Warning – EarthQuake W1265VCE User Manual
Page 16

OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
196cc 4-Cycle Engine
Check for parts online at
www.getearthquake.com or call 800-345-6007 M-F 8-5
16
WARNING
!
FUEL IS HIGHLY FLAMMABLE AND MUST BE HAN-
DLED WITH CARE. NEVER FILL THE TANK WHEN THE
ENGINE IS HOT OR RUNNING. ALWAYS MOVE OUT-
DOORS TO FILL GAS TANK.
FIGURE 12
air filter cover
wing nut
AIR FILTER
• Never run engine without air filter properly installed. Added wear
and engine failure may occur if air filter is not installed on engine.
SEE FIGURE 12.
• Service air filter every 3 months or after 20 hours of operation. Clean
filter daily in extremely dusty conditions.
REMOVING/INSTALLING AIR FILTER
1. Loosen wing nut and remove air cleaner cover by rotating to the left
towards spark plug. SEE FIGURE 12.
NOTE: Remove with care to prevent damage to choke lever.
2. Remove the air filter. SEE FIGURE 13.
3. Replace foam pre-cleaner and reinstall new or clean air filter inside
cover.
4. Place cover’s tabs into slots in bottom of base.
5. Replace cover and tighten wing nut. SEE FIGURE 14.
WASHING AIR FILTER
1. Wash in warm water with mild soap until dirt and debris are re-
moved. Press filter when washing, do not twist.
2. Rinse in warm water until soap and dirt are removed.
3. Dry filter by wrapping in a clean cloth and pressing filter until it is dry.
4. Attach the filter and air cleaner cover to the engine.
SPARK PLUG
The recommended spark plug is a Torch F7RTC which cross references to
an AC Delco R42CXLS or Champion RN7YC.
CHECKING AND CHANGING SPARK PLUG
1. Check spark plug every 50 operating hours.
2. Disconnect the spark plug cap, and clean any debris form around the
spark plug area.
3. Remove spark plug and replace if any of the following occur; pitted
electrodes, burned electrodes, cracked porcelain, or deposits around
electrodes.
4. After analysis, seat spark plug and tighten with spark plug wrench to
compress the sealing washer. SEE FIGURE 11 ON PAGE 15.
• Reinstall original spark plug, tighten additional 1/2 turn.
• Installing new spark plug, adjust spark plug gap to .030” and tighten
additional 1/8 – 1/4 turn.
NOTE: Loose spark plug may overheat and damage engine. Over
tightened spark plug may damage threads in the cylinder head.
SPARK PLUG MAINTENANCE
Spark plug should be removed, cleaned and gap adjusted after approxi-
mately fifty hours of operating time.
NOTE: A sand blaster should not be used to clean spark plugs.
Microscopic particles remaining in the plug may score the engine
cylinder during operation. Use solvent and a wire brush to clean
the plug and compressed air to blow out completely.
FIGURE 13
FIGURE 14
air filter
filter cover