EarthQuake 14268 User Manual

Operator's Manual

GAS/OIL

RATIO

50:1

Original Operating Instructions

Viper® 212cc

4-Cycle Engine

For more information email

[e-mail]

Product #’s:

13434 - US (Shown)

14316 - CE

P/N: 13444
ECN: 10158

REV3: 08/27/13

© 2014 Ardisam, Inc.

All Rights Reserved

Operator's Manual

Viper® 212cc 4-Cycle Engine

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your investment in quality. Thank you for purchasing a Viper Engine. We have worked to ensure that your engine
meets the highest standards for usability and durability. With proper care, your engine will provide many years of service.

Please read this entire manual before installation and use. Viper reserves the right to change, alter or improve the product
and this document at any time without prior notice.

CONTENTS

Registration ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................2

Warnings and Safety Precautions ...........................................................................................................................................................................................3-6

Specications ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6

Features ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................7

Operation ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................8-11

Maintenance and Storage .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12-16

Troubleshooting and Repair ................................................................................................................................................................................................17-18

High Altitude Operation ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................19

Parts Breakdown .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................20

Warranty ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 21-23

FEDERAL EMISSION INFORMATION

Viper warrants to the retail purchaser, that this small, o-road engine was designed, built and equipped to conform at the time of
initial sale to all applicable regulations of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and those of the State of California (CARB).

REGISTRATION AND SERVICE

Record the product model number and serial number in the space provided for easy reference when ordering parts or requesting
technical support. Excluding emissions-related warranty items, the warranty is valid only if the completed registration is received by
Viper within 30 days of purchase. (SEE WARRANTY SECTION FOR MORE INFORMATION.) You can register your warranty online by
visiting www.ardisam.com, or by mailing it to: Ardisam, Inc., 1160 Eighth Avenue, Cumberland, WI 54829. If you prefer phone, call
our customer service department at [phone] Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST.

OWNERSHIP RECORDS

Owner’s Name:

Owner’s Address:

City: State/Province: Zip Code/Postal Code:
Model Number: Serial Number:
Date of Purchase:
Notes:

This manual may contain information for several models. Read and keep this manual for future reference. This manual contains
important information on SAFETY, ASSEMBLY, OPERATION, AND MAINTENANCE. The owner must be certain that all the product
information is included with the unit. This information includes the MANUAL, the REPLACEMENT PARTS and the WARRANTIES.
This information must be included to make sure state laws and other laws are followed. This manual should remain with the
engine even if it is resold.

2

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Operator’s Manual

Viper® 212cc 4-Cycle Engine

WARNINGS AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

OPERATOR’S RESPONSIBILITY

Accurate, safe and eective use of this engine is the operator’s
responsibility.

• Readandfollowallsafetyinstructions.

• Maintainthe engineaccording to directionsand schedule

included in this Viper operator’s manual.

• Ensurethatanyonewhousestheengineisfamiliarwithand

understands all controls and safety precautions.

SAFETY MESSAGES

Your manual contains special messages to bring attention to
potential safety concerns, engine damage as well as helpful op­erating and servicing information. Please read all the informa­tion carefully to avoid injury and engine damage.

NOTE: General information is given throughout the manual
that may help the operator in the operation or service of the
engine.

This symbol points out important safety instruc­tions which if not followed could endanger your
personal safety.

WARNING

WARNING INDICATES A HAZARD WHICH, IF NOT
AVOIDED, COULD RESULT IN DEATH OR SERIOUS IN
JURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

CAUTION

CAUTION INDICATES YOU CAN BE HURT OR YOUR
EQUIPMENT DAMAGED IF THE SAFETY INSTRUC
TIONS THAT FOLLOW THIS SIGNAL WORD ARE NOT
OBEYED.

IMPORTANT

INDICATES HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR PROPER AS
SEMBLY, OPERATION, OR MAINTENANCE OF YOUR
EQUIPMENT.

WARNING

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING

BEFORE OPERATING ENGINE:

WARNING

READ ENTIRE OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THIS PRODUCT AND THE
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EQUIPMENT THIS ENGINE
POWERS. FAILURE TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS COULD
RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. OPERATE THE
ENGINE ACCORDING TO THE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
OUTLINED HERE AND INSERTED THROUGHOUT THE
TEXT. ANYONE WHO USES THIS ENGINE MUST READ
THE INSTRUCTIONS AND BE FAMILIAR WITH THE
CONTROLS.

ENGINE EXHAUST FROM THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS
CHEMICALS KNOWN TO THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
TO CAUSE CANCER, BIRTH DEFECTS, OR OTHER RE
PRODUCTIVE HARM.

