Tecumseh OHH45, OHH50; OHH55; OHH60; OHH65 User manual

HORIZONTAL CRANKSHAFT
AIR COOLED
FOUR-CYCLE ENGINE
THISSYMBOLPOINTSOUTIMPORTANTSAFETYINSTRUCTIONSWHICHIFNOTFOLLOWEDCOULDENDANGER
THE PERSONAL SAFETY AND/OR PROPERTY OF YOURSELF AND OTHERS. READ AND FOLLOW ALL
INSTRUCTIONSINTHISMANUALANDANYPROVIDEDWITHTHEEQUIPMENTONWHICHTHISENGINEISUSED
BEFOREATTEMPTINGTOOPERATEYOURTECUMSEHENGINE.
OPERATOR'SOPERATOR'S
MANUALMANUAL
andMAINTENANCEINSTRUCTIONSfor
TECUMSEHTECUMSEH
California Proposition 65 WARNING: The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
STOP
3-1-00 181-1032-14
Figure 1
THESE SYMBOLS MAY APPEAR
ON THE ENGINE:
PRINTEDINU.S.A. Page 1 181-1032-14
MODELS
OHH45,OHH50,
OHH55,OHH60,OHH65
The D.O.M. decal also includes engine life specifications for the
emissions-related useful life period of your engine. This period
relatestotheemissioncompliancelifeascertifiedbyEPA/CARB.
Tofindthelifeperiod specification for your engine, please match
one of the following letters with the letter printed on your D.O.M.
decal:(C):125 hours,(B) 250hours,(A)500hours.
NOTE: EngineswhicharecertifiedtocomplywithCaliforniaandU.S.EPA
emissionregulationsforSORE(SmallOffRoadEquipment),arecertified
tooperateonregularunleadedgasoline,andincludethefollowingemission
control systems: Engine Modification (EM), and Three-way Catalyst
(TWC)(ifsoequipped).
OIL&FUELRECOMMENDATIONS
TO OPERATE ENGINE, YOU WILL NEED THE FOLLOWING:
ÀÀ ACLEAN,HIGHQUALITYDETERGENTOIL.
Besureoriginalcontainerismarked:
A.P.I.serviceSF-SJ.
FORSUMMER(ABOVE320F)USESAE30OIL.
Tecumsehspeciallyformulated oil is availableatanyAuthorized
TecumsehServiceOutlet.Orderaspartnumber730225.
Usingmultigradeoilwillincreaseoilconsumption.
FORWINTER(BELOW320F)USESAE5W30OIL.
Tecumsehspeciallyformulated oil is availableatanyAuthorized
TecumsehServiceOutlet.Orderaspartnumber730226.
(SAE10Wisanacceptablesubstitute.)
(BELOW00FONLY):SAE0W30OILisanacceptablesubstitute.
DONOTUSESAE10W40OIL.
OILSUMPCAPACITY: 21ounces(1-1/4U.S.pints).62liter.
ÁÁ AFRESH,CLEAN,UNLEADEDREGULAR,UNLEADED
PREMIUM OR REFORMULATED AUTOMOTIVE
GASOLINEONLY. DONOTUSELEADEDGASOLINE.
NOTE: DONOTUSEGASOLINECONTAININGMETHANOL(WOOD
ALCOHOL).Gasolinecontainingupto10%ethanolorgrainalcohol
(“Gasohol”)maybeusedbutrequiresspecialcarewhenengineis
unusedforextendedperiods.See“STORAGE”instructionsonPage
5.
NOTE: Usecleanoilandfuelandstoreinapproved,clean,covered
containers.Usecleanfillfunnels.
Neveruse“stale”gasolineleftoverfromlastseasonorstored
forlongperiods.
OILFILL
PLUG
MODEL AND
D.O.M.DECAL FUELTANK
FUELCAP
RECOIL
STARTER
AIR
CLEANER
CARBURETOR
PRIMER
MUFFLER
SPARKPLUG
AIRINTAKE
STARTERHANDLE
SPEED
CONTROL
OILDRAIN
PLUG
OILFILL
ANDDIPSTICK

BEFORE STARTING(Continued)
ÃÃ CHECKTHEFOLLOWING:
A. BE SURE EQUIPMENT IS IN NEUTRAL GEAR WITH
CLUTCHES,BELTS,CHAINSANDSAFETYSWITCHES
DISENGAGED.(FOLLOWEQUIPMENTMANUFACTUR-
ER’SINSTRUCTIONS.) THISSHOULDPLACEANYSAFE-
TYSWITCHESINSAFESTARTINGPOSITION.
