Guardian 55 ES User manual

MODEL 55 ES
©2008
GUARDIAN ULV EQUIPMENT
PRODUCT OF ADAPCO, INC., SANFORD, FL

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•Do Not direct air blast from nozzle directly at any part of your body.
•Use ear protection when in close vicinity of equipment when powered up.
•Read this manual completely as well as other manuals that come with this
equipment.
•Keep hands, feet and clothing away from power-driven parts.
•Before performing any maintenance or service, stop the machine
•Keep all shrouds and guards in place especially the drive belt shroud.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW SAFE OPERATING PRACTICES
MAY RESULT IN INJURY
REMEMBER – YOUR ULV COLD FOG GENERATOR IS ONLY AS SAFE AS
THE OPERATOR!
Hazard control and accident prevention are dependent upon the awareness, concern,
prudence, and proper training of the personnel involved in the operation, transport,
maintenance, and storage of the equipment.
Guardian 55 ES
This manual covers the operating instructions, illustrations,
and parts lists for:

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
MODEL 55 ES
Contents
SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................................................................ 5
INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................................... 7
SERVICING THE ENGINE ............................................................................................................................ 7
DIRECTION REFERENCE ............................................................................................................................. 8
SAFETY INFORMATION.................................................................................................................................. 9
SIGNAL WORDS ......................................................................................................................................... 9
BEFORE OPERATION CONSIDERATIONS.................................................................................................. 10
OPERATION CONSIDERATIONS ............................................................................................................... 12
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE ...................................................................................................................13
FAMILIARIZATION .......................................................................................................................................14
OPERATOR CONTROLS ............................................................................................................................ 14
AIR PRESSURE GAUGE............................................................................................................................. 14
SPRAY VALVE (Ball Valve)........................................................................................................................ 15
FORMULATION FILTER AND ORIFICE ......................................................................................................15
FORMULATION TANK .............................................................................................................................. 15
ATOMIZATION NOZZLE ........................................................................................................................... 16
INSTALLATION ............................................................................................................................................. 17
COLD FOG GENERATOR (ULV SPRAYER) CONTENTS ............................................................................... 17
FACTORY FLUID LEVELS........................................................................................................................... 17
VEHICLE INSTALLATION...........................................................................................................................17
ENGINE STARTING & STOPPING.............................................................................................................. 18
Engine Symbols ....................................................................................................................................... 19
Recoil Start (Pull Start) ........................................................................................................................ 19
MAINTENANCE............................................................................................................................................20

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CHECKING ENGINE CRANKCASE OIL LEVEL ................................................................................................. 20
ENGINE AIR CLEANER.............................................................................................................................. 20
COMPRESSOR LUBRICATION................................................................................................................... 21
BELT TENSION ......................................................................................................................................... 21
LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE ........................................................................................................ 23
CALIBRATION...............................................................................................................................................24
FLOW CALIBRATION DESCRIPTION .........................................................................................................24
FLOW CALIBRATION PROCEDURES ......................................................................................................... 25
FLOW DIAGRAM.......................................................................................................................................... 27
TROUBLESHOOTING....................................................................................................................................28
ILLUSTRATED PARTS BREAKDOWN .............................................................................................................29
GUARDIAN 55 ES ..................................................................................................................................... 29
GUARDIAN 55 ES PARTS LIST .................................................................................................................. 30
GUARDIAN 55 ES PARTS LIST .................................................................................................................. 31
GUARDIAN ULV LIMITED WARRANTY ......................................................................................................... 33

