7
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
Cleaning the Air Filter
Clean and re-oil the air filter every 25 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 locking tab on the top of the cover inward, then pull the air filter
cover out and down. (Fig. 16).
2. Remove the air filter (Fig. 17).
3. Wash the filter in detergent and water (Fig. 18). Rinse the filter thoroughly and allow it to dry.
4. Apply enough clean SAE 30 motor oil to lightly coat the filter (Fig. 19).
5. Squeeze the filter to spread and remove excess oil (Fig. 20).
6. Replace the filter (Fig. 17).
NOTE: If the unit is operated without the air filter, you will VOID the warranty.
7. Reinstall the air filter cover. Position the slots on the bottom of the air filter cover onto the tabs at
the bottom of the back plate (Figs. 17).
8. Swing the cover up until the tab on the air filter backplate snaps into place in the slot on the air filter
cover (Fig. 21).
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. 22).
NOTE: Careless adjustments can seriously damage your unit. An
authorized service dealer should make carburetor
adjustments.
Check Fuel
Old and/or improperly mixed fuel is usually the reason for improper
unit performance. Drain and refill the tank with fresh, properly-mixed
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.
FREQUENCY MAINTENANCE REQUIRED SEE
Before using Fill fuel tank with fresh fuel* p 6
Every 25 hrs
Clean and re-oil air filter
Check spark plug condition and gap
p 7
p 7
Every 125 hrs Clean spark arrestor p 7
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 Cub Cadet or other qualified service dealer.
NOTE: Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emission control devices and system may be
performed by a Cub Cadet or other qualified service dealer.
In order to assure peak performance of your engine, inspection of the engine exhaust port may be
necessary after 125 hours of operation. If you notice lost RPM, poor performance or general lack of
acceleration, this service may be required. If you feel your engine is in need of this inspection, refer service
to a Cub Cadet or other qualified service dealer for repair. DO NOT attempt to perform this process
yourself as engine damage may result from contaminants involved in the cleaning process for the port.
WARNING:
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. See Replacing the Spark Plug.
Fig. 17
Air Filter
Back
Plate
Tab s
Locking Tab
Fig. 16
Locking Tab
Air Filter
Cover
Fig. 18
Fig. 19
Fig. 21
Locking Tab
Air Filter
Cover
Fig. 20
Fig. 22
Idle Adjustment
Screw
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. 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. 22). 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 mixture, 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.
REPLACING THE SPARK PLUG
Use a Champion #RDZ4H or a replacement part number 75305784 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.
2. Grasp the plug wire firmly and pull the cap from the spark plug.
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. 23).
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.
SPARK ARRESTOR MAINTENANCE
Inspect the spark arrestor after every 125 hours of operation.
1. Stop the engine and allow it to cool. Remove the four (4)
screws on the back of the engine cover with a flat-head
screwdriver or T-25 Torx bit (Fig. 24).
2. With a
Phillips
screwdriver, remove the screws attaching the
spark arrestor cover to the muffler (Fig. 25).
3. Remove the spark arrestor cover.
4. Remove the spark arrestor screen from the spark arrestor
cover (Fig. 25).
5. Clean the spark arrestor screen with a wire brush or replace it.
6. Reinstall the spark arrestor screen, spark arrestor cover and screws.
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
If you plan on storing the unit for an extended time, use the following storage procedure:
1. Drain all fuel from the fuel tank into a container with the same 2-cycle fuel mixture. Do not use fuel
that has been stored for more than 60 days. Dispose of the old fuel/oil mix in accordance to Federal,
State and Local regulations.
2. Start the engine and allow it to run until it stalls. This ensures that all fuel has been drained from the
carburetor.
3. Allow the engine to cool. Remove the spark plug and put 1 oz. (30 ml) of any high quality motor oil
or 2-cycle 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
trimmer after storage.
4. Thoroughly clean the unit and inspect it for any loose or damaged parts. Repair or replace damaged
parts and tighten loose screws, nuts or bolts. The unit is ready for storage.
TRANSPORTING
• Allow the engine to cool before transporting
• Drain fuel from unit
• Tighten fuel cap before transporting
• Secure the unit while transporting
Fig. 24
T- 25
Screws
T- 25
Screws
Fig. 23
0.025 in.
(0.635 mm)
WARNING:
Do not sand blast, scrape or
clean electrodes. Grit in the engine could
damage the cylinder.
*
DO NOT use E85 fuel in this unit. It has been proven that fuel containing greater than
15% ethanol will likely damage this engine and void the warranty.
Fig. 25
Muffler
Spark Arrestor
Screen
Spark Arrestor
Cover
Philips Head
Screws
WARNING:
To avoid serious personal injury,
always turn your unit off and allow it to cool
before you clean or service it.