MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Perform these required maintenance procedures at the frequency stated in the table. These procedures should also be a part of any seasonal tune-up.
NOTE: Some maintenance procedures may require special tools or skills. If you are unsure about these procedures take your unit to any non-road engine repair establishment, individual or authorized service dealer.
WARNING: To prevent serious injury, never perform maintenance or repairs with unit running.
Always service and repair a cool unit.
Disconnect the spark plug wire to ensure that the unit cannot start.
NOTE: Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emission control devices and system may be performed by any non-road engine repair establishment, individual or authorized service dealer.
In order to assure peak performance of your engine, inspection of the engine exhaust port may be necessary after 50 hours of operation. If you notice lost RPM, poor performance or general lack of acceleration, this service may be required. If you feel your engine is in need of this inspection, refer service to any non-road engine repair establishment, individual or authorized service dealer for repair. DO NOT attempt to perform this process yourself as engine damage may result from contaminants involved in the cleaning process for the port.
FREQUENCY
Before starting engine
Every 10 hours
Every 25 hours
Every 50 hours
MAINTENANCE REQUIRED
Fill fuel tank with fresh fuel
Clean and re-oil air filter
Check and clean spark arrestor
Check spark plug condition and gap
Inspect spark arrestor screen for clogging or obstruction to assure maximum performance levels
REFER TO
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Page 13
Page 14
Page 15
Page 14
LINE INSTALLATION
This section covers both SplitLine™ and standard single line installation.
Always use original equipment manufacturer 2.03 mm
(0.080 in.) replacement line. Line other than the specified may make the engine overheat or fail.
WARNING: Never use metalreinforced line, wire, chain or rope. These can break off and become dangerous projectiles.
There are two methods to replace the trimming line:
• Wind the inner reel with new line
• Install a prewound inner reel
Winding the Existing Inner Reel
1. Hold the outer spool with one hand and unscrew the
Bump Knob™ counterclockwise (Fig. 12). Inspect the bolt inside the Bump Knob to make sure it moves freely. Replace the Bump Knob if damaged.
2. Remove the inner reel from the outer spool (Fig. 13).
3. Remove spring from the inner reel (Fig. 13).
4. Use a clean cloth to clean the the inner reel, spring, shaft, and inner surface of the outer spool.
5. Check the indexing teeth on the inner reel and outer spool for wear (Fig. 14). If necessary, remove burrs or replace the reel and spool.
Outer Spool
Spring
Inner Reel
Fig. 13
Bolt
Indexing Teeth
Bump Knob™
Fig. 12 Fig. 14
11
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
For Use with Single
Line ONLY
Slotted
Holes
For Use with SplitLine™ or Single Line
9. Insert the end of the line into the open hole in the inner reel and pull the line tight to make the loop as small as possible (Fig. 18).
10. Before winding, split the line back about 6 inches.
11. Wind the line in tight even layers in the direction indicated on the inner reel.
NOTE: Failure to wind the line in the direction indicated will cause the cutting attachment to operate incorrectly.
Fig. 15
NOTE: SplitLine™ can only be used with the inner reel with the slotted holes. Single line can be used on either type of inner reel. Use Figure 15 to identify the inner reel you have.
NOTE: Always use the correct line length when installing trimming line on the unit. The line may not release properly if the line is too long.
Loop
Loop
Fig. 18
12. Insert the ends of the line into the two holding slots
(Fig. 19).
13. Insert the ends of the line through the eyelets in the outer spool and place inner reel with spring inside the outer spool (Fig. 20). Push the inner reel and outer spool together. While holding the inner reel and outer spool, grasp the ends and pull firmly to release the line from the holding slots in the reel.
Fig. 16
Single Line Installation
Go To Step 8 for SplitLine™ Installation
6. Take approximately 6 m (20 feet) of new trimming line, loop it into two equal lengths. Insert each end of the line through one of the two holes in the inner reel
(Fig. 16). Pull the line through the inner reel so that the loop is as small as possible.
7. Wind the lines in tight even layers, onto the reel
(Fig. 17). Wind the line in the direction indicated on the inner reel. Place your index finger between the two lines to stop the lines from overlapping. Do not overlap the ends of the line. Proceed to step 11.
Holding Slots
Fig. 19
NOTE: The spring must be assembled on the inner reel before reassembling the cutting attachment.
14. Hold the inner reel in place and install the bump knob by turning clockwise. Tighten securely.
Spring
Fig. 17
SplitLine™ Installation
8. Take approximately 3 m (10 feet) of new trimming line. Insert one end of the line through one of the two holes in the inner reel (Fig. 18). Pull the line through the inner reel until only about 4 inches is left out.
