOTE: Careless adjustments can seriously damage your
unit. For carburetor adjustments, take your unit
to a Sears or other qualified service dealer.
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.
Clean Air Filter
The condition of the air filter is important to the operation
of the unit. A dirty air filter will restrict air flow. This is
often mistaken for an out of adjustment carburetor.
Check the condition of the air filter before adjusting the
idle speed screw. Refer to Air Filter Maintenance.
Air Filter
Air Filter
Screen
Hooks
Slot
Choke Lever
Air Filter Cover
Air Filter Housing
Tab
Tab
Fig. 19
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.
This unit needs to
run during idle
speed adjustment. Wear protective clothing
and observe all safety instructions to
prevent serious personal injury.
WARNING:
To avoid serious
personal injury,
always turn the unit off and allow it to cool
before you clean or service it.
WARNING:
Fig. 21
15
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
1
23
Idle Adjustment Screw
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.
Fig. 22
0.025 in.
(0.635 mm.)
REPLACING THE SPARK PLUG
Use a replacement Champion RDZ19H 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. Grasp the plug
wire firmly and pull the cap from the spark plug.
2. Clean dirt from around the spark plug. Remove the
spark plug from the cylinder head by turning it
counterclockwise with a 5/8” socket.
3. Replace cracked, fouled or dirty spark plug. Set the air
gap at 0.025 in. (0.635 mm.) using a feeler gauge (Fig. 23).
Fig. 23
4. 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.
Fig. 24
Muffler
Spark Arrestor Screen
Spark Arrestor Cover
Screw
Tab
Slot
SPARK ARRESTOR MAINTENANCE
1. Remove the muffler cover. See Rocker Arm Clearance.
2. With a flat blade screwdriver or Torx T-20 bit,
remove the screw attaching the spark arrestor cover
to the muffler (Fig. 24).
3. Pull the tab on the spark arrestor cover out of the
muffler. Remove the spark arrestor cover.
4. Remove the spark arrestor screen from the spark
arrestor cover.
5. Clean the spark arrestor screen with a wire brush or
replace it.
6. Reinstall the spark arrestor screen, spark arrestor
cover and screw.
Do not sand blast,
scrape or clean
electrodes. Grit in the engine could damage
the cylinder.
WARNING:
NOTE: Ensure the tines are not in contact with the
ground when adjusting the idle.
2. Release the throttle trigger and let the engine idle. If the
engine stops, insert a small phillips or flat blade
screwdriver into the hole in the air filter/muffler cover
(Fig. 22). 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 rotate when the engine idles, turn the idle
speed screw counterclockwise 1/8 of a turn at a time
(as needed), to reduce idle speed.
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