Weed Eater PE550 TYPE 1 Owner’s Manual

&
_) Trademark
Por favor, no devuelva el aparato al lugar de compra.
Please do not return unit to retailer. Veuillez ne pas retourner I'outil au d_taillant.
1-800-554-6723
www.weedeater.com
Instruction Manual
Manual de Instrucciones
PE550
®
WARNING:
Read and follow all Safety Rules and Operating Instructions before using this product. Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
ADVERTENCIA:
Lea el manual de instrucdones y siga todas tas advertendas e instruccionesde seguridad. El no hacerlo puede resultar en le- siones graves.
AVERTISSEMENT:
Lire le manuel d'instructions et bien respecter tous les avertisse- ments et toutes les instructions de securit& Tout defaut de le
faire pourrait entrainer des blessures graves.
Electrolux Home Products North America
Div.ofWCI Outdoor Products, Inc.
Augusta, GA 30907
[] From the EtectroluxGroup. The world'_ No.l choice.
KITCHF2J,CLEANINGAND OUTDOORAppIJAN_ES COMBINED
Copyright (02001 WCI Outdoor Products, Inc. 530088959 10/26/01
I_WARNING: When using gardening appliances, basic safety precautions must al-
ways be followed to reduce the risk of fire and senoos injury. Read end follow all instruc- tions.
This power unit can be dangerous! Operator is responsible for following instructions and warnings on unit and in manual. Read entire instruction manual before using unit[ Be thor-
oughly familiar with the controls and the prop- er use of the unit. Restrict the use of this unit
to persons who have read, understand and will follow the instructions and warnings on
the unit and in the manual. Never allow chil- dren to operate this unit.
OPERATOR SAFETY
Dress properly. Always wear safety glasses or simdar eye protection when op-
erating, or performing maintenance on your
unit safety glasses are available. Eye protect on should meet the requirements of
ANSI Z87.1.
Always wear face or dust mask if operation
is dusty.
Always wear heavy, long pants, long
sleeves, boots, and gloves. Do not go bare-
foot or wear sandals.
Secure hair above shoulder length Se- cure or remove loose clothing or clothing with loosely hanging ties, straps, tassels, etc. They can be caught in moving parts.
Being fully covered also helps protect you from debris and pieces of toxic plants
thrown by spinning blade.
Stay alert. Do not operate when you are tired, ill, upset, or under the influence of al-
cohol, drugs, or medication. Watch what you are doing; use common sense.
Wear hearing protection when using this
unit.
Never start or run inside a closed room,
building or other unventilated area, Breath- ing exhaust fumes can kill.
Keep handles free of oil and fuel.
Always use the handle.
Keep hands and feet away from cutting aree.
Do not attempt to remove cut material nor hold material to be cut when engine is run- ning or when cutting member is moving.
Make sure spark plug is disconnected when cleaning jammed material from cut-
ting member.
Never direct discharge of material toward bystanders nor allow anyone near the area of operation. Use care in directing dis- charge to avoid glass enclosures, automo-
biles, and the like.
Don't overreach or stand on unstable sup- port. Keep good footing and balance at all
times.
UNIT SAFETY
Inspect entire unit before each use. Re- place damaged parts. Check for fuel leaks.
Make sure all fasteners are in place and se- curely fastened.
Maintain the unit according to recom- mended procedures.
Throw away blades that are bent, warped, cracked, broken, or damaged in any other way. Replace parts that are cracked, chipped, or damaged before using the unit.
Use only recommended Weed Eater parts and accessories. Never use wire, wire
rope, string, flailing devices, etc.
Disconnect the spark plug before perform- ing maintenance except carburetor adjust-
ments.
Be sure the blade stops turning when the engine idles (see CARBURETOR AD- JUSTMENTS).
Remove the blade before making carbure-
toradjustments, Holdtheunit byhand. Do
not make carburetor adjustments from the blade side of the unit.
Keep others away when making carburetor adjustments.
Never start the unit with the gearbox re- moved, The clutch can fly off and cause se- rious injury.
Have all maintenance and service not ex- plained in this manual performed by an au-
thorized authorized service dealer.
