1P92F-11P90F-11P88F-1

Owner's Manuel

1EN

READING AND UNDERSTANDING THEMANUAL

Some paragraphs in the manual containing infor-mation of particular importance for safety andoperation are highlighted at various levels ofemphasis, and signify the following:

or These give details or further information onwhat has already been said, and aim to preventdamage either to the engine or other damages.

Non-observance will re-sult in the risk of injury to oneself or others.

Non-observance will re-sult in the risk of serious injury or death tooneself or others.

All indications,“front”, “rear”, “right” and “left”,are to be taken as referring to theengine positioned with the sparkplug facing forwards with respectto the observer.

NOTE

�! DANGER!

�! WARNING!

IMPORTANTNOTE

1.1

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. General information ................................... 12. Safety regulations ..................................... 13. Components and controls ........................ 24. What you need to know ............................ 35. Standards of use ...................................... 46. Maintenance ............................................. 67. Troubleshooting ........................................ 88. Technical data ........................................... 8

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The number before the paragraph title refers tothe text references and their related figures(shown inside front and back covers).

SAFETY SYMBOLS

Your engine should be used with due care andattention. Symbols have therefore been placedon the engine to remind you of the main precau-tions to be taken. Their full meaning is explainedlater on.

You are also asked to carefully read the safetyregulations in the applicable chapter of thishandbook.

Warning! - Read and follow OperatingInstructions before running engine.

Warning! - Gasoline is flammable.Allow engine to cool at least 2 minutesbefore refuelling.

Warning! - Engines emit carbonmonoxide. DO NOT run in enclosedarea.

1.2

(to be strictly applied)

A) TRAINING

1) Carefully read the instructions contained inthis manual and the instructions of themachine on which this engine is installed.Learn how to stop the engine quickly.2) Never allow people unfamiliar with theseinstructions to use the engine.3) Never use the engine while people, espe-cially children, or pets are nearby.4) Remember that the operator or user is

2. GENERAL SAFETY STANDARDS responsible for accidents or hazards occur-ring to other people or their property.

B) PREPARATION

1) Do not wear loose-fitting clothing, danglingdrawstrings, jewels or items that couldbecome caught; tie up long hair and keep atsafe distance while starting the lawnmower. 2) Turn engine OFF and let it cool beforeremoving gas cap.3) WARNING: DANGER! Fuel is highly flam-mable:– store the fuel in special containers;– refuel only outdoors by using a funnel;

never smoke while refueling and/or han-dling fuel;

– add fuel before starting the engine. Neverremove the cap of the fuel tank or add fuelwhile the engine is running or when theengine is hot;

– if you have split some fuel, do not attemptto start the engine but move the machineaway from the area of spillage and avoidcreating any source of ignition until the fuelhas evaporated and fuel vapours have dis-sipated.

– always put the tank and fuel container capsback on and tighten well.

4) Replace faulty silencers and the guard, ifdamaged.

C) OPERATION

1) Do not operate the engine in a confinedspace where dangerous carbon monoxidefumes can collect.2) Do not use starting fluids or similar prod-ucts.3) Do not change the engine governor set-tings or overspeed the engine.4) Do not tilt the machine onto its side to pre-vent fuel leaks from the fuel tank cap.5) Do not touch the cylinder fins and/or thesilencer guard until the engine has cooleddown.6) Stop the engine and disconnect the sparkplug cable before checking, cleaning or serv-icing the machine or the engine.7) Do not crank the engine with spark plugremoved.8) Transport the machine with empty tank.

D) MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE

1) A routine maintenance is essential for safe-ty and for keeping a high performance level.2) Do not store the machine with fuel in thetank in an area where the fuel vapours couldreach an open flame, a spark or a strong heatsource.3) Allow the engine to cool before storing inany enclosure.4) To reduce the fire hazard, keep the engine,the silencer and the fuel storage area free ofgrass, leaves, or excessive grease. 5) If the fuel tank has to be drained, thisshould be done outdoors once the engine hascooled down.6)On safety ground, never use the enginewith either worn or damaged parts. Parts areto be replaced and not repaired. Use genuinespare parts. Parts that are not of the samequality can damage the engine and impairyour safety.

