Craftsman 316.292711 Operator's Manual page 15

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
2. Release the throttle trigger and let the engine idle. If the
engine stops, insert a small phillips or flat blade
screwdriver into the hole in the air filter/muffler cover
(Fig. 22). Turn the idle speed screw in, clockwise, 1/8 of
a turn at a time (as needed) until the engine idles
smoothly.
NOTE: The tines should not rotate when the engine idles.
3. If the tines rotate when the engine idles, turn the idle
speed screw counterclockwise 1/8 of a turn at a time
(as needed), to reduce idle speed.
Checking the fuel, cleaning the air filter, and adjusting
the idle speed should solve most engine problems. If not
and all of the following are true:
• the engine will not idle
• the engine hesitates or stalls on acceleration
• there is a loss of engine power
Have the carburetor adjusted by a Sears or other
qualified service dealer.
REPLACING THE SPARK PLUG
Use a replacement Champion RDZ19H spark plug. The
correct air gap is 0.025 in. (0.635 mm.). Remove the plug
after every 25 hours of operation and check its
condition.
1. Stop the engine and allow it to cool. Grasp the plug
wire firmly and pull the cap from the spark plug.
2. Clean dirt from around the spark plug. Remove the
spark plug from the cylinder head by turning it
counterclockwise with a 5/8" socket.
3. Replace cracked, fouled or dirty spark plug. Set the air
gap at 0.025 in. (0.635 mm.) using a feeler gauge (Fig. 23).
Idle Adjustment Screw
Fig. 22
0.025 in.
(0.635 mm.)
WARNING:
electrodes. Grit in the engine could damage
the cylinder.
4. Install a correctly-gapped spark plug in the cylinder
head. Turn the 5/8 in. socket clockwise until snug.
If using a torque wrench torque to:
110-120 in.•lb. (12.3-13.5 N•m)
Do not over tighten.
SPARK ARRESTOR MAINTENANCE
1. Remove the muffler cover. See Rocker Arm Clearance.
2. With a flat blade screwdriver or Torx T-20 bit,
remove the screw attaching the spark arrestor cover
to the muffler (Fig. 24).
Muffler
Slot
3. Pull the tab on the spark arrestor cover out of the
muffler. Remove the spark arrestor cover.
4. Remove the spark arrestor screen from the spark
arrestor cover.
5. Clean the spark arrestor screen with a wire brush or
replace it.
6. Reinstall the spark arrestor screen, spark arrestor
cover and screw.
Fig. 23
Do not sand blast,
scrape or clean
Spark Arrestor Screen
Tab
Spark Arrestor Cover
Fig. 24
Screw
15