Maintenance Chart
Regular maintenance improves performance and extends engine life. More frequent
service is required when operating in adverse conditions; heavy load, high
termperatues or in extremely dusty or dirty areas.
DAILY CHECKS or Every 8 Hours
Check engine oil level
Check for oil leaks
Check fuel level
Check coolant level
Clean debris from engine
First 50 Hours (initial Break-In)
Change engine oil *
Replace oil filter
Service air filter
Replace fuel filter
Check spark arrestor (if equipped)
Every 50 Hours
Check and clean spark arrestor (if equipped)
Every 100 Hours
Check fan belt
Service air filter
Every 150 Hours
Change engine oil *
Replace oil filter
Every 200 Hours
Check battery electrolyte
Every 600 Hours
Replace air filter
Check valve clearance
Y
Every 800 Hours
Replace fuel filter
Perform Annually
Perform the above procedures annually if the engine has operated less than the
hours shown.
Change coolant
*
The use of Synthetic 5W- -30 oil does not alter required oil change intervals.
If engine is running normally, this check and adjustment may be omitted.
Y
Inspect Muffler And Spark Arrester
WARNING
Running engines produce heat. Engine parts, especially muffler,
become extremely hot.
Severe thermal burns can occur on contact.
Combustible debris, such as leaves, grass, brush, etc. can catch fire.
Allow muffler, engine cylinder and fins to cool before touching.
Remove accumulated debris from muffler area and cylinder area.
It is a violation of California Public Resource Code, Section 4442, to use or
operate the engine on any forest-covered, brush-covered, or grass-covered land
unless the exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester, as defined in
Section 4442, maintained in effective working order. Other states or federal
jurisdictions may have similar laws. Contact the original equipment
manufacturer, retailer, or dealer to obtain a spark arrester designed for the
exhaust system installed on this engine.
Remove accumulated debris from muffler area and cylinder area. Inspect the muffler for
cracks, corrosion, or other damage. Remove the spark arrester, if equipped, and inspect
for damage or carbon blockage. If damage is found, install replacement parts before
operating.
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WARNING:
Replacement parts must be of the same design and installed
in the same position as the original parts. Other parts may not perform as well, may
damage the unit, and may result in injury.
How To Check Coolant
This is a liquid cooled engine. A 50/50% coolant mixture of phosphate-free antifreeze
and tap water is required for cooling, rust resistance, and lubrication of the water pump.
WARNING
Severe thermal burns can occur by escaping steam or hot coolant.
DO NOT remove radiator cap or reservoir cap if engine is warm or running.
Stop engine and allow it to cool before removing radiator cap or reservoir cap
and before changing or adding coolant.
1. Check the coolant level. The coolant level must be between the FULL and LOW, or
ADD, marks on the coolant reservoir. If the coolant level is low, add a 50/50%
coolant mixture of phosphate-free antifreeze and tap water to the reservoir.
2. To remove the reservoir cap after engine is cool, place a thick cloth over the reservoir
cap. Slowly turn the reservoir cap counterclockwise to remove.
3. If the reservoir is dry, add coolant to both the reservoir and to the radiator. See the
equipment manual for location, operation, and maintenance of the coolant reservoir
and of the radiator.
4. To remove the radiator cap after engine is cool, place a thick cloth over the radiator
cap. Slowly turn the radiator cap counterclockwise to the first stop. If pressurized
steam escapes from the cap, stand back to avoid injury. After all pressure is
released, push down and turn the radiator cap counterclockwise to remove.
How To Change The Oil - Figure 2
Used oil is a hazardous waste product and must be disposed of properly. Do not discard
with household waste. Check with your local authorities, service center, or dealer for safe
disposal/recycling facilities.
Remove Oil
1. Remove the oil drain plug (G, Figure 3). Drain the oil into an approved container.
2. After the oil has drained, install and tighten the oil drain plug.
Change The Oil Filter
For replacement intervals, see the Maintenance chart.
1. Drain the oil from the engine. See Remove Oil section.
2. Remove the oil filter (H, Figure 3) and dispose of properly.
3. Before you install the new oil filter, lightly lubricate the oil filter gasket with fresh,
clean oil.
4. Install the oil filter by hand until the gasket contacts the oil filter adapter, then tighten
the oil filter 1/2 to 3/4 turns.
5. Add oil. See Add Oil section.
Add Oil
Place engine level.
Clean the oil fill area of any debris.
See the Specifications section for oil capacity.
1. Remove the dipstick (A, Figure 2).
2. Remove the oil fill cap (J).
3. Pour the oil slowly into the engine oil fill (C). Do not overfill.
Note: When adding oil, adequate venting is required as follows:
Remove the dipstick.
Make sure adequate clearance (D) is maintained between the oil fill device (E)
and the engine oil fill (C). See Figure 4.
4. Install and tighten the oil fill cap.
NOTICE: Before starting the engine, wipe the engine clean of any spilled oil.
5. After adding oil, install the dipstick. Start and run engine at idle for five minutes.
Check for leaks. Shut off engine. Wait three minutes and check oil level. If required,
add oil to bring oil level to the FULL mark (B) on the dipstick (Figure 2).
6. Install the dipstick.
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