Tecumsehpower VSK90, LV148SA User Manual

TecumsehPower

LV148SA (VSK90)

Operator’s Manual

Four-Cycle Engine • Vertical Crankshaft • Air-Cooled

Table of Contents

IMPORTANT NOTICE! Safety Definitions.........................................ii

I. General Safety Precautions ............................................................. 1

II. How to Get Service .......................................................................... 3

III. Oil and Fuel Specifications............................................................... 3

IV. Before Starting Your Engine ............................................................. 4

V. Starting Your Engine ........................................................................ 6

VI. Stopping Your Engine and Short-Term Storage ............................... 8

VII. Maintenance .................................................................................... 9

VIII. Transporting Your Engine................................................................11

IX. Storing Your Engine ........................................................................11

X. Preventing Forest, Brush and Grass Fires..................................... 13

XI. Maintenance Intervals.................................................................... 13

California & US EPA Emission Control Warranty Statement.......... 20

Emission Control System Warranty ............................................... 21

XII. Warranty Information...................................................................... 22

181-1270-14

(English) 1/01/08

IMPORTANT NOTICE!

Safety Definitions

Statements in this manual preceded by the following words and graphics are of special significance:

WARNING

WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

NOTE

Refers to important information and is placed in italic type.

It is recommended that you take special notice of all items discussed on the next two pages and wear the appropriate safety equipment.

Before operating this engine it is your responsibility to read this Operator’s Manual. Follow these basic rules for your personal safety:

• Keep this manual handy at all times for future reference.

• Read it carefully and familiarize yourself with operating, maintenance, components and safety instructions.

Notice Regarding Emissions

NOTE Engines which are certified to comply with California and U.S. EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment), are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and may include the following emission control systems: (EM) Engine Modification and (TWC) Three-Way Catalyst (if so equipped).

Tecumseh Contact Information

For engine adjustments, repairs or warranty service not covered in this manual, contact your nearest Authorized Tecumseh Servicing Dealer. Find them on our website at www.TecumsehPower.com or call Tecumseh Power Company at 1-800-558-

5402.

he trademarks TECUMSEH® and the DESIGN (Native American Head logo) are registered trademarks of

Tecumseh Products Company and are used by Tecumseh Power Company under license from Tecumseh

Products Company. Tecumseh Power Company is no longer owned by Tecumseh Products Company nor is

it associated or affiliated in any way with Tecumseh Products Company.

Tecumseh Power Company

Page ii Four-Cycle Engine • Vertical Crankshaft • Air-Cooled 181-1270-14

I. General Safety Precautions

• NEVER fill fuel tank indoors. Fill fuel tank outdoors in a well-ventilated area.

WARNING

Read equipment manufacturer’s manual and this material thoroughly before using this engine. Failure to do so can result in serious injury or death. Call Tecumseh Power Company at 1-800-558-5402 or visit www.TecumsehPower.com if you have any questions.

A. Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

All engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a deadly gas. Breathing carbon monoxide can cause headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, confusion and eventually death.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas which may be present even if you do not see or smell any engine exhaust. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can collect rapidly and you can quickly be overcome and unable to save yourself. Also, deadly levels of carbon monoxide can linger for hours or days in enclosed or poorly-ventilated areas. If you experience any symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, leave the area immediately, get fresh air, and SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT.

To prevent serious injury or death from carbon monoxide:

• NEVER run engine indoors. Even if you try to ventilate engine exhaust with fans or open windows and doors, carbon monoxide can rapidly reach dangerous levels.

• NEVER run engine in poorly-ventilated or partially enclosed areas such as barns, garages, basements, carports, under dwellings, or in pits.

• NEVER run engine outdoors where engine exhaust can be drawn into a building through openings such as windows and doors.

B. Avoid Gasoline Fires

Gasoline (fuel) vapors are highly flammable and can explode. Fuel vapors can spread and be ignited by a spark or flame many feet away from engine. To prevent injury or death from fuel fires, follow these instructions:

• NEVER store engine with fuel in fuel tank inside a building with potential sources of ignition such as hot water and space heaters, clothes dryers, electric motors, etc.

• NEVER remove fuel cap or add fuel when engine is running.

• DO NOT smoke while refueling tank.

