Predator 69731 - User Manual

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Using an engine indoors

CAN KILL YOU IN MINUTES.

Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide.

This is a poison you cannot see or smell.

NEVER use inside

a home or garage,

EVEN IF doors and

windows are open.

Only use OUTSIDE

and far away from

windows, doors,

and vents.

Owner’s Manual & Safety Instructions

Save This Manual Keep this manual for the safety warnings and precautions, assembly,

operating, inspection, maintenance and cleaning procedures. Write the product’s serial number in the

back of the manual near the assembly diagram (or month and year of purchase if product has no number).

Keep this manual and the receipt in a safe and dry place for future reference. 22f

When unpacking, make sure that the product is intact

and undamaged. If any parts are missing or broken,

please call 1-888-866-5797 as soon as possible.

2012 by Harbor Freight Tools

No portion of this manual or any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in

any shape or form without the express written consent of Harbor Freight Tools.

Diagrams within this manual may not be drawn proportionally. Due to continuing

improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the product described herein.

Tools required for assembly and service may not be included.

Read this material before using this product.

Failure to do so can result in serious injury.

SAVE THIS MANUAL.

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This document is a user manual for the Predator 173cc Vertical Engine, model 69731, manufactured by Harbor Freight Tools.

Function Description

The Predator 173cc Vertical Engine is a single-cylinder, 4-stroke OHV engine designed for various applications, likely including lawn mowers and other outdoor power equipment. It is EPA phase III and CARB compliant, indicating adherence to environmental emission standards. The engine is air-cooled and operates on 87+ octane stabilizer-treated unleaded gasoline.

Important Technical Specifications

Engine Type: Vertical Single Cylinder 4 stroke OHV, EPA phase III and CARB compliant
Cooling System: Forced air cooled
Fuel: 87+ octane stabilizer-treated unleaded gasoline
- Fuel Capacity: 0.25 gallon (0.95 liter)
Engine Oil:
- Type SAE: 10W-30 above 32° F; 5W30 at 32° F or below
- Capacity: 0.6 Quart
Run Time @ 50% Load (with full tank): 40 minutes
Sound Level: 104 dB
Bore x Stroke: 70 mm x 45 mm
Displacement: 173cc
Compression Ratio: 7.9:1
Rotation (viewed from PTO): Counterclockwise
Mounting Base Pattern: 8" (203mm); 3/8"-24 UNF tapped hole; 2 x 8.7mm through-hole
Shaft:
- Shaft dia.: 7/8" x 3.16"
- Keyway: 3/16" (4.76 mm)
- End Tapped: 3/8" - 24
Spark Plug:
- Type: CHAMPION®: RA8HC; NGK® DCPR7E; TORCH®: DK7RTC
- Gap: 0.027" - 0.031"
Valve Clearance:
- Intake: 0.004" - 0.006"
- Exhaust: 0.006" - 0.008"
Speed (Idle): 1,800 ± 50 RPM

Usage Features

Safety First: The manual emphasizes numerous safety precautions, including warnings about carbon monoxide hazards, fire risks from fuel, and the importance of operating the engine in well-ventilated areas. Users are advised to wear ANSI-approved safety goggles, heavy-duty work gloves, and a dust mask/respirator during setup.
Pre-Start Checks: Before starting, users must inspect the engine for damaged, loose, or missing parts, and ensure proper oil and fuel levels. The warranty is void if the crankcase is not properly filled with oil.
Fuel Recommendations: The engine requires 87+ octane stabilizer-treated unleaded gasoline. It explicitly warns against using gasoline containing more than 10% ethanol (E10) or E85 ethanol, and advises against using fuel stored in metal or dirty containers.
Starting Procedure: To start the engine, users need to press the priming bulb 2-3 times, adjust the mower's throttle control to full throttle, and hold the mower's brake handle closed. The starter handle is then pulled to start the engine.
Stopping Procedure: To stop the engine, the user simply releases the brake handle.
Break-in Period: A break-in period of approximately 3 hours of use is recommended, during which heavy loads should be avoided. A maintenance break-in period of about 20 hours is also mentioned, after which the engine oil should be changed.
High Altitude Operation: For operation above 3000 feet, the engine's carburetor, governor, and other fuel-air ratio control parts may need adjustment by a qualified mechanic, or an altitude kit may need to be installed. Failure to do so can void the warranty and decrease performance.

Maintenance Features

Regular Schedule: The manual provides a comprehensive maintenance schedule, outlining procedures to be performed before each use, monthly (every 20 hr), every 3 months (every 50 hr), every 6 months (every 100 hr), yearly (every 300 hr), and every 2 years.
Key Maintenance Tasks:
- Before Each Use: Brush off outside of engine, check engine oil level, check air cleaner, check deposit cup.
- Monthly/Every 20 hr: Change engine oil.
- Every 3 mo./Every 50 hr: Clean/replace air cleaner.
- Every 6 mo./Every 100 hr: Check and clean spark plug.
- Yearly/Every 300 hr: Check/adjust idle speed, check/adjust valve clearance, clean fuel tank, strainer, and carburetor, clean carbon build-up from combustion chamber.
- Every 2 Years: Replace fuel line.
Air Filter Maintenance: Paper filter elements should be cleaned with pressurized air, while foam elements should be washed with warm water and mild detergent, rinsed, dried, and soaked in lightweight oil.
Spark Plug Maintenance: Users are instructed to disconnect the spark plug cap, remove the plug with a wrench, inspect it for oil or deposits (cleaning with a rag or emery paper as needed), and replace if cracked or chipped. The gap must be adjusted to specifications when installing a new plug.
Engine Oil Change: Oil should be changed when the engine is cool. The old oil is drained, and new SAE 10W-30 oil (or other appropriate viscosity based on outdoor temperature) is added to the full level.
Long-Term Storage: For storage longer than 20 days, the engine should be prepared by cleaning, draining the fuel system (carburetor and fuel tank), and lubricating the cylinder by adding a small amount of oil and pulling the starter handle.
Troubleshooting Guide: A detailed troubleshooting section helps users diagnose and resolve common issues such as engine misfires, sudden stops, knocking, and backfires, providing probable causes and solutions. It emphasizes that all safety precautions should be followed when diagnosing or servicing the equipment.