WARNING

CERTAIN COMPONENTS IN THIS PRODUCT AND ITS RE
LATED ACCESSORIES CONTAIN CHEMICALS KNOWN
TO THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA CAUSE CANCER, BIRTH
DEFECTS, OR OTHER REPRODUCTIVE HARM. WASH
HANDS AFTER HANDLING.

WARNING

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ALL SAFETY AND OPERAT
ING INSTRUCTIONS CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF ENGINE
CONTROL, SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY TO YOU AND/
OR BYSTANDERS, AND RISK OF EQUIPMENT AND
PROPERTY DAMAGE.

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3

ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

• Never try to ventilate engine exhaust indoors. Carbon
monoxide can reach dangerous levels very quickly.

• Never run engine outdoors where exhaust fumes may be
pulled into a building.

• Never run engine outdoors in a poorly ventilated area where
the exhaust fumes may be trapped and not easily taken
away. (Examples include: in a large hole or areas where hills
surround your working area.)

• Never run engine in an enclosed or partially enclosed area.
(Examples include: buildings that are enclosed on one or
more sides, under tents, car ports or basements.)

• Always run the engine with the exhaust and muer pointed
in the direction away from the operator.

• Never point the exhaust muer towards anyone. People
should always be many feet away from the operation of the
engine and its attachments.

• Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed
the engine.

• Stay away from rotating parts. Place protective covers over
rotating parts.

• Do not use engine around dry brush, cloth rags, or other
ammable materials.

• Always keep materials and debris clear of muer guard
and other hot engine parts.

• Never operate the engine without the muer guard in
place.

• Always make sure the exhaust pipe is free of foreign ob­jects.

• The engine exhaust becomes very hot during operation.
Keep engine at least three feet away from buildings and
other equipment during operation.

• Wear appropriate clothing such as a long-sleeved shirt or
jacket. Also wear long trousers or slacks. Do not wear shorts.
Never wear sandals, sneakers, or open shoes, and never
operate the machine with bare feet.

• Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. They can get caught in
moving parts. Always keep hands, feet, hair and loose clothing
away from any moving parts on engine and machine.

Gasoline Fires and Handling Fuel Safely

Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are
ammable and vapors are explosive.

• When storing extra fuel be sure that it is in an appropriate
container and away from any re hazards.

Operator's Manual

Viper® 212cc 4-Cycle Engine

WARNING

ENGINES GIVE OFF CARBON MONOXIDE, AN ODOR
LESS, COLORLESS, POISONOUS GAS. CARBON MON
OXIDE MAY BE PRESENT EVEN IF YOU DO NOT SMELL
OR SEE ANY ENGINE EXHAUST. BREATHING CAR
BON MONOXIDE CAN CAUSE NAUSEA, FAINTING OR
DEATH, IN ADDITION TO DROWSINESS, DIZZINESS
AND CONFUSION.

IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS, SEEK
FRESH AIR AND MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY.

START AND RUN ENGINE OUTDOORS. DO NOT START
OR RUN ENGINE IN ENCLOSED AREA, EVEN IF DOORS
OR WINDOWS ARE OPEN.

CAUTION

HOT GASES ARE A NORMAL BYPRODUCT OF A FUNC
TIONING CATALYTIC CONVERTER. FOLLOW ALL SAFE
TY INSTRUCTIONS TO PREVENT BURNS AND FIRES.

DO NOT ALTER/MODIFY ENGINE:

NEVER ALTER OR MODIFY THE ENGINE FROM THE
FACTORY. SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH MAY OCCUR IF
ENGINE IS MODIFIED OR ALTERED.

WHEN WORKING ON OR REPLACING PARTS FOR THE
ENGINE OR PRODUCT, YOU MUST ALWAYS DISCON
NECT SPARK PLUG WIRE FROM THE SPARK PLUG AND
KEEP IT AWAY FROM THE SPARK PLUG.

• Prevent re and explosion caused by static electric discharge.
Use only nonmetal, portable fuel containers approved by the
Underwriter’s Laboratory (U.L.) or the American Society for
Testing & Materials (ASTM).

• Always ll fuel tank outside in a well ventilated area. Never
fill your fuel tank with fuel indoors. (Examples include:
basement, garage, barn, shed, house, porch, etc.) Never
ll tank near appliances with pilot lights, heaters, or other
ignition sources. If the fuel has to be drained, this should be
done outdoors and with the proper equipment. Do not pour
fuel from fuel tank. The drained fuel should be stored in a
container specically designed for fuel storage or it should
be disposed of carefully.

