Weed Eater 530163906 User manual

XT260
FX26
RTrademark
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 lesiones
graves.
AVERTISSEMENT:
Lire le manuel d’instructions et bien respecter tous les avertisse-
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
ENGLISH ESPAÑOL FRANÇAIS
530163906 10/20/03
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
Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
250 Bobby Jones Expressway
Augusta, GA 30907
Copyright E2003 Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
For Occasional Use Only
Electrolux Canada Corporation
6150 McLaughlin Road
Mississauga, Ontario L5R 4C2

2
SAFETY RULES
WARNING: When using gardening
appliances,basic safety precautionsmust al-
ways befollowedto reducethe risk of fireand
serious injury. Read and follow all instruc-
tions.
This power unit can be dangerous! Operator is
responsible for following instructions and warn-
ings on unit and in manual. Read entire instruc-
tion manual before using unit! Be thoroughly fa-
miliar withthecontrols andthe proper 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 children to operate this
unit.
SAFETY INFORMATION
ON THE UNIT
INSTRUCTION
MANUAL
DANGER:Neverusebladesorflailing
devices. This unit is designed for line trimmer
use only. Use of any other accessories or at-
tachments will increase the risk of injury.
WARNING: Trimmer line throws ob-
jects violently. You and others can be blinded/in-
jured. Wear eye and leg protection. Keep body
parts clear of rotating line.
Eye Protection
Boots
HazardZone
50 ft.
(15 m)
Keep children, bystanders, and animals 50 feet
(15 meters) away. If approached stop unit im-
mediately.
If situations occur which are not covered in
this manual, use care and good judgment. If
youneedassistance,contactyourauthorized
service dealer or call 1-800-554--6723.
OPERATOR SAFETY
SDress properly. Always wear safety glasses
or similar eye protection when operating, or
performing maintenance, on your unit (safety
glasses areavailable). Eye protection should
be marked Z87.
SAlways wear faceordust mask if operationis
dusty.
SAlways wear heavy, longpants, long sleeves,
boots, and gloves. Wearing safety legguards
is recommended.
SAlways wear foot protection. Do not gobare-
foot or wear sandals. Stay clear of spinning
line.
SSecure hair aboveshoulder length. Secure or
remove loose clothing or clothing withloosely
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 line.
SStay Alert. Do not operate this unit when you
are tired, ill, upset orunder theinfluence ofal-
cohol, drugs, or medication. Watch what you
are doing; use common sense.
SWear hearing protection.
SNever start or run inside a closed room or
building. Breathing exhaust fumes can kill.
SKeep handles free of oil and fuel.
UNIT / MAINTENANCESAFETY
SDisconnect the spark plug before performing
maintenance except carburetor adjustments.
SLook for and replace damaged or loose parts
before each use. Look for and repair fuel
leaks before use. Keep in good working
condition.
SReplace trimmer head parts that are chipped,
cracked, broken, or damaged in any other
way before using the unit.
SMaintain unit according to recommended pro-
cedures. Keep cutting line at proper length.
SUse only 0.080!(2 mm) diameter Weed
Eater"brand line. Never use wire, rope,
string, etc.
SInstall required shield properly before using
the unit. Use only specified trimmer head;
makesureitis properly installedandsecurely
fastened.
SMake sure unit is assembled correctly as
shown in this manual.
SMake carburetor adjustments with lower end
supported to prevent line from contacting any
object.
SKeep others away when making carburetor
adjustments.
SUse only recommended Weed Eater"ac-
cessories and replacement parts.
SHave all maintenance and service not ex-
plained in this manual performedby anautho-
rized service dealer.
FUEL SAFETY
SMix and pour fuel outdoors.
SKeep away from sparks or flames.
SUse a container approved for fuel.
SDo not smoke or allow smoking near fuel or
the unit.
SAvoidspillingfueloroil. Wipeupall fuel spills.
SMove at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from
fueling site before starting engine.
SStop engine and allow to cool before remov-
ing fuel cap.
