MUSTANG 679 cc OHV Vertical Shaft Engines Instruction Manual

: June 4, 2024
: MUSTANG

MUSTANG 679 cc OHV Vertical Shaft Engines

MUSTANG-679-cc-OHV-Vertical-Shaft-Engines

Record Product Information

Before setting up and operating your new mower, please locate the model plate on the engine and record the information in the provided area to the right. You can locate the model plate by standing at the operator’s position and looking at the rear, right side of the engine. This information will be necessary, should you seek technical support via our web site, Customer Support Department, or with a local authorized service dealer.
WARNING Read and follow all safety rules and instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine.
Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury – SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

WARNING This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see
this symbol, HEED ITS WARNING!
DANGER This engine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices in this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

TRAINING

Read, understand and follow all warnings and instructions on the engine and the equipment, and in the operator’s manuals before attempting to install and/or operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and regular reference and for ordering replacement parts.
Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation. Know how to stop the engine and disengage them quickly.
Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate the equipment. Children 14 and over should read and understand the warnings and instructions both on the product and in the manuals and be trained and supervised by an adult.
Never allow adults to operate the equipment without proper instruction.
Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particularly small children and pets. Stop the engine if anyone enters the area.

PREPARATION

Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close fitting slacks and shirts. Loose fitting clothes or jewelry can be caught in the moving parts. Never operate the equipment in bare feet or sandals.
Disengage all powered clutch and drive control levers on the equipment before starting the engine.
Never leave the engine running while unattended.
Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine is running, except where specifically recommended in the operator’s manual(s).

SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE:
To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. Serious personal injury can occur when gasoline is spilled on yourself and/or your clothes which can ignite. Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.

When adding fuel, turn engine OFF and let engine cool at least 5 minutes before removing the fuel cap.
Fill fuel tank outdoors or in well ventilated area.
Use only an approved fuel container.
Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground away from your vehicle before filling.
If possible, remove equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel equipment on a trailer with a portable container, rather than from a fuel pump dispenser nozzle.
Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.
Do not overfill fuel tank. Fill tank to full as indicated by the fuel level indicator installed inside the fuel tank to allow space for fuel expansion. On some models, a fuel level indicator may NOT be present, in this instance, fill the tank no more than 1/2 inch below the bottom of the filler neck to allow space for fuel expansion.
Replace fuel cap and tighten securely.
If fuel is spilled, wipe it off the engine and the equipment. Move equipment to another area and wait 5 minutes before starting the engine.
To reduce fire hazards, keep the engine and equipment free of grass , leaves or other debris build up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel-soaked debris.
Keep fuel away from sparks, open flames, pilot lights, heat, and other ignition sources.
Never fuel equipment indoors because flammable vapors will accumulate in the area.
Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of ignition.
Check fuel line, tank, cap, and fittings frequently for cracks or leaks. Replace if necessary.

OPERATION

When starting the engine, make sure spark plug, muffler, and fuel cap are in place.
Do not crank engine with spark plug removed.
If fuel is spilled, wipe it off the engine and the equipment. Move equipment to another area and wait 5 minutes before starting the engine.
Allow engine and muffler to cool before touching.
Keep small children away from hot or running engines. They are unaware of the dangers and can suffer burns from the engine and muffler.
Remove any accumulated debris from the engine cylinder and muffler areas.
Operate equipment with all shields and guards in place.
Keep hands and feet away from rotating parts.
Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting slacks and shirts. Loose fitting clothes, jewelry and long hair can be caught in moving parts. Shirts and pants that cover the arms and legs and steel-toed shoes are recommended.
When starting the engine with the recoil starter, pull handle slowly until resistance is felt, then pull rapidly, repeat if necessary.
Remove all equipment engine loads before starting engine.
Direct coupled equipment components such as, but not limited to blades, impellers, pulleys, sprockets, etc., must be securely attached.