ENGINE COMPONENTS

1. Oil fillercap with dipstick2. Oil drain plug3. Air cleaner cover4. Fuel stopcock5. Spark plug cap6. Engine code

ACCELERATOR CONTROL

The throttle trigger (generally a lever), fitted tothe machine, is connected to the engine by acable.

Consult the machine’s Instructions Manual toidentify the throttle trigger and its positions, usu-ally marked by symbols, corresponding to:

CHOKE = to be used for starting fromcold.

FAST = corresponds to maximum revs;to be used when working.

SLOW = corresponds to minimum revs.

3.2

3.1

3. COMPONENTS AND CONTROLS

2 EN

Note your engineserial number here

✍

their gap is correct.

debris and in perfect working order.

Oil should be at “MAX” mark do not overfill. Overfilling with oil may cause:

The engine performance, reliability and life areinfluenced by many factors, some external andsome strictly associated with the quality of theproducts used and with the scheduled mainte-nance.

The following information allow a better under-standing and use of your engine.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

The operation of a four-stroke endothermicengine is affected by:

a) Temperature:– Working in low temperatures could lead to a

difficult cold starting.– Working in very high temperatures could lead

to a difficult hot starting due to the evapora-tion of the fuel either in the carburetor floatchamber or in the pump.

– In any case, the right kind of oil must be used,according to the operating temperatures.

b) Altitude:– The higher the altitude (above sea level), the

lower the max power developed by anendothermic engine.

– When there is a considerable increase in alti-tude, the load on the machine should bereduced and particularly heavy work avoided.

FUEL

A good quality fuel is the major issue for theengine reliability of operation.

a) Use unleaded gasoline, with a minimum of 90octane.

b) Use clean, fresh fuel; purchase fuel in quanti-ty that can be used within 30 days, to preventgum from forming inside the container or thetank.

c) Do not use fuel which contains Methanol.d) Do not add neither oil nor any kind of fuel

additive.

OIL

Use always high quality oils, choosing their vis-cosity grade according to the operating temper-ature.

4.3

4.2

4.1

4. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW a) Use only detergent oil classified SF-SG.b) Choose the SAE viscosity grade of oil from

this chart:

– from 5 to 35 °C = SAE 30– from -15 to + 5 °C = 5W-30 or 10W-30

(Multi-viscosity)– from -25 to + 35 °C = Synthetic oils 5W-30

or 10W-30 (Multi-viscosity)

c) The use of multi-viscosity oils in hot temper-atures will result in higher than normal oil con-sumption; therefore, check oil level more fre-quently.

d) Do not mix oils of different brands and fea-tures.

e) SAE 30 oil, if used below 5°C, could result inpossible engine damage due to inadequatelubrication.

f)

– Smoking;– Spark plug or air filter fouling, which will

cause hard starting.

AIR FILTER

The air filter must always be in perfect workingorder, to prevent debris and dust from gettingsucked into the engine, reducing the efficiencyand life of the machine.

a) Always keep the filtering element free of

b) If necessary, replace the filtering element withan original spare part. Incompatible filteringelements can impair the efficiency and life ofthe engine.

c) Never start the engine without mounting thefiltering element properly.

SPARK PLUG

Not all the spark plugs for endothermic enginesare the same!

a) Use only spark plugs of the recommendedtype, with the right heat range.

b) Check the length of the thread, because – iftoo long – it will damage the engine beyondrepair.

c) Make sure that the electrodes are clean and

4.5

4.4

3EN

Open the fuel stopcock.

plug, making sure that there are no traces ofFirmly connect the cable cap to the spark

Put the cover back.nance or replace it.

It must be intact, clean and in perfect

knobs.Remove the cover by unscrewing the twoClean around the filter cover.

Fully tighten the fillercap and wipe off any

iit down.and insert it, as illustrated, without screwingUnscrew the cap , clean the end of the dipstick

BEFORE EVERY USE

Before every use, perform the following checkingprocedures in order to assure a regular opera-tion.

Check oil level

See the specific chapter (8.1) for the oil to beused.

a) Place engine level.b) Clean around oil fill.c)

d) Remove the cap with the dipstick and checkthe oil level that must be between the “MIN”and “MAX” marks.

e) If oil is required, add oil of the same kind upto the “MAX” mark, being careful not to spillany outside the oil fill.

f)spilled oil.

