Engine Manual

13
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
8. Install the oil drain plug and tighten securely.
9. Clean area around the oil drain plug.
10. Fill with the recommended oil. See Oil Recommendations
and Checking Oil Level/Adding Oil on page 5.
11. Carefully disconnect spark plug wire from grounding post,
if present.
12. Carefully reconnect the spark plug wire to the spark plug.
NOTE: It is advisable to recheck the oil level after you have
operated the engine for a short while and the normal engine
operating temperature has been achieved.
Spark Plug Service
WARNING
DO NOT check for spark with spark plug removed. DO NOT
crank engine with spark plug removed.
Check the spark plug yearly or every 100 operating hours. To
ensure proper engine operation, the spark plug must be properly
gapped and free of deposits.
1. Remove the spark plug boot (Figure 8).
2. Clean the area around the spark plug.
3. Use a spark plug wrench to remove the spark plug.
WARNING
If the engine has been running, the muffler, engine head
and spark plug will be very hot. Be careful not to touch
any of these components until they have cooled.
4. Visually inspect the spark plug. Discard the spark plug if there
is apparent wear, or if the insulator is cracked or chipped.
Replace the spark plug if the electrodes are pitted, burned or
fouled with deposits.
5. Clean the spark plug with a wire brush if it is to be reused.
6. Measure the plug gap with a feeler gauge. Correct as
necessary by bending side electrode (a) (Figure 10). The gap
should be set to 0.030 - .06 in. (0.76 - 1.5 mm).
7. Check that the spark plug washer is in good condition
8. Thread the spark plug in by hand to prevent cross-threading.
9. After the spark plug is seated, tighten with a spark plug
wrench to compress the washer.
a
b
Figure 8
2. Ensure the fuel cap is on and securely tightened.
3. Clean area around the oil drain plug (a) (Figure 9).
4. Place an approved recyclable oil container under the oil
drain plug.
5. Remove the oil drain plug (Figure 9).
a
Figure 9
WARNING
Used engine oil may cause skin cancer if repeatedly left
in contact with the skin for prolonged periods. Although
this is unlikely unless you handle used oil on a daily
basis, it is still advisable to thoroughly wash your hands
with soap and water as soon as possible after handling
used oil.
6. Tip engine to position the oil flow so it will drain from the
lowest point on the engine.
7. Drain the oil into an approved recyclable oil container.
NOTE: Please dispose of used engine oil in a manner that is
compatible with the environment. We suggest you take it in a
sealed container to your local service station or auto parts store
for recycling. Do not throw it in the trash or pour it on the ground.