YOUcan be blinded
_ _WARNING
or injured.
Wear safety glasses.
WARNING
Hazard zone for thrown objects
Blade can throw objects
violently,
Others can be blinded or injured.
Keep people and animals 50 feet (15 m) away.
2
afterthe / frornthacut._
WARNING
Blade rotates momentarily after
the trigger isreleased,
The blade can seriously cut you or others.
,, Allow blade to stop
before removing it from the cut.
_WARNING
Read Operator's Manual.
Followall warnings and instructions.
Failureto do socan resultin serious injury.
EDGING SAFETY
Inspect the area to be edged before each
use. Remove objects (rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, string, etc.) which can be thrown by the blade or can wrap around the shaft.
Keep others including children, animals, bystanders, and helpers at least 50 feet (15 meters) away. Stop the unit immediately if
you are approached.
Hold the unit firmly with both hands.
Keep firm footing and balance. Do not over- reach or stand on unstable support.
Do not attempt to remove cut material nor hold material to be cut when the engine is
running or when cutting member is moving.
Always keep the wheels and skid in contact
with the ground.
Keep all parts of your body away from the blade and muffler.
Always push the unit slowly over the
ground. Stay alert for uneven sidewalks,
holes in the terrain,, large roots,, etc..
Use only for Jobs explained m th=s manual.
HANDLE FUEL WITH CAUTION, IT IS HIGHLY FLAMMABLE
Mix and pour fuel outdoors and where there are not sparks or flames.
Always store gasoline in a container ap-
proved for flammable liquids. Do not smoke or allow smoking near fuel or
the unit; do not smoke while using the unit.
Make sure the unit is properly assembled and in good operating condition.
Avoid spilling fuel or oil. Wipe up all fuel
spills before starting unit. Move at least 10 feet 3 meters away from
fuel ng s te before start ng eng he.
Stol_ engine and allow to cool before re- moving fuel cap. Do not store the unit with fuel in the fuel
tank; use up fuel left in the carburetor and fuel line by starting the unit and letting it run
until it stops.
Store unit and fuel in an area where fuel va- pors cannot reach sparks or open flames
from water heaters, electric motors or
switches, furnaces, etc.
TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE
Do not grasp or hold exposed blade.
Stop unit before leaving work area.
Allow unit to cool, run fuel out of the fuel tank, and secure the unit before storing or
transporting it in a vehicle.
Before storing, use up fuel left in the carbu-
retor by starting the unit and letting it run un- til it stops. Always allow the unit to cool be- fore storage.
Store unit and fuel in area where fuel vapors cannot reach sparks or open flames from
water heaters, electric motors or switches,
furnaces, etc.
Store unit so blade cannot accidentally cause injury.
Store unit out of reach of children.
If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use care and good judgment. If you
need assistance, call 1_00-554-6723.
SPECIAL NOTICE: This unit is not equipped with a temperature limiting muffler and
spark arresting screen which meets the require-
ments of California Codes 4442 and 4443. All U.S. forest land and the states of California, Ida- ho, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon,
and Washington require by law that many inter-
nal combustion engines be equipped with a
spark arrestor screen. If you operate in a locale where such regulations exist, you are legally re-
sponsible for installing and maintaining the oper- ating condition of these parts. Failure to do so is
a violation of the law. SPECIAL NOTICE: Exposure to vibrations
through prolonged use of gasoline powered
hand tools could cause blood vessel or nerve
damage in the fingers, hands, and oints of
people prone to circulation disorders or abnor- mal swellings. Prolonged use in cold weather
has been linked to blood vessel damage in
otherwise healthy people. If symptoms occur such as numbness, pain, loss of strength, change in skin color or texture, or loss of feeling
in the fingers, hands, or joints, discontinue the use of this tool and seek medical attention. An
anti-vibration system does not guarantee the avoidance of these problems. Users who oper- ate powertools on a continual and regular basis
must monitor closely their physical condition
and the condition of this tool.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
3
NOTE: If you need assistance or find parts missing or damaged, call 1-800-554-6723. Cable Clamp
ASSEMBLY
aWARNINL_: If received assembled,
repeat all steps to ensure your unit is properly assembled and all fasteners are secure.
