Cub Cadet SS 418 SS 418 Operator's Manual - Page 5

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS IDLE SPEED ADJUSTMENT WARNING: The cutting attachment may spin during idle speed adjustments. Wear protective clothing and observe all safety instructions to prevent serious personal injury. The idle speed of the engine is adjustable. An idle adjustment screw is between the air filter cover and the engine starter housing (Fig. 28). NOTE: Careless adjustments can seriously damage your unit. An authorized service dealer should make carburetor adjustments. If, after checking the fuel and cleaning the air filter, the engine still will not idle, adjust the idle speed screw as follows: Idle Adjustment Screw 1. Start the engine and let it run at a high idle for a minute to warm up. Refer to Starting/Stopping Instructions. 2. Release the throttle trigger and let the engine idle. If the engine stops, insert a small Phillips screwdriver in between the air filter cover and the engine cover (Fig. 43). Turn the idle speed screw in, clockwise, 1/8 of a turn at a time (as needed) until the engine idles smoothly. NOTE: The cutting attachment should not rotate when the engine idles. Fig. 28 3. If the cutting attachment rotates when the engine idles, turn the idle speed screw counterclockwise 1/8 of a turn at a time (as needed), to reduce idle speed. Checking the fuel, cleaning the air filter, and adjusting the idle speed should solve most engine problems. If not and all of the following are true: • the engine will not idle • the engine hesitates or stalls on acceleration • there is a loss of engine power Have the carburetor adjusted by an authorized service dealer. ROCKER ARM CLEARANCE View Of The Rear Engine Cover This service requires disassembly of the engine. If feeling unsure or unqualified to perform this service, take the unit to an authorized service center. • The engine must be cold when checking or adjusting Screws the valve clearance. Screws • This task should be performed inside, in a clean, dust free area. 1. Remove the six (6) screws on the back of the engine cover with a Flat-head or T-25 Torx screwdriver (Fig. 29). 2. Disconnect the spark plug wire. 3. Clean dirt from around the spark plug. Remove the spark plug from the cylinder head by turning a 5/8 in. socket counterclockwise. 4. Remove the engine cover (Fig. 29). 5. Clean dirt from around the rocker arm cover. Remove Fig. 29 the screw holding the rocker arm cover with a large flat blade screwdriver or Torx Rocker Arm T-25 bit (Fig. 30). Remove the rocker arm cover and gasket. Cover 6. Pull the starter rope slowly to bring the piston to the top of its travel, (known as top dead center). Check that: • The piston is at the top of its travel while looking in the spark plug hole (Fig. 30). Spark Plug Hole • Both rocker arms move freely, and both valves are closed. If these statements are not true, repeat this step. 7. Slide the feeler gauge between the rocker arm and the valve return spring. Measure the clearance between the valve stem and rocker arm (Fig. 31). Measure both the intake and exhaust valves. Rocker The recommended clearance for both intake and exhaust is .003 - .006 in. Arms (.076 - 0.152 mm). Use a standard automotive .005 in. (0.127 mm) feeler gauge. The feeler gauge should slide between the rocker arm and valve stem with a slight amount of resistance, without binding. See Figures 32 and 33. Fig. 30 Adjustment Nuts Intake Exhaust 8. If the clearance is not within specification: Fig. 31 a. Turn the adjusting nut using a 5/16 inch (8 mm) wrench or nut driver (Fig. 31). • To increase clearance, turn the adjusting nut counterclockwise. Feeler Gauge • To decrease clearance, turn the adjusting nut clockwise. b. Recheck both clearances and adjust as necessary. 0.003-0.006 in. (0.076-0.152 mm) 9. Reinstall the rocker arm cover using a new gasket. Torque the screw to 20-30 in•lb (2.2-3.4 N•m). Valve Stem 10. Check the spark plug and reinstall. See Replacing the Spark Plug. Fig. 32 11. Replace the spark plug wire. 12. Reinstall the engine cover. Check alignment of the cover before tightening the screws. Tighten screws. REPLACING THE SPARK PLUG Use a replacement part number 753-05784 or Champion® #RDZ4H spark plug. The correct air gap is 0.025 in. (0.635 mm). 1. Stop the engine and allow it to cool. Remove the six (6) screws on the back of the engine cover with a Flat-head or T-25 Torx screwdriver (Fig. 33). 