• Never remove the fuel cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Stop engine and allow to cool before removing the
fuel cap/and or relling the engine.

• Do not smoke near or while handling engine fuel.

• Never drain fuel from engine in an enclosed area.

4

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Operator’s Manual

Viper® 212cc 4-Cycle Engine

• Always wipe up excess (spilled) fuel from engine before
starting. Clean up spilled fuel immediately. If fuel is spilled,
do not start the engine but move product and fuel container
from area. Clean up spilled fuel and allow to evaporate and
dry after wiping and before starting.

• Allow fuel fumes/vapors to escape from the area before
starting engine.

• Test the fuel cap for proper installation before starting and
using engine.

• Always run the engine with fuel cap properly installed on
the engine.

• Never smoke while relling engine fuel tank.

• Do not store engine with fuel in fuel tank indoors. Fuel and

fuel vapors are highly explosive.

• During storage, tightly screw down fuel cap.

• Never pour fuel from engine fuel tank.

• Never siphon fuel by mouth to drain fuel tank.

• Always have an adult fill the fuel tank and never allow

children to ll the engine.

• Never allow an adult or anyone under the inuence of drugs
or alcohol to ll engine.

• When storing gasoline or equipment with fuel in the tank,
store away from furnaces, stoves, water heaters or other
appliances that have a pilot light or other ignition source
because they can ignite gasoline vapors.

BURNS AND FIRES

The muer, muer guard and other parts of the engine be­come extremely hot during the operation of the engine. These
parts remain extremely hot after the engine has stopped.

Prevention of Burns and Fires

• Neverremovethemuerguardfromtheengine.

SERVICE

• Always stop the engine whenever you leave the equipment,
before cleaning, repairing or inspecting the unit. Engine
should be turned o and cool, spark plug wire must be
removed from spark plug before any repairs or adjustments
are attempted. Never make adjustments or repairs with the
engine (motor) running. Disconnect the spark plug wire,
and keep the wire away from the plug to prevent accidental
starting.

• Always wear eye protection when you make adjustments or
repairs.

• Keep all nuts and bolts tight and keep equipment in good
condition.

• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.

• When servicing or repairing the engine, do not tip the engine
over or up unless specically instructed to do so in this manual.
Service and repair procedures can be done with the engine
in an upright position. Some procedures will be easier if the
engine is lifted on a raised platform or working surface.

• To reduce re hazard, keep engine free of grass, leaves, or
other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage. Allow
engine to cool before storing.

• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object.
Repair, if necessary, before restarting.

• Clean and replace safety and instruction decals as necessary.

• To guard against engine over-heating, always have engine

debris lter mounted and clean.

• Inspect engine before storage. When not in use, disconnect
spark plug lead and store indoors in a dry place locked or
otherwise inaccessible to children.

• Use only original equipment parts from Viper, including all
nuts and bolts.

• Nevertouchthemuer guard because it isextremelyhot

and will cause severe burns.

• Nevertouch partsof theengine that become hotafter

operation.

• Alwayskeepmaterialsand debrisawayfrommuerguard

and other hot parts of the engine to avoid res.

• Thisengineisdesignedtooperateusingacatalyticconverter

which contributes to the engine’s compliance with the EPA.

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5

Operator's Manual

Viper® 212cc 4-Cycle Engine

SAFETY SYMBOLS

The following symbols may be used on your engine to alert you to potential hazards or to give you guidance in operating your
engine. Look over them and understand their meanings before operating your engine.

Safety or Hazard Symbols

Fire hazards

Wear eye protection

Shock hazard

Hot surfaces

Toxic fumes

Moving parts

Hot! Do not touch!

Read manual

Operational Control Symbols

before operation

SPECIFICATIONS

Displacement / Cycle 212 cc / 4-Cycle

Ignition Type Electronic ignition

Cooling System Forced air cooling

Idling Carburetor Adjust 1900 +/- 100 RPM

Valve Clearance Cold engine-Intake: 0.05 +/- 0.1 mm; Exhaust: 0.05 +/- 0.1 mm

Maximum Torque 8.85 ft-lb @ 2500 RPM

Bore and Stroke 70 x 55 mm

Spark Plug Type For US product with engine 13434 use F6TC, NGK: BP6ES

For European product with engine 14316 use F6RTC, NGK: BPR6ES

Fuel Type Minimum 87 octane gasoline with NO ethanol content

NOTE: If using an ethanol blended fuel, a fuel stabilizer, mixed to
manufacturer specications, is recommended

Fuel Tank Capacity 0.74 gallon (2.8 liters)