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SPECIFICATIONS
Guardian 55 ES
Engine
Make: Honda
Model GX160
Horse Power: 5.5
Engine type: Air cooled, 4-stroke, OHV, Single cylinder
Bore & Stroke: 68 x 45 mm (2.7 x 1.8 in.)
Displacement: 163 cm3(9.9 cu. In)
Ignition system: Transistorized magneto
Direction of rotation: Counterclockwise facing the PTO shaft
Starting system: Recoil
Dry Weight: 15.0kg (33.1 lbs)
Fuel: Unleaded gasoline
Compressor
Make: Chinook
Model: K12
Dia. Outlet/inlet: .50”
Max performance: 1200 RPM
150 PSIG
6.97 ACFM @ 100 PSI
3.0BHP
Housing: Aluminum case and cylinder
Flywheel: 11” diameter
Belt type: 1-A
Weight 17.9 lbs.
Oil Capacity: 15 oz.
Drive Couple
Method V-Belt
Nozzle
Model: BEET XA series Siphon Round air cap
Port Size: 1/8” FNPT
Material: Brass Nickel plate
Nozzle rotation: 360º horizontally, 180º vertically

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Capacity
Fuel: 0.95 U.S. gallons (3.6 liter)
Formulation: 2.5 Gallon (9.46 liter) Natural/opaque
Flow Control
No pump
Siphon Orifice disk
Orifice sizes .020ø through .061ø (9 sizes)
Formulation filter: Inline
Gauges
Pressure: 0-150 PSI
Throttle & Choke Control
Throttle: manual
Choke: manual
Finish:
Type: Epoxy Powder Coat chassis
Chassis material: Aluminum
Dimensions:
Length 34.2”
Width 15.65”
Height 17”
Weight: 90 lbs (dry)

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GENERAL INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION
Your ULV cold fog generator, known from this point on in this manual as “ULV Sprayer”,was
built to the highest standards in the industry. However, the prolonged life and maximum
efficiency of your sprayer equipment depends on you following the operating, maintenance and
adjustment instructions in this manual.
If additional information or service is needed, contact ADAPCO or if applicable, your authorized
ADAPCO service representative.
We encourage you to contact ADAPCO for repairs. As the designer and manufacturer of this
equipment, ADAPCO professionals are informed and trained on the latest methods to service
this equipment and provide prompt and efficient service in the field or at the service shop and
carry a full line of Guradian ULV service parts and accessories.
THE REPLACEMENT OF ANY PORTION OF THIS PRODUCT BY OTHER THAN THE
MANUFACTURER’S AUTHORIZED REPLACEMENT PART MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT THE
PERFORMANCE, DURABILITY OR SAFETY OF THIS PRODUCT. USE OF OTHER THAN
ADAPCO/GUARDIAN ULV REPLACEMENT PARTS WILL VOID THE WARRANTY.
For some pictoral clarity, some illustrations and figures in this manual may show guards, or
shrouds removed. Under no circumstances should your ULV sprayer be operated without these
devices in place.
All information is based upon product information available at the time of approval for printing.
ADAPCO, Inc. reserves the right to make changes at any time without notice and without
incurring any obligation.
SERVICING THE ENGINE
The detailed servicing and repair of the engine is not covered in this manual; only routine
maintenance and general service instructions are provided. For service of the engine during the
limited warranty period, it is important to contact ADAPCO and if applicable, an authorized
ADAPCO service representative or an authorized servicing agent of the particular engine
manufacturer. Any unauthorized work done on the engine during the warranty period may
void your warranty.

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DIRECTION REFERENCE
The “Right” and “Left”, “Front” and “Rear” of the machine are refereced from the operator’s
right and left when standing behind the vehicle and facing in the normal forward direction of
the vehicle. Additionally, the ULV sprayer is designed to be placed in the back of a vehicle with
the engine and compressor facing the rear.

