Predator Engines 62879 Owner's Manual

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ITEM 62879

708

cc

GASOLINE ENGINE

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Owner’s Manual & Safety Instructions

Save This Manual%Keep this manual for the safety warnings and precautions, assembly,

operating, inspection, maintenance and cleaning procedures. Write the product’s serial number in the
back of the manual near the assembly diagram (or month and year of purchase if product has no number).
Keep this manual and the receipt in a safe and dry place for future reference. 17e

When unpacking, make sure that the product is intact

and undamaged. If any parts are missing or broken,

please call 1-888-866-5797 as soon as possible.

Copyright© 2015 by Harbor Freight Tools®. All rights reserved.

No portion of this manual or any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in

any shape or form without the express written consent of Harbor Freight Tools.

Diagrams within this manual may not be drawn proportionally. Due to continuing

improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the product described herein.

To ol s re q u ir e d f o r a s s e mb l y a n d s e r vi c e m a y n o t b e in c l ud e d .

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

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

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

Operation ................................................... 14

Maintenance .............................................. 16

Troubleshooting ......................................... 20

Warranties ................................................. 22

Parts Lists and Diagrams .......................... 24

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Displacement 708 cc

Engine Type

Vertical Double Cylinder
4-stroke

Cooling System Forced air cooled

Fuel Type

87+ octane stabilizer treated
unleaded gasoline

Engine Oil

Type

SAE 10W-30 above 32° F
SAE 5W30 at 32° F or below

Capacity 1.8 Liters

Sound Level at 3 feet 88 dB
Bore x Stroke 77 mm x 76 mm 
Compression Ratio 8.7:1
Rotation viewed from PTO

(power takeoff - the output shaft)

Counterclockwise

Oil Filter Compatibility

STP S4967
Fram PH4967

Spark Plugs

Type Champion® RN9YC
Gap 0.029″

Valve Clearance

Intake 0.003″– 0.005″
Exhaust 0.005″– 0.007″

Speed

Idle 1800 ±150 RPM
Maximum 3600 ±100 RPM

Shaft

Shaft Ø1″ x 3.156″

Keyway 1/4″

End Tapped 7/16″– 20 UNF

The emissions 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.

Page 3K&(%$*4.8"4,7%P'*#$"&8#J%/7*,#*%4,77%QRSSSRSTTRUVWV1ITEM 62879

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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.

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,

could result in minor or moderate injury.

Addresses practices not related to personal injury.

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IXD

Revolutions Per Minute

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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.

FH5+&7 X(&/*($H%&(%F$,$*5*8$

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.

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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.

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Page 4 K&(%$*4.8"4,7%P'*#$"&8#J%/7*,#*%4,77%QRSSSRSTTRUVWV1 ITEM 62879

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1. Gasoline fuel and fumes are flammable, and

potentially explosive. Use proper fuel storage

and handling procedures. Do not store fuel
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.

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.

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#$,+7*%5&'8$"83%2(,5*1 Some areas may have

specific gasoline vapor containment requirements;
comply with local, state, and federal laws.

8. Fuel lines and fittings must be properly
assembled and must not leak.

9. All wiring, including safety switches and
engine shut-off components, must be
properly assembled and functional.

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1. <=I[C>%DC>C^@L6%O=_=IL%

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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 fuel 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 it from rolling, slipping, and tilting.

9. Industrial applications must follow
OSHA requirements.

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

11. The engine can produce high noise levels.
Prolonged exposure to noise levels
above 85 dBA is hazardous to hearing.
Wear ear protection when operating the engine
or when working nearby while it is operating.

12. Wear ANSI-approved safety glasses
and hearing protection 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 engine.
Do not use while tired or under the influence
of drugs, alcohol or medication.

17. 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 5K&(%$*4.8"4,7%P'*#$"&8#J%/7*,#*%4,77%QRSSSRSTTRUVWV1ITEM 62879

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

19. Do not cover the engine during operation.

20. Keep the engine and surrounding
area clean at all times.

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

22. 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.

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

24. 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.

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

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

@2%9,5,3*9J%.,M*%$.*%*P'"/5*8$%#*(M"4*9%
+*2&(*%'#"831 Many accidents are caused

by poorly maintained equipment.

27. 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.

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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.

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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.

8. Follow scheduled engine and
equipment maintenance.

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

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

3. L&%8&$%2"77%2'*7%$,8]%$&%$.*%$&/1%%%
Leave a little room for the fuel to expand as needed.

4. Refuel in a well-ventilated area only.

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

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1. Mount Engine, Shaft-side down, to equipment
platform. Secure with Bolts. See Figure A.

2. Run choke and throttle cables (neither
included) through Engine loops. Pass both
through the Group Loop, then the choke
cable through Loop A and the throttle
cable through Loop B. See Figure B.

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3. Hook cables to Choke and Throttle. For
some cable types, additional hardware (not
included) may be required. See Figure C.

4. Tighten loops.

5. Plug equipment electrical hookup to engine
wiring harness. See Figure D.

>&$*- Connect equipment according
to the Wiring Harness diagram.
See Fuel Tank Setup Instructions.

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Y=I>@>Z\ Fuel tank (not included) must be

CARB compliant and designed specifically for
containing gasoline or voids warranty. The tank
must be mounted to a stable mounting frame.

1. Connect a fuel hose (not included) from the
fuel tank to the Fuel Hose Connector, and
secure it in place with a hose clamp. See
Figure F. If possible, incorporate a fuel shutoff
valve (not included) on the fuel hose.

2. Connect a hose to the Fuel Vapor
Inlet on the Air Intake to contain
gasoline vapors. See Figure G.

Y=I>@>Z\ The end user is responsible for
complying with all applicable CARB and EPA
evaporative emissions requirements for the
fuel system. Some areas may have specific
gasoline vapor containment requirements;
comply with local, state, and federal laws.

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1. Equipment should include a fully charged, lead­acid 12 volt, 36 Ah battery (not included)

2. To connect equipment solenoid to Engine
Starter, only use cables sized to match
their length according to Table A.

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3. Attach the positive cable from the positive
battery terminal to the outer terminal on the
Starter. Connect cable securely to prevent
disconnection and short circuits. See Figure H.

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4. Connect the negative cable securely to one of the
engine mounting bolts. Connect cable securely
to prevent disconnection and short circuits.

5. Coat the terminals and cable ends with
a corrosion-preventive coating.

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