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Fig. 20
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
INSTALLING A PREWOUND REEL
1. Hold the outer spool with one hand and unscrew the bump knob counterclockwise (Fig. 12). Inspect the bolt inside the bump knob to make sure it moves freely.
Replace the bump knob if damaged.
2. Remove the old inner reel from the outer spool
(Fig. 13).
3. Remove the spring from the old inner reel
(Fig. 13).
4. Place the spring in the new inner reel.
NOTE: The spring must be assembled on the inner reel before reassembling the cutting attachment.
5. Insert the ends of the line through the eyelets in the outer spool (Fig. 20).
6. Place the new inner reel inside the outer spool. Push the inner reel and outer spool together. While holding the inner reel and outer spool, grasp the ends and pull firmly to release the line from the holding slots in the spool.
7. Hold the inner reel in place and install the bump knob by turning clockwise. Tighten securely.
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
Removing the Air Filter/Muffler Cover
WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury, always turn your unit off and allow it to cool before you clean or service it.
1. Place the blue choke lever in Position 2 (Fig. 21).
NOTE: The blue choke lever must be in Position 2 to remove the air filter/ muffler cover.
2. Remove the four (4) screws securing the air filter/muffler cover (Fig. 21). Use a T-20 Torx bit screwdriver.
3. Pull the cover from the engine. Do not force.
Cleaning the Air Filter
Clean and re-oil the air filter every 10 hours of operation.
It is an important item to maintain. Failure to maintain your air filter properly can result in poor performance or can cause permanent damage to your engine.
1. Remove air filter/muffler cover. Refer to Removing the Air Filter/Muffler Cover.
2. Turn cover over and look inside to locate the air filter.
Remove the air filter from inside the air filter/muffler cover (Fig. 22).
3. Wash the filter in detergent and water (Fig. 23). Rinse the filter thoroughly. Squeeze out excess water. Allow it to dry completely.
4. Apply enough clean SAE 30 oil to lightly coat the filter
(Fig. 24).
5. Squeeze the filter to spread and remove excess oil
(Fig. 25).
Air Filter
Inside Muffler
Cover
Fig. 22 Fig. 23
Blue Choke
Lever
Position 2
Screws
Fig. 21
Screws
Fig. 24 Fig. 25
6. Replace the air filter inside the air filter/muffler cover
(Fig. 22).
NOTE: Operating the unit without the air filter and air filter/muffler cover assembly will VOID the warranty.
Reinstalling the Air Filter/Muffler Cover
1. Place the air filter/muffler cover over the back of the carburetor and muffler. Align the screw holes.
2. Insert the four (4) screws into the holes in the air filter/muffler cover (Fig. 21) and tighten.
Do not over tighten.
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MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
SPARK ARRESTOR MAINTENANCE
NOTE: The exhaust can only flow in one direction: AWAY from the engine. Pay close attention when disassembling the muffler so you can put it back together correctly. Failure to do so will damage the unit and may cause serious personal injury.
1. Remove air filter/muffler cover. Refer to Removing
the Air Filter/Muffler Cover.
2. Locate the muffler, but do not remove it. Find the two
(2) screws on the bottom of the muffler (Fig. 26).
These two screws hold the Spark Arrestor Hood
Assembly and the spark arrestor screen to the bottom of the muffler. Remove the two (2) screws using either a torx #20 or flat blade screwdriver.
3. Using a small flat blade screwdriver, carefully pry up the spark arrestor screen from the recessed hole, taking care to notice that the “raised” part of the spark arrestor screen is inside the recessed hole.
Remove the spark arrestor screen from the muffler.
4. Clean the spark arrestor screen with a wire brush.
Replace it if it is damaged, or if you are unable to clean it thoroughly.
5. Reinstall the spark arrestor screen by putting the
“raised” portion of the screen inside the recessed hole of the muffler. Make sure that the spark arrestor screen fits flat against the muffler.
6. Place the spark arrestor plate on top of the spark arrestor with the “raised” side up and the opening facing towards the engine (Fig. 26).
7. Place the spark arrestor hood on top of the spark arrestor plate with the “raised” side up and the opening facing AWAY from the engine (Fig. 26). Verify that the exhaust will be directed AWAY from the engine.
8. Replace the two screws you removed in Step 2 and tighten them securely.
9. Reinstall the air filter/muffler cover.
Engine
WARNING: not tightened securely, it could fall off causing damage to the unit and possible serious personal injury.
Muffler
Recessed Hole
If the exhaust deflector assembly is
Spark Arrestor
Screen
Spark Arrestor
Plate
Spark Arrestor Hood
Assembly Includes:
Spark Arrestor Plate
Spark Arrestor Hood and Screws
Spark Arrestor
Hood
Fig. 26
Screws
Opening
CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT
The idle speed of the engine is adjustable through the air filter/muffler cover (Fig. 27).