SAlways store gasoline in a container ap-
proved for flammable liquids.

3
CUTTING SAFETY
WARNING: Inspect the area before
each use. Remove objects (rocks, broken
glass, nails, wire, etc.) which can be thrown
by or become entangled in line. Hard objects
can damage thetrimmer headand be thrown
causing serious injury.
SUse only for trimming, scalping, mowing and
sweeping. Do not use for edging, pruning or
hedge trimming.
SKeep firm footing and balance. Do not over-
reach.
SKeep all parts of your body away from muffler
and spinning line. Keep engine below waist
level. A hot muffler can cause serious burns.
SCut from your right to your left. Cutting on left
side of the shield will throw debris away from
the operator.
SUse only in daylight or good artificial light.
SUse only for jobs explained in this manual.
TRANSPORTINGAND STORAGE
SAllow engine to cool; secure unit before stor-
ing or transporting in vehicle.
SEmpty the fuel tank before storing or trans-
porting theunit.Use upfuel leftin thecarbure-
tor by starting theengineand letting it run until
it stops.
SStore unit and fuel in area where fuel vapors
cannot reach sparks or open flames from wa-
ter heaters, electric motors or switches, fur-
naces, etc.
SStoreunitsolinelimiterbladecannotacciden-
tally cause injury. Theunit can behung by the
shaft.
SStore unit out of reach of children.
SAFETYNOTICE:Exposure to vibrations
through prolonged use of gasoline powered
handtools could cause bloodvessel or nerve
damage in the fingers, hands, and joints of
people prone to circulation disorders or ab-
normal swellings. Prolonged use in cold
weatherhasbeenlinked tobloodvesseldam-
agein otherwisehealthypeople. Ifsymptoms
occur such as numbness, pain, loss of
strength, change in skin color or texture, or
loss of feeling in the fingers, hands, or joints,
discontinuetheuseofthis toolandseekmed-
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 andthe condi-
tion of this tool.
SPECIALNOTICE: This unit is equipped
with a temperature limiting muffler and spark
arresting screen which meets the require-
mentsofCaliforniaCodes4442and4443. All
U.S. forest land and the states of California,
Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, Ore-
gon, and Washington require by law that
many internal combustion engines be
equippedwithasparkarrestingscreen. Ifyou
operateinalocalewheresuchregulationsex-
ist, youarelegallyresponsibleformaintaining
theoperatingconditionoftheseparts. Failure
to do so is a violation of the law. For normal
homeowneruse,themufflerandsparkarrest-
ing screen will not require any service. After
50 hours of use, we recommend that your
mufflerbeservicedorreplacedby yourautho-
rized service dealer.
ASSEMBLY
WARNING: If received assembled,
repeatall steps toensure yourunit 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.
It is normal for the fuel filter to rattle in the
empty fuel tank.
Finding fuel or oil residue onmuffler is normal
due to carburetor adjustments and testing
done by the manufacturer.
ADJUSTINGTHE HANDLE
WARNING: When adjustingtheassist
handle, be sure it remains above the safety label
and below the mark or arrow on the shaft.
1. Loosen wing nut on handle.
2. Rotate the handle on the shaftto an upright
position; retighten wing nut.
ATTACHING SHIELD
WARNING: The shield must be prop-
erly installed. The shield provides partial protec-
tion from the risk of thrown objects to the opera-
tor and others and is equipped with a line limiter
blade which cuts excess line to the proper
length. The line limiter blade (on underside of
shield) is sharp and can cut you.
For proper orientation of shield, see KNOW
YOUR TRIMMER illustration in OPERATION
section.
1. Remove wing nut from shield.
2. Insert bracket into slot as shown.
3. Pivot shield until bolt passes through hole in
bracket.
4. Securely tighten wing nut onto bolt.
Slot
Shield
Wing
Nut
Bracket
Line Limiter
Blade
PIVOT

4
OPERATION
KNOW YOUR TRIMMER
READ THIS INSTRUCTION MANUALAND SAFETYRULES BEFOREOPERATING YOUR UNIT.
Compare the illustrations with yourunit to familiarize yourself with the location of the various controls
and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
Primer
Bulb
Line Limiter
Blade
Fuel Mix Fill Cap
Assist Handle
Starter Handle
STOP
Switch
Throttle
Trigger
Choke Lever
Spark Plug
Shield
Trimmer
Head
Shaft
Muffler
Shaft Mark
or Arrow
Safety Label
STOP SWITCH
The STOP switch is used to stop the engine. To
stop the engine, push and hold the switch in the
STOP position until the engine stops.
PRIMER BULB
ThePRIMERBULBremovesairfromthecar-
buretor and fuel lines and fills them with fuel.
This allows you tostart theengine withfewer
pulls on the starter rope. Activate the primer
bulb by pressing it and allowing it to return to
its original 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.Aftertheengineattemptsto start,move
the choke lever to the HALF CHOKE position.
Once engine has started, move the choke lever
to the RUN position.
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
WARNING: Besure toread thefuel
information in the safety rules before you
begin. 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. HELPFUL TIP
Toobtainthecorrectoil mix
ratio, pour 3.2 ounces of
2--cycle synthetic oil into
one gallon of fresh gas.
This engine is certified to operate on unleaded
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 gasoline and
oil at a ratioof 40:1. A 40:1ratiois obtainedby
mixing 3.2 ounces (95 ml)ofoil with1 gallon (4
liters) of unleaded gasoline. DO NOT USE
automotive oil or marine oil. These oils will
cause engine damage. When mixing fuel, follow
instructions printed on container. Once oil is
addedto gasoline,shake containermomentarily
to assure that the fuel is thoroughly mixed.
Always read andfollow the safety rulesrelating
to fuel before fueling your unit.
IMPORTANT
Experience indicates that alcohol blended
fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or
methanol)canattractmoisturewhichleadsto
separationandformationofacids duringstor-
age. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system
ofanenginewhilein storage. Toavoidengine
problems, empty the fuel system beforestor-
agefor 30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank,
starttheengineandletit rununtilthefuellines
andcarburetorareempty.Usefresh fuelnext
season. Never use engine or carburetor clean-
er products in the fuel tank or permanent dam-
agemayoccur.SeetheSTORAGEsectionfor
additional information.

5
HELPFUL TIP
If your engine switch reads
“push to stop”, it is always
in the ON position.
HOW TO STOP YOUR UNIT
STostoptheengine,pushandholdtheSTOP
switch intheSTOPposition until theengine
stops.
SIf engine does not stop, move choke to the
FULL CHOKE position.
HOW TO START YOUR UNIT
WARNING: The trimmer head will
turnwhile starting theengine. Avoid any con-
tact with the muffler. A hot muffler can cause
serious burns. HELPFUL TIP
If your engine still does not
start after following these
instructions, please call
1--800--554--6723.
STARTING A COLD ENGINE (or a
warm engine after running out of
fuel) Starting Position
1. Setunitonaflatsurface.
2. Slowly press the primer bulb 6 times.
3. Move choke lever to the FULL CHOKE
position.
4. Squeeze the throttle trigger fully and hold
through all remaining steps.
Choke
Lever
Starter Handle
Primer Bulb
5. Pull starter rope handle sharply until engine
sounds as if it is trying to start, but do not
pullropemorethan6times.
6. As soon as engine sounds asif itis tryingto
start, move choke lever to HALF CHOKE
position.
7. Pull starter rope sharply until engine runs,
but no more than 6 pulls.
NOTE: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 andpull thestart-
er ropeuntil theengine runs,but nomore
than 6 pulls. If the engine still doesn’t
start, it is probably flooded. Proceed to
STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE.
8. Oncetheenginestarts,allowittorun10se-
conds, then move the choke lever to the
RUN position. Allow the unit to run for 30
more seconds at RUN before releasing the
throttle trigger.
NOTE: If engine dies with the choke le-
ver in the RUN 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 choke lever to the HALF CHOKE
position.
