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Section 4 Engine Service
If the engine is equipped with a disposable oil
fi lter, replace the fi lter each time the oil is changed.
To prevent oil leaks, always coat the fi lter’s O-ring
seal with a light coat of clean oil before installing
the fi lter. See Figure 13-7.
Before putting fresh oil in the engine, clean
the fi ller opening, funnel, and the top of the oil
container. Be sure to use the type, viscosity grade,
and quantity of oil recommended by the manufac-
turer. Pour the oil in the engine’s crankcase and
then check the level. See Figure 13-8. If the oil level
is correct, replace the fi ller cap and reconnect the
spark plug lead to the spark plug.
Start the engine and allow it to run for a few
minutes. Then stop the engine and recheck the
oil level. Add oil as necessary. Finally, inspect the
drain plug and oil fi lter for oil leaks.
After changing the oil, wash oily rags or dispose of
them properly. Storing them may cause spontaneous
combustion. Spontaneous combustion occurs when
combustible material self-ignites..tesignilf-es
If any oil is left in the oil container, cap the container
tightly to prevent condensation or contamination.
Lubricating Cables and Linkage
Engine cables and linkage should be lubri-
cated periodically to ensure smooth operation
and reduce the chances of binding and premature
wear. Linkage (throttle linkage, governor linkage,
etc.) can generally be lubricated by spraying it with
an appropriate lubricant.
Many manufacturers recommend silicone-based
lubricants for use on cables and linkages. Unlike
petroleum-based products, these lubricants will not
attract dirt after they are
To lubricate cables (throttle cable, engine bale,
etc.), place a few drops of the recommended lubri-
cant between the cable and its housing at the high-
est end of the cable. Allow the lubricant to run down
between the cable and housing. Lubricant should
fl ow out of the low end of the cable. If it does not,
add a few more drops of lubricant and allow it to run
down the cable. Continue this process until clean
lubricant fl ows from the bottom end of the cable.
If desired, spray lubricant can be used to lubri-
cate the cable. Simply spray the lube between the
cable and the housing, and watch for it to exit at
the low end of the cable. See Figure 13-9.
Some manufacturers produce a tool that pro-
vides a leak-proof connection between the tube
from a can of spray lubricant and the cable. When
this tool is used, the lubricant is forced under pres-
sure through the cable, making lubricating cables
fast and easy. This type of tool is especially help-
ful when lubricating cables that run horizontally
rather than vertically.
Caution
After A A A ft er changing c a ng n t t t h e oi l, wash w oily rags or dispose of
them h e e em properly. p ro p y Storing S S r them h ma y cause spontaneous
combustion. co o o m mb us o Spontaneous S o o a o combustion occurs when
combustible co o o m mb us b e material m t t
Note
Many M Ma y manu m uf acturers a r recommend m silicone-based
lubricants lu b c n f o o r use e on cables a nd linkages. Unlike
petro pe e o ol eum-based u u b products, th ese lubricants w ill not
attract at t ac dirt d d after a they h ar e aapplied.d.pliep p
Figure 13-7.
A typical disposable oil fi lter. To prevent leaks, apply a
light fi lm of oil around the O-ring seal before installation.
Gasket
Oil filter
Figure 13-8.
Clean the area around the fi ller opening, as well as the
funnel, before adding oil.