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SAFETY INFORMATION
GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION
Your ULV sprayer is only as safe as the operator. Carelessness or operator error may result in
serious bodily injury or death. Hazard control and accident prevention are dependent upon the
awareness, concern, prudence, and proper training of the personnel involved in the operation,
transport, maintenance, and storage of the equipment. Make sure every operator is properly
trained and throughly familiar with all of the controls before operating this spray equipment.
The owner/user can prevent and is responsible for accidents or injuries occurring to
themselves, other people or property.
READ THIS OPERATOR’S MANUAL
BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO START
OR USE THIS SPRAYER.
A replacement copy of this manual is available from ADAPCO, Inc. or if applicable, an authorized
dealer or reseller of this equipment at:
ADAPCO, Inc.
Attn: Customer Service Dept.
550 Aero Lane
Sanford, FL 32771
Or call 1-800-367-0659
Additionally, a copy of this manual can be downloaded from the ADAPCO web site at
www.MyADAPCO by using the model number.
SIGNAL WORDS
This general symbol, the exclamation point inside a triangle
means “Attention! Become Alert! Your Safety is involved!”
The symbol is used with the following signal words to
attract your attention to safety messages found on the
decals on the machine and throughout this manual.

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The message that follows the symbol contains important information about safety. To avoid
injury and possible death, carefully read the message! Be sure to understand the causes of
possible injury or death.
Signal Word:
The Signal word is a distinctive word found on the safety decals on the machine and throughout
this manual that alerts the viewer to the existence and relative degree of the hazard.
The signal word “DANGER” denotes that an extremely
hazardous situation exists on or near the machine that could
result in high probability of death or irreparable injury if proper
precautions are not taken.
The signal word “WARNING” denotes that a hazard exists on or
near the machine that can result in injury or death if proper
precautions are not taken.
The signal word “CAUTION” is a reminder of safety practices on
or near the machine that could result in personal injury if
proper precautions are not taken.
Your safety and the safety of others depend significantly upon your knowledge and
understanding of all correct operating practices and procedures of this machine.
BEFORE OPERATION CONSIDERATIONS
1. Become familiar with the safe operation of the ULV sprayer and the operator controls.
2. Never allow children to play with the machine. Never allow children to ride in a vehicle
sitting next to or on top of this machine.
3. Always wear appropriate clothing while operating, maintaining, servicing or calibrating
this machine. The wearing of such items as safety glasses, aprons, gloves, and safety

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shoes is advisable and may be required by some local ordinances or insurance
regulations.
4. Always wear hearing protection. Operating this machine for prolonged periods of time
without hearing protection can cause permanent loss of hearing.
5. Keep the Spray machine and attachments in good operating condition. Keep all guards,
or shrouds in place. If a shield, safety device or decal is defective or damaged, repair or
replace it before operating the machine.
6. Fill the fuel tank with clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of
87. To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme care in handling gasoline.
Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.
a. Keep flammable objects (cigarettes, matches, etc.), open flames and sparks away
from the fuel tank and fuel container.
b. Use only an approved gasoline container.
c. DO NOT add fuel to a running or hot engine. Allow the engine to cool for several
minutes before adding fuel.
d. Never fuel the machine indoors or in a small enclosed area without ventilation.
e. Never store the sprayer or fuel container where there is an open flame, spark or
pilot light such as on a water heater or other appliance.
f. Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed with a plastic bed
liner. Always place the container on the ground away from your vehicle before
filling.
g. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of fuel tank or container opening at all
times until fueling is complete. Recommend not using a nozzle lock-open device.

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h. If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.
i. Replace gas cap and tighten securely.
7. Fill chemical tank to the indicated full level not to exceed 2.5 U.S. gallons (9.46 liters).
a. Keep fill nozzle or funnel securely in the opening at all time while chemical is
being transferred.
b. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment while filling chemical tank as
required by the specific label of the product being filled.
c. Ensure chemical tank filling is accomplished in a well ventilated area.
d. Affix an approved label to the chemical tank indicating its contents after filling
e. Thoroughly clean hands after handling chemical filling equipment.
OPERATION CONSIDERATIONS
1. DO NOT permit untrained personnel to operate the machine.
2. Before operating this sprayer, familiarize yourself with all sprayer functions and
engine controls. Knowing the location, function and operation of these controls is
important for safe and efficient operation.
3. DO NOT touch the engine muffler or any part of the exhaust system while running;
wait several minutes for the engine and exhaust to cool and check for heat before
doing so.
4. Air Compressor housing and tubing to the nozzle including swivel elbows and nozzle
become very hot during prolonged operation. DO NOT touch any of these areas
while running; wait several minutes allowing these components to cool before
touching.
5. DO NOT direct the air blast from the nozzle at any portion of the body and especially
the face. High volume or compressed air can penetrate the skin and cause serious
injury even death. Always point the nozzle in an upward- attitude when sprayer is
running and above head level for those on the ground. It is not recommended for
anyone to be standing above the level of the nozzle when running even if the
machine is mounted securely on a vehicle.