B. Besuresparkplug wire isattachedtosparkplug(seeFigure
1).
C. Besureanyignitionswitch and/or control leveron engine or
equipment is in “ON”, “RUN” or “START” position.
D. Be sure fuel valve (if so equipped see Figure 2) is open.
STARTING
NEVERRUNENGINEINDOORSORINENCLOSED,POORLY
VENTILATEDAREAS.ENGINEEXHAUSTCONTAINSCARBON
MONOXIDE,ANODORLESSANDDEADLYGAS.
KEEPHANDS,FEET,HAIRANDLOOSECLOTHINGAWAY
FROMANYMOVINGPARTSONENGINEANDEQUIPMENT.
WARNING TEMPERATURE OF MUFFLER AND NEARBY
AREASMAYEXCEED1500F(650C).AVOIDTHESEAREAS.
ÀRECOIL STARTER (with primer):
A. Moveequipmentcontrol(seemanufacturer'sinstructions)or
engine control to "START".
B. Push primer two (2) or three (3) times (see Figure 3). Wait
abouttwo(2)secondsbetweeneachpush. Incoldweather
(500F/100C or below) push five (5) times.
NOTE: PRIMERMAYBENEEDEDTORESTART AWARM
ENGINEAFTERASHORTSHUTDOWN.
C. Graspstarterhandle(seeFigure1)andpullropeout,slowly,
untilitpullsslightlyharder.Letroperewindslowly.Thenpull
rope with a rapid full arm stroke. Let rope return to starter
slowly.
NOTE: If engine fails to start after three (3) pulls, push
primer two (2) times and pull starter rope again.
ÁRECOIL STARTER (with choke):
A. Move choke lever to “FULL CHOKE POSITION.”
NOTE: IF RESTARTING A WARM ENGINE AFTER A
SHORTSHUTDOWN,MOVECHOKELEVERTO
“NOCHOKEPOSITION.”
B. Moveequipmentcontrol(seemanufacturer’sinstructions)or
engine control to “START”.
C. Graspstarterhandle(seeFigure1)andpullropeout,slowly,
until it pulls harder. Let rope rewind slowly. Then pull rope
with a rapid full arm stroke. Let rope return to starter slowly.
D. Whenenginestarts,movechokeleverto“1/2CHOKE”until
engineruns smoothly andthento “NOCHOKE POSITION.”
If engine falters, move choke lever to “1/2 CHOKE” until
engineruns smoothly andthento “NOCHOKE POSITION.”
NOTE: If engine fails to start after three (3) pulls, move
choke lever to “NO CHOKE POSITION” and pull
starter rope again.
NOTE: If engine fires, but does not continue to run, move
choke lever to “FULL CHOKE” and repeat
instructions B, C and D until engine starts.
BEFORESTARTING
ÀÀ READALLINSTRUCTIONSPROVIDEDWITHTHEEQUIPMENT
ON WHICH THIS ENGINE IS USED.
ÁÁ FILL OIL SUMP OR CHECK OIL LEVEL:
IMPORTANT: Toavoidenginedamageneverrunengineunless:
-Oillevelisbetween“FULL”and“ADD”marksondipstick(ifso
equipped).
-Oil level is to overflow point in oil fill hole on engine without a
dipstick.
-Oil fill plug is tightened securely into oil fill tube or hole.
CHECKOILLEVELOFTENDURINGENGINEBREAK-IN.
A. ENGINEWITHOUTDIPSTICK:
1. POSITION EQUIPMENT SO ENGINE IS LEVEL.
2. Clean area around oil fill plug (see Figure 1).
3. Remove oil fill plug.
4. If oil level is not up to overflow point in oil fill hole, add
recommended oil. POUR SLOWLY.
5. Install oil fill plug, tighten securely.
B. ENGINEWITHDIPSTICK:
1. POSITION EQUIPMENT SO ENGINE IS LEVEL.
2. Clean area around oil fill plug (see Figure 1).
3. Remove oil fill plug and dipstick.
4. Wipe dipstick clean, insert it into oil fill hole and tighten
securely, remove dipstick. If oil is not up to “FULL” mark
on dipstick, add recommended oil. POUR SLOWLY.
Wipe dipstick clean each time oil level is checked.
IMPORTANT: DONOTFILLABOVE“FULL”MARKON
DIPSTICK.
5. Install oil fill plug and dipstick, tighten securely.
See “MAINTENANCE” section for further oil instructions.
ÂÂ FILL FUEL TANK:
A. Clean area around fuel fill cap, remove cap.
B. Add“UNLEADED”regulargasoline,slowly,tofueltank.Use
a funnel to help avoid spillage.
IMPORTANT:NEVERMIXOILWITHGASOLINE
C. Install fuel fill cap and wipe up any spilled gasoline.
NEVERFILLFUELTANKINDOORS.NEVERFILLFUEL
TANK WHEN ENGINE IS RUNNING OR HOT. DO NOT
SMOKEWHENFILLINGFUELTANK.
NEVERFILLFUELTANKCOMPLETELY.FILLTANKTO1/
2'’BELOWBOTTOMOF FILLER NECK TO PROVIDE
SPACE FOR FUEL EXPANSION. WIPE ANY FUEL
SPILLAGEFROMENGINEANDEQUIPMENTBEFORE
STARTINGENGINE.
ANYLIQUEFIEDPETROLEUM(LPG)ORNATURALGAS
FUELSYSTEMMUSTBELEAKPROOFANDMEETALL
APPLICABLECODESANDREGULATIONS.
Page 2 181-1032-14Figure 2
FUEL TANK
TURN CLOCKWISE
TO "OFF" POSITION
FUEL VALVE
"OPEN" POSITION
SHOWN

STOPPING
ÀÀ Moveequipmentcontroloranyignitionstopswitchonengineto
“STOP”or“OFF”(seeequipmentmanufacturer’sinstructions).
ÁÁ AFTERENGINEISSTOPPED:
A. Closefuelvalve(ifsoequipped).
B. DISCONNECTSPARKPLUGWIREFROMSPARKPLUG
ANDKEEPITAWAYFROMSPARKPLUG.
C. TURNIGNITIONSWITCHKEY (IF SO EQUIPPED) TO
“OFF”POSITIONANDREMOVEKEYFROMSWITCH,
THIS WILL REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF
UNAUTHORIZED STARTING OF ENGINE WHILE
EQUIPMENTISNOTINUSE.
NEVERSTOREENGINEWITHFUELINTANKINDOORS
OR IN ENCLOSED, POORLY VENTILATED AREAS,
WHEREFUELFUMESMAYREACHANOPENFLAME,
SPARKORPILOTLIGHTASONAFURNACE,WATER
HEATER,CLOTHESDRYEROROTHERGASAPPLIANCE.
MAINTENANCE
WARNING:TEMPERATUREOFMUFFLERANDNEARBY
AREASMAYEXCEED1500F(650C). AVOIDTHESEAREAS.
ÀÀ OIL LEVEL:
Check oil level every five (5) operating hours and before each
use. See “FILL OIL SUMP OR CHECK OIL LEVEL’’ on Page 2.
ÁÁ CHANGE OIL:
Change oil after first two (2) operating hours and every 50
operating hours thereafter, more often if operated in extremely
dusty or dirty conditions. Change oil while engine is still warm
from recent running.
A. DISCONNECTSPARKPLUGWIREFROMSPARKPLUG
ANDKEEPITAWAYFROMSPARKPLUG.
B. Clean area around oil drain plug (see Figure 1).
C. Position equipment so engine oil drain plug is lowest point
on engine.
D. Remove oil drain plug and oil fill plug to drain oil.
E. Install oil drain plug and tighten securely.
F. Fill oil sump with recommended oil. See “OIL & FUEL
RECOMMENDATIONS’’onPage1and“FILLOILSUMPOR
CHECK OIL LEVEL” on Page 2.
G. Install oil fill plug and tighten securely.
H. Wipe up any spilled oil.
ÂÂ COOLING SYSTEM (see Figure 1 and 4):
IMPORTANT:Frequentlyremovegrassclippings,dirtanddebris
fromcooling fins, airintakescreen andlevers andlinkage.This
willhelpensureadequatecoolingandcorrectenginespeed.
Figure 4
Page 3 181-1032-14
STARTING(Continued)
ÂÂ ELECTRICSTARTER(withchoke):
A. Move choke lever to “FULL CHOKE POSITION.”
NOTE: IFRESTARTINGAWARMENGINEAFTERASHORT
SHUTDOWN,MOVECHOKELEVERTO“NOCHOKE
POSITION.”
B. Moveequipmentcontrol(seemanufacturer’sinstructions)or
engine control to “START”.
C.Pushstarterbuttonorturnignitionswitchkey(seeequipment
manufacturer’s instructions) to crank engine.
D.Crankengineuntilitfires.Whenitstarts,releasestarterbutton
or ignition switch key and move choke lever to “1/2 CHOKE”
untilenginerunssmoothlyandthento“NOCHOKEPOSITION.”
Ifenginefalters,movechokeleverto“1/2CHOKE”untilengine
runs smoothly and then to “NO CHOKE POSITION.”
NOTE: If engine fires, but does not continue to run, move
choke lever to “NO CHOKE POSITION’’ and crank
engine until it starts.
NOTE: If engine again fires, but does not continue to run,
move choke lever to “FULL CHOKE” and repeat
instructions B, C and D until engine starts.
ÃÃELECTRIC STARTER (with primer):
A. Move equipment control (see manufacturer's instructions)
or engine control to "START".
B. Push primer two (2) or three (3) times (see Figure 3). Wait
abouttwo(2)secondsbetweeneachpush. Incoldweather
(500F/100C or below) push five (5) times.
NOTE: PRIMERMAYBENEEDEDTORESTARTAWARM
ENGINEAFTERASHORTSHUTDOWN.
C.Pushstarterbuttonorturnignitionswitchkey(seeequipment
manufacturer’s instructions) to crank engine.
D.Crankengineuntilitfires.Whenitstarts,releasestarterbutton
or ignition switch key .
NOTE: If engine does not start after about (5) seconds of
cranking,stopcranking,push primer two(2)times
and crank engine again.
Figure 3
PRIMER BUTTON
LEVERSAND
LINKAGE
COOLINGFINS
RECOIL
COVER
NOTE: RECOIL COVER CUTAWAY TO SHOW COOLING FINS

MAINTENANCE(Continued)
C. ANTI-ICINGBAFFLE
Someenginesmaybeequippedwithananti-icingaircleaner
featuretoenabletheenginetorunattemperaturesbelow320F
(00C),withouticeforminginthecarburetor.
Ifsoequipped,theaircleanerbasewillhaveanopeningwhich
drawswarmairfromthemufflerintotheaircleanerhousing. To
workeffectively,itisnecessarytoblockcoldairfromentering
theaircleaner.
INTEMPERATURES320F(00C)ANDBELOW: (Seefigure
6)
1. Remove wing nut from air cleaner cover.
2. Remove air cleaner cover from base.
3. Remove red baffle from inside of air cleaner cover.
4. Insert red baffle in "winter" position shown.
5. Reinstall air cleaner cover onto base.
6Reinstall wing nut; tighten securely.
INTEMPERATURESABOVE320F(00C):
Followabovedirections,removingbafflefrom"winter"position
and reinstalling in "summer" position.
Page 4 181-1032-14
Figure 7
HIGH SPEED
POSITION
REMOTE CABLE
CABLE CLAMP
BASE
PAPER ELEMENT
COVER
WING NUT
FOAM FILTER (IF SO EQUIPPED)
ÅÅ ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY (if so equipped):
A. ALTERNATOR:
For electrical problems such as inoperative starter or
discharged battery see equipment manufacturer’s
instructionsforfusereplacement,maintenanceandrepairs.
Figure 6
RED BAFFLE SHOWN IN
"WINTER" POSITION
ANTI-ICING FEATURE (IF SO EQUIPPED)
RED BAFFLE "SUMMER" POSI-
TION
RED BAFFLE
MAINTENANCE(Continued)
ÃÃ SPARK PLUG(seeFigure5):
NOTE: This spark ignition system meets all requirements of the Canadian
Interference-CausingEquipmentRegulations.
NOTE: ThisenginecomplieswithallcurrentAustralianandNewZealandlimi-
tationsregardingelectromagneticinterference.
NOTE: Thisenginecomplies withtheEuropean standard forsafetyof garden
equipmentandpoweredlawnmowersEN836,RevisionMarch, 1997,andappli-
cablesectionsofthe EU Machinery Safety Directives.
Checksparkplugyearlyorevery100operatinghours.
A. Cleanareaaroundsparkplug.
B. Removeandinspectsparkplug.
C. Replacesparkplugifelectrodesarepitted,burned,fouledwith
deposits, or porcelain is cracked. For replacement use
Champion RN4C only.
NOTE:Aresistorsparkplugmustbeusedforreplacement.
D. Check electrode gap with wire feeler gauge and set gap at
.030 if necessary.
E. Install spark plug, tighten securely.
ÄÄ AIR CLEANER:
IMPORTANT: NEVER RUN ENGINE WITHOUT COMPLETE
AIR CLEANER INSTALLED ON ENGINE.
A. TOREMOVEANDINSTALLFILTER(S)(seeFigure6):
1. Remove wing nut and cover. Remove paper element.
2. Remove and inspect foam filter (if so equipped) for
discoloration or dirt accumulation. If either is present,
service per following “TO SERVICE FILTER(S)”
instructions.
3. Clean inside of base and cover thoroughly.
4. Replace foam filter (if so equipped), making sure the
screen side is towards the paper element. Then tighten
wing nut securely.
B. TOSERVICEFILTER(S)(seeFigure6):
1. FOAMFILTER:
Clean and re-oil every three (3) months or every 25
operating hours. Clean and re-oil daily if used in
extremely dusty conditions.
a. Washinwateranddetergentsolutionandsqueeze
(don't twist) until all dirt is removed.
b. Rinse thoroughly in clear water.
c. Wrapinacleanclothandsqueeze(don'ttwist)until
completely dry.
d. Saturatewithengineoilandsqueeze(don't twist)to
distribute oil and remove excess oil.
2. PAPERFILTER:
Replace once a year or every 100 operating hours,
more often if used in extremely dusty conditions.
Replacement filters are available at any Authorized
Tecumseh Service Outlet.
Figure 5
ELECTRODES
.030GAP PORCELAIN

B. BATTERY:
1. Whenservicingbattery,alwaysconnectcablestobattery
exactly as they were before removal (ground cable to
batterynegative[-orneg.]post).Ifincorrectlyconnected,
fuse (if so equipped), will blow and alternator won’t
chargebattery.Ifthishappens,connectcablescorrectly
and replace fuse.
2. Never expose engine ignition system to battery power.
If battery cable or any live wire contacts ignition system
ground wire, engine ignition system may be damaged.
3. Ifexternalbatterychargerisused,disconnectpositive(+
orpos.) cable frombatteryto preventpossible damage.
4. See battery manufacturer’s instructions for service and
storage.
ÆÆ CHECKENGINEANDEQUIPMENTOFTENFORLOOSENUTS,
BOLTS AND ATTACHMENTS AND KEEP THESE ITEMS
TIGHTENED.
ADJUSTMENTS
DO NOT MAKE UNNECESSARY ADJUSTMENTS. FACTORY
SETTINGS ARE SATISFACTORY FOR MOST CONDITIONS. IF
ADJUSTMENTS ARE NEEDED, PROCEED AS FOLLOWS:
ÀÀ REMOTE CONTROL(see Figure 7):
For satisfactory engine performance, engine and equipment
control must be adjusted properly. To check engine control
adjustments, proceed as follows:
A. Setequipmentcontrolat“FAST”or“HIGHSPEED”andkeep
it in this position.
Theenginecontrollevershouldtouch“HIGHSPEEDSTOP”.
Ifitdoes,thecontrolsareadjustedcorrectlyandnoadjustment
is necessary.
NOTE: Ifenginecontrolleverdoesnot touch “HIGH SPEED
STOP”, proceed to instruction “B”.
