Replacing The Spark Plug - Troy-Bilt TB144 Operator's Manual

REPLACING THE SPARK P LUG
Use a replacement Champion RDZ19H spark plug. The correct
air gap is 0.025 in. (0.635 mm.). Remove the plug after every
25 hours of operation and check its condition.
1. Stop the engine and allow it to cool. Grasp the plug wire
firmly and pull the cap from the spark plug.
2. Clean dirt from around the spark plug. Remove the spark
plug from the cylinder head by turning it counterclockwise
with a 5/8" socket.
[,_ ARNING: Do not sand blast, scrape or clean
electrodes. Grit in the engine could damage the
cylinder.
3. Replace cracked, fouled or dirty spark plug. Set the air gap at
0.025 in. (0.635 mm.) using a feeler gauge (Fig. 28).
t
Fig. 28
4. Install a correctly-gapped spark plug in the cylinder head.
Turn the 5/8 in. socket clockwise until snug.
If using a torque wrench torque to:
110-120 in.°lb. (12.3-13.5 N°m)
Do not over tighten.
SPARK ARRESTOR MAINTENANCE
1. Remove the muffler cover. See RockerArm Clearance.
2. With a flat blade screwdriver or Torx T-20 bit, remove the screw
attaching the spark arrestor cover to the muffler (Fig. 29).
Muffler Spark Arrestor Screen
l /'Screw
Slot / Spark Arrestor Cover
Fig. 29
3. Pull the tab on the spark arrestor cover out of the muffler.
Remove the spark arrestor cover.
4. Remove the spark arrestor screen from the spark arrestor
cover.
5. Clean the spark arrestor screen with a wire brush or replace it.
6. Reinstall the spark arrestor screen, spark arrestor cover
and screw.
CLEANING THE UNIT
,_ WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury, I
always turn the unit off and allow it to cool before
you clean or perform any maintenance on it.
• Use a small brush to clean off the outside of the unit and
to keep the air vents free of obstructions.
• Do not use strong detergents or petroleum based cleaners,
such as kerosene. Some household cleaners contain aromatic
oils such as pine and lemon that can damage the plastic
housings or handles. Wipe off any moisture with a soft cloth.
STORAGE
• Never store the unit with fuel in the tank where fumes may
reach an open flame or spark.
• Allow the engine to cool before storing.
• Store the unit in a locked up area to prevent
unauthorized use or damage.
• Store the unit in a dry, well-ventilated area. Do not store
next to corrosive material like fertilizer.
• Store the unit out of the reach of children.
LONG-TERM STORAGE
If the unit will be stored for an extended time:
1. Carefully drain all gasoline from the fuel tank by removing the
fuel cap and tipping the motor housing over to allow the fuel to
drain into an approved gas container. Do not use gas that has
been stored for more than 60 days. Dispose of the old gasoline
in accordance with Federal, State and Local regulations.
2. Start the engine and allow it to run until it stalls. This ensures
that all gasoline has been drained from the carburetor.
3. Allow the engine to cool. Remove the spark plug and put 5
drops of high quality motor oil into the cylinder. Pull the starter
rope slowly to distribute the oil. Reinstall the spark plug.
NOTE: Remove the spark plug and drain all of the oil from the
cylinder before attempting to start the unit after storage.
4. Change the oil, referring to the Changing the Oil section.
Dispose of the old oil in accordance with Federal, State
and Local regulations.
5. Thoroughly clean the unit and inspect for any loose or
damaged parts. Repair or replace damaged parts and
tighten loose screws, nuts or bolts.
6. To take up less storage area, loosen the handlebar knobs
and fold the handlebar down. The unit is ready for storage.
TRANSPORTING
• Allow the engine to cool before transporting.
• Securethe unit while transporting.
• Drain the fuel tank before transporting.
• Tighten fuel cap before transporting.
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