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6. NEVER walk directly into the air/chemical blast from the nozzle when insecticide or
any other formulation is being atomized.
7. DO NOT direct the air/chemical discharge toward bystanders or allow anyone near
the machine while in operation.
8. DO NOT run the engine inside a building or a confined area without proper
ventilation. Exhaust fumes are hazardous and contain carbon monoxide which can
cause brain injury and death.
9. DO NOT operate the machine under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
10. Use care when loading or unloading the machine onto a truck, trailer, or utility
vehicle
11. Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed the engine. See the
engine operator’s manual for information on engine settings.
12. NEVER leave the machine running unattended.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
1. Allow only trained personnel to service the ULV spray machine.
2. Park the vehicle or place the machine on level ground for fluid level verification.
3. Never make adjustments to the machine with the engine running unless specifically
instructed to do so. If the engine is running, keep hands feet and clothing away from
moving parts.
4. Stop engine or disconnect spark plug wire(s) to prevent accidental starting of the
engine when servicing or adjusting the machine. Wait for all movement to stop
before adjusting, cleaning or repairing.

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5. Keep all nut, bolts and screws tight, to ensure the machine is in safe working
condition.
6. The engine must be shut off before checking the oil or adding oil to the crankcase.
7. Let the engine cool before storing.
8. DO NOT store the machine near an open flame.
9. Shut off fuel while storing or transporting.
10. To shut off engine for prolonged periods of time or seasonal storage, shut off the
fuel valve and let the engine run out of fuel before turning the ignition switch off.
FAMILIARIZATION
OPERATOR CONTROLS
The standard configuration of the Guardian 55 ES incorporates manual controls of the engine and the
spray on/off. Optional electrical remote spray on/off is available by using a 12-volt electric solenoid
valve in place of the manual spray ball valve to control the flow of chemical to the nozzle. This remote
control device plugs into a “cigarette” lighter or accessory port of a vehicle to provide 12 volts and a
simple toggle switch opens the solenoid valve so the operator can gain more distance between him/her
and the machine.
AIR PRESSURE GAUGE
The air pressure gauge has a pressure range from 0-150 psig.
When the engine is running and manual throttle adjusted to the
desired engine RPM, air pressure is most often the overriding
factor in assuring correct atomization of a given flow rate. Air
pressure is measured through the copper tubing from the air
compressor discharge port.

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SPRAY VALVE (Ball Valve)
The Guardian 55 ES unlike its larger stable mates in the Guardian
line, does not utilize an insecticide pump to meter a chemical
formulation to the atomization nozzle but rather pulls or draws a
siphon from this specially designed nozzle. The nickel plated brass
ball valve is equipped with Viton® elastomeric seals and a stainless
steel ball for trouble free operation. The manual ball valve is a 2-
position (open/close) valve that when closed blocks the flow path
from the formulation tank to the atomization nozzle. When
opened, the strong vacuum effect from the siphoning nozzle pulls
liquid into the nozzle for atomization.
A remote spray on/off option is available for the Guardian 55 ES in
the form of a 12-volt electric solenoid valve which is installed in
place of the manual valve. Power to support this remote spray
on/off option is drawn from a 12-volt source such as an accessory
port or “cigarette lighter” port found on many utility vehicles. A
length of cable is supplied to the valve allowing a driver to activate
spray without having to physically be at the machine and place the
ball valve in the closed position. If this option is of interest to you,
contact your dealer, distributor or sales associate to find out more.
FORMULATION FILTER AND ORIFICE
The chemical or formulation is drawn through this fitting to the
nozzle. Inside this fitting resides both an inline screen filter as
well as an orifice disk. The purpose of the orifice disk to limit the
amount of flow to the nozzle based on the product label and
desired droplet size. Refer to the table provided in this manual to
select the appropriate orifice disk for desired product and
atomization performance.
FORMULATION TANK
2.5 U.S. gallons (9.46 liters) is the capacity of the formulation tank
installed on this ULV sprayer. The opaque high density
polyethylene (HDPE) tank is suitable for all known products used
in Vector control. Additionally, the formulation tank is supplied

