Tecumseh lh318xa User Manual

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181-630-14
Four-Cycle Engine • L-Head • Horizontal Crankshaft • Air-Cooled
Page 17
IV. Oil Cylinder Bore
When lubricating cylinder bore, fuel 
may spray from spark plug hole. To 
prevent serious injury from fuel fires, follow these 
instructions:
1. Disconnect spark plug wire and keep it away from 
• Keep the disconnected spark plug wire 
securely away from metal parts where arcing 
could occur.
• Attach the spark plug wire to the grounding 
post, if provided. See Figure 36.
2. Remove spark plug.
3. Squirt 1oz. (30ml) of clean engine oil into spark plug 
hole.
4. Cover spark plug hole with rag to prevent fuel from 
spraying from spark plug hole when starter rope is 
pulled.
 NOTES
For engines equipped with recoil starters proceed to Step 5.
For engines equipped with electric starters proceed to Step 
6.
5. Grasp starter cord handle and pull out slowly using a 
full arm stroke. Repeat once. (This will distribute oil 
throughout the cylinder to prevent corrosion during 
storage.) Proceed to Step 8.
6. Push starter button or turn ignition switch key (see 
equipment manufacturer’s instructions) to cycle the 
engine for one to two seconds.
7. Turn ignition switch key to “OFF” position. Repeat Step 
6 and Step 7. (This will distribute oil throughout the cyl-
inder to prevent corrosion during storage.)
8. Remove rag covering spark plug hole and install spark 
plug.
9. Carefully disconnect spark plug wire from grounding 
post, if provided. See Figure 36.
 NOTE
Connect spark plug wire before attempting to start engine 
once engine is out of storage.
X. Preventing Forest, Brush and Grass 
Fires
Local, state and federal laws may require use of a spark 
arrester to prevent fires. For example, it is a violation of 
California Public Resources Code (section 4442) to use or 
operate engine on any forest-covered, brush-covered or 
unimproved grass-covered land unless engine is equipped 
with a spark arrester. Spark arrester must be maintained in 
effective working order by owner and/or operator. 
To determine if your engine has a spark arrester, locate the 
muffler on your engine. For example, the muffler discharge 
will have a spark arrester cover that reads “Tecumseh 
Screen Type 36085”. 
If your engine does not have a spark arrester, you may 
purchase one from your Authorized Tecumseh Servicing 
Dealer. In some cases the muffler may need to be replaced 
to allow the spark arrester to be installed.
!
WARNING
Figure 35. Disconnecting/Connecting Spark Plug
Figure 36. Typical Spark Connection