2. Squeeze and hold the throttle trigger. Keep
throttle trigger fully squeezed until the en-
gine runs smoothly.
3. Pull starter rope sharply until engine runs,
but no more than 6 pulls.
4. Allow engine to run 15 seconds, then move
the choke lever to RUN.
NOTE:If engine has not started, pull starter
rope5morepulls.Ifenginestill doesnotrun,it
is probably flooded.
STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE
Flooded engines can be started by placing the
choke lever in the RUN position; then, pull the
rope to clear the engine of excess fuel. This
could require 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.

6
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
It is recommended that the engine not be
operated for longer than 1 minute at full
throttle.
OPERATING POSITION
Cut from your right to your left.
ALWAYS WEAR: Eye protection
Long pants
Heavy shoes
WARNING: Alwaysweareyeprotec-
tion. Never lean over the trimmer head.
Rocks ordebriscanricochetorbethrowninto
eyes and face and cause blindness or other
serious injury.
Do not run the engine at a higher speed than
necessary. The cutting line will cut efficiently
when the engine is run at less than full throttle.
At lower speeds, there is less engine noise and
vibration. The cutting line will last longer and will
be less likely to “weld” onto the spool.
Always release the throttle trigger and allow the
engine to return to idle speed when not cutting.
To stop engine:
SRelease the throttle trigger.
SPush and hold the STOP switch in the
STOP position until the engine stops.
TRIMMER LINE ADVANCE
Thetrimmerlinewilladvanceapproximately2
inches (5 cm) each time the bottom of the
trimmer headis tappedonthe groundwiththe
engine running at full throttle.
The most efficient line length is the maximum
length allowed by the line limiter.Always keep
the shield in place when the tool is being oper-
ated.
To advance line:
SOperate the engine at full throttle.
SHoldthetrimmerheadparalleltoandabove
the grassy area.
STap the bottom of the trimmer head lightly
on the ground one time. Approximately 2
inches (5 cm) of line will be advancedwith
each tap.
Always tap the trimmer head on a grassy
area. Tapping on surfaces such as concrete
or asphalt can cause excessive wear to the
trimmer head.
If the line is worn down to 2 inches (5 cm) or
less, morethanonetapwill berequiredtoob-
tain the most efficient line length.
WARNING: Use only 0.080!(2mm)
diameter line. Other sizes of line will not ad-
vanceproperly andwill resultin impropercut-
tingheadfunctionorcancauseseriousinjury.
Do not use other materials such as wire,
string, rope, etc. Wire can break off during
cutting and become a dangerous missile that
can cause serious injury.
CUTTING METHODS
WARNING: Use minimum speed
anddonotcrowdthelinewhencuttingaround
hard objects (rock, gravel, fence posts, etc.),
whichcandamagethetrimmerhead,become
entangled in the line, or be thrown causing a
serious hazard.
SThe tip of the line does the cutting. You will
achieve the best performance and mini-
mum line wear bynot crowdingthe line into
the cutting area. The right and wrongways
are shown below.
Tip of the Line
Does The Cutting
Right Wrong
Line Crowded Into
Work Area
SThe line will easily remove grass and
weedsfromaroundwalls,fences,treesand
flower beds, but it also can cut the tender
bark of trees or shrubs and scar fences. To
help avoid damage especially to delicate
vegetation or trees with tender bark,
shorten line to 4--5 inches (10--13cm) and
use at less than full throttle.
SFor trimming or scalping, use less than full
throttle to increase line life and decrease
head wear, especially:
SDuring light duty cutting.
SNear objects around which the line can
wrap such as small posts, trees or fence
wire.
SFormowingorsweeping,usefull throttlefor
a good clean job.
TRIMMING -- Hold the bottom of thetrimmer
headabout3 inches(8cm) abovetheground
andatanangle.Allowonly thetipoftheline to
make contact. Do not force trimmer line into
work area.