2. Grasp the plug wire firmly and pull the cap from the spark plug. 3. Clean dirt from around the spark plug. Remove the spark plug from the WARNING: Do not sand blast, scrape or clean electrodes. Grit in the engine could damage the cylinder. cylinder head by turning a 5/8 in. socket counterclockwise. 0.025 in. (0.635 mm.) 4. Replace cracked, fouled or dirty spark plug. Set the air gap at 0.025 in. (0.635 mm.) using a feeler gauge (Fig. 33). Fig. 33 5. 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. tighten loose screws, nuts or bolts. The unit is ready for storage. OPTIONAL ACCESSORY ELECTRIC STARTER AND POWER START BIT™ FEATURES This unit is designed to be started with an optional electric starter or Power Start Bit™, which are sold separately. If choosing to start the unit using one of these features or have questions, please contact your local retailer or call 1-877-282-8684 in the U.S. (1-800-668-1238 in Canada) for more information and purchasing. You may also go to www.cubcadet.com or www.cubcadet.ca. CLEANING AND STORAGE CLEANING WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury, always turn the unit off and allow it to cool before cleaning or servicing it. Use a small brush to clean off the outside of the unit. Do not use strong detergents. Household cleaners that contain aromatic oils such as pine and lemon, and solvents such as kerosene, can damage plastic housing or handle. 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. • Lock up the unit to prevent unauthorized use or damage. • Store the unit in a dry, well-ventilated area. • Store the unit out of the reach of children. Short Term Storage (1-2 weeks) 1. Store the unit in a horizontal position. If this is not possible, store the unit vertically with the engine at the top. Long Term Storage 1. Drain all gasoline from the gas tank into a container. Do not use gas that has been stored for more than 30 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 trimmer after storage. 4. Change the oil, referring to Changing the Oil. 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. The unit is ready for storage. TROUBLESHOOTING CAUSE ENGINE WILL NOT START Empty fuel tank Primer bulb wasn't pressed enough Old fuel (over 30 days) Fouled spark plug Engine is over heated ACTION Fill fuel tank with fuel Press primer bulb fully and slowly 10 times Drain fuel tank and add fresh fuel Replace or clean the spark plug Move the choke lever to Position 2, squeeze the throttle control and pull the starter rope until the unit starts. Run the unit for 2-5 minutes. Then move the choke lever to Position 3. ENGINE WILL NOT IDLE Air filter is plugged Old fuel (over 30 days) Improper idle speed Replace or clean the air filter Drain fuel tank and add fresh fuel Adjust according to the Idle Speed Adjustment section ENGINE WILL NOT ACCELERATE Old fuel (over 30 days) Cutting attachment bound with grass Dirty air filter Drain gas tank and add fresh fuel Stop the engine and clean the cutting attachment Clean or replace the air filter ENGINE LACKS POWER OR STALLS WHEN CUTTING Old fuel (over 30 days) Drain fuel tank and add fresh fuel Fouled spark plug Replace or clean the spark plug The outside temperature is above 90˚ F Move the choke lever to Position 2, press the primer bulb 10 times, squeeze the throttle control and pull the starter rope until the unit starts. Run the unit for 2-5 minutes. The unit may be used during this time. Then move the choke lever to Position 3. IF FURTHER ASSISTANCE IS REQUIRED, CONTACT YOUR AUTHORIZED SERVICE DEALER. SPECIFICATIONS UNIT* Engine Type Air-Cooled, 4-Cycle Displacement 1.8 cu. in. (29 cc) Operating RPM 6,800+ rpm Idle Speed RPM 2,800 - 3,600 rpm Valve clearance 0.003 - 0.006 in. (0.076 - 0.152 mm) Spark Plug Gap 0.025 inch (0.655 mm) Lubrication SAE 30 Oil Crankcase Oil Capacity 3.04 oz (90 ml) Fuel Unleaded Fuel Tank Capacity 14 oz (414 ml) Approximate Unit Weight (No fuel, with handle, cutting attachment and shield) 12 - 13.5 lbs (5.4 -6 kg) Trimming Line Diameter 0.105 inches (2.67 mm) Cutting Path Diameter, Trimmer Head 17 inches (43.18 cm) *All specifications are based on the latest product information available at the time of printing. We reserve the right to make changes at any time without notice. Electric Start Feature Fig. 34 5