Maintenance (continued) – Shindaiwa GP344 User Manual
Page 13
13
IMPORTANT!
If a new gasket is not available and/
or the old gasket is not damaged, the
old gasket may be reused. Never use
cracked or damaged gaskets!
Turn adjustment screw (clockwise =
4.
tighter, counter-clockwise = looser)
until feeler gauge is almost snug.
Back off just enough to allow gauge
to slip out with limited resistance.
While holding the adjustment
5.
screw in place with the Allen driver,
tighten the locknut with a wrench.
Turn engine over several times, and
6.
returnthe to TDC-compression.
Recheck with proper feeler gauge
to make sure clearance adjust-
ment did not change as a result of
tightening the locknut. Readjust as
necessary.
Replace rocker arm cover gasket
7.
to assure proper sealing and install
cover.
Remove cylinder cover, rocker arm
1.
cover, and spark plug. Rotate the
crankshaft while observing the piston
through the spark plug opening. When
the piston is at the top of the compres-
sion stroke (TDC), the valves can be
adjusted.
Loosen adjuster locknut so that the
2.
2.5 mm Allen socket head adjust-
ment screw can turn freely.
Insert 0.10 mm feeler gauge
3.
between valve stem tip and rocker
arm.
CAUTION!
Performing a valve adjustment
■
incorrectly may cause hard
starting and/or can damage the
engine.
If you are unfamiliar with this
■
engine or uncomfortable with
this procedure, consult with an
authorized Shindaiwa servicing
dealer.
Valve Adjustment
Spark Arrester Maintenance
Hard starting or a gradual loss of perfor-
mance can be caused by carbon deposits
lodged in the spark arrester screen. For
maximum performance, the spark arrester
screen should be periodically cleaned as
follows.
Remove engine cover to expose
1.
muffler. Remove the spark arrester
from the muffler. The arrester is
press-fit in place; there are three
screws to remove.
Muffler
Spark Arrester
Screen
Figure 19
Spark Arrester
Screen Cover
Use a plastic scraper or wire brush
2.
to remove carbon deposits from
the arrester screen and wipe clean
exhaust base.
Inspect the screen carefully, and
3.
replace any screen that has been
perforated, distorted, or is otherwise
unserviceable.
Press the spark arrester into the
4.
exhaust base.
If carbon accumulation in the muffler
or cylinder are severe, or if you do not
notice an improvement in performance
after servicing, have the unit inspected
by an authorized servicing Shindaiwa
dealer.
WARNING!
Never operate this unit
with a damaged or missing muffler
or spark arrester! Operating with
missing or damaged exhaust com-
ponents is a fire hazard, and can
also damage your hearing!
Maintenance (continued)