Trimming
3 inches (8 cm)
above ground
SCALPING -- The scalping technique re-
moves unwanted vegetationdown to the
ground. Hold the bottom of the trimmer head
about 3 inches (8 cm) above the groundand
atanangle.Allowthetipofthelinetostrikethe
groundaroundtrees, posts, monuments,etc.
This technique increases line wear.

7
Scalping
MOWING -- Your trimmer is ideal for mowing
in places conventional lawn mowers cannot
reach. In the mowing position, keep the line
parallel to the ground. Avoid pressing the
head into the ground as this can scalp the
ground and damage the tool.
Mowing
SWEEPING -- Thefanning actionof therotat-
ing line can be used for a quick and easy
clean up. Keep the line parallel to and above
the surfaces being swept and move the tool
from side to side.
Sweeping
MAINTENANCE
WARNING: Disconnect the spark
plug before performing maintenance except
for carburetor adjustments.
HELPFUL TIP
IMPORTANT: Have all
repairs other than the rec-
ommended maintenance
described in the instruction
manual performed by an
authorized service dealer.
If any dealer other than an authorized
service dealer performs work on the
product, Electrolux Home Products,
Inc., may not pay for repairs under war-
ranty. Itisyourresponsibility tomaintain
and perform general maintenance.
CHECK FOR LOOSE
FASTENERS AND PARTS
SSpark Plug Boot
SAir Filter
SHousing Screws
SAssist Handle Screws
SDebris Shield
CHECK FOR DAMAGED OR
WORN PARTS
Contact an authorized service dealer for re-
placement of damaged or worn parts.
SSTOP Switch -- EnsureSTOP switch func-
tions properly by pushing and holding the
switch in theSTOP position.Make sureen-
gine stops. Restart engine and continue.
SFuel Tank -- Discontinue use of unit if fuel
tank shows signs of damage or leaks.
SDebris Shield -- Discontinue use of unit if
debris shield is damaged.
INSPECT AND CLEAN UNIT AND
LABELS
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.
CLEAN AIR FILTER
A dirty air filter decreases engine perform-
ance and increases fuel consumption and
harmful emissions. Always clean after every
5 hours of operation.
1. Clean the air filter cover and the area
around it to keep dirt from falling into the
carburetor chamber when the cover is
opened.
2. Open air filter cover by pushing button
(see illustration). Remove air filter.
NOTE: To avoid creating a fire hazard or
producing harmful evaporative emissions, do
not clean filter in gasoline or other flammable
solvent.
3. Wash the filter in soap and water.
4. Allow filter to dry.
5. Replace air filter and close cover.
Air Filter Cover
Air Filter
Button
MUFFLER AND SPARK ARREST-
ING SCREEN
WARNING: The muffler on this prod-
uct contains chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer.
As your unit is used, carbondeposits build up
on the muffler and spark arresting screen.
For normal homeowner use, however, the
muffler andsparkarrestingscreenwill notre-
quire any service. After 50 hours of use, we
recommend that your muffler be serviced or
replaced by your authorized service dealer.

8
REPLACE SPARK PLUG
Replace the spark plug each year to ensure
the engine starts easier and runs better. Set
spark plug gap at 0.025 inch (0.6 mm). Igni-
tion timing is fixed and nonadjustable.
1. Twist, then pull off spark plug boot.
2. Remove spark plug from cylinder and dis-
card.
3. Replace with Champion RCJ-6Y spark
plug and tighten securely with a 3/4 inch
(19 mm) socket wrench.
4. Reinstall the spark plug boot.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS
LINE REPLACEMENT
1. Remove spool by firmly pulling on tap
button.
2. Clean entire surface of hub and spool.
3. Replace with a pre-wound spool, or cut two
lengths of 12-1/2 feet of 0.080!(2 mm) di-
ameter Weed Eaterrbrand line.
WARNING: Never use wire, rope,
string,etc.,whichcanbreakoffandbecomea
dangerous missile.
4. Insert ends of the lines about 1/2 inch (1
cm) into the small holes on the inside of
spool.