MAINTENANCE & STORAGE

Keep the engine and equipment in safe working condition.
Allow the engine to cool at least 5 minutes before storing equipment. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.
Check bolts and screws for proper tightness at frequent intervals to keep the engine and equipment in safe working condition. Visually inspect them for any damage.
Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting; stop the engine and make certain all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the engine to prevent unintended starting.
Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe operating speed of the engine.
Maintain and replace safety and instruction labels as necessary.
Always refer to the operator’s manuals for important details if the equipment is to be stored for an extended period of time.
If the fuel tank has to be drained, do this outdoors.
Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for fuel, oil, etc. to protect the environment.

DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE
To avoid serious injury or death, do not modify engine in any way. Tampering with the governor setting can lead to a runaway engine and cause it to operate at unsafe speeds. Never tamper with factory setting of engine governor.

NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS
Engines which are certified to comply with California and federal EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment) are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and may include the following emission control systems: Engine Modification (EM), Oxidizing Catalyst
(OC), Secondary Air Injection (SAI) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.

INTENDED USE:

The engine models listed on the cover of this manual are specifically designed and intended for use on designated outdoor power equipment only. The engine models listed also have been approved for use as replacement engines for products such as mowers, edgers and wheeled string trimmers. These engines are not approved for use in other applications. Engines used in non-approved applications or subjected to any modifications or misuse will void the engine warranty.
WARNING Failure to use an engine as intended and as instructed may lead to property damage, personal injury or death.

ENGINE REPLACEMENT:
Please check your equipment specifications for important specific engine information, such as engine size (cc), type of shaft (horizontal or vertical) crank shaft dimensions, mounting bolt pattern, engine speed (rpm), oil capacity, fuel tank size, controls (throttle/choke), starting (recoil or electric), shut down capabilities, accessory wiring needs and other emission related specifications.

SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

SPARK ARRESTOR

WARNING Any equipment equipped with an internal combustion engine should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush covered or grass- covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrestor meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrestor is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator. In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrestor for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.

SAFETY SYMBOLS

This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on the engine. Read, understand, and follow all warnings and instructions on the engine and equipment, along with the operator’s manuals before attempting to install and/or operate.

MUSTANG-679-cc-OHV-Vertical-Shaft-Engines-1

Your Responsibility— Restrict the use of the equipment to persons who read, understand and follow all warnings and instructions on the engine and the equipment, and in the operator’s manuals. – SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

SET-UP

Fuel & Oil

NOTE: The engine is shipped without fuel or oil in the engine. Running the engine with insufficient oil can cause serious engine damage and void the engine warranty.
WARNING Always keep hands and feet clear of equipment moving parts. Do not use a pressurized starting fluid. Vapors are flammable.

OIL RECOMMENDATIONS

Before starting engine, fill with motor oil, capacity is 1900 ml/64.25 oz. Refer to viscosity chart in Figure 1 for oil recommendations. Do not over- fill. Use a 4-stroke, or an equivalent high detergent, premium quality motor oil certified to meet or exceed U.S. automobile manufacturer’s requirements for service classification of a minimum level SJ (higher letter ratings are acceptable such as SL and SM grades). Motor oil will display this designation on the container.
SAE 10W-30 is recommended for general, all temperature use. If single viscosity oil is used, select the appropriate viscosity for the average temperature in your area from the chart below.

CAUTION Do not use non-detergent oil or 2-stroke engine oil. It could shorten the engine’s service life.
NOTE: A 5w30 synthetic oil may be used to improve start ability for cold weather (temperatures below 40 ° F).

CHECKING OIL LEVEL/ADDING OIL

IMPORTANT: Be sure to check the oil while on a level surface with the engine off. To avoid engine damage, it is important to:

Check oil level before each use and every 5 operating hours when engine is warm. Check oil level more frequently during engine break-in.
Keep oil at the upper limit on the dipstick (Figure 2 inset).
Be sure oil fill cap is tightened securely when checking.

