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4THE GUIDE TO SMALL ENGINES
MAINTENANCE
After the first five hours of use:
• Change the oil and filter.
After each use:
• Check the oil.
• Remove debris around the muffler.
Every 25 hours or every season:
• Change the oil if operating under heavy load
or in hot weather.
• Service the air cleaner assembly.
• Clean the fuel tank and line.
• Clean the carburetor float bowl, if equipped.
• Inspect the rewind rope for wear.
• Clean the cooling fins on the engine block.
• Remove debris from the blower housing.
• Check engine compression.
• Inspect governor springs and linkages.
• Inspect ignition armature and wires.
• Inspect the muffler.
• Check the valve tappet clearances.
• Replace the spark plug.
• Adjust the carburetor.
• Check the engine mounting bolts/nuts.
Every 100 hours or every season:
• Clean the cooling system.*
• Change the oil filter, if equipped.
• Decarbonize the cylinder head.
*Clean more often if the engine operates under
dusty conditions or in tall, dry grass.
Regular maintenance schedule
You can avoid many small engine problems and save money on parts and
repairs if you follow a regular maintenance schedule. Make good maintenance
a habit when your engine is new, and always consult your owner’s manual for
special guidelines for your make and model. Service the engine more
frequently if you use it heavily or under dusty or dirty conditions.