Small
Holes
Spool
Hub
Line in Notch
Line in Notch
Line exit holes
5. Wind the line evenly and tightly onto the
spool. Wind in the direction of the arrows
found on the spool.
6. Push thelines into thenotches, leaving3
to 5 inches (7 -- 12 cm) unwound.
7. Insert the lines into the the exit holes in
the hub as shown in the illustration.
8. Align the notches with the line exit holes.
9. Push spool into hub until it snaps into
place.
10. Pull thelines extendingoutsideofthehub
to release the lines from the notches.
CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT
WARNING: Keepothersawaywhen
making idle speed adjustments. Thetrimmer
head will be spinning during this procedure.
Wearyour protectiveequipmentandobserve
all safety precautions.
The carburetor has been carefully set at the
factory.Adjustmentsmaybenecessary ifyou
notice any of the following conditions:
SEngine will not idle when the throttle is re-
leased.
Make adjustments with the unit supportedso
the cutting attachment is off the ground and
will not make contact with any object. Hold
theunitbyhandwhilerunningandmakingad-
justments. Keep all parts of your body away
from the cutting attachment and muffler.
Idle Speed Adjustment
Allow enginetoidle. Adjustspeeduntilengine
runs without stalling (idle speed too slow).
STurn idle speed screw clockwise to in-
creaseenginespeedif enginestalls ordies.
STurn idle speedscrew counterclockwise to
decrease engine speed.
Air Filter Cover
Idle Speed Screw
Ifyourequirefurtherassistanceorareunsure
about performing this procedure, contact an
authorized service dealer or call
1--800--554--6723.

9
STORAGE
WARNING: Perform the following
steps after each use:
SAllow engine to cool, and secure the unit
before storing or transporting.
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.
SEASONALSTORAGE
Prepareunit for storageat endof season or if
it will not be used for 30 days or more.
If your unit is to bestoredfor aperiod oftime:
SClean the entire unit before lengthy storage.
SStore in a clean dry area.
SLightly oil external metal surfaces.
FUEL SYSTEM
Under FUELING ENGINE in the OPERA-
TIONsectionofthis manual,seemessagela-
beled IMPORTANT regarding the use of ga-
sohol in your engine.
Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alternative in
minimizing the formationof fuel gumdeposits
during storage.Add stabilizer to the gasoline
in the fuel tank or fuel storage container. Fol-
low the mix instructions found on stabilizer
container. Runengine at least 5 minutesafter
adding stabilizer.
HELPFUL TIP
Duringstorageofyourgas/
oil mixture,theoil will sepa-
rate from the gas.
We recommend that you
shake the gas can weekly
toinsureproperblendingof
the gas and oil.
ENGINE
SRemove spark plugand pour1 teaspoonof
40:1,2-cycle engineoil (air cooled) through
the spark plug opening. Slowly pull the
starter rope 8 to 10 times to distribute oil.
SReplacespark plugwith newoneofrecom-
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 freshfuel havingthepropergasolineto
oil ratio.
OTHER
SDo not store gasoline from one season to
another.
SReplaceyourgasolinecanifitstarts torust.

10
TROUBLE CAUSE REMEDY
Engine will not
start. 1. Engine flooded.
2. Fuel tank empty.
3. Spark plug not firing.
4. Fuel not reaching
carburetor.
5. Carburetorrequires
adjustment.
1. See “Starting a Flooded Engine 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. Carburetorrequires
adjustment.
2. Crankshaft seals worn.
3. Compression low.
1. See “CarburetorAdjustment” 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. Carburetorrequires
adjustment.
4. Carbon build-up on
muffler outlet screen.
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. Carburetorrequires
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. Carburetorrequires
adjustment.
4. Carbon build-up on
muffler outlet screen.
1. See “Fueling Engine” in Operation
section.
2. Replace with correct spark plug.
3. Contact an authorized service dealer
.
4. Contact an authorized service dealer.
WARNING: Alwaysstopunitanddisconnectsparkplugbeforeperformingallofthe
recommended remedies below except remedies that require operation of the unit.
TROUBLESHOOTINGTABLE