Remove the oil fill cap and wipe the dipstick clean (Figure 2).
Insert the oil fill cap into the oil fill neck and securely fasten.
Loosen and remove the oil fill cap from the oil fill neck. Note the oil level, if oil reading on the dipstick is below the upper limit, slowly add oil to reach the upper limit (Figure 2 inset).
Replace the oil fill cap into the oil fill neck and securely fasten before starting engine.
NOTE: Do not overfill. Overfilling with oil may cause smoking, hard starting, spark plug fouling, or oil saturation of air cleaner.
NOTE: To change the oil on your engine, see Oil Service on page 9.

SET-UP

FUEL REQUIREMENTS

CAUTION Operating the engine with E15 or E85 fuel, an oil/gasoline mixture, dirty gasoline, or gasoline over 30 days old without fuel stabilizing additive may result in damage to your engine’s carburetor. Subsequent damage would not be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. Use automotive gasoline (unleaded or low leaded to minimize combustion chamber deposits) with a minimum of 87 octane. Gasoline with up to 10% ethanol (E10) or 15% MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) can be used. Never use an oil/gasoline mixture or dirty gasoline. Avoid getting dirt, dust, or water in the fuel tank. DO NOT use E15 or E85 gasoline.
WARNING Gasoline is extremely flammable and is explosive under certain conditions.

Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine off and allowed to cool. Do not smoke or allow flames or sparks in the area where the engine is refueled or where gasoline is stored.
Do not overfill the fuel tank. After refueling, make sure the fuel cap is closed properly and securely.
If fuel is spilled, wipe it off the engine and the equipment. Move equipment to another area and wait 5 minutes before starting the engine.
Avoid repeated or prolonged contact with skin or breathing of vapor.

ADDING FUEL

WARNING An adult should fuel this engine. NEVER allow children to refuel the engine. Gasoline (fuel) vapors are highly flammable and can explode. Fuel vapors can spread and be ignited by a spark or flame many feet away from engine. To prevent injury or death from fuel fires, follow these instructions:

DO NOT use leaded fuel.
Fuel must be fresh and clean. NEVER use fuel left over from last season or stored for long periods.
NEVER mix oil with fuel.
DO NOT use fuel containing Methanol (Wood Alcohol).
Fill fuel tank outdoors or in well ventilated area.

NOTE: Before refueling, allow engine to cool for at least 5 minutes.

Clean area around the fuel fill cap and remove the fuel cap.
Use an approved red GASOLINE container, add fuel slowly, being careful to avoid spilling. DO NOT overfill fuel tank.
Fill tank to full as indicated by the fuel level indicator inside the fuel tank if equipped or to no more than 1/2 inch below the bottom of the fill neck to allow space for fuel expansion.
Replace the fuel cap and tighten securely. Wipe up spilled fuel before starting engine. If fuel is spilled DO NOT start engine. Move machine away from area of spillage. Avoid creating any source of ignition until fuel vapors are gone.
Be sure fuel shut-off valve, if present, is in the “ON” position.

OPERATION

MUSTANG-679-cc-OHV-Vertical-Shaft-
Engines-4

Features

A. OIL FILL CAP
Remove the oil fill cap to check the oil level and add oil
B. OIL DRAIN VALVE
Opening the oil drain valve will drain the oil from the engine. The engine is equipped with a side drain.
C. MODEL PLATE
The model plate provides the model number and serial number of the engine. Record this information in the area provided on the cover of this manual. This information will be necessary for proper technical support.
D. SPARK PLUG
Refer to Spark Plug Service on page 11.
E. AIR CLEANER
Refer to Air Filter Service on page 10.
F. OIL FILTER
Refer to Replace Oil Filter on page 10.
G. FUEL CAP (NOT SHOWN)
Remove the fuel cap to add fuel. Refer to the equipment operator’s manual shipped with product for fuel cap location.
H. THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL (NOT SHOWN)
The throttle/choke control is used to aid in starting/stopping the engine and adjusting engine speeds. Refer to the equipment operator’s manual shipped with product for throttle/choke control location and operation.