Check air cleaner

The efficiency of the air filter is fundamental forthe engine to work properly. Do not start theengine if the filtering element is missing or bro-ken.

a)b)

c) Check the condition of the filtering element

working order; if not, either carry out mainte-

d)

Adding fuel

Do not drip petrol onto theplastic parts of the motor or the machine toprevent damaging them and remove all tracesof spilt petrol immediately. The warranty doesnot cover damage to plastic parts caused bypetrol.

IMPORTANT

5.1.3

5.1.2

5.1.1

5.1

5. STANDARDS OF USE See “Technical Data” chapter (8.1) for the fuelcharacteristics. Refuelling must be made when the engine iscold, following the instructions contained in themachine's Instructions Manual.

Spark plug cap

dirt inside the cap and on the spark plug termi-nal.

STARTING THE ENGINE (cold)

The engine must be started in the way describedin the machine’s Instruction Manual, alwaysmaking sure that any device (if present) thatcould cause the machine to advance or theengine to stop is disengaged.

a)b) Move the throttle to “CHOKE”.c) Turn the starter key as described in the

machine’s instruction manual.

After a few seconds, slowly move the throttlefrom “CHOKE” to either “FAST” or “SLOW”.

If the engine starts but doesnot keep running, repeat the above steps withthe throttle on “FAST”.

STARTING THE ENGINE (hot starting)

•) Follow the whole cold-starting procedurewith throttle control in “FAST” position.

USE OF THE ENGINE IN OPERATION

Maximum revs must be used to optimise theengine’s yield and performance, by setting thethrottle trigger to “FAST”.

Keep your hands awayfrom the silencer and surrounding areasthat can become extremely hot. With theengine running, do not get loose-fittingclothing (ties, scarves, etc.) or hair closer tothe top part of the engine.

�! WARNING!

5.4

5.3

NOTE

5.2

5.1.4

4 EN

esent).spark plug and remove the starter key (if pr-

the plug back on and fully tighten it.

ing all the fuel in a suitable container. At

carburettor float chamber plug and collect-

Close the fuel stopcock.

Do not operate on over 20°inclines to prevent malfunctioning of theengine.

STOPPING THE ENGINE DURINGMOWING

a) Move the throttle to “SLOW”.b) Allow the engine to run at minimum speed for

at least 15-20 seconds.c) Stop the engine following the instructions

contained in the machine’s InstructionsManual.

STOPPING THE ENGINE AFTER MOW-ING

a) Move the throttle to “SLOW”.b) Allow the engine to run at minimum speed for

at least 15-20 seconds.c) Stop the engine following the instructions

contained in the machine’s InstructionsManual.

d) When the engine is cold, disconnect the

e)f) Remove any debris from the engine and

especially around the exhaust silencer toreduce the risk of fire.

CLEANING AND STORAGE

a) Do not spray with water or use hydrauliclances to clean the exterior of the engine.

b) Use a compressed air gun (max. 6 bars) forpreference, thus preventing debris and dustfrom penetrating inside.

c) Store the lawnmower (and the engine) in a dryplace, sheltered from severe weather condi-tions and sufficiently ventilated.

LONG STORAGE (over 30 days)

In case the engine has to be stored for a longtime (for example at the end of the season), afew precautions are needed to help the futurestart-up.

a) To prevent the formation of deposits insidethe tank, empty it of fuel by unscrewing the

5.8

5.7

5.6

5.5

IMPORTANTthe end of the operation remember to screw

b) Remove the spark plug and pour about 3 cl ofclean engine oil into the spark plug hole, then,having blocked the hole with a rag, run thestarter motor briefly to turn the engine for afew revs and distribute the oil over the innersurface of the cylinder. Finally replace thespark plug without connecting the cable cap.

5EN

The oil capacity is about 1.2

ating under heavy load or in hot weather.to remove dust and debris. blow it from the inside with compressed airTap the cartridge on a solid surface andRemove the filtering element.knobs.Remove the cover by unscrewing the twoClean the area around the filter cover.

soaked in water and detergent.

Make sure that the cooling air intakes are

imade sure that the gasket is in the rightRefit the drain plug and fully tighten it having

Close the cap again and clean up any“MAX” notch on the dipstick.

Fill up with fresh oil.

oil and unscrew the drain plug.

unscrew the cap with dipstick.

SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS

Remove the spark plugcap and read instructions before carryingout any cleaning, repair or