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standard with a 2 inch threaded cap. A slot in the chassis aluminum end panel allows for visual
reference to volume remaining.
Note: Use only products specifically intended for ULV
use as outlined on the product label.
A “Ready-To-Use” 2.5 gallon jug may be used in place of the
supplied tank. Included with this machine is a customized 63mm
cap for use with 2.5 gallon jugs. This cap is fitted with a draw tube
and compression style coupling and vent. Simply replace the
existing cap of your “RTU” jug with the new Guardian cap and
place the jug in the same location as standard tank and strap
securely in place. Auxiliary holes have been added to allow the
end panel of the “tank basket” to be moved inward to stabilize
the position of an RTU jug. Finally, connect the line from the
orifice assembly to the bulkhead connector of the Guardian RTU
cap.
ATOMIZATION NOZZLE
The atomization nozzle is designed to efficiently and effectively
atomize various oil and water based formulations to micron
diameter droplet sizes as outlined on the specific formulation
label. Keep the nozzle clean and free from dings and dents to
maintain perfect concentric alignment of the air and fluid ports.
Formulation is fed through the rear of the nozzle body by way of
the ball valve. Compressed air is introduced into the nozzle from
the bottom of the aluminum nozzle body. The nozzle swivels 360°
horizontally and approximately 300° vertically to position the
nozzle at the desired attitude. The most common nozzle position
is pointed directly toward the back with respect to the travel
direction of a vehicle with an upward 45° degree attitude.

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INSTALLATION
COLD FOG GENERATOR (ULV SPRAYER) CONTENTS
FACTORY FLUID LEVELS
When you receive your Guardian ULV sprayer, the fluid levels will be as follows:
Engine oil full
Compressor full
Fuel tank empty
Formulation tank empty
Each machine is fully tested functionally and appropriate fluid levels are services beforehand.
VEHICLE INSTALLATION
1. The ULV sprayer is packaged in a double-walled corrugated box that protects the
machine from damage in shipping and storage. Open the box and remove the sprayer
from the top. You may elect to retain the shipping container for storage purposes.
2. The Guardian 55ES arrives standard with rubber vibration dampening feet on each
bottom corner to provide a stable platform during spray operations. This lightweight
machine is designed to be portable either by hand lifting (suggest two persons) into a
support vehicle such as a side-by-side UTV, golf cart, or maintenance vehicle or by
mounting in a more rigid and semi-permanent fashion to a 2 or 4-wheel drive ATV. In
this latter use, remove the rubber vibration dampening feet and mount the ULV sprayer
to the desired machine. The end user must provide mounting hardware when mounting
in a more permanent way.
3. Place the sprayer onto the vehicle or trailer with the engine and blower facing the rear
of the vehicle for ease of reaching the recoil starter pull. Make sure the engine exhaust
has ample area in which to discharge and heat from the exhaust can dissipate without
causing damage to surrounding surfaces, use straps to secure if desired.
Note: ADAPCO is not responsible for mounting and securing the Guardian ULV sprayers
onto a vehicle; it is the responsibility of the owner or end user to do so. ADAPCO will
only make recommendations on how to accomplish the placement and securing of this
unit.

