Harbor Freight Tools 212cc User Manual

Table of Contents

Specifications ............................................. 2

Safety ......................................................... 3

Setup .......................................................... 6

SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP

Operation .................................................... 8

Specifications

Displacement 212cc

Engine Type

Cooling System Forced air cooled

Fuel

Engine Oil

Run Time @ 50% Load
with full tank

Sound Level at 22 feet 104 dB
Bore x Stroke 70 mm x 55 mm
Compression Ratio 8.5:1
Rotation viewed from PTO

(power takeoff - the output shaft)

Maintenance .............................................. 12

Troubleshooting ......................................... 16

Warranties ................................................. 18

Parts Lists and Diagrams .......................... 20

Horizontal Single Cylinder
4 stroke OHV

69727: Meets EPA phase III and
CARB emissions standards

69730: Meets EPA phase III
emissions standards

Type 87+ octane unleaded gasoline
Capacity 0.9 Gallon (3.6 Liter)

Type SAE

Capacity 0.5 Quart

Shaft 3/4″ x 2.43″

10W-30 above 32° F
5W-30 at 32° F or below

3 hr.

Counterclockwise

Shaft

Spark Plug

Valve Clearance

Speed Idle 1,800 ±50 RPM

Page 2 For technical questions, please call 1-800-520-0882.

Keyway 3/16″ (4.76 mm)

End Tapped 5/16″ - 24 UNF

Type

Gap 0.7 - 0.8 mm

Intake 0.10 - 0.15 mm
Exhaust 0.15 - 0.20 mm

NGK® BP-6ES
NHSP® / Torch® F6TC

ITEM 69727 / 69730

WARNING SYMBOLS AND DEFINITIONS

This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential personal injury hazards.

Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,

will result in death or serious injury.

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,

could result in death or serious injury.

Symbol Definitions

Symbol Property or Statement

RPM

HP

Revolutions Per Minute

Horsepower

WARNING marking concerning
Risk of Eye Injury. Wear ANSI-approved
safety goggles with side shields.

Read the manual before set-up and/or use.

WARNING marking concerning
Risk of Hearing Loss.
Wear hearing protection.

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,

could result in minor or moderate injury.

Addresses practices not related to personal injury.

Symbol Property or Statement

WARNING marking concerning
Risk of Respiratory Injury.

Operate engine OUTSIDE and far away

from windows, doors, and vents.
WARNING marking concerning

Risk of Fire while handling fuel.
Do not smoke while handling fuel.

WARNING marking concerning
Risk of Fire.
Do not refuel while operating.
Keep flammable objects away from engine.

SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP

Safety Warnings

WARNING! Read all instructions.
Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in fire, serious injury and/or DEATH.

The warnings and precautions discussed in this manual cannot cover all possible conditions and
situations that may occur. It must be understood by the operator that common sense and caution
are factors which cannot be built into this product, but must be supplied by the operator.

ITEM 69727 / 69730

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Page 3For technical questions, please call 1-800-520-0882.

Set up Precautions

1. Gasoline fuel and fumes are flammable, and

potentially explosive. Use proper fuel storage

and handling procedures. Do not store fuel

SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP

or other flammable materials nearby.

2. Have multiple ABC class fire extinguishers nearby.

3. Operation of this equipment may create sparks
that can start fires around dry vegetation. A spark
arrestor may be required. The operator should
contact local fire agencies for laws or regulations
relating to fire prevention requirements.

Operating Precautions

1. CARBON MONOXIDE HAZARD

Using an engine indoors CAN KILL
YOU IN MINUTES.

Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide. This is a poison
you cannot see or smell.

NEVER use inside a home or garage,
EVEN IF doors and windows are open.

Only use OUTSIDE and far away from windows,

doors, and vents.

2. Keep children away from the equipment,
especially while it is operating.

3. Keep all spectators at least six feet
from the Engine during operation.

4. Fire Hazard! Do not fill gas tank while engine is
running. Do not operate if gasoline has been spilled.
Clean spilled gasoline before starting engine.
Do not operate near pilot light or open flame.

5. Do not touch engine during use.
Let engine cool down after use.

6. Never store fuel or other flammable
materials near the engine.

7. Only use a suitable means of transport and
lifting devices with sufficient weight bearing
capacity when transporting the Engine.

8. Secure the Engine on transport vehicles to
prevent the tool from rolling, slipping, and tilting.

9. Industrial applications must follow
OSHA requirements.

4. Set up and use only on a flat, level,
well-ventilated surface.

5. Wear ANSI-approved safety goggles, heavy-duty
work gloves, and dust mask/respirator during set up.

6. Use only lubricants and fuel recommended
in the Specifications chart of this manual.

10. Do not leave the equipment unattended when it is
running. Turn off the equipment (and remove safety
keys, if available) before leaving the work area.

11. Engine can produce high noise levels.
Prolonged exposure to noise levels
above 85 dBA is hazardous to hearing.
Always wear ear protection when operating or
working around the gas engine while it is operating.

