- -- -- 6 -- NOTE: If engine has not started, pull starter rope 5 more pulls. If engine still does not run, it is probably flooded. STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE S Move the choke lever to the RUN position. S Move throttle lever to the position. S Pull rope to clear engine of excess fuel. This could require pulling the starter rope many times. If unit still doesn’t start refer to the TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE or call 1-800-554-6723. MAINTENANCE WARNING: Avoid touching muffler unless engine and muffler are cold. A hot muffler can cause serious burns. WARNING: Stop engine and be sure the impeller blades have stopped turning before opening the vacuum inlet door or attempting to insert or remove the vacuum or blower tubes. The rotating blades can cause serious injury. Always disconnect the spark plug before performing maintenance or accessing movable parts. GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS The warranty on this 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 adjustments will need to be made periodically to properly maintain your unit. CHECK FOR LOOSE FASTENERS AND PARTS S Spark Plug Boot S Air Filter S Housing Screws S Muffler CHECK FOR DAMAGED OR WORN PARTS Contact an authorized service dealer for replacement of damaged or worn parts. S Fuel Tank -- Do not use unit if fuel tank shows signs of damage or leaks. S Vacuum Bag -- Do not use vacuum bag if it is torn or damaged. INSPECT AND CLEAN UNIT AND DECALS S After each use, inspect complete unit for loose or damaged parts. Clean the unit and decals using a damp cloth with amild detergent. S Wipe off unit with a clean dry cloth. CLEAN AIR FILTER Air Filter Cover Air Filter Screws Cleaning the air filter: A dirty air filter decreases engine performance and increases fuel consumption and harmful emissions. Always clean or replace air filter after every 5 hours of operation or yearly, whichever comes first. S Clean the cover and the area around it to keep debris from falling into the carburetor chamber when the cover is removed. S Remove parts as illustrated. NOTE: Do not clean filter in gasoline or other flammable solvent. Doing so can create a fire hazard or produce harmful evaporative emissions. S Wash the filter in soap and water. S Allow filter to dry. S Apply a fewdrops of oil to the filter; squeeze filter to distribute oil. S Replace parts. REPLACE SPARK PLUG Replace spark plug each year to ensure the engine starts easier and runs better. Set spark plug gap at 0.025 inch. Ignition timing is fixed, nonadjustable. S Twist, then pull off spark plug boot. S Remove spark plug from cylinder and discard. S Replace with Champion RCJ-6Y spark plug and tighten with a 3/4 in. socket wrench (15 - 20 ft/lbs). S Reinstall the spark plug boot. REPLACE FUEL FILTER To replace fuel filter, drain unit by running it dry of fuel, then remove fuel cap/retainer assembly from tank. Pull filter from tank and remove it from the fuel line. Install new fuel filter on fuel line; reinstall parts. Fuel Line Fuel Filter CHECK MUFFLER MOUNTING SCREWS Once each year, ensure muffler mounting screws are secure and tightened properly to prevent damage. MountingScrewHoles Muffler Cover Screws S Loosen and remove the 2 screws from the muffler cover. S Remove the muffler cover. S Tighten the 2 muffler mounting screws (100 in/lbs). S Reinstall muffler cover and 2 screws. INSPECT MUFFLER AND SPARK ARRESTING SCREEN As the unit is used, carbon deposits build up on the muffler and spark arresting screen, and must be removed to avoid creating a fire hazard or affecting engine performance. TOP VIEW OF MUFFLER Exhaust Diverter Screws Replace the spark arresting screen every 25 hours of operation or if any damage or breaks in the screen are noted. NOTE: Do not attempt to clean the spark arresting screen. S Loosen and remove the 2 screws from the muffler cover. S Remove the muffler cover. S Loosen and remove both screws from the exhaust diverter. S Remove the exhaust diverter and spark ar resting screen. S Install new spark arresting screen. S Reinstall exhaust diverter and both screws. Tighten screws securely. S Reinstall muffler cover and 2 screws. NOTE: If any part of the muffler is cracked, broken or damaged, we recommend that the muffler be replaced. SERVICE We recommend all service and adjustments not listed in this manual be performed by an authorized service dealer. CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENTS Your carburetor is equipped with limiter caps. Adjusting the carburetor is a complicated task. We recommend that you take your unit to an an authorized service dealer. Damage will occur if you turn the needles beyond the limiter stops. STORAGE WARNING: Perform the following steps after each use: S Allow engine to cool, and secure the unit before storing or transporting. S Store unit and fuel in a well ventilated area where fuel vapors cannot reach sparks or open flames from water heaters, ...