1-1
SECTION 1: GENERAL INFORMATION
SECTION CONTENTS
PAGE
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ........................................... 1-1
FUEL AND OIL RECOMMENDATIONS.............................. 1-1
Gasoline .................................................................. 1-1
Lubrication ................................................................ 1-1
Recommended Oil Type.............................................. 1-1
Change Oil ................................................................ 1-2
Change Oil Filter........................................................ 1-2
Cleaning Intake Screen .............................................. 1-2
Replace Spark Plugs .................................................. 1-3
Air Cleaner Maintenance .......................................... 1-3
Service Dual Element Air Cleaners .............................. 1-3
Service Canister Air Cleaners...................................... 1-3
TROUBLESHOOTING ..................................................... 1-3
Systematic Check ...................................................... 1-4
Check Ignition .......................................................... 1-4
Check Ignition (Engine Running) ................................ 1-4
Check Ignition (Fouled Plug or Other Causes) ............ 1-4
Cylinder Balance Test ................................................ 1-4
Check Fuel ................................................................ 1-5
Check Compression....................................................1-5
Cylinder Leakdown Test ............................................ 1-5
Things Which Affect Both Cylinders .......................... 1-5
Things Which Affect One Cylinder ............................ 1-5
EQUIPMENT AFFECTING ENGINE OPERATION ................ 1-6
Hard Starting or Will Not Start .................................. 1-6
Engine Won’t Stop .................................................... 1-6
Vibration.................................................................... 1-6
Power Loss ................................................................ 1-6
Noise ........................................................................ 1-6
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Every Every Every Every
8 Hours 25 Hours 50 Hours 100 Hours
or Daily Season Season Season
Check Oil Level •
Change Oil Note 1
Change Oil Filter Note 1
Foam Filter
Service Air Filter Pre-Filter (Note 2)
if equipped
Replace or Clean •
Spark Plug
Clean Spark •
Arrestor Screen
Adjust Valve Note 4
Clearance
Retorque Head Bolts Note 3
NOTE 1:
Change oil and filter after first 8 hours of operation and then
every 100 hours thereafter. Change sooner when operating under a heavy
load or in a dusty or dirty environment or in high ambient temperature.
NOTE 2:
Clean more often when operating in dirty or dusty conditions.
Replace canister style filter every 500 hours.
NOTE 3:
Perform this task ONLY after first 50 hours of operation. Head
bolts will NOT need further retorquing.
NOTE 4:
Check valve lash and adjust if necessary after first 50 hours of
operation and every 100 hours thereafter.
FUEL AND OIL RECOMMENDATIONS
GASOLINE:
We recommend the use of clean, fresh lead-free gasoline. A minimum of 85 octane is recommended. The use of lead-free gasoline
results in fewer combustion deposits and longer valve life.
NOTE: Using a fuel additive such as STA-BIL® fuel stabilizer, or an equivalent, will prevent gum deposits from
forming in the engine’s fuel system.
NOTE: Some fuels, called oxygenated or reformulated
gasolines, are gasolines blended with alcohols or ethers.
Excessive amounts of these blends can damage the fuel
system or cause performance problems. Do not use gasoline which contains Methanol. If any undesirable
operating symptoms occur, use gasoline with a lower percentage of alcohol or ether.
It is also recommended that gasoline be purchased in small
quantities, not more than a 30 day supply. FRESH gasoline minimizes gum deposits, and also will ensure fuel volatility tailored
for the season in which the engine will be operated.
LUBRICATION:
Oil has four purposes. It cools, cleans, seals and lubricates.
During normal operation, small particles of metal from the cylinder walls, pistons, bearings and combustion deposits will
gradually contaminate the oil. Dust particles from the air also
contaminate the oil forming an abrasive mixture which can
cause wear to all of the internal moving parts of the engine,
if the oil is not changed regularly. Fresh oil also assists in cooling. Old oil gradually becomes thick and loses its cooling ability
as well as its lubricating qualities.
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 (see Figures 1-1, 1-2 & 1-3). Failure to use the
correct oil, or using dirty oil, can cause premature engine wear
and failure.
Use only high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SF, SG or SH. The recommended oil weights include
the following: