Weed Eater 530163408 User manual

ENGLISH ESPAÑOL FRANÇAIS
WARNING:
Read and follow all Safety Rules and Operating Instructions before
using this product. Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
ADVERTENCIA:
Lea el manual de instrucciones y siga todas las advertencias e
instrucciones de seguridad. El no hacerlo puede resultar en le-
siones graves.
AVERTISSEMENT:
Lire lemanueld’instructions etbien respecter tous lesavertisse-
ments et toutes les instructions de sécurité. Tout défaut de le
faire pourrait entraîner des blessures graves.
Instruction Manual
Manual de Instrucciones
Manuel d’Instructions
PE550
Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
250 Bobby Jones Expressway
Augusta, GA 30907
Copyright E2002 Electrolux Home Products, Inc. 530163408 12/4/02
RTrademark
Please do not return unit to retailer.
Por favor, no devuelva el aparato al lugar de compra.
Veuillez ne pas retourner l’outil au détaillant.
1-800-554-6723
www.weedeater.com

2
SAFETY RULES
WARNING: When using gardening
appliances, basic safety precautions must al-
ways be followed to reduce the risk of fire and
serious injury. Read and follow all instructions.
This power unit can be dangerous! Operator
is responsible for following instructions and
warnings on unit and in manual. Read entire
instruction manual before using unit! Be thor-
oughly familiar with the controls and the prop-
er use of the unit. Restrict the use of this unit
to persons who have read, understand and
will follow the instructions and warnings on
the unit and in the manual. Never allow chil-
dren to operate this unit. Close attention is
necessary when used near children.
SAFETY INFORMATION
ON THE UNIT
INSTRUCTION
MANUAL
OPERATOR SAFETY
SDress properly. Always wear safety
glasses or similar eye protection when op-
erating, or performing maintenance on your
unit (safety glasses are available). Eye
protection should be marked Z87.
SAlways wear face or dust mask if operation
is dusty.
SAlways wear heavy, long pants, long
sleeves, boots, and gloves. Donot gobare-
foot or wear sandals.
SSecure hair above shoulder length.Se-
cure or remove loose clothing or clothing
with loosely hanging ties, straps, tassels,
etc. They can be caught in moving parts.
SBeing fully covered also helps protect you
from debris and pieces of toxic plants
thrown by spinning blade.
SStay alert. Do not operate when you are
tired, ill, upset, or under the influence of al-
cohol, drugs, or medication. Watch what
you are doing; use common sense.
SWear hearing protection.
SNever start or run inside a closed room,
building or other unventilated area. Breath-
ing exhaust fumes can kill.
SKeep handles free of oil and fuel.
SAlways use the handle.
SKeep hands and feet away from cutting
area.
SDo not attempt to remove cut material nor
hold material to be cut when engine is run-
ning or when cutting member is moving.
SMake sure spark plug is disconnected
when cleaning jammed material from cut-
ting member.
SNever direct discharge of material toward
bystanders nor allow anyone near the area
of operation. Use care in directing dis-
charge to avoid glass enclosures, automo-
biles, and the like.
SDon’t overreach or stand on unstable sup-
port. Keep good footing and balance at all
times.
UNIT SAFETY
SInspect entire unit before each use. Re-
place damaged parts. Check for fuel leaks.
Make sure all fasteners are inplace and se-
curely fastened.
SMaintain the unit according to recom-
mended procedures.
SThrow away blades that are bent, warped,
cracked, broken, or damaged in any other
way. Replace parts that are cracked,
chipped, or damaged before using the unit.
SUse only recommended Weed Eater!
parts and accessories. Never use wire,
wire rope, string, flailing devices, etc.
SDisconnect the spark plug before performing
maintenance except carburetor adjustments.
SBe sure the blade stops turning when the
engine idles (see CARBURETOR AD-
JUSTMENTS).
SRemove the blade before making carbure-
tor adjustments. Hold the unit by hand. Do
not make carburetor adjustments from the
blade side of the unit.
SKeep others away when making carburetor
adjustments.
SNever start the unit with the gearbox re-
moved. The clutch canfly offand cause se-
rious injury.
SHave all maintenance and service not ex-
plained in this manual performed by an au-
thorized authorized service dealer.
EDGING SAFETY
WARNING: Inspect the area to be
edged before each use. Remove objects
(rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, string, etc.)
which can be thrown by the blade or can wrap
around the shaft.
SKeep others including children, animals,
bystanders, and helpers at least 50 feet (15
meters) away. Stop the unit immediately if
you are approached.
SHold the unit firmly with both hands.
SKeep firmfooting and balance. Donotover-
reach or stand on unstable support.
SDo not attempt to remove cut material nor
hold material to be cut when the engine is
running or when cutting member is moving.
SAlways keep the wheels and skid incontact
with the ground.
SKeep all parts of your body away from the
blade and muffler.
SAlways push the unit slowly over the
ground. Stay alert for uneven sidewalks,
holes in the terrain, large roots, etc.
SUse only for jobs explained in this manual.

3
WARNING:
Blade can throw objects violently.
DYou can be blinded or injured.
DWears safety glasses or similar eye
protection.
WARNING:
Hazard zone for thrown objects.
DBlade can throw objects violently.
DOthers can be blinded or injured.
DKeep people and animals 50 feet (15 meters)
away.
Boots
50 pieds
(15 m)
Safety
Glasses
Thrown
objects
Instruction Manual Safety Labels
WARNING:
Read instruction manual.
DFollow all warnings and instructions.
DFailure to do so can result in serious
injury.
WARNING:
Blade rotates momentarily after the trigger is
released.
DThe blade can seriously cut you or others.
DAllow blade to stop before removing it from
the cut.
Blade rotates
momentarily
after the
trigger is
released.
Allow blade to stop
before removing
it from the cut.
FUEL SAFETY
SMix and pour fuel outdoors and where there
are not sparks or flames.
SAlways store gasoline in a container ap-
proved for flammable liquids.
SDo not smoke orallow smoking near fuel or
the unit; do not smoke while using the unit.
SMake sure the unit is properly assembled
and in good operating condition.
SAvoid spilling fuel or oil. Wipe up all fuel
spills before starting unit.
SMove at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from
fueling site before starting engine.
SStop engine and allow to cool before re-
moving fuel cap.
SDo not store the unit with fuel in the fuel
tank; use up fuel left in the carburetor and
fuel line by starting the unit and letting it run
until it stops.
SStore unit and fuel in an area where fuel va-
pors cannot reach sparks or open flames
from water heaters, electric motors or
switches, furnaces, etc.
TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE
SDo not grasp or hold exposed blade.
SStop unit before leaving work area.
SAllow unit to cool, run fuel out of the fuel
tank, and secure the unit before storing or
transporting it in a vehicle.
SBefore storing, use up fuel left in the carbu-
retor by starting the unit and letting it runun-
til it stops. Always allow the unit to cool be-
fore storage.
SStore unit and fuel in area where fuel vapors
cannot reach sparks or open flames from
water heaters, electric motors or switches,
furnaces, etc.
SStore unit so blade cannot accidentally
cause injury.
SStore unit out of reach of children.
If situations occur which are not covered in this
manual, use care and good judgment. If you
need assistance, call 1-800-554-6723.
SPECIAL NOTICE: This unit is not
equipped with a temperature limiting muffler
and spark arresting screen which meets the
requirements of California Codes 4442 and
4443. All U.S. forest land and the states of
California, Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, New
Jersey, Oregon, and Washington require by
lawthat many internal combustion engines be
equipped with a spark arrestor screen. If you
operate in alocale where such regulations ex-
ist, you are legally responsible for installing
and maintaining the operating condition of
these parts. Failure to do so is a violation of
the law. If a spark arresting screen is re-
quired in your area, contact your authorized
service dealer for the correct kit.
SPECIAL NOTICE: Exposure to vibra-
tions through prolonged use of gasoline pow-
ered hand tools could cause blood vessel or
nerve damage in the fingers, hands, and
joints of people prone to circulation disorders
or abnormal swellings. Prolonged use in cold
weather hasbeen linked toblood vesseldam-
age in otherwise healthy people. If symptoms
occur such as numbness, pain, loss of
strength, change in skin color or texture, or
loss of feeling in the fingers, hands, or joints,

4
discontinue the use of this tool and seek med-
ical attention. An anti-vibration system does
not guarantee the avoidance of these prob-
lems. Users who operate power tools on a
continual and regular basis must monitor
closely their physical condition and the condi-
tion of this tool.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
ASSEMBLY
WARNING: If received assembled,
repeat all steps toensure your unit is properly
assembled and all fasteners are secure.
Examine parts for damage. Do not use dam-
aged parts.
NOTE: If you need assistance or find parts
missing or damaged, call 1-800-554--6723.
This instruction manual has been developed
to help you assemble the unit and to provide
its safe operation. It isimportant that youread
the entire manual to become familiar with the
unit before you begin assembly.
Read your instruction manual.
Tools you will need:
SAdjustable wrench
SHex wrench (provided)
TUBE ASSEMBLY
NOTE: When performing the following step,
be sure the handle is aligned as follows: label
on top, throttle trigger to the operator’s right
hand side. The starter rope and the throttle
cable must not wrap around the tube.
Throttle trigger Label
1. Assemble handle tube to the lower tube (it
will be necessary to pull some of the start-
er rope out of the housing).
2. Align the screw holes; insert the screws
through the aligned holes.
3. Thread one locknut onto each screw and
tighten securely.
Handle tube
Screws
Starter Rope
Locknuts
Lower
Tube
NOTE: When performing the following step,
be sure the starter rope is not caught under
the cable clamp. The starter rope must hang
freely to operate properly.
4. Align the cable clamp between the tube
screws. Install the cable clamp around the
tube and throttle cable.
Throttle cable
Cable Clamp

5
OPERATION
KNOW YOUR EDGER
READ THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR
UNIT. Compare the illustrations with yourunit to familiarize yourself with the location of the vari-
ous controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
Choke
Fuel/Oil Mix Cap
Spark Plug
Air Filter
Blade Guard
Blade
Throttle Trigger
Starter Rope Handle
Depth
Control
Lever
ON/OFF
Switch
Depth
Adjusting
Skid
Muffler and
Guard
Primer Bulb
ON/OFF SWITCH
TheON/OFFswitchisusedtoselecttheON
or OFF position.
STARTER ROPE HANDLE
The STARTER ROPE HANDLE is used for
starting the engine.CHOKEThe CHOKE pro-
vides additional fuel to the engine when start-
ing a cold or refueled engine.
PRIMER BULB
The PRIMER BULB removes air from the car-
buretor and fuel lines and fills them with fuel.
This allows you to start the engine with fewer
pullsonthestarterrope. Activate the primerbulb
bypressing it andallowing it to returnto itsorigi-
nal form.
CHOKE
The CHOKE helps to supply fuel to the engine
to aid in cold starting. Activate the choke by
moving the choke lever to the FULL CHOKE
position. Aftertheengineattemptstostart,move
the choke lever to the HALF CHOKE position.
Once engine hasstarted, move the choke lever
to the OFF CHOKE position.
THROTTLE TRIGGER
The THROTTLE TRIGGER controls engine
speed. It is designed to be activated by the
right hand.
BLADE
The BLADE is designed to cut sod.
DEPTH ADJUSTING SKID
The DEPTH ADJUSTING SKID sets the
depth of the cut.
DEPTH CONTROL LEVER
The DEPTH CONTROL LEVER regulates
the cutting depth. Move the lever backward
for full depth edging, forward for half depth
edging.
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
WARNING: Be sure to read the fuel
information in the safety rules before you be-
gin. If you do not understand the safety rules,
do not attempt to fuel your unit. Call
1-800-554-6723.
FUELING ENGINE
WARNING: Remove fuel cap slowly
when refueling.
This engine is certified to operate on un-
leaded gasoline. Before operation, gasoline
must be mixed with a good quality synthetic
2-cycle air-cooled engine oil designed to be
mixed at a ratio of 40:1. Poulan/Weed Eater
brand synthetic oil is recommended. Mix gaso-
line and oil at aratio of40:1. A 40:1 ratio isob-
tained by mixing 3.2 ounces (95 ml) of oil with
1 gallon (4 liters) of unleaded gasoline. DO
NOT USE automotive oil or boat oil. These
oils will cause engine damage. When mixing
fuel, follow instructions printed on container.
Once oil is added to gasoline, shake contain-
er momentarily to assure that the fuel is thor-
oughly mixed. Always read and follow the
safety rules relating to fuel before fueling your
unit.
IMPORTANT
Experience indicates that alcohol blended
fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or
methanol) can attract moisture which leads to
separation and formation of acids during stor-
age. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system
of an engine while in storage. Toavoid engine
problems, empty the fuel system before stor-
age for 30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank,
start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines
and carburetor are empty. Usefresh fuel next
season.Never use engine or carburetor
cleaner products inthe fuel tank orpermanent
damage may occur.See the STORAGE sec-
tion for additional information.

6
STOPPING YOUR ENGINE
STo stop a running engine, move the switch
to the OFF position.
SIf engine does not stop, move choke lever
to FULL CHOKE position.
ON/OFF Switch
STARTING YOUR ENGINE
(for location of controls, refer to the KNOW
YOUR EDGER section)
SFuel the engine; then move 10 feet (3 me-
ters) away from the fueling site.
DANGER: The cutting blade will
turn when the engine starts.
WARNING: Avoid any contact with
the muffler. A hot muffler can cause serious
burns.
SRest the unit on the ground. Support the
unit so the blade is off of the ground and
away from trees, bushes, onlookers, etc.
STARTING
POSITION
STARTING A COLD ENGINE (or a
warm engine after running out of
fuel)
1. Move the ON/OFF switch to the ON posi-
tion.
2. Slowly press the primer bulb 6 times.
3. Move choke lever to the FULL CHOKE
position.
Choke Lever
FULL
HALF
OFF
4. Squeeze and hold the throttle trigger.
Keep throttle trigger fully squeezed until
the engine runs smoothly.
5. Pull starter rope handle sharply until en-
gine sounds as if it is trying to start, but do
not pull rope more than 6 times.
6. As soon as engine sounds as if it is trying
to start, move choke lever to the HALF
CHOKE position.
7. Pull starter rope sharply until engine runs,
but no more than 6 pulls. If the engine
doesn’t start after 6 pulls (at the HALF
CHOKE position), move the choke lever to
the FULL CHOKE position and press the
primer bulb 6 times. Squeeze and hold the
throttle trigger and pull the starter rope 2
more times. Move the choke lever to the
HALF CHOKE position and pull the starter
rope until the engine runs, but no more than
6pulls. NOTE: If engine still doesn’t start, it
is probably flooded. Proceed to STARTING
A FLOODED ENGINE.
8. Once the engine starts, allow it to run 10
seconds, then move the choke lever to
OFF CHOKE. Allow the unit to run for 30
more seconds at OFF CHOKE before re-
leasing the throttle trigger. NOTE: If en-
gine dies with the choke lever in the OFF
CHOKE position, move the choke lever to
the HALF CHOKE position and pull the
rope until engine runs, but no more than 6
pulls.
STARTING A WARM ENGINE
1. Move the ON/OFF switch to the ON posi-
tion.
2. Move the choke lever to the HALF
CHOKE position.
3. Squeeze and hold the throttle trigger.
Keep throttle trigger fully squeezed until
the engine runs smoothly.
4. Pull starter rope sharply until engine runs,
but no more than 5 pulls.
5. Allow engine to run 10 seconds, then
move the choke lever to the OFF CHOKE
position. Release the throttle trigger.
NOTE: If engine has not started, pull starter
rope 5more pulls. If engine still does not run,it
is probably flooded. Proceed to STARTINGA
FLOODED ENGINE.
STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE
Flooded engines can be started by placing
the choke lever in the OFF CHOKE position;
then, pull the rope to clear the engine of ex-
cess fuel. This couldrequire pulling the starter
handle many times depending on how badly
the unit is flooded.
If the unit still doesn’t start, refer to
TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE or call
1-800-554-6723.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
EDGING
As you become familiar with your edger, you
will be able to determine your own operating
pace. Conditions such as depth of cut and
material being cut will regulate the speed and
time required for your edging job.
SAllow the engine to warm up for one minute
before you begin edging.
SIncrease the engine speed before placing
the blade inthe cut. For best operation, run
the engine at full throttle while cutting.

7
SKeep you edging path straight by aligning
the blade guide rib on the rear of the blade
guard with the edge of the sidewalk. Keep
all wheels flat on the walkway.
Blade
Guide Rib
SAlways work going away from people and
solid objects such as walls, large stones,
trees, automobiles, etc.
SBe careful when edging near trees or valu-
able plants. The high speed metal blade
may cut roots and cause damage to the
plants.
SIf the blade stalls, immediately move the
unit rearward slightly to allow the blade to
restart. If the blade continues to stall, stop
the engine, disconnect the spark plug, and
inspect for blockage or damage.
SAlways keep the blade area clean. Stop the
engine, make sure the blade has complete-
ly stopped turning, and disconnect the
spark plug before cleaning.
SETTING THE EDGING DEPTH
WARNING: Never attempt to adjust
the depth adjusting skid when the engine is
running. Always release the throttle trigger,
wait until the blade stops turning, move the
ON/OFF switch to the OFF position, and dis-
connect spark plug before making adjust-
ments. Your edger is equipped with several
edging depths. The depth used will depend
on your personal edging preference and the
condition of the area where the edging opera-
tion is to be done.
NOTE: If the area to be edged has never
been cut orseveral weeks have passed since
the last cut, the first edging should be done at
no more than half depth.
To set the depth:
SMove the depth control lever forward for
shallower edging.
SMove the depth control lever backward for
deeper edging.
Support Arm
Depth
Adjusting
Skid
Depth Control Lever
When edging, the trigger handle must be
raised until the skid rests on the ground. The
trigger handle must beheld inthe raised posi-
tion during the entire edging operation to
maintain a consistent edging depth.
DEPTH ADJUSTING SKID
The surface of the depth adjusting skid will
wearoveraperiod of time. This part isrevers-
ible to provide a second wear surface.
1. Remove the two mounting screws which
hold the skid to the support arm.
2. Rotate the skid 180 degrees.
3. Reinstall the mounting screws.
EDGING TIPS
SInspect unit before each use.
SInspect the area to be cut before each use.
SKeep unit in front of your body.
SCut at full throttle.
SKeep the wheels and skid in contact with
the ground.
SAlways work going away from others.
MAINTENANCE
WARNING: Disconnect the spark
plug before performing maintenance except
for carburetor adjustments.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty onthis unit does not cover items
that have been subjected to operator abuse
or negligence. To receive full value from the
warranty, the operator must maintain unit as
instructed in this manual. Various adjust-
ments will need to be made periodically to
properly maintain your unit.
SOnce each year,replace the spark plug, re-
place air filter element and check blade for
wear. Anew sparkplug andaclean/new air
filter element assures proper air/fuel mix-
ture and helps your engine run better and
last longer.
CHECK FOR DAMAGED OR
WORN PARTS
Contact an authorized service dealer for re-
placement of damaged or worn parts.
SON/OFF Switch -- Ensure ON/OFF switch
functions properly by moving the switch to
the OFF position and assure the engine
stops; then restart engine and continue.
SFuel Tank -- Discontinue use of edger if fuel
tank shows signs of damage or leaks.
SBlade Guard -- Discontinue use of edger if
blade guard is damaged.
CHECK FOR LOOSE
FASTENERS AND PARTS
SBlade nut
SMuffler
SCylinder shield
SClutch
SThrottle trigger
SHandle screws
SFasteners
INSPECT AND CLEAN UNIT & LA-
BELS
SAfter each use, inspect complete unit for
loose or damaged parts. Clean the unit and
labels using a damp cloth with a mild deter-
gent.
SWipe off unit with a clean dry cloth.

8
CLEAN AIR FILTER
A dirty air filter decreases the life and perfor-
mance of the engine and increases fuel con-
sumption and harmful emissions.
Always clean your airfilter after 5tanks of fuel
or 5 hours of operation, whichever comes
first. Clean more frequently in dusty condi-
tions. It is advisable to replace your air filter
with a new one after every 50 hours of opera-
tion, or annually, whichever comes first.
To clean filter:
1. Clean the cover and the area around it to
keep dirt from falling into the carburetor
chamber when the cover is removed.
2. Remove the two screws and the air filter
cover from the engine.
3. Remove air filter.
NOTE: Do not clean the air filter with gaso-
line orother flammable solvent to avoid creat-
ing a fire hazard or producing harmful evapo-
rative emissions.
4. Clean the air filter using hot soapy water.
Rinse with clean cool water. Air dry com-
pletely before reinstalling.
5. Lightly oil air filter before installing to im-
prove the efficiency of the air filter. Use
2--cycle engine oil or motor oil (SAE 30).
NOTE: Do not soak air filter in oil.
6. Squeeze the air filter to distribute oil and to
remove any excess oil.
7. Reinstall air filter in housing.
CAUTION: Make sure airfilter is fitted in to
the corners of the housing to prevent air from
bypassing the filter and to keep dust from en-
tering engine and causing damage.
8. Reinstall air filter cover.
Air Filter Cover
Cover
Screws
BLADE MAINTENANCE
WARNING: The blade will continue
to spin after the engine stops or after the
throttle trigger has been released. Make sure
the blade has stopped coasting and discon-
nect the sparkplug before performing workon
the blade.
WARNING: Wear protective gloves
when handling or performing maintenance on
the blade to help avoid injury.
Always replace a blade that is bent, warped,
cracked, broken, or damaged in any other
way. Never attempt to straighten and reuse a
damaged blade. Use only specified replace-
ment blade.
SThe blade is reversible. When the cutting
edge on one side becomes worn, turn the
blade over.
SCheck blade for flatness periodically. Lay
the blade on aflat surface to inspect for flat-
ness. Throw away a blade that is not flat.
REPLACE SPARK PLUG
The spark plug should be replaced each year
to ensure the engine starts easier and runs
better. Set spark plug gap at 0.025 inches.
Ignition timing is fixed, nonadjustable.
1. Twist then pull off the spark plug boot.
2. Remove and discard the spark plug.
3. Replace with Champion RCJ--6Y spark
plug and tighten securely with a wrench.
4. Reinstall the spark plug boot.
Spark Plug Boot
Spark Plug
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS
BLADE REPLACEMENT
1. To remove the blade, insert a screwdriver
into the hole in the gearbox; then, remove
the nut, washer, and blade from the blade
shaft.
Blade
2. Align the flat areaof theblade opening with
the flat side of the shaft. Place the new
blade on the shaft.
Nut
Washer
Flat sides
Hole
3. Install the washer and nut; turn nut coun-
terclockwise on the blade shaft.
4. Bind blade by inserting a screwdriver in to
the hole in the gearbox; then, firmly tighten
nut with a wrench.

9
CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT
WARNING: Keep others away when
making idle speed adjustments. The blade
shaft will be spinning during most of this pro-
cedure. Wear your protective equipment and
observe all safety precautions. After making
adjustments, the blade shaft must not spin at
idle speed.
The carburetor has been carefully set at the
factory.Adjustments may benecessary ifyou
notice any of the following conditions:
SEngine will not idle when the throttle is re-
leased.
SThe blade spins at idle.
Keep others away when making idle speed
adjustments. Remove the blade before mak-
ing carburetor idle speed adjustments. Donot
make adjustments from the blade side of the
unit. Recheck the idle speed after each ad-
justment. The blade must not spin at idle
speed to avoid serious injury to the operator
or others. Make adjustments with the unit
supported so the blade is off the ground and
will not make contact with any object. Hold
the unit by hand while running and making ad-
justments. Keep all parts of your body away
from the blade and muffler.
Idle Speed Adjustment
Allow engine to idle. Adjust speed until engine
runs without the blade shaft spinning (idle too
fast) or engine stalling (idle speed too slow).
STurn idle speed screw clockwise to in-
crease engine speedif engine stalls ordies.
STurn idle speed screw counterclockwise to
decrease engine speed if the blade shaft
spins at idle speed.
WARNING: Recheck the idle speed
after each adjustment. The blade shaft must
not spin at idle speed to avoid serious injury to
the operator or others.
Idle Speed
Adjustment
Screw
If you require further assistance or areunsure
about performing this procedure, contact an
authorized service dealer or call
1--800--554--6723.
STORAGE
WARNING: Perform the following
steps after each use:
SAllow engine tocool before storing ortrans-
porting.
SStore unit and fuel in a well ventilated area
where fuel vapors cannot reach sparks or
open flames from water heaters, electric
motors or switches, furnaces, etc.
SStore unit with all guards in place. Position
unit so that any sharp object cannot acci-
dentally cause injury.
SStore unit and fuel well out of the reach of
children.
SEASONAL STORAGE
Prepare unit for storage at end of season or if
it will not be used for 30 days or more.
If your unit is to be stored for a period of time:
SClean the entire unit before lengthy stor-
age.
SStore in a clean dry area.
SLightly oil external metal surfaces.
FUEL SYSTEM
Under FUELING ENGINE in the OPERA-
TION section of this manual, see message la-
beledIMPORTANT regarding the use of ga-
sohol in your engine.
Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alternative in
minimizing the formation of fuel gum deposits
during storage. Add stabilizer to the gasoline
in the fuel tank or fuel storage container. Fol-
low the mix instructions found on stabilizer
container. Run engine at least 5 minutes after
adding stabilizer.
ENGINE
SRemove spark plug and pour1 teaspoon of
40:1, 2-cycle engine oil (air cooled) through
the spark plug opening. Slowly pull the
starter rope 8 to 10 times to distribute oil.
SReplace spark plug with new one ofrecom-
mended type and heat range.
SClean air filter.
SCheck entire unit for loose screws, nuts,
and bolts. Replace any damaged, broken,
or worn parts.
SAt the beginning of the next season, use
only fresh fuel having theproper gasoline to
oil ratio.
OTHER
SDo not store gasoline from one season to
another.
SReplace your gasoline can if it starts torust.

10
TROUBLE CAUSE REMEDY
Engine will not
start or will run
only a few
seconds after
starting.
1.ON/OFF switch in OFF
position.
2. Engine flooded.
3. Fuel tank empty.
4. Spark plug not firing.
5. Fuel not reaching
carburetor.
6.Compression low.
1. Move ON/OFF switch to the ON
position.
2. See “Difficult Starting” in
Operation Section.
2. Fill tank with correct fuel mixture.
3. Install new spark plug.
4. Check for dirty fuel filter; replace.
Check for kinked or split fuel line;
repair or replace.
5. Contact an authorized service dealer.
Engine will
not idle
properly.
1. Carburetor requires
adjustment.
2. Crankshaft seals worn.
3. Compression low.
1. See “Carburetor Adjustment” in
Service and Adjustments Section.
2. Contact an authorized service dealer.
3. Contact an authorized service dealer.
1. Air filter dirty.
2. Spark plug fouled.
3. Carburetor requires
adjustment.
4. Carbon build up.
5. Compression low.
Engine will not
accelerate,
lacks power,
or dies under
a load.
1. Clean or replace air filter.
2. Clean or replace plug
and regap.
3. Contact an authorized service dealer.
4. Contact an authorized service dealer.
5. Contact an authorized service dealer.
Engine
smokes
excessively.
1. Choke partially on.
2. Fuel mixture incorrect.
3. Air filter dirty.
4. Carburetor requires
adjustment.
1. Adjust choke.
2. Empty fuel tank and refill with
correct fuel mixture.
3. Clean or replace air filter.
4. Contact an authorized service dealer.
Engine runs
hot. 1. Fuel mixture incorrect.
2. Spark plug incorrect.
3. Carburetor requires
adjustment.
4. Carbon build-up.
1. See “Fueling Engine” in Operation
section.
2. Replace with correct plug.
3. Contact an authorized service dealer.
4. Contact an authorized service dealer.
WARNING: Alwaysstop unit and disconnect spark plug before performing all of the
recommended remedies below except remedies that require operation of the unit.
TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE
Blade turns at
idle speed. 1. Carburetor requires
adjustment.
2. Throttle cable binding.
3. Clutch requires repair.
1. See “Carburetor Adjustment” in
Service and Adjustments Section.
2. Replace or repair throttle cable.
3. Contact an authorized service dealer.
Blade stops un-
der a load or
does not turn
when engine is
accelerated.
1. Blade not engaged.
2. Carburetor requires
adjustment.
3. Clutch requires repair.
1. Check gearbox.
2. Contact an authorized service dealer.
3. Contact an authorized service dealer.