TecumsehPower LV148EA

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181-1215-14

(English) 6/01/08

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LV148EA/LV148XA LV156EA/LV156XA

LV195EA/LV195XA (LEV90-120)

Four-Cycle Engine • Vertical Crankshaft • Air-Cooled

Table of Contents

IMPORTANT NOTICE! Safety Definitions.........................................ii

I. General Safety Precautions............................................................. 1

II. How to Get Service.......................................................................... 3

III. Oil and Fuel Specifications............................................................... 4

IV. Before Starting Your Engine............................................................. 4

V. Starting Your Engine ........................................................................ 7

VI. Stopping Your Engine and Short-Term Storage ............................. 13

VII. Maintenance .................................................................................. 13

VIII. Transporting Your Engine............................................................... 21

IX. Storing Your Engine ....................................................................... 22

X. Preventing Forest, Brush and Grass Fires..................................... 24

XI. Maintenance Intervals.................................................................... 24

California & US EPA Emission Control Warranty Statement.......... 28

Emission Control System Warranty ............................................... 29

XII. Warranty Information...................................................................... 30

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This document is an operator's manual for TecumsehPower four-cycle, vertical crankshaft, air-cooled engines, specifically models LV148EA/LV148XA, LV156EA/LV156XA, and LV195EA/LV195XA (LEV90-120). It provides essential information for safe operation, maintenance, and storage of these engines.

Function Description:

These engines are designed for various small off-road equipment (SORE) applications, providing power through a vertical crankshaft. They are air-cooled, meaning they rely on air circulation to dissipate heat generated during operation. The manual emphasizes that these engines are not intended for use on fun-carts, go-karts, or mini-bikes, as this can lead to serious injury or death. TecumsehPower manufactures a separate "Power Sport" line of engines for such applications.

Important Technical Specifications:

Engine Type: Four-Cycle, Vertical Crankshaft, Air-Cooled.
Oil Sump Capacity: 21 ounces or 1-1/4 U.S. Pints (.62 liters).
Recommended Oil: Clean, high-quality, detergent oil. Specific TecumsehPower part numbers are provided for multi-grade (730226A or SAE 5W30/10W) and synthetic (730263 or SAE 0W30) oils, as well as straight grade (730225A or SAE 30W) oil, depending on ambient temperature. Using multi-grade oil above 32°F (0°C) may increase oil consumption, and SAE 10W40 is not recommended. Oil should be A.P.I. Service "SL/SJ" marked.
Recommended Fuel: Unleaded regular, unleaded premium, or reformulated automotive fuel only. Leaded fuel and fuel containing Methanol (Wood Alcohol) are prohibited. The manual specifies acceptable percentages for fuel components like Ethanol (10%), Grain Alcohol ("Gasohol") (10%), MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) (15%), and ETBE (Ethyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) (15%). Alternative fuels like E85 or E20 are not recommended due to potential hard starting, poor performance, and internal engine damage.
Spark Plug Gap: .030 in. (0.76 mm). A resistor spark plug is required for replacement.
Carburetor Adjustment: Factory settings are generally satisfactory. Adjustments, if needed, should be performed by an Authorized TecumsehPower Servicing Dealer. Engine performance should not be affected at altitudes up to 7,000 feet (2,134 meters); for higher elevations, contact a dealer.
Governor Setting: Tampering with the governor setting is explicitly warned against, as it can lead to runaway engine operation at unsafe speeds and voids the engine warranty.

Usage Features:

Safety First: The manual heavily emphasizes safety, with numerous "WARNING" and "CAUTION" labels. Key safety points include avoiding carbon monoxide poisoning by never running the engine indoors or in poorly-ventilated areas, preventing gasoline fires by refueling outdoors and allowing the engine to cool, and staying away from rotating parts.
Adult Supervision: Operation, refueling, and maintenance should be performed by an adult. Children should only be allowed to perform these tasks if an adult has determined they are experienced and capable.
Starting Procedures: Detailed instructions are provided for engines with electric starters and recoil starters, covering different configurations (Primer Bulb Only, Choke Only, Primer Bulb and Choke). Specific steps are outlined for cold and warm engine starts, including throttle control positions and primer bulb presses.
Stopping Procedures: Engines should be stopped according to the equipment manufacturer's instructions. The manual warns against leaving a running engine unattended and advises removing the ignition key (if equipped) after use.
Engine Modification: Modifying the engine in any way, especially tampering with the governor setting, is strictly prohibited and can lead to serious injury or death, as well as voiding the warranty.
Hearing Protection: Users are advised to wear hearing protection when operating the engine due to noise levels.

Maintenance Features:

Regular Inspections: Before each use, remove the air cleaner cover and discard grass clippings, dirt, and debris from levers, linkage, cooling fins, air intake screen, air inlet, guards, carburetor, and head. This ensures adequate cooling, correct engine speed, and reduces fire risk.
Oil Changes:
- Check oil level before each use and every 5 operating hours (more frequently during break-in).
- Change oil after the first 2 operating hours, then every 25 operating hours thereafter (more often in dusty/dirty conditions). The engine should be warm but not hot for an oil change.
- Instructions are provided for engines with an oil fill cap/dipstick and those with an oil fill cap/plug.
- Used oil must be disposed of at a proper collection center.
Spark Plug Maintenance:
- Check yearly or every 100 operating hours.
- Clean the area around the spark plug, then remove and inspect it. Replace if porcelain is cracked or electrodes are pitted, burned, or fouled.
- Set the electrode gap to .030 in. (0.76 mm) using a wire feeler gauge.
- A resistor spark plug is required for replacement.
Air Cleaner Maintenance:
- Never run the engine without a complete air cleaner installed.
- Foam filters should be cleaned every 3 months or every 25 operating hours (daily in dusty conditions). Cleaning involves washing in warm water and detergent, rinsing, and pressing dry (without twisting). Foam filters should NOT be oiled.
- Paper filters cannot be cleaned and must be replaced once a year or every 100 operating hours (more often in dusty conditions). Paper filters should NOT be oiled.
- Detailed instructions are provided for various air cleaner types (Type A, B, C, D, E) for removal, inspection, cleaning, and installation.
Fuel System Maintenance (Storage):
- For short-term/seasonal storage (15-30 days without stabilizer), treat the fuel system with a stabilizer like ULTRA-FRESH™ Gasoline Stabilizer. Run the engine for at least 10 minutes after adding stabilizer. It is not necessary to empty stabilized fuel from the tank.
- For extended storage (more than one season without stabilizer), the fuel tank should be emptied. This involves using a suction device, draining fuel into an approved container, and then running the engine until all remaining fuel is consumed.
Cylinder Bore Lubrication (Extended Storage):
- After draining fuel, disconnect the spark plug wire, remove the spark plug, and squirt 1 oz. (30 ml) of clean engine oil into the spark plug hole.
- Cover the spark plug hole with a rag.
- For recoil starters, pull the rope slowly once with a full arm stroke to distribute oil.
- For electric starters, push the starter button or turn the ignition key to "START" position briefly to distribute oil.
- Install the spark plug and reconnect the spark plug wire.
Battery Storage: Follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions for proper battery storage if the machine is equipped with a DC electric starter.
Warranty Information: The manual includes a detailed California & US EPA Emission Control Warranty Statement and a Limited Warranty for New TecumsehPower Engines and Electronic Ignition Modules, outlining coverage periods and owner responsibilities. It specifies that warranty service must be performed by an Authorized TecumsehPower Servicing Dealer.