Viper 173CC Owner's Manual page 13

3. Remove spark plug and replace if any of the following
occur; pitted electrodes, burned electrodes, cracked
porcelain, or deposits around electrodes.
4. After analysis, seat spark plug and tighten with spark plug
wrench to compress the sealing washer.
• Reinstall original spark plug, tighten additional 1/2
turn.
• Installing new spark plug, adjust spark plug gap to
.030" (0.7-0.8 mm) and tighten additional 1/8 – 1/4
turn.
NOTE: Loose spark plug may overheat and damage engine.
Over tightened spark plug may damage threads in the cylinder
head.
SPARK PLUG MAINTENANCE
Spark plug should be removed, cleaned and gap adjusted after
approximately fifty hours of operating time.
NOTE: A sand blaster should not be used to clean spark plugs.
Microscopic particles remaining in the plug may score the engine
cylinder during operation. Use solvent and a wire brush to clean
the plug and compressed air to blow it out thoroughly.
CARBURETOR
• Never tamper with factory setting of the carburetor.
• If adjustment is needed, contact customer service.
FUEL FILTER
CLEANING OR REPLACING FUEL FILTER
1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug. Remove
spark plug.
2. Drain fuel from tank before attempting to clean/replace
filter.
3. Remove hose clamp closest to gas tank.
4. Pull filter out from end of hose.
5. Filter may be washed with kerosene or similar solvent.
6. If filter is extremely dirty or torn, replace with new filter.
7. Reassemble with clean or new filter, and fill with clean,
fresh gasoline. Check for leaks prior to starting engine.
Get parts online at www.GetEarthquake.com or Call 800-345-6007 M-F 8-5 CST
WARNING
FUEL IS HIGHLY FLAMMABLE AND MUST BE HANDLED
WITH CARE. NEVER FILL OR DRAIN THE FUEL TANK
WHEN THE ENGINE IS HOT OR RUNNING. ALWAYS MOVE
OUTDOORS TO FILL OR DRAIN FUEL FROM THE TANK.
DO NOT REMOVE FUEL WHILE SMOKING, NEAR OPEN
FLAME, OR OTHER POTENTIAL HAZARDS.
FUEL IS TOXIC. DO NOT SIPHON FUEL BY MOUTH.
DO NOT STORE ENGINE INSIDE A BUILDING WITH FUEL IN
THE TANK. POTENTIAL SPARKS MAY BE PRESENT CAUSING
IGNITION OF FUEL AND FUEL VAPORS.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS CAN CAUSE
SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
DO NOT REMOVE FUEL WHILE SMOKING, NEAR OPEN
FLAME, OR OTHER POTENTIAL HAZARDS.
CHECK ENGINE REGULARLY FOR LOOSE NUTS AND BOLTS.
KEEP THESE ITEMS TIGHTENED.
TRANSPORTING ENGINE
1. Never transport engine inside an enclosed space or
vehicle. Fuel or fuel vapors may ignite causing serious
injury or death.
2. If fuel is present in the fuel tank remove fuel or transport
with an open vehicle in an upright position.
3. If an enclosed vehicle must be used, remove fuel into an
approved red fuel container. DO NOT siphon by mouth.
4. Run engine or drain to use up the fuel in the carburetor
and fuel tank. Always run engine in a well ventilated area.
5. Wipe away any spilled fuel from engine. Allow to dry.
Owner's Manual
173CC VIPER 4-CYCLE ENGINE
13