• Use only an approved red GASOLINE container to store and dispense fuel. Tecumseh recommends purchasing gasoline in containers with a capacity of

2.5 gallons or less. Small containers are easier to handle and help eliminate spillage during refueling.

• DO NOT pour fuel from engine or siphon fuel by mouth. To empty fuel tank see "I. Draining Fuel" instructions on page 12.

C. Adult Supervision of Operation, Refueling

and Maintenance

The manufacturer of the application may provide information about who is allowed to use this engine (see equipment manufacturer’s manual). Not everyone who is allowed to use this engine is capable of safely and responsibly operating, maintaining and/or fueling it. Tecumseh recommends the following:

• An adult should fuel this engine. NEVER allow children to refuel this engine. See "C. Filling Fuel Tank" instructions on page 5.

• An adult should perform maintenance on this engine. See "VII. Maintenance" instructions on page 9. Only allow children to perform maintenance if an adult has determined they are experienced and capable of such operation.

• An adult should start the engine. See "G. Avoid Accidental Starts" instructions on page 2. Only allow children to start the engine if an adult has determined they are experienced and capable of such operation.

To avoid unsupervised operation of the engine, especially by children, NEVER leave it unattended when it is running.

D. Stay Away from Rotating Parts

NEVER operate the engine with an unguarded engine shaft.

The equipment manufacturer may attach a sprocket and chain or pulley and belt to the engine shaft. If these parts are not properly guarded, or if you are not sure whether they are properly guarded, DO NOT use your engine; contact the equipment manufacturer. Hands, feet, hair, jewelry, clothing, etc. can become entangled in rotating parts, leading to serious injury or death. To avoid serious injury or death, be sure the flywheel guard is in place. See Figure 1, page 2.

• NEVER start or operate the engine with fuel fill cap removed.

• Allow engine to cool before refueling.

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E. Do Not Modify Engine

To avoid serious injury or death, DO NOT modify engine in any way. Tampering with the governor setting can lead to a runaway engine and cause it to operate at unsafe speeds. NEVER tamper with factory setting of engine governor.

WARNING

Use of this engine on fun-carts, go-karts or mini-bikes could result in serious injury or death. Tecumseh manufactures the Power Sport line of engines for use in such applications. Consult your local Authorized Tecumseh Servicing Dealer, call 1-800-558-5402, or go to www.TecumsehPower.com for additional information.

F. Avoid Burns and Fire from Hot Surfaces

The muffler and other engine parts become extremely hot during operation and remain hot after the engine has stopped.

• To avoid severe burns on contact, NEVER operate the engine without the muffler guard in place and avoid hot areas of the engine.

• To reduce the risk of fire keep all materials that can burn, including grass and leaves, away from muffler and rest of engine. DO NOT operate, idle or park the engine application in long dry grass or other dry ground cover.

Figure 1. DO NOT Use Without Flywheel Guard

Figure 2. Disconnecting/Connecting Spark Plug

G. Avoid Accidental Starts

To prevent accidental starting when working on equipment always:

• Disconnect spark plug wire and keep it away from spark plug. See Figures 2 and 3.

• Keep the disconnected spark plug wire securely away from metal parts where arcing could occur.

• Attach the spark plug wire to the grounding post, if provided.

• Disconnect battery at negative terminal first, if engine is equipped with an electric starter.

• Turn off all engine switches.

• Remove ignition key, if provided.

H. Use Hearing Protection

Engine noise may cause hearing damage. Always wear hearing protection when operating an engine.

1. Grounding Post

2. Spark Plug Wire

3. Spark Plug

Figure 3. Spark Plug Connection

Page 2 Four-Cycle Engine • Vertical Crankshaft • Air-Cooled 181-1270-14

II. How to Get Service

32 F

A. Engine Identification Decal

A sample engine identification decal (See Figure 4.) indicates the engine’s model number, specification of engine and the date of manufacture (D.O.M.). Please look at the decal on your engine and fill in this information in the spaces provided for future reference.

The engine identification decal also includes engine life specifications for the emissions-related useful life period of your engine. This period relates to the emission compliance life as certified by EPA and/or CARB. To find the life period specification for your engine, please look on your engine’s decal and find the letter enclosed by quotation marks between the words MODERATE and LIFE PERIOD. Match one of the following letters with the letter printed on your decal. For example, LV (VSK) models are designated as “C” 125 hours, “B” 250 hours, and “A” 500 hours.