NOTE: Careless adjustments can seriously damage your unit. An authorized service dealer should make carburetor adjustments.
Check Fuel Mixture
Old and/or improperly mixed fuel is usually the reason for improper unit performance. Drain and refill the tank with fresh, properly-mixed fuel prior to making any adjustments. Refer to Oil and Fuel Information.
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MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
Clean Air Filter
The condition of the air filter is important to the operation of the unit. A dirty air filter will restrict air flow and change the air/fuel mixture. This is often mistaken for an out of adjustment carburetor. Check the condition of the air filter before adjusting the idle speed screw. Refer to
Air Filter Maintenance.
Adjust Idle Speed Screw
If, after checking the fuel mixture and cleaning the air filter, the engine still will not idle, adjust the idle speed screw as follows:
1. Start the engine and let it run at a high idle for a minute to warm up. Refer to Starting/Stopping
Instructions.
WARNING: The cutting attachment will spin during idle speed adjustments. Wear protective clothing and observe all safety instructions to prevent serious personal injury.
2. Release the throttle trigger and let the engine idle. If the engine stops, insert a small phillips screwdriver into the hole in the air filter/muffler cover (Fig. 27).
Turn the idle speed screw in, clockwise, 1/8 of a turn at a time (as needed) until the engine idles smoothly.
3. If the engine appears to be idling too fast, turn the idle speed screw counterclockwise 1/8 of a turn at a time (as needed), to reduce idle speed.
Idle Speed Screw
Checking the fuel mixture, cleaning the air filter, and adjusting the idle speed should solve most engine problems. If not and all of the following are true:
• the engine will not idle
• the engine hesitates or stalls on acceleration
• there is a loss of engine power
Have the carburetor adjusted by an authorized service dealer.
WARNING: To prevent serious personal injury, make sure the cutting attachment has stopped rotating after you turn it off and before you set it down.
REPLACING THE SPARK PLUG
Use a Champion RDJ7Y spark plug, or equivalent. The correct air gap is 0.5 mm (0.020 inch). Remove the plug after every 25 hours of operation and check its condition.
1. Stop the engine and allow it to cool. Grasp the plug wire firmly and pull it from the spark plug.
2. Clean around the spark plug. Remove the spark plug from the cylinder head by turning a 5/8-inch socket counterclockwise.
3. Replace a cracked, fouled or dirty spark plug. Set the air gap at 0.5 mm (0.020 inch) using a feeler gauge (Fig. 28).
WARNING: Do not sand blast, scrape or clean electrodes. Grit in the engine could damage the cylinder.
4. Install a correctly-gapped spark plug in the cylinder head. Tighten by turning the 5/8-inch socket clockwise until snug.
If using a torque wrench torque to:
12.3-13.5 N•m (110-120 in.•lb.)
Do not over tighten.
Fig. 27
0.5 mm
(0.020 in.)
Fig. 28
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CLEANING
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury, always turn your trimmer off and allow it to cool before you clean or service it.
Use a small brush to clean off the outside of the unit.
Do not use strong detergents. Household cleaners that contain aromatic oils such as pine and lemon, and solvents such as kerosene, can damage plastic housing or handle. Wipe off any moisture with a soft cloth.
STORAGE
• Never store a fueled unit where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.
• Allow the engine to cool before storing.
• Store the unit locked up to prevent unauthorized use or damage.
• Store the unit in a dry, well-ventilated area.
• Store the unit out of the reach of children.
LONG TERM STORAGE
If you plan on storing the unit for an extended time, use the following storage procedure:
1. Drain all fuel from the fuel tank into a container with the same 2-cycle fuel mixture. Do not use fuel that has been stored for more than 60 days. Dispose of the old fuel/oil mix in accordance to Federal, State and Local regulations.
2. Start the engine and allow it to run until it stalls. This ensures that all fuel has been drained from the carburetor.
3. Allow the engine to cool. Remove the spark plug and put 30 ml (1 oz.) of any high quality motor oil or
2-cycle oil into the cylinder. Pull the starter rope slowly to distribute the oil. Reinstall the spark plug.
NOTE: Remove the spark plug and drain all of the oil from the cylinder before attempting to start the trimmer after storage.
4. Thoroughly clean the unit and inspect it for any loose or damaged parts. Repair or replace damaged parts and tighten loose screws, nuts or bolts. The unit is ready for storage.
TRANSPORTING
• Allow the engine to cool before transporting.
• Drain fuel from unit.
• Tighten fuel cap before transporting.
• Secure the unit while transporting.
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