B. Loosen clamp screw so remote control cable can be moved
in cable clamp.
C. Move engine control lever so it is touching “HIGH SPEED
STOP” and hold in this position.
D. Tightenclampscrewsecurelysocableclampwillholdremote
control cable in place when equipment control is used.
The engine controls should now be adjusted correctly. If
additional adjustments are needed, make them at the
equipment control (see equipment manufacturer’s
instructions).
ÁÁ CARBURETOR:
If you think your carburetor needs adjusting, see your nearest
AUTHORIZED TECUMSEH SERVICE OUTLET. Engine
performanceshouldnotbeaffectedataltitudesupto7,000feet.
For operation at higher elevations, contact your AUTHORIZED
TECUMSEH SERVICE OUTLET.
ÂÂ ENGINE SPEED:
NEVER TAMPER WITH ENGINE GOVERNOR WHICH IS
FACTORY SET FOR PROPER ENGINE SPEED.
OVERSPEEDINGENGINEABOVEFACTORYHIGHSPEED
SETTINGCANBEDANGEROUS.
CHANGING OF ENGINE GOVERNED SPEED WILL VOID
ENGINE WARRANTY.
For engine adjustments and/or repairs not covered in this
“OPERATOR’SMANUAL” see “WARRANTY&REPAIR” onPage 6.
MAINTENANCE (Continued)
Page 5 181-1032-14
STORAGE
NEVERSTOREENGINEWITHFUELINTANKINDOORSOR
INENCLOSED,POORLYVENTILATEDAREAS,WHEREFUEL
FUMESMAYREACHANOPENFLAME,SPARKORPILOT
LIGHT AS ON A FURNACE, WATER HEATER, CLOTHES
DRYEROROTHERGASAPPLIANCE.
IFENGINEISTOBEUNUSEDFOR30DAYSORMORE,PREPARE
AS FOLLOWS:
ÀÀ FUEL SYSTEM:
A. Removeallgasolinefromcarburetorandfueltanktoprevent
gum deposits from forming on these parts and causing
possible malfunction of engine.
DRAINFUELINTOAPPROVEDCONTAINEROUTDOORS,
AWAYFROMOPENFLAME.BESUREENGINEISCOOL.
DONOTSMOKE.
B. Run engine until fuel tank is empty and engine stops due to
lack of fuel.
NOTE: If “Gasohol” has been used, complete above
instructions and then put 1/2 pint of gasoline into
fuel tank and repeat above instructions.
NOTE: Gasoline preservative and stabilizer (such as
"TecumsehGasolinePreservative"),isanacceptable
alternativeinminimizingthe formation offuelgum
depositsduringstorage.Addstabilizertogasolinein
fueltankorstoragecontainer.Alwaysfollowmixratio
foundonstabilizercontainer.Runengineatleast10
minutes after adding stabilizer to allow it to reach
carburetor.
ÁÁ DRAIN CARBURETOR(ifsoequipped):
Draincarburetorbypressingupwardonbowldrain(seeFigure8),
whichislocatedbelowcarburetor(seeFigure1).
DRAINFUELINTOAPPROVEDCONTAINEROUTDOORS,
AWAYFROMOPENFLAME.BESUREENGINEISCOOL.DO
NOTSMOKE.
NOTE:Do not drain carburetor if using fuel stabilizer.
ÂÂ CHANGEOIL:
Changeoilifithasnotbeenchangedinthelastthree(3)months.
See “CHANGE OIL” instructions in “MAINTENANCE” section.
ÃÃ OIL CYLINDER BORE:
A. Removesparkplug.Squirtone(1)oz.(30ml)ofcleanengine
oil into spark plug hole.
B. Cover spark plug hole with a rag.
C. Crank engine over, slowly, several times.
AVOID SPRAY FROM SPARK PLUG HOLE WHEN
CRANKINGENGINEOVERSLOWLY.
D. Install spark plug. Do not connect spark plug wire.
ÄÄ CLEAN ENGINE:
Remove any clippings, dirt, or chaff from exterior of engine.
ÅÅ BATTERY (if so equipped):
Seeequipmentmanufacturer’sinstructionsforproperstorageof
battery.
Figure 8
CARBURETOR
BOWLDRAIN