Drive Shaft Type Horizontal, 1” straight, (1/4”) keyed shaft with ball bearings. Direction:

counterclockwise (facing shaft); Length: 3-1/5”; Central thread: 3/8”-24UNF

Start Type Recoil

Maximum RPM 3800 RPM

Oil Capacity and Type ~0.53 qt / 16.9 oz (0.5 liters); SAE 15W40 (in freezing weather use 5W30)

Dry Weight 37.5 lb (17 kg)

Overall Dimensions 15.4” x 12.6” x 13.6” (390mm x 320mm x 345mm)

Slow

Fast

Fuel

Oil

Choke

On/O

Fuel Shuto

6

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FEATURES

Operator’s Manual

Viper® 212cc 4-Cycle Engine

WARNING

DO NOT REFUEL WHILE SMOKING, NEAR OPEN FLAME,
OR OTHER POTENTIAL HAZARDS.

FUEL IS HIGHLY FLAMMABLE AND MUST BE HANDLED
WITH CARE. NEVER FILL THE TANK WHEN THE ENGINE
IS HOT OR RUNNING. ALWAYS MOVE OUTDOORS TO

IMPORTANT

ENGINE IS SHIPPED FROM FACTORY WITHOUT OIL.
YOU MUST ADD ENGINE OIL BEFORE STARTING EN
GINE. IF ENGINE IS STARTED WITHOUT OIL, ENGINE
MAY BE DAMAGED BEYOND REPAIR AND WILL NOT BE
COVERED BY WARRANTY.

FILL THE TANK.

This is a 4-cycle air cooled engine. The 212cc engine utilizes a horizontal shaft and an oil slinger lubricated system.

muer

choke

fuel cap

exhaust

outlet

spark plug

throttle

start
handle

fuel tank

carburetor

air cleaner

fuel cup

fuel shut-o

switch

recoil

On/O switch

engine serial

number

oil drain

plug

PTO shaft

oil ll

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7

Operator's Manual

Viper® 212cc 4-Cycle Engine

OPERATION

PREOPERATION INSPECTION

1. Check that engine is lled with the proper amount and type
of oil. For the most appropriate type of oil to use, see chart
below.

2. Check that the engine has the appropriate amount of fuel.

3. Examine underneath and around engine for signs of oil or
fuel leaks.

4. Inspect fuel hoses and connections for tightness and fuel
seepage.

5. Look for signs of engine damage.

6. Check that all guards and shields are in place, and all screws,
nuts and bolts are tightened.

7. Eliminate excessive debris around muer and recoil starter.

8. Be sure air lter and cylinder ns are clean and free of debris.

9. Check the equipment powered by this engine. Review the
operator’s manual provide with the equipment powered
by this engine for any safety and warning precautions and/
or procedures that should be followed before starting this
engine.

CHECKING AND FILLING THE FUEL TANK

Be sure the engine is located on a level surface before checking
or refilling fuel. Use unleaded regular, unleaded premium
automotive fuels only. Low/no ethanol blends recommended.
Fuel may contain up to 10% ethanol. DO NOT mix oil with fuel.

WARNING

IMPROPERLY MAINTAINING THIS ENGINE, OR FAIL
URE TO CORRECT A PROBLEM BEFORE OPERATION,
CAN CAUSE A MALFUNCTION IN WHICH YOU CAN BE
SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED. ALWAYS PERFORM A
PREOPERATION INSPECTION BEFORE EACH OPERA
TION AND CORRECT ANY PROBLEM.

WARNING

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO START ENGINE IN THE FOLLOW
ING WAYS:

• DONOTUSESTARTINGFLUID.

• DONOTSPRAYFLAMMABLELIQUIDSORVAPORS

INTO AIR CLEANER, CARBURETOR OR SPARK PLUG
CHAMBER.

• DO NOT REMOVE SPARK PLUG AND PULL ON

STARTER ROPE. FLAMMABLE FUEL CAN SPRAY OUT
AND IGNITE FROM A SPARK FROM SPARK PLUG.

DO NOT REFUEL WHILE SMOKING, NEAR OPEN FLAME,
OR OTHER POTENTIAL HAZARDS.

FUEL IS HIGHLY FLAMMABLE AND MUST BE HANDLED
WITH CARE. NEVER FILL THE TANK WHEN THE ENGINE
IS HOT OR RUNNING. ALWAYS MOVE OUTDOORS TO
FILL TANK.

1. Make sure engine is cool and not running while lling.

2. Remove fuel cap.

3. Fill tank to fuel level limit. SEE FIGURE 1

Note: Do not overll.

3. Replace cap and remove any spilled fuel before operating.

8

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fuel level limit

FIGURE 1