OPERATION

Pre-Operation Check
The engine is shipped without gasoline and with oil in the engine. See the Set-Up Section of this manual for instructions on adding gasoline and checking oil.

Starting Engine

Turn-Key Ignition

Insert the tractor key into the ignition module.
Place the PTO/Blade Engage lever to OFF position.
Engage the tractor’s parking brake .
Push the choke control (if equipped) upward into the choke on position.
Note: If the engine is warmed up, it may not be necessary to place the choke control in the choke on position.
Move the throttle control lever to midway between the FAST and SLOW positions.
Note: When operating the tractor be certain that the throttle lever is always in the FAST (rabbit) position. Operating with the throttle at less than full throttle may lead to shortened battery life.
Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START position (Figure 4). After the engine starts, release the key. It will return to the NORMAL MOWING position. CAUTION Do NOT hold the key in the START position for longer than ten seconds at a time. Doing so may cause damage to your engine’s electric starter.
After the engine starts, deactivate the choke control (if equipped).
Note: Do NOT leave the choke control (if equipped) on while operating the tractor. Doing so will result in a “rich” fuel mixture and cause the engine to run poorly.

Stopping Engine

WARNING If you strike a foreign object, stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire(s). Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage. Repair the damage before restarting and operating.

1. If the blades are ENGAGED (ON), place the PTO in the DISENGAGED (OFF) position.
Place the throttle near the SLOW position.
Engage the parking brake.
Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the STOP position.

SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE

WARNING Shut off the engine before performing any maintenance. To prevent accidental start-up, remove safety key (if equipped), disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against the engine.If the engine has been running, the muffler will be very hot. Allow engine and muffler to cool before performing any maintenance.

General Recommendations
If engine must be tipped to transport equipment, inspect and remove grass, keep spark plug side of engine up. Transporting or tipping engine spark plug down may cause smoking, hard starting, spark plug fouling, or oil saturation of air cleaner.
Periodic inspection and adjustment of the engine is essential to maintaining engine performance and service life.
Required service intervals and maintenance are described in the table below. Follow the hourly or calendar intervals as listed. More frequent service is required when operating in adverse conditions.

Maintenance Schedule

Every season or 25 hours if operating under heavy load or high ambient temperature. ** Service more frequently when used in dusty areas.

Oil Service

Check oil level regularly.
Be sure correct oil level is maintained. Check every five to ten hours before starting engine. See oil checking procedure in the Set-Up section.

OIL DRAIN

IMPORTANT: Be sure to check engine on a level surface with the engine stopped. Drain the oil while the engine is still warm to assure rapid and complete draining.

Locate the oil drain valve (a) and place a suitable container below the plug (Figure 2).
Remove the drain cap (b).
NOTE: If necessary, push the oil drain hose (if provided) onto the oil drain valve. Route the opposite end of the hose into an appropriate oil collection container with at least a 2.5 quart capacity, to collect the used oil.
Turn the drain plug valve 1/4 turn counterclockwise while gently pulling the valve away from the engine to open the oil drain valve.
Allow oil to drain into a suitable container.
Reverse STEPS 4-3 to close the oil drain valve and reinstall the drain cap.
IMPORTANT: Used motor oil may cause skin cancer if repeatedly left in contact with the skin for prolonged periods. Although this is unlikely unless you handle used oil on a daily basis, it is still advisable to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water as soon as possible after handling used oil.
NOTE: Please dispose of used motor oil in a manner that is compatible with the environment. Check with your local municipality for proper disposal procedure. Do not throw it in the trash or pour it on the ground.

REPLACE OIL FILTER
This engine is equipped with a spin-on oil filter (a) that should be replaced each time an oil change is performed, every season or 50 hours. (Figure 3).

