MTD 700 Mode D'emploi page 17

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 Adjuster
If after checking the fuel mixture and cleaning the air
filter the engine
still will not idle, adjust the idle speed adjuster as
follows.
1. Start the engine and let it run about 2–3 minutes at a
high speed (full throttle) to warm up.
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. 23).
Turn the idle speed adjuster in, clockwise, 1/8 of a
turn at a time (as needed) until the engine idles
smoothly. See Specifications for idle RPM.
NOTE: The unit does not have a clutch and the cutting
attachment continues rotating when the engine is
idling.
3. To reduce the idle speed, turn the idle speed
adjuster counterclockwise 1/8 of a turn at a time (as
needed).
Checking the fuel mixture, cleaning the air filter, and
adjusting the idle
speed screw should solve most engine problems.
If not and:
• 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.
REPLACING THE SPARK PLUG
Use a Champion RDJ7Y spark plug (or equivalent). The
correct air gap is 0.5 mm (0.020 in.). Remove the plug
after every 50 hours of operation and check its
condition.
1. Stop the engine and allow it to cool. Grasp the plug
wire firmly and pull the cap from the spark plug.
2. Clean dirt from around the spark plug.
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
3. Replace cracked, fouled or dirty spark plug. Set the
air gap at 0.5 mm (0.020 in.) using a feeler gauge
(Fig. 24).
4. Install a correctly gapped spark plug in the cylinder
head. Tighten by turning the 5/8 in. socket clockwise
until snug.
Do not over tighten.
CLEANING
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 the unit with fuel in the tank where fumes
may reach an open flame or spark.
• Allow the engine to cool before storing.
• Store the unit in a dry place, locked up or up-high to
prevent
unauthorized use or damage. Keep out of the reach of
children.
LONG TERM STORAGE
If the unit will be stored for an extended time, use the
following storage procedure.
1. Drain all fuel from the fuel tank and drain into a
container with the same 2-cycle fuel mixture. Do not
use fuel that has been stored for more than 60 days.
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 for any loose
or damaged parts. Repair or replace damaged parts
and tighten loose screws, nuts or bolts. The unit is
ready for storage.
5 Store the unit in a dry place, locked up or up-high to
prevent unauthorized use or damage. Keep out of
the reach of children.
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