Spark Plug Maintenance - Predator 68525 Owner's Manual & Safety Instructions

Spark Plug Maintenance

1. Disconnect spark plug cap from end of plug.
Clean out debris from around spark plug.
2. Using a spark plug
wrench, remove
the spark plug.
3. Inspect the spark
plug:
If the electrode is
oily, clean it using
a clean, dry rag.
If the electrode has
deposits on it, polish
it using emery paper. If the white insulator is cracked
or chipped, the spark plug needs to be replaced.
NOTICE: Using an incorrect spark plug may
damage the engine. See the Specifications chart
for your Generator for the type and gap required.
Storage
When the equipment is to remain idle for longer than
20 days, prepare the engine for storage as follows:
1. CLEANING:
Wait for engine to cool, then clean engine with
dry cloth. NOTICE: Do not clean using water.
The water will gradually enter the engine and cause
rust damage.
Apply a thin coat of rust preventive
oil to all metal parts.
2. FUEL:
WARNING! TO PREVENT SERIOUS
INJURY FROM FIRE:
Drain the fuel tank in a well‑ventilated area
away from ignition sources. If the engine is
hot from use, shut the engine off and wait
for it to cool before draining fuel.
Do not smoke.
Cylinder
Assembly
a. Place a funnel leading to a proper gasoline
container below the carburetor.
b. Remove the drain bolt from the bottom of the
carburetor bowl and allow the fuel to drain.
Page 18
Spark Plug
Cylinder
Assembly
Air Filter Assembly
Drain Plug
For Generator technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.
For Engine technical questions, please call 1-800-520-0882.
4. When installing a new spark plug, adjust
the plug's gap to the specification on the
Specifications chart. Do not pry against the
electrode, the spark plug can be damaged.
5. Install the new spark plug or the cleaned spark plug
into the engine. Gasket‑style: Finger‑tighten until the
gasket contacts the cylinder head, then about 1/2‑2/3
turn more.
Non‑gasket‑style: Finger‑tighten until the plug
contacts the head, then about 1/16 turn more.
NOTICE: Tighten the spark plug properly.
If loose, the spark plug will cause the engine
to overheat. If overtightened, the threads
in the engine block will be damaged.
6. Apply dielectric spark plug boot protector
(not included) to the end of the spark
plug and reattach the wire securely.
If present on your model, remove the small
sediment cup next to the bowl and allow
the fuel to drain from there as well.
c. Open the fuel valve. After all fuel has
drained, reinstall the drain bolt and sediment
cup (if equipped). Tighten securely.
3. LUBRICATION:
a. Change engine oil.
b. Clean out area around spark plug. Remove
spark plug and pour one tablespoon of engine
oil into cylinder through spark plug hole.
c. Replace spark plug, but leave spark
plug cap disconnected.
d. Pull Starter Handle to distribute oil in cylinder.
Stop after one or two revolutions when you
feel the piston start the compression stroke
(when you start to feel resistance).
4. BATTERY:
Disconnect battery cables (if equipped).
Recharge batteries monthly while in storage.
5. STORAGE AREA:
Cover and store in a dry, level, well‑ventilated
area out of reach of children. Storage area
should also be away from ignition sources, such
as water heaters, clothes dryers, and furnaces.
6. AFTER STORAGE:
Before starting the engine after storage, keep
in mind that untreated gasoline will deteriorate
quickly. Drain the fuel tank and change to fresh
fuel if untreated gasoline has been sitting for
a month, if treated gasoline has been sitting
beyond the fuel stabilizer's recommended
time period, or if the engine does not start.
Item 68525 68530