Drain oil. See oil drain section.
Remove oil filter. Dispose of old oil filter properly.
Lube gasket of new oil filter with clean oil.
Install and turn oil filter by hand until the gasket comes in contact with the sealing surface of the crankcase cover, then tighten the oil filter, 10-12 Nm (88.5-106.2 in-lb), 1/2-3/4 turn.
Add oil. See add oil section.
Make sure dipstick is installed.
Start and run engine. Check for leaks.
Stop engine. Wait a few minutes and check the oil level. See checking oil level section.
Install and tighten dipstick.

ADD OIL

IMPORTANT : Be sure to check engine on a level surface with the engine stopped.

Wipe around dipstick cap and tube with a clean cloth to remove any debris (Figure 4).
Remove dipstick and wipe clean with a cloth.
Pour oil into the dipstick tube. Do not over fill. With an oil filter change the high level amount of oil for this engine is 1900 ml (64.25 fl. oz.).
Install dipstick and turn to locked position before starting engine.
Start engine. Allow to run for a few seconds and then shut down the engine.
Check the oil level. See Checking Oil Level section.

Air Filter Service

Paper filters cannot be cleaned and should be replaced every 100 operating hours; more often if used in extremely dusty conditions.
WARNING Never use gasoline or low flash point solvents for cleaning the air filter element. A fire or explosion could result.
IMPORTANT: Never run the engine without the air filter. Rapid engine wear will result.

Unscrew a 1/4 turn and remove the thumb screws (a) (Figure 5).
Remove the air filter cover (b).
Remove thumb screw.
Pull up and remove air filter and base seal. (Figure 6).
Remove the foam pre-filter (c) from around the paper air filter.(d) (Figure 7). Replace paper element when dirty or damaged. Clean foam element or replace when damaged.
NOTE: The foam element cannot be purchased separately. Air filter is only sold as an assembly.
To clean foam element, wash in a mild liquid detergent and water. Squeeze or press the foam element to rinse out dirt and water. Do not twist; this could damage or tear the foam element. Allow to dry thoroughly before using. DO NOT oil the foam element.
Attach the new air filter with foam element, aligning the hole in the air filter with the intake manifold (e). (Figure 8).
Attach the air filter cover (f). (Figure 9). Turn thumb screws clockwise a 1/4 turn until snug. Check for any misalignment.

Spark Plug Service

WARNING

DO NOT check for spark with spark plug removed. DO NOT crank engine with spark plug removed.
If the engine has been running, the muffler will be very hot. Be careful not to touch the muffler.

To ensure proper engine operation, the spark plug must be properly gapped and free of deposits.

Remove the spark plug boot (a) and use a spark plug wrench to remove the plug (b). (Figure 10).
Visually inspect the spark plug. Discard the spark plug if there is apparent wear, or if the insulator is cracked or chipped. Clean the spark plug with a wire brush if it is to be reused.
Measure the plug gap with a feeler gauge. Correct as necessary by bending electrode (c) (Figure 11). The gap should be set to 0.024-0.031 in (0.61-0.78 mm).
Check that the spark plug washer is in good condition and thread the spark plug in by hand to prevent cross-threading.
After the spark plug is seated, tighten with a spark plug wrench to compress the washer.
NOTE: When installing a new spark plug, tighten 1/2 turn after the spark plug seats to compress the washer. When reinstalling a used spark plug, tighten 1/8-1/4 turn after the spark plug seats to compress the washer.
IMPORTANT: The spark plug must be securely tightened. An improperly tightened spark plug can become very hot and may damage the engine.
Repeat STEPS 1-5 to service the remaining spark plug.