TECUMSEH POWER COMPANY

THIS ENGINE MEETS 1995-2005 CALIF & US EPA PHI APPLICABLE EMISSION REGULATIONSFOR SI SORE ENGINES

LV195EA

361540D

4TPXS.1951BB 195

ENGINE MODEL:

SPEC:

D.O.M.:

Figure 4. Engine Identification Label

TECHNICIAN'S HANDBOOK

2083

04015AA0001

B. Tecumseh Technician’s Handbooks

If you have a general understanding of internal combustion engines and wish to repair and service your engine and/or engine emission control systems yourself, a Technician’s Handbook is available from your Authorized Tecumseh Servicing Dealer. See Figure 5. This handbook covers repairs and adjustments not covered within this Operator’s Manual, and it is intended for individuals who have had adequate training, experience and who practice proper tool usage. Service procedures should be clearly understood and practiced when servicing Tecumseh Engines. Order as part no. 692509 for LV (VSK) Models.

Tecumseh manufactures and is responsible only for the engine used on this power equipment. If repair or service is needed for anything other than the engine, contact the service source recommended by the equipment manufacturer.

III. Oil and Fuel Specifications

A. Oil

To operate engine you need to use a clean, high quality, detergent oil. For recommended engine oil, See Table 1.

-30 C

3TO11HP 4 - CYCLE L- HEAD ENGINES

Figure 5. Technician’s Handbook

Table 1. Recommended Engine Oil

Tecumseh Recommended Oil Usage

Multi Grade

Tecumseh Part No.

730226A or SAE 5W30 or SAE 10

Synthetic

Tecumseh Part No.

730263 or SAE 0W30

0 F

-20 F

-20 C

-10 C

20 F

40 F

32 FO 32 F

0 C

Tecumseh Part No.

730225A or SAE 30

60 F

10 C

Straight Grade

80 F

20 C

30 C

100 F

40 C

NOTES

Be sure original container is marked A.P.I. Service “SL/SJ”.

Using multigrade oil above 32°F (0°C) will increase oil consumption. SAE10W40 is not recommended.

Tecumseh synthetic and special-formulated oils are available at your Authorized Tecumseh Servicing Dealer.

The oil sump capacity is 21 ounces or 1-1/4 U.S. Pints (.62 liters).

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B. Fuel

Use unleaded regular, unleaded premium or reformulated automotive fuel only. You may use gasoline containing the following components identified in Table 2.

• DO NOT use leaded fuel.

• Fuel must be fresh and clean. NEVER use fuel left over from last season or stored for long periods.

• NEVER mix oil with fuel.

• DO NOT use fuel containing Methanol (Wood Alcohol).

Table 2. Recommended Fuel

Fuel Component Percentage

Ethanol 10%

Grain Alcohol (“Gasohol”) 10%

MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) 15%

ETBE (Ethyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) 15%

IV. Before Starting Your Engine

A. Checking Oil Level

To avoid engine damage, it is important to:

• Check oil level before each use and every 5 operating hours when engine is warm. Check oil level more frequently during engine break-in.

• Keep oil level between “FULL” and “ADD” marks on dipstick. See Figure 6.

• Be sure oil fill cap is tightened securely.

NOTES Do not overfill oil filler. Doing so may result in oil carry-over to the air cleaner and equipment malfunction or damage.

Do not allow oil level to fall below the “ADD” mark on dipstick. Doing so may result in equipment malfunction or damage.

Contact your Authorized Tecumseh Servicing Dealer for Tecumseh Oil.

B. Filling Oil Sump

Oil Fill Cap With Dipstick

1. Be sure engine is upright and level.

2. Unscrew oil fill cap from oil filler tube and wipe dipstick

clean. See Figure 7.

3. Screw oil fill cap back into oil filler tube. Tighten

securely.

4. Unscrew and remove oil fill cap from oil filler tube. Note

oil level. If oil reading on dipstick is below “ADD” mark, slowly add oil to reach “FULL” level. See Figure 6.

