Predator Engines 173cc, 68122, 68123 Owner's Manual & Safety Instructions
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ITEM 68122 68123
Read this material before using this product.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
SAVE THIS MANUAL.
Copyright© 2010 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.
Tools required for assembly and service may not be included.
When unpacking, make sure that the product is intact
and undamaged. If any parts are missing or broken,
please call 1-800-520-0882 as soon as possible.
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.
Owner’s Manual & Safety Instructions
173cc
Vertical Engine
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.
REV 11k
Page 2 For technical questions, please call 1-800-520-0882. Vertical Engine
Table of Contents
Specications ............................................. 2
Safety ......................................................... 3
Set Up......................................................... 8
Operation .................................................... 9
Maintenance .............................................. 12
Warranties ................................................. 17
Parts Lists and Diagrams .......................... 19
Specications
Engine Type Vertical Single Cylinder 4 stroke OHV
Cooling System Forced air cooled
Fuel
Type 87+ octane unleaded gasoline
Capacity 1.16 Quarts
Engine Oil
Type SAE
10W-30 above 32° F
5W30 at 32° F or below
Capacity 0.6 Quart
Run Time @ 50% Load
with full tank
40 minutes
Sound Level 104 dB
Bore x Stroke 70 mm x 45 mm
Displacement 173cc
Compression Ratio 8.5:1
Rotation viewed from PTO
(power takeoff - the output shaft)
Counterclockwise
Shaft
Shaft dia. 7/8″ x 3.16″
Keyway 3/16″ (4.76 mm)
End Tapped 3/8″ - 24
Spark Plug
Type
NGK® BP-6ES/BPR6ES
DENSO®: W16EPR-U/W16EP-U
CHAMPION®: RN9YC4
NHSP®: F7TC/F7RTC
TORCH®: F7TC/F7RTC
Gap 0.7 - 0.8 mm
Valve Clearance
Intake 0.10 - 0.15 mm
Exhaust 0.15 - 0.20 mm
Speed Idle 1,800 ± 50 RPM
SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP
Page 3For technical questions, please call 1-800-520-0882.Vertical Engine
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.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in minor or moderate injury.
Addresses practices not related to personal injury.
Safety Warnings
Symbol Denitions
Symbol Property or Statement
RPM
Revolutions Per Minute
HP
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.
Symbol Property or Statement
WARNING marking concerning Risk of
Hearing Loss. Wear hearing protection.
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 ammable objects away from engine.
WARNING! Read all instructions.
Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in re, 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.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP
Page 4 For technical questions, please call 1-800-520-0882. Vertical Engine
Set up Precautions
1. Gasoline fuel and fumes are ammable, and
potentially explosive. Use proper fuel storage
and handling procedures. Do not store fuel
or other ammable materials nearby.
2. Have multiple ABC class re extinguishers nearby.
3. Operation of this equipment may create sparks
that can start res around dry vegetation. A spark
arrestor may be required. The operator should
contact local re agencies for laws or regulations
relating to re prevention requirements.
4. Set up and use only on a at, 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 Specications chart of this manual.
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 ll 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 ame.
5. Do not touch engine during use.
Let engine cool down after use.
6. Never store fuel or other ammable
materials near the engine.
7. Only use a suitable means of transport and
lifting devices with sufcient 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.
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.
SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP
Page 5For technical questions, please call 1-800-520-0882.Vertical Engine
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 elds
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 ammable
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 inuence
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.
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.)
26. When spills of fuel or oil occur, they must be
cleaned up immediately. Dispose of uids 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.
30. Follow equipment manufacturer’s
operation precautions.
SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP
Page 6 For technical questions, please call 1-800-520-0882. Vertical Engine
Service Precautions
1. Before service, maintenance, or cleaning:
a. Release the brake handle, stopping the engine.
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
mufer, 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 qualied
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 qualied 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.
THE ENGINE BRAKE IS FOR EMERGENCY
SHUTOFF; DO NOT REPLACE THE BRAKE
SPRING WITH A WEAKER SPRING.
7. Store equipment out of the reach of children.
8. Follow scheduled engine and
equipment maintenance.
Refueling:
1. Do not smoke, or allow sparks, ames,
or other sources of ignition around the
equipment, especially when refuelling.
2. Do not rell the fuel tank while the
engine is running or hot.
3. Do not ll fuel tank to the top. 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. To
prevent FIRE, do not start the engine
while the smell of fuel hangs in the air.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP
Page 7For technical questions, please call 1-800-520-0882.Vertical Engine
Engine Components
Priming
Bulb
Mufer
Fuel Cap
Dipstick
XXXXXXXXXX
Serial
Number
Location
(Write on front
cover of manual.)
Starter
Handle
Brake
Arm
Throttle
Air
Filter
SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP
Page 8 For technical questions, please call 1-800-520-0882. Vertical Engine
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.
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY:
Operate only with proper spark arrestor installed.
Operation of this equipment may create sparks that can start res around dry vegetation.
A spark arrestor may be required. The operator should contact local re agencies
for laws or regulations relating to re prevention requirements.
Model 68123: 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.
Models 68122: The emission control system for
this Generator’s 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.
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 qualied mechanic to
allow efcient high-altitude use and to prevent damage to
the engine and any other devices used with this product.
1. IMPORTANT: If you have any doubts about your
ability to perform the following procedures, have a
qualied service technician perform the installation.
2. Install this engine on a lawn mower only.
Do not use to power a vehicle.
3. Mounting hole locations:
a
b
b
a. one 3/8 in. x 24 threaded; 1 in. deep
b. two Ø0.34 in. / 8.7mm unthreaded
(use 5/16 in. / 8mm diameter hardware)
4. Set the Engine upright on the mower,
and align at least three engine mounting
holes with mower mounting holes.
NOTE: Depending on the mower, it may be necessary
to drill mounting holes or make a mounting plate
to align with the engine mounting holes. Only a
qualied technician should attempt these solutions.
5. Use hardened, stainless steel Bolts, Lock Washers,
and Washers (not included) of appropriate length and
diameter to secure the Engine to the mower.
Make sure the hardware will not contact
moving parts during operation.
6. Insert the mower’s brake cable sheath through the
hole in the Brake bracket. Secure the mower brake
cable to the brake arm. Adjust the brake cable
sheath to remove all slack and secure it in place
using the adjusting nuts on the cable sheath, as
shown in the illustration below.
THE ENGINE BRAKE IS FOR EMERGENCY
SHUTOFF; DO NOT REPLACE THE BRAKE
SPRING WITH A WEAKER SPRING.
If operating the engine brake is too difcult,
a qualied technician must install a
different brake handle on the mower.
Note: The brake cable on some mowers may
need to be adjusted in a different manner. Install
according to mower manufacturer’s instructions.
7.
Brake
Arm
Throttle
Control
Brake
Cable
Brake
Cable
Bracket
Throttle
Cable
Bracket
and
Bolt
Attach the end of the mower’s Throttle Cable to
the Throttle Control. Use the Bracket and Bolt
to secure its sheath in place as shown above.
8. Refer to the mower’s service manual for instructions
on how to properly attach a belt drive pulley, chain
drive gear, etc. onto the output shaft of the Engine.
REV 11f
SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP
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