Cylinder Head; General Information; Breather Valve (Reed Valve); Valve Clearance Check And Adjustment - Club Car FE350 2005 Maintenance Service Supplement

FE350 ENGINE
Setting the Spark Gap
1. Before setting the spark gap on a used plug, pass a contact point file between the electrodes to produce
flat, parallel surfaces to facilitate accurate gauging.
2. Use a wire type gauge. Bend the outside or ground electrode so only a slight drag on the gauge is felt
when passing it between the electrode. Never make an adjustment by bending the center electrode. Set
gap (A) to 0.027-0.031 inches (0.69-0.79 mm) (Figure 13-1, Page 13-2).
Spark Plug Installation
NOTE: Before installing the plug, check the condition of the threads in the cylinder head. Soften deposits
in cylinder head threads with penetrating oil and clean the threads with a tap if necessary.
1. Install the spark plug by threading it in until finger tight, then tighten the spark plug to 20 ft-lb (27 N·m).

CYLINDER HEAD

See General Warning, Section 10, Page 10-1.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Test cylinder compression using a standard compression tester. Low compression would normally indicate a
problem in the cylinder assembly such as defective rings, gaskets, etc. Compression should be:
• Key-Start engines: Key-start engines are equipped with an automatic compression release valve
(ACR). This valve releases compression pressure at normal cranking RPM, resulting in lower compres-
sion. At a normal cranking speed of 550-600 RPM, the compression should typically be 71 psi. This
value could vary slightly depending on wear of components affecting compression.
• Pedal-Start engines: Pedal-start engines are not equipped with an automatic compression release
valve (ACR). At a normal cranking speed of 550-600 RPM, the compression should typically be 156
psi. This value could vary slightly depending on wear of components affecting compression.
See the Engines and Drivetrain Components, Repair and Rebuild Manual for inspection and repair.

BREATHER VALVE (REED VALVE)

General Information
The function of the breather is to create a vacuum in the crankcase, which prevents oil from being forced out
of the engine through the piston rings, oil seals or gaskets.
The breather has a reed valve which limits the direction of air flow caused by the piston moving up and down.
Air can flow out of the crankcase, but the one-way reed valve blocks return flow. It thus maintains a vacuum
in the crankcase.
Oil laden air in the crankcase passes through the reed valve and expands into the rocker chamber. In the
rocker chamber most oil separates from the air and drains back to the crankcase. The air passes through a
tube and vents to the intake manifold.

VALVE CLEARANCE CHECK AND ADJUSTMENT

No clearance check and no clearance adjustments are required. The FE350 engine is equipped with hydrau-
lic lifters that automatically eliminate all clearance in the valve train components.
2005 FE350 Gasoline Vehicle Maintenance and Service Supplement
13
Cylinder Head
Page 13-3