5. Screw oil fill cap back into oil filler tube. Tighten

securely.

6. Wipe away any spilled oil.

FULL

ADD

Figure 6. Engine Oil Level

1. Spark Plug Cap

2. Spark Plug Wire

3. Oil Fill Cap

4. Start Cord Handle

5. Fuel Fill Cap

6. Choke Control

7. Primer

8. Carburetor

9. Engine Speed Control

10.Muffler

Fill between “Full” and “ADD” Marks

Figure 7. LV (VSK) Engine Assembly

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C. Filling Fuel Tank

WARNING

engine. Gasoline (fuel) vapors are highly flammable and can explode. Fuel vapors can spread and be ignited by a spark or flame many feet away from engine. To prevent injury or death from fuel fires, follow these instructions:

1. Stop engine and allow it to cool before refueling.

2. Be sure engine is outdoors and in a well-ventilated

area.

3. Clean area around fuel fill cap and remove fuel fill cap.

See Figure 7.

4. Using an approved red GASOLINE container, add fuel

slowly, being careful to avoid spilling. DO NOT overfill fuel tank. Leave space in the tank to allow fuel to expand without overflowing.

5. Replace anti-splash fuel fill cap securely and wipe up

spilled fuel before starting engine. If fuel is spilled DO NOT start engine. Move machine away from area of spillage. Avoid creating any source of ignition until fuel vapors are gone.

Remove and discard white plastic fuel tank insert, if provided. See Figure 8.

Replace a damaged or missing gas cap only with a genuine Tecumseh replacement anti-splash fuel fill cap. Failure to do so may VOID YOUR WARRANTY. See Figure 9.

6. Be sure fuel valve (optional) is open. See Figure 10.

An adult should fuel this engine. NEVER allow children to refuel this

NOTES

D. Check the Following Equipment

NOTE Be sure equipment is in neutral before attempting to start (see equipment manufacturer’s instructions).

1. Be sure ignition switch on engine or equipment is in

“ON”, “RUN” or “START” position.

2. Be sure fuel valve, if present (see manufacturer’s

instructions), is open. Turn counterclockwise to “ON” position. See Figure 10.

3. Check engine and equipment before each operation for

loose nuts, bolts and attachments; keep these items tightened.

Figure 8. Fuel Cap Insert Symbol

Front View

Bottom View

Figure 9. Possible Anti-Splash Fuel Fill Cap(s)

Fuel Tank

Fuel Valve “Open” Position Shown

Turn Valve Clockwise to “Off” Position

Figure 10. Fuel Valve Positions

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V. Starting Your Engine

WARNING

An adult should start the engine.

Only allow children to start engine if an adult has determined they are experienced and capable of such operation.

WARNING

If you are unable to start this engine

after following instructions in this manual, contact your Authorized Tecumseh Servicing Dealer. To avoid serious burn injuries or damage to your engine, DO NOT attempt to start or troubleshoot this engine in any other way. For example:

• DO NOT use starting fluid.

• DO NOT spray flammable vapors into carburetor or onto air cleaner.

• DO NOT put flammable liquids into carburetor or onto air cleaner.

• DO NOT operate engine or pull on starter rope with spark plug removed. Fuel can spray from spark plug hole and ignite.

1. To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, make sure engine is outdoors in a well-ventilated area.

2. Be sure fuel valve, if present is open and all switches are on. Turn counterclockwise to “ON”. See Figure 10.

3. Move Engine Speed Control to “FAST” position. See Figures 11 and 12.

4. Set Choke Control to “FULL” position. See Figures 11 and 15.

5. Push primer three times, making sure to cover vent hole when pushing. See Figure 13.

STOP

STOP SLOW RUN FAST CHOKE PRIMER

Figure 11. Typical Engine Symbols

Top Side of Engine

1. Fast Position

2. Slow Position

3. OFF Position

Figure 12. Engine Speed Control

NOTES DO NOT use primer to restart a warm engine after a short shutdown. Doing so will flood the engine and may result in equipment malfunction.

If restarting a warm engine after a short shutdown, move Engine Speed Control to “FAST” position and move Choke Control to “NO CHOKE” position. See Figures 12 and 15.

1. Primer Bulb

2. Vent Hole

Figure 13. Primer Bulb

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