12. Wear ANSI-approved safety glasses,
hearing protection, and NIOSH-approved
dust mask/respirator under a full face shield
along with steel-toed work boots during use.

13. People with pacemakers should consult their
physician(s) before use. Electromagnetic fields in
close proximity to a heart pacemaker could cause
pacemaker interference or pacemaker failure.
Caution is necessary when near the
engine’s magneto or recoil starter.

14. Use only accessories that are recommended
by Harbor Freight Tools for your model.
Accessories that may be suitable for one
piece of equipment may become hazardous
when used on another piece of equipment.

15. Do not operate in explosive atmospheres,
such as in the presence of flammable
liquids, gases, or dust. Gasoline-powered
engines may ignite the dust or fumes.

16. Stay alert, watch what you are doing and
use common sense when operating this
piece of equipment. Do not use this piece of
equipment while tired or under the influence
of drugs, alcohol or medication.

17. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and
balance at all times. This enables better control
of the equipment in unexpected situations.

18. Use this equipment with both hands

only. Using equipment with only one hand

can easily result in loss of control.

19. Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or
jewelry. Keep hair, clothing and gloves away
from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry or
long hair can be caught in moving parts.

Page 4 For technical questions, please call 1-800-520-0882.

ITEM 69727 / 69730

Operating Precautions (cont.)

20. Parts, especially exhaust system components,
get very hot during use. Stay clear of hot parts.

21. Do not cover the engine or
equipment during operation.

22. Keep the equipment, engine, and
surrounding area clean at all times.

23. Use the equipment, accessories, etc., in accordance
with these instructions and in the manner intended for
the particular type of equipment, taking into account
the working conditions and the work to be performed.

Use of the equipment for operations different from

those intended could result in a hazardous situation.

24. Do not operate the equipment with known
leaks in the engine’s fuel system.

25. This product contains or, when used, produces a
chemical known to the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
(California Health & Safety Code § 25249.5, et seq.)

Service Precautions

1. Before service, maintenance, or cleaning:

a. Turn the engine switch to its “OFF” position.

b. Allow the engine to completely cool.

c. Then, remove the spark plug

cap from the spark plug.

2. Keep all safety guards in place and in
proper working order. Safety guards include
muffler, air cleaner, mechanical guards,
and heat shields, among other guards.

3. Do not alter or adjust any part of the

equipment or its engine that is sealed by the
manufacturer or distributor. Only a qualified
service technician may adjust parts that may
increase or decrease governed engine speed.

4. Wear ANSI-approved safety goggles, heavy-duty
work gloves, and dust mask/respirator during service.

5. Maintain labels and nameplates on the equipment.
These carry important information.
If unreadable or missing, contact
Harbor Freight Tools for a replacement.

6. Have the equipment serviced by a qualified repair
person using only identical replacement parts.
This will ensure that the safety of the equipment
is maintained. Do not attempt any service or
maintenance procedures not explained in this
manual or any procedures that you are uncertain
about your ability to perform safely or correctly.

7. Store equipment out of the reach of children.

26. When spills of fuel or oil occur, they must be
cleaned up immediately. Dispose of fluids and
cleaning materials as per any local, state, or
federal codes and regulations. Store oil rags in
a bottom-ventilated, covered, metal container.

27. Keep hands and feet away from moving parts. Do
not reach over or across equipment while operating.

28. Before use, check for misalignment or binding of
moving parts, breakage of parts, and any other
condition that may affect the equipment’s operation.

If damaged, have the equipment serviced
before using. Many accidents are caused

by poorly maintained equipment.

29. Use the correct equipment for the application.
Do not modify the equipment and do not use the
equipment for a purpose for which it is not intended.

8. Follow scheduled engine and
equipment maintenance.

Refueling:

1. Do not smoke, or allow sparks, flames,
or other sources of ignition around the
equipment, especially when refuelling.

2. Do not refill the fuel tank while the
engine is running or hot.

3. TO PREVENT FUEL LEAKAGE AND

FIRE HAZARD, do not fill fuel above
the bottom of fuel strainer.

Max Fuel
DO NOT OVERFILL!

4. Do not fill fuel tank to the top. Leave a little
room for the fuel to expand as needed.

5. Refuel in a well-ventilated area only.

6. Wipe up any spilled fuel and allow excess
to evaporate before starting engine.

To prevent FIRE, do not start the engine
while the smell of fuel hangs in the air.

SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP

ITEM 69727 / 69730

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

Page 5For technical questions, please call 1-800-520-0882.

Set Up

Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION section at the beginning of this manual
including all text under subheadings therein before set up or use of this product.

SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP

TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY:
Operate only with proper spark arrestor installed.

Operation of this equipment may create sparks that
can start fires around dry vegetation.
A spark arrestor may be required.
The operator should contact local fire
agencies for laws or regulations relating
to fire prevention requirements.

