WARNING! If the engine has been running, the
muffler will be very hot. Be careful not to touch the
muffler.
2. Visually inspect the spark plug. Discard the spark plug
if there is apparent wear, or if the insulator is cracked or
chipped. Clean the spark plug with a wire brush if it is to be
reused.
3. Measure the plug gap with a feeler gauge. Correct as
necessary by bending side electrode. See Fig. 6-4. The gap
should be set to 0.030 in.
4. Check that the spark plug washer is in good condition
and thread the spark plug in by hand to prevent cross-
threading.
5. After the spark plug is seated, tighten with a spark plug
wrench to compress the washer.
NOTE: When installing a new spark plug, tighten ⁄ turn
after the spark plug seats to compress the washer. When
reinstalling a used spark plug, tighten ⁄-⁄ turn after the
spark plug seats to compress the washer.
NOTE: The spark plug must be securely tightened. An
improperly tightened spark plug can become very hot and
may damage the engine.
Cleaning the Engine
If the engine has been running, allow it to cool for at least half
an hour before cleaning. Periodically remove dirt build-up from
the engine. Clean around the muffler. Clean with a brush or
compressed air.
NOTE: Do not spray engine with water to clean because water
could contaminate fuel. Using a garden hose or pressure washing
equipment can also force water into the air cleaner or muffler
opening. Water in the air cleaner will soak the paper element,
and water that passes through the element or muffler can enter
the cylinder, causing damage.
WARNING! Accumulation of debris around muffler
could cause a fire. Inspect and clean before every
use.
OFFSEASON Storage
Engines stored between 30 and 90 days need to be treated with
a gasoline stabilizer and engines stored over 90 days need to be
drained of fuel to prevent deterioration and gum from forming
in fuel system or on essential carburetor parts. If the gasoline in
your engine deteriorates during storage, you may need to have
the carburetor, and other fuel system components, serviced or
replaced.
Remove all fuel from tank by running engine until it stops 1.
from lack of fuel.
WARNING! Never leave engine unattended while it
is running.
Change the oil. See Changing the Oil earlier in this section.2.
Remove spark plug and pour about a 3. ⁄ ounce of engine oil
into the cylinder. Replace spark plug and crank it slowly to
distribute oil.
Clean debris from around the engine and the muffler. 4.
Touch up any damaged paint, and coat other areas that
may rust with a light film of oil.
Store in a clean, dry and well ventilated area away from any 5.
appliance that operates with a flame or pilot light, such
as a furnace, water heater, or clothes dryer. Also avoid any
area with a spark producing electric motor, or where power
tools are operated.
If possible, also avoid storage areas with high humidity, 6.
because that promotes rust and corrosion.
Keep the engine level in storage. Tilting can cause fuel or 7.
oil leakage.
0.02-0.03 in.
0.60-0.80 mm
Electrode
Figure 6-4
12 sE c t i O n 6— Ma i n t E n a n c E
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