This instruction manual has been developed to help you assemble the unit and to provide its safe operation. It is important that you read
the entire manual to become familiar with the unit before you begin assembly.
Read your instruction manual, Tools you will need:
Adjustable wrench
Hex wrench (provided) TUBE ASSEMBLY
NOTE: When performing the following step, be sure the handle is aligned as follows: label
on top, throttle trigger to the operator's right hand side. The starter rope and the throttle
cable must not wrap around the tube.
Throttle trig_ Label
Assemble handle tube to the lower tube (it will be necessary to pull some of the starter
rope out of the housing).
Align the screw holes; insert the screws through the aligned holes.
Thread one Iocknut onto each screw and tighten securely.
Handle tube
,tJ, A
D WARNIN_i: Remove fuel cap slowly
when refueling. This engine is certified to operate on un-
leaded gasoline. Before operation, gasoline
must be mixed with a good quality 2-cycle air- cooled engine oil. We recommend Poulan/ Weed Eater brand oil. Mix gasoline and oil at a
ratio of 40:1 (A 40:1 ratio is obtained by mixing
3.2 ounces of oil with 1 gallon of unleaded gasoline). DO NOT use automotive oil or beat oil. These oils will cause engine damage. When mixing fuel, follow instructions printed on container. Once oil is added to gasoline, shake container momentarily to assure that the fuel is thoroughly mixed. Always read and follow the safety rules relating to fuel before fueling your unit.
STOPPING YOUR ENGINE
To stop a running engine, move the switch
to the OFF position.
If engine does not stop, move choke lever
to FULL CHOKE position.
ON/OFF Switch
_11ill
Screws
\
Lower
Tube Starter Rope
Locknuts
NOTE: When performing the following step, be sure the starter rope is not caught under
the cable clamp. The starter rope must hang freely to operate properly.
Align the cable clamp between the tube screws. Install the cable clamp around the
tube and throttle cable.
STARTING YOUR ENGINE
DANGER: The cutting blade will
turn when the engine starts.
aWARNING: Avoid any contact with
the muffler. A hot muffler can cause serious
burns.
Rest the unit on the ground. Support the unit so the blade is off of the ground and
away from trees, bushes, onlookers, etc.
4
STARTING POSITION
STARTING A COLD ENGINE OR A WARM ENGINE AFTER RUNNING OUT OF FUEL
Make sure switch is in ON position.
Slowly press the primer bulb 6 times.
Move choke lever to FULL CHOKE posi- tion.
Choke Lever
FULL
OFF
Squeeze and hold the throttle trigger. Keep throttle trigger fully squeezed until the en-
gine runs smoothly.
_ Primer bulb
Pull starter rope sharply 5 times.
NOTE: The engine may sound as if itis trying to start before the 5 thpull. If so, go to the next step immediately.
Move the choke lever to the HALF CHOKE
position.
Pull starter rope sharply until engine runs,
but no more than 6 pulls. NOTE: If the engine has not started after 6 pulls (at HALF CHOKE), check to make sure the choke lever is in the proper position. Then,
move the choke lever to the FULL CHOKE position and press the primer bulb 6 times;
squeeze and beld the throttle trigger and pull the starter rope 2 more times. Move the choke lever to the HALF CHOKE position and pull the starter rope until the engine runs, but no more than 6 more pulls. If the engine still has not started, it is probebIy flooded. Proceed to
STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE.
Allow the engine to run t0 seconds, then
move the choke lever to the OFF CHOKE
position. Allow the unit to run for 30 more
seconds at OFF CHOKE before releasing
the throttle trigger.
NOTE: If engine dies with the choke lever at the OFF CHOKE position, movetbe choke le-
ver to HALF CHOKE and pull the rope until engine runs.
STARTING A WARM ENGINE THAT
HAS NOT RUN OUT OF FUEL:
Make sure switch is in ON position.
Move the choke lever to the HALF CHOKE position.
Squeeze and hold the throttle trigger. Keep
throttle trigger fully squeezed unttl the en-
gine Punssmoothly.