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4. Attach the nozzle post assembly to the vertical bracket with hardware supplied and
secure post in place. Attach the air hose from the nozzle assembly to the discharge port
of the air compressor.
5. Loosen the 2 knobs on the Nozzle swivel and adjust the nozzle vertically to the desired
attitude. Loosen the single bolt below the nozzle swivel and adjust the nozzle
horizontally to the desired position then retighten.
6. Fill the fuel tank with unleaded gasoline of not less than 87 octane. ALWAYS take
precautions when filling the machine with fuel. NEVER fuel the machine while running
and ALWAYS wait for a hot machine to cool before fueling.
7. Check the engine oil level by loosening and removing the engine oil dip stick. Ensure oil
level is between the H and L.
8. Visually check the oil level on the air compressor by ensuring the oil level is visible and
2/3 full in the sight gauge on the side of the compressor.
ENGINE STARTING & STOPPING
The Guardian 55ES has either a 4 hp Kawasaki or 4 hp Honda engine that has an on/off ignition
switch connected electrically to the engine. When the engine is cold, the manual choke will be

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required to start the engine. After the engine is warm, the choke should not be required in
most cases. Refer to the engine symbols below for definitions
Engine Symbols
Fuel selected
allowing gravity
feed of gasoline
to the
carburetor
Fuel valve to
this position
turns the fuel to
the carburetor
off
In this position,
the choke is in
the normal
“RUN” mode
To aid in cold
starting the
engine. Return
to choke OFF
position when
started
Run fast mode
increasing the
engine RPM the
farther toward
this position
Idle or slow mode
decreasing engine
RPM the farther
Fuel On Fuel Off Choke off Choke On
toward this position
The oil level sensor will stop the engine and flash the LED beside this
symbol when the oil level gets too low. The engine won’t restart
without adding oil. If the engine is tilted too much during operation,
it may suddenly stop even though the oil level is not too low.
Recoil Start (Pull Start)
1. First turn the fuel valve to the ON position by aligning the fuel valve knob with this
symbol.
2. Next, turn the engine ignition switch to the ON position. This position breaks the
ignition electrical path to Ground and allows spark at the spark plug when the engine is
turning over.
3. Firmly grasp the recoil starter rope handle and with strength pull to full extent. Repeat
as required and also apply the manual choke as required to start engine.
4. To stop the engine, turn the ignition switch back to the off position.

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MAINTENANCE
CHECKING ENGINE CRANKCASE OIL LEVEL
1. The engine oil level should be checked after every 8 hours of operation or daily as
instructed in the Engine Operator’s Manual furnished with this machine.
2. Level the machine and engine to ensure accurate inspection and to prevent overfilling
3. Unscrew the oil gauge, wipe its dipstick dry, and insert it into the filler hole but DO NOT
SCREW IT IN.
4. The oil level should be between the “H” and “L” marks on the dipstick.
5. Add engine oil as required to maintain a level between the H and L marks, refer to the
Engine Owner’s Manual for viscosities according to geographic temperature ranges.
CHANGING ENGINE CRANKCASE OIL
1. After the first 8 hours of operation, change the engine crankcase oil. Thereafter, change
the engine crankcase oil every 50 hours of operation or annually whichever occurs first.
2. With engine off and preferably warm but not hot enough to cause a burn, slide a
shallow oil catch pan directly under the oil drain plug. Loosen and remove the oil gauge
dipstick and set aside. Loosen the oil drain plug and remove allowing the crankcase oil
to drain into the pan below until the flow of oil has stopped. Warm oil will drain more
freely and completely.
3. Replace the engine oil drain plug securely but do not over tighten.
4. Fill the engine crankcase with fresh engine oil; refer to the Engine Owner’s Manual for
proper viscosities according to geographic temperature ranges.
5. Check and verify the engine oil level to be between the “H” and “L” marks on the
dipstick as described in the Engine Owner’s manual and the preceding section.
ENGINE AIR CLEANER
For any air cleaner, the operating environment dictates how often the air cleaner should
be serviced. Refer to the Engine Owner’s Manual for Instructions
CAUTION- to prevent excessive engine wear, do not run the engine with the air filter
removed
WARNING- DO NOT use gasoline or low flash point solvents to clean the air filter