Clean Engine

If the engine has been running, allow it to cool for at least half an hour before cleaning. Periodically remove dirt build-up from engine. Clean cooling fins every 25 hours. Clean with a brush or compressed air.
IMPORTANT : Do not spray engine with water to clean because water could contaminate fuel. Using a garden hose or pressure washing equipment can also force water into the air cleaner or muffler opening. Water in the air cleaner will soak the paper element, and water that passes through the element or muffler can enter the cylinder, causing damage.
WARNING Accumulation of debris around muffler could cause a fire. Inspect and clean before every use.

Storage

CAUTION Failure to use a fuel stabilizing additive or completely run the engine until it’s out of fuel before off-season storage may result in damage to your engine’s carburetor.
Subsequent damage would not be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.
Gasoline that will be stored longer than 30 days needs to be pre-treated upon purchase with fuel stabilizer to prevent gum and varnish from forming in the engines fuel and intake system. Improper fuel storage can result in hard starting, no starting, stalling and poor performance. If the gasoline in your engine deteriorates during storage, you may need to have the carburetor, and other fuel system components, serviced or replaced.

Remove all fuel from tank by running engine until it stops from lack of fuel.
WARNING Never leave engine unattended while running.
Change oil. See Oil Change section.
Remove spark plug and pour about 1/2 an ounce of engine oil into cylinder. Replace spark plug and crank slowly to distribute oil.
Clean debris from around engine, under finger guard, and under, around and behind muffler. Touch up any damaged paint, and coat other areas that may rust with a light film of oil.
Store in a clean, dry and well ventilated area away from any appliance that operates with a flame or pilot light, such as a furnace, water heater, or clothes dryer. Also avoid any area with a spark producing electric motor, or where power tools are operated.
If possible, also avoid storage areas with high humidity, because that promotes rust and corrosion.
Keep the engine level in storage. Tilting can cause fuel or oil leakage.

Removing From Storage

Check your engine as described in the Pre-Operation Check section of this manual. Check for debris under blower housing.
If the fuel was drained during storage preparation, fill the tank with fresh gasoline. If you keep a container of gasoline for refueling, make certain it contains only fresh fuel. Gasoline oxidizes and deteriorates over time, causing hard starting.
If the cylinder was coated with oil during storage preparation, the engine will smoke briefly at startup. This is normal.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Problem	Cause	Remedy
Engine Fails to start	1. Choke not activated.

2. Spark plug boot disconnected.

3. Fuel tank empty or stale fuel.

4. Faulty spark plug.

5. Reduced fuel flow/Blocked fuel filter.

6. Engine flooded.

7. Dead battery.

8. Blown fuse.

| 1. Place throttle/choke control in CHOKE position.

2. Connect wire to spark boot.

3. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.

4. Clean, adjust gap, or replace.

5. Replace fuel filter as instructed in the Maintenance section.

6. Crank engine with throttle in FAST position.

7. Recharge battery. See equipment operator’s manual.

8. Replace blown fuse. See equipment operator’s manual.

Engine runs erratic| 1. Spark plug boot loose.

2. Reduced fuel flow/Blocked fuel filter.

3. Vent in gas cap plugged.

4. Water or dirt in fuel system.

5. Dirty air cleaner.

6. Engine running with CHOKE activated.

| 1. Connect and tighten spark plug boot.

2. Replace fuel filter as instructed in the Maintenance section.

3. Clear vent.

4. Drain fuel tank. Refill with fresh fuel.

5. Replace air cleaner element and/or clean pre-cleaner.

6. Move throttle/choke control out of CHOKE position.

Engine overheats| 1. Engine oil level low.

2. Air flow restricted.

| 1. Fill crankcase with proper oil.

2. Clean grass clippings and debris from around the engine’s cooling fins and blower housing.

Occasional skips (hesitates) at high speed| 1. Spark plug gap too close.| 1. Remove spark plug and adjust gap.
Idles poorly| 1. Spark plug fouled, faulty, or gap too wide.

2. Dirty air cleaner.

| 1. Reset gap or replace spark plug.

2. Replace air cleaner element and/or clean pre-cleaner.