WARNING! DO NOT INSTALL THIS ENGINE ON A VEHICLE.
NOT FOR HIGHWAY USE. FOLLOW ALL APPLICABLE LAWS FOR INSTALLATION AND USE.

For item 69727: The emission control system

for this Engine is warranted for standards set
by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
and by the California Air Resources Board
(also known as CARB). For warranty information,
refer to the last pages of this manual.

For item 69730: The emission control system for
this Engine is warranted for standards set by the

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. For warranty

information, refer to the last pages of this manual.

Engine Controls

Air Filter

Oil Drain Plug

Fuel Cap

Starter
Handle

Muffler

Throttle

Choke

Fuel Valve

Engine
Switch

Page 6 For technical questions, please call 1-800-520-0882.

Dipstick

ITEM 69727 / 69730

High Altitude Operation Above 3000 feet

At high altitudes, the engine’s carburetor, governor (if so equipped), and any other parts that control
the fuel-air ratio will need to be adjusted by a qualified mechanic to allow efficient high-altitude
use and to prevent damage to the engine and any other devices used with this product.

The fuel system on this engine may be influenced by operation at higher altitudes.
Proper operation can be ensured by installing an altitude kit at altitudes higher than 3000 ft. above sea level.
At elevations above 8000 ft, the engine may experience decreased performance, even with the proper main jet.
Operating this engine without the proper altitude kit installed may increase the engine’s emissions and
decrease fuel economy and performance. The kit should be installed by a qualified mechanic.

WARNING! TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM FIRE:

Follow kit procedures in a well-ventilated area away from ignition sources.
If the engine is hot from use, shut the engine off and wait for it to cool before proceeding. Do not smoke.

NOTICE Warranty void if necessary adjustments are not made for high altitude use.

High Altitude Kit Installation Instructions

SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP

1. Turn off the engine.

2. Close the fuel valve.

3. Place a bowl under the fuel cup to catch any spilled fuel.

4. Unthread the bolt holding the fuel cup.

CAUTION! Carburetor bowl may have gas in it
which will leak upon removing the bolt.

5. Remove the bolt, bolt seal, fuel cup, fuel cup seal and main jet
from the body of the carburetor assembly. A carburetor screwdriver
(not included) is needed to remove and install the Main Jet.

Note: The mixing tube is held in place by the main jet and
might fall out when it is removed. If it falls out, replace it in
the same orientation before replacing the main jet.

6. Replace the main jet with the replacement jet
needed for your altitude range (part 1 or 2).

Note: The Fuel cup seal and bolt seal may be damaged during
removal and should be replaced with the new ones from the kit.

7. Replace the Fuel Cup Seal
(4), fuel cup, Bolt Seal (3) and bolt. Tighten in place.

CAUTION: Do not cross thread Bolt when tightening. Finger tighten first and
then use a wrench to make sure the Bolt is properly threaded.

8. Wipe up any spilled fuel and allow excess to evaporate before starting engine.
To prevent FIRE, do not start the engine while the smell of fuel hangs in the air.

Carburetor
Assembly

Fuel Cup Seal

Mixing Tube

(might remain
inside carburetor)

Main Jet

Fuel Cup

Bolt Seal

Bolt

Altitude Kit Parts List

ITEM 69727 / 69730

Part Description Qty

1 Main Jet 3000-6000 ft. 1

2 Main Jet 6000-8000 ft. 1

3 Bolt Seal 1

4 Fuel Cup Seal 1

Page 7For technical questions, please call 1-800-520-0882.

Operation

Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION section at the beginning of this manual
including all text under subheadings therein before set up or use of this product.

SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP

Pre-Start Checks

Inspect engine and equipment looking for damaged, loose, and missing parts before set up
and starting. If any problems are found, do not use equipment until fixed properly.

Checking and Filling Engine Oil

NOTICE: Your Warranty is VOID if the engine’s
crankcase is not properly filled with oil before
each use. Before each use, check the oil level.
Do not run the engine with low or no engine oil.
Running the engine with no or low engine oil
WILL permanently damage the engine.

1. Make sure the engine is stopped and is level.

2. Close the Fuel Valve.

3. Clean the top of the Dipstick and the area around it.
Remove the Dipstick by threading it counterclockwise,
and wipe it off with a clean lint free rag.

Full level

4.

Reinsert the Dipstick without threading it in and
remove it to check the oil level. The oil level
should be up to the full level as shown above.

5. If the oil level is at or below the low mark add the
appropriate type of oil until the oil level is at the
proper level. SAE 10W-30 oil is recommended
for general use. (The SAE Viscosity Grade chart
on page 13 in the Service section shows other
viscosities to use in different average temperatures.)

6. Thread the dipstick back in clockwise.

NOTICE: Do not run the engine with too little oil.
The engine will be permanently damaged.

Full level

Page 8 For technical questions, please call 1-800-520-0882.

ITEM 69727 / 69730