Craftsman 316.2927 Operator's Manual page 11

and then every 50 hours of operation thereafter.
The engine must be cold when checking
IMPORTANT:
or adjusting the valve clearance. This task should be
performed inside in a clean and dust free area. A new
gasket must be used in this adjustment. A new rocker
arm gasket (part # 791-182099)can be purchased from
your Sears service center.
• Remove the muffler cover by pressing down on the
corner with a flat blade screwdriver. Slide the
notches on the sides of the muffler cover over the
tabs on the engine cover and remove.
• Remove the two screws on top of the engine cover
with a phillips screwdriver. See Figure 13.
Engine Cover
Figure 13
• Remove the screw on back of the engine cover.
See Figure 13.
• Disconnect the spark plug wire and clean dirt
around plug. Remove the spark plug from the cylin-
der head by turning a 5/8" socket counterclockwise.
• Remover engine cover.
NOTE: Pull the starter rope out a little to give some
slack and to ease the removal of the engine cover.
• Clean dirt from around the rocker arm cover and
remove the screw holding the rocker arm cover with
a large flat blade screwdriver or Torx T25 bit.
See Figure 14.
Rocker Arm Cover
Spark Plug Hole
Figure 14
•
Pull the starter rope slowly to bring the piston to the top
of its travel. Make sure:
•
•
If not, repeat this step.
•
The recommended clearance for both intake and
exhaust is .003-.006" (.076-.152mm). Use a standard
(.127mm) feeler gauge. The feeler gauge should slide
Screw
between the rocker arm and valve stem with a slight
amount of resistance without binding.
Remove Screws
Muffler
Feeler Gauge
.003-.006
(.076-.152mm)
If the clearance is not within specification:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
11
Remove the rocker arm cover and gasket.
The piston should be at the top of its travel while
looking in the spark plug hole. See Figure 14.
Both rocker arms should move freely and both
valves are closed.
Slide the feeler gauge between the rocker arm and
the valve return spring. Measure the clearance
between the valve stem and rocker arm. Do both
intake and exhaust valves. See Figure 15.
Rocker Arms
Figure 15
Turn the adjusting nut using a 5/16" (8mm) wrench
or nut driver.
To increase clearance, turn the adjusting nut
counterclockwise.
To decrease clearance, turn the adjusting nut
clockwise.
Recheck both clearances and adjust as necessary.
Reinstall the rocker arm cover using a new gasket.
Torque the screw to 20-30in-lb (2.2-3.4 Nm).
Reinstall the engine cover and check alignment of
the cover before tightening the screws.
Replace the muffler cover and slip the long tabs on
the cover into the engine cover. Slide the notches
on the side of muffler cover over the tabs on engine
cover. Snap into place.
Check spark plug, reinstall, and attach spark plug
wire.
Adjusting Nuts
Gasket
Adjusting Nut
Rocker Arm
Feeler Gauge