Cleaning The Air Filter; Carburetor Adjustment - Craftsman 316.79498 Operator's Manual

measure the correct amount of oil. The top of the label
on the bottle measures approximately 3.04 ounces (90
ml) (Fig. 26). Check the level, See Checking the Oil
Level. If the level is low, add a small amount of oil and
recheck. Do not overfill (Fig. 23).
5. Replace the oil fill plug.
6. Reconnect the spark plug boot.
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
WARNING:
To avoid serious personal injury,
always turn the unit off and allow it to cool before
you clean or service it.

Cleaning the Air Filter

Clean and re-oil the air filter every 10 hours of operation. It is an
important item to maintain. Failure to maintain your air filter
properly can result in poor performance or can cause
permanent damage to your engine.
1. Open the air filter cover. Push the tab on the under side of the
cover inward. Then pull the air filter cover out and up from the
bottom of the cover (Fig. 27).
Air Filter Cover
Air Filter
Tab
2. Remove the air filter (Fig. 27).
3. Wash the filter in detergent and water (Fig. 28). Rinse the
filter thoroughly and allow it to
dry.
4. Apply enough clean SAE 30
motor oil to lightly coat the filter
(Fig. 29).
5. Squeeze the filter to spread and
remove excess oil (Fig. 30).
6. Replace the filter (Fig. 31).
NOTE: If the unit is operated
without the air filter, you will
VOID the warranty.
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
Fill Level
Fig. 26
Fig. 27
Fig. 28
Fig. 29
7. Reinstall the air filter
cover. Position the
slots on the top of the
air filter cover onto the
tabs at the top of the
back plate (Fig. 31).
8. Swing the cover down
until the tab on the air
filter backplate snaps
into place in the slot
on the air filter cover
(Fig. 32).
Air Filter Cover
Air Filter
Tab

CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT

The idle speed of the engine is adjustable. An idle adjustment
screw is between the air
filter cover and the engine
starter housing (Fig. 33).
NOTE: Careless
adjustments can
seriously damage
your unit. A Sears
or other qualified
service dealer
should make
carburetor
adjustments.
Check Fuel
Old fuel is usually the reason for improper unit performance.
Drain and refill the tank with fresh fuel prior to making any
adjustments. Refer to Oil and Fuel Information.
Clean Air Filter
The condition of the air filter is important to the operation of
the unit. A dirty air filter will restrict air flow. This is often
mistaken for an out of adjustment carburetor. Check the
condition of the air filter before adjusting the idle speed screw.
Refer to Air Filter Maintenance.
13
Fig. 30
Back Plate
Air Filter
Locking Tab
Fig. 31
Fig. 32
Idle Adjustment Screw
Fig. 33
Tabs