Craftsman WEEDWACKER INCREDI-PULL 316.711930 Operator's Manual page 18

CHECKING THE ROCKER ARM CLEARANCE
This adjustment requires disassembly of the engine. If you feel
unsure or unqualified to perform this, take the unit to a Sears or
other qualified service dealer.
The engine must be cold when checking or adjusting the rocker arm
clearance. This task should be performed inside, in a clean, dust-
free area.
1. Remove the 6 screws from the engine cover with a flat-head
screwdriver or T-25 Torx screwdriver (Fig. 23). Remove the
engine cover.
2. Disconnect the spark plug wire.
3. Clean the area around the spark plug.
4. Remove the spark plug from the cylinder with a 5/8 in. socket,
turning counterclockwise.
5. Clean the rocker arm cover.
6. Remove the screw from the rocker arm cover with a flat-head
screwdriver or T-25 Torx screwdriver (Fig. 24). Remove the
rocker arm cover and gasket (Fig. 25).
7. Look into the spark plug hole (Fig. 24) and pull the starter rope
slowly to move the piston. Make sure:
• The piston is at the top of its travel (top dead center)
• Both rocker arms move freely and both valves are closed
If these statements are not true, repeat this step.
8. Use a feeler gauge to measure the clearance between one of the
valve stems and its corresponding rocker arm (Fig. 26). Repeat
this process for the other valve stem and rocker arm. The
recommended clearance is 0.003 – 0.006 in. (0.076 – 0.152 mm).
Use a standard automotive 0.005 in. (0.127 mm) feeler gauge.
The feeler gauge should slide between the rocker arm and valve
stem with a slight amount of resistance, without binding (Fig. 26).
9. If the clearance is not within specification:
a. Turn the adjusting nut with a 5/16 inch (8 mm) wrench or nut
driver (Fig. 26).
• To increase clearance, turn the adjusting nut
counterclockwise.
• To decrease clearance, turn the adjusting nut clockwise.
b. Recheck both clearances and adjust as necessary.
10. Install a new gasket and reinstall the rocker arm cover. Torque
the screw to: 20–30 in•lb (2.2–3.4 N•m).
11. Inspect and reinstall the spark plug. Refer to Maintaining the
Spark Plug.
12. Reconnect the spark plug wire.
13. Reinstall the engine cover. Check the alignment of the engine
cover before tightening the screws. Tighten the screws.
Screws
Screw
Spark Plug Hole
INTAKE
Gasket
Rocker Arms
0.003 - 0.006 in.
(0.076 - 0.152 mm)
18
Screws
Fig. 23
Rocker
Arm Cover
Fig. 24
Adjusting Nuts
EXHAUST
Fig. 25
Adjusting Nut
Feeler Guage
Valve Stem
Fig. 26