Pull starter rope sharply until engine runs, but no more than 5 pubs.
Allow engine to run 10 seconds, then move
the choke lever to OFF CHOKE position. Re-
lease the throttle trigger.
NOTE: If engine has not started, pull starter rope 5 more pulls. If engine still does not run, it is probably flooded. Proceed to STARTING A
FLOODED ENGINE.
STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE
Flooded engines can be started by placing
the switch in the ON position and the choke
lever in the OFF CHOKE position. Squeeze and hold the throttle trigger; then, pull the rope to clear the engine of excess fuel. This could
require pulling the starter rope many times de-
pending on how badly the unit is flooded.
EDGING
As you become familiar with your edger, you will be able to determine your own operating
pace. Conditions such as depth of cut and
material being cut will regulate the speed and time required for your edging ob.
Allow the engine to warm up for one minute
before you begin edging.
the blade in the cut. For best operation, run
i Increase the engine speed before placing
the engine at full throttle while cutting.
Keep you edging path straight by aligning
the blade guide rib on the rear of the blade
guard with the edge of the sidewalk. Keep all wheels flat on the walkway.
Always work going away from people and
solid objects such as walls, large stones,
trees, automobiles, etc.
Be careful when edging near trees or valu-
able plants. The high speed metal blade may cut roots and cause damage to the
plants.
If the blade stalls, immediately move the
unit rearward slightly to allow the blade to restart. Iftbe blade continues to stall, stop
the engine, disconnect the spark plug, and
inspect for blockage or damage.
Always keep the blade area clean. Stop the
engine, make sure the blade has complete- ly stopped turning, and disconnect the
spark plug before cleaning.
5
SETTING THE EDGING DEPTH
_WARNING: Never attempt to adjust
the depth adjusting skid when the engine is running. Always release the throttle trigger,
wait until the blade stops turning, move the ON/OFF switch to the OFF position, and dis- connect spark plug before making adjust-
ments. Your edger is equipped with several edging depths. The depth used will depend
on your personal edging preference and the condition of the area where the edging opera-
tion is to be done. NOTE: If the area to be edged has never
been cut or several weeks have passed since the last cut, the first edging should be done at
no more than half depth. TO set the depth:
Move the depth control lever forward for shallower edging.
Move the depth control lever backward for
deeper edging.
Depth
Adjusting
When edging, the trigger handle must be raised until the skid rests on the ground. The trigger handle must be held in the raised posi- tion during the entire edging operation to
maintain a consistent edging depth. DEPTH ADJUSTING SKID The surface of the depth adjusting skid will
wear over a period of time. This part is revers- ible to provide a second wear surface.
Remove the two mounting screws which hold the skid to the support arm.
Rotate the skid 180 degrees.
Reinstall the mounting screws.
EDGING TIPS
Inspect unit before each use.
Inspect the area to be cut before each use.
Keep unit in front of your body.
Cut at full throttle.
Keep the wheels and skid in contact with
the ground.
Always work going away from others.
IGNITION TIMING
Ignition timing is fixed, nonadjustable.
SPARK PLUG
Replacethe spark plugyearly using a Cham-
pion RCJ-8Y plug. Spark plug gap is 0.025".
BLADE MAINTENANCE
A
_1, WARNING: The blade will continue to
spin after the engine stops or after the throttle trigger has been released. Make sure the
blade has stopped coasting and disconnect
the spark plug before performing work on the
blade.
Always replace a blade that is bent, warped, cracked, broken, or damaged in any other way. Never attempt to straighten and reuse a
damaged blade. Use only specified replace-
ment blade.
The blade is reversible. When the cutting edge on one side becomes worn, turn the
blade over.
Check blade for flatness periodically. Lay
the blade on aflat surface to inspect for flat-
ness. Throw away a blade that is not flat.
BLADE REPLACEMENT
4m.WARNIN(3: Wear protective gloves
when handling or performing maintenance on the blade to avoid injury.
Blade
To remove the blade, insert a screwdriver into the hole in the gearbox; then, remove
the nut (clockwise), washer and blade from the blade shaft.
We recommend all service and adjustments not listed in this manual be performed by an
authorized authorized service dealer.
CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENTS
Your carburetor is equipped with limiter caps. Damage will occur if you turn the needles be-
yond the limiter caps. Carburetor adjustment _s a complicated task. We recommend that
you take your unit to an authorized authorized service dealer.
Flat sides i Washer
Align the flat area of the blade opening with
the flat side of the shaft, Place the new
blade on the shaft,
Install the washer and nut; turn nut counter- clockwise on the blade shaft.
Bind blade by inserting a screwdriver in to
the hole in the gearbox; then. firmly tighten
nut with a wrench,
6
TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE
WARNING: Always stop unit and disconnect spark plug before performing any
of the recommended remedies below other than remedies that require operation of the unit.
TROUBLE
Engine will not start.
Engine will not Carburetor requires See "Carburetor Adjustments." idle properly, adjustment.
Engine will not Air filter dirty. Clean or replace air filter. accelerate, Spark plug fouled. Clean or replace spark plug lacks power, or and re-gap. dies under a Carburetor requires See "Carburetor Adjustments." load. adjustment.
Engine smokes Fuel mixture incorrect. Empty fuel tank and refill with excessively. Air filter dirty. Clean or replace air filter.
Need Assistance?
Call 1-800-554-6723.
Need Service Parts? Contact yourdealer,
ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS NORTH AMERICA, Division of WCI Outdoor Prod-
ucts, Inc., warrants to the original purchaser that each new Weed Eater brand gasoline tool
or attachment is free from defects in material
and workmanship and agrees to repair or ra- place under this warranty any defective gaso- line product or attachment as follows from the original date of purchase.
2 YEARS-Patts and Labor, when used for household purposes.
90 DAYS-Parts and Labor, when used for com- mercial, professional, or income producing pur-
poses.
30 DAYS-Parts and Labor, if used for rental purposes.
This warranty is not transferable and does not cover damage or liability caused by improper handling,, improper maintenance, or the use of
accessoces and/or attachments notspecifically
CAUSE
Engine flooded.
Fuel tank empty.
Spark plug not firing.
Fuel not reaching carburetor.
Carburetor requires adjustment.
Carburetor requires See "Carburetor Adjustments." adjustment.
REMEDY
See "Starting."
Fill tank with correct fuel mixture.
Install new spark plug.
Check for dirty fuel filter; replace. Check for kinked or split fuel line; repair or replace.
Contact your authorized service dealer.
correct fuel mixture.
recommended by ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS NORTH AMERICA for this tool.
Additionally, thiswarranty does not cover tune-
ups, spark plugs, filters, etc., that will wear and
require replacement with reasonable use during the warranty period. This warranty does not cover predelivery setup or normal adjustments explained in the instruction manual.
THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC
LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY RAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.
NO CLAIMS FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES WILL BE ALLOWED, AND THERE ARE NO OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTIES EXCEPT THOSE EX-
PRESSLY STIPULATED HEREIN. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITA- TIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WAR-
PANTY LASTS OR THE EXCLUSION OR
LIMITATIONS OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSE- QUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE
LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS NORTH
AMERICA'S policy is to continuously improve
its products. Therefore, ELECTROLUX HOME
PRODUCTS NORTH AMERICA reserves the
rightto change, modify, or discontinue models,
designs, specifications, and accessories of all
products at any time without notice or obligation to any purchaser.
7
YOUR WARRANTY RIGHTS AND OBLIGA- TIONS: The U. S. Environmental Protection
Agency and POULAN/WEED EATER, DIVI- SION OF WCI OUTDOOR PRODUCTS are
pleased to explain the emissions control system warranty on your lawn and garden equipment engine. All new utility and lawn and garden
equ!pment engines must be designed, built, and equ=pbed to meet the stringent anti-smeg stan- dards. POULAN/WEED EATER must warrant
the emission control system on your lawn and garden equipment engine for the periods of time
listed below provided there has been no abuse, neglect, or tmproper maintenance of your lawn
and garden equipment engine. Your emission control system includes pads such as the car- buretor and the ignition system. Where a war-
rantable condition exits, POULAN/WEED EAT- ER will repair your lawn and garden equipment
engine at no cost to you. Expenses covered un- der warranty inalude diagnosis, par_sand labor.
MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY COVER- AGE: If any emissions related pad on your en-
gine (as listed under Emissions ControIWarran- ty Parts List) is defective or a defect in the materials or workmanship of the engine causes the failure of such an emission relatedpad, the
part will be repaired or replaced by POULAN/ WEED EATER. OWNER'S WARRANTY RE*
SPONSIRILITIES: As the lawn and garden _quipment engine owner, you are responsible
or the performance of the required mainte-
nance listed in your instruction manual. POU- LAN/WEED EATER recommends that you re-
tain all receipts covering maintenance on your lawn and garden equipment engine, but POU-
LAN/WEED EATER cannot deny warranty solely for the lack of receipts or for your failure to ensure the performance of all scheduled main- tenance. As the lawn and garden equipment engine owner, you should be aware that POU- LAN/WEED EATER may deny you warranty coverage if your lawn and garden equipment engine ora part of it has failed due to abuse, ne-
glect, improper maintenance, unapproved mad-
ications, or the use of pads not made or ap- proved by the original equipment manufacturer. You are responsible for presenting your lawn and garden equipment engine to a POULAN/ WEED EATER authorized repair center as soon as a problem exists. Warranty repairs should be completed in a reesonable amount of time, not to exceed 30 days. If you have any questions regarding your warranty rights and re- sponsibilities, you should contact your nearest
authorized sewice center or call POULAN/
WEED EATER at 1-800-554-6723 WAR.
RANTY COMMENCEMENT DATE: The war- ranty period begins on the date the lawn and
garden equipment engine is purchased.
LENGTH OF COVERAGE: This warranty shall be for a period of two years from the initialdate
of purchase, WHAT IS COVERED: REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF PARTS. ReRair orra-
placement of any warranted pa_t wtll be per-
formed at no charge to the owner at an ap-
proved POULAN/WEED EATER servicing center. If you have any questions regarding your warranty rights and responsibilities, you should contact your nearest autbedzed service center or call POULAN/WEED EATER at
1-800-554-6723 WARRANTY PERIOD: Any warranted pad which is not scheduled for re-
placement as required maintenance, orwhich is scheduled only for regular inspection to the ef- fect of"repair or replace as necessary" shall be warranted for 2 years. Any warranted pad which
is scheduled for replacement as required main- tenance shall bewarranted for the period of time
up to the first scheduled replacement point for that pad. DIAGNOSIS: The owner shall not be charged for diagnostic labor which leads to the determination that a warranted pad is defective
if the diagnostic work is performed at an ap-
proved POULAN/WEED EATER servicing cen- ter. CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES: POU-
LAN/WEED EATER may be liable for damages to other engine components caused by the fail-
ure of a warranted part still under warranty. WHAT IS NOT COVERED: All failures caused
by abuse, neglect, orimproper maintenance are
not covered. ADD-ON OR MODIFIED
PARTS: The use of add-on or modified parts can be grounds for disallowing awarranty claim.
POULAN/WEED EATER is not liable to cover failures of warranted parts caused by the use of
add-on or modified parts. HOW TO FILE A CLAIM: If you have any questions regarding your warranty rights and responsibilities, you
should contact your nearest aL_berized service center or call POULAN/WEED EATER at
1-800-554-6723. WHERE TO GET WAR.
RANTY SERVICE: Warranty services or re-
pairs shall be provided at all POULAN/WEED
EATER service centers, call: 1-800-554-6723
MAINTENANCE, REPLACEMENT AND RE*
PAIR OF EMISSION RELATED PARTS: Any
POULAN/WEED EATER approved replace-
ment part used in the performance of any war-
ranty maintenance or repair onemission related
parts will be provided withoL_ charge to the own- er if the pad is under warranty. EMISSION
CONTROLWARRANTY PARTS MST: Car-
buretor, Ignition System: Spark Plug covered
up to maintenance schedule), Ignition Module.
MAINTENANCE STATEMENT: The owner is
responsible for the performance of all required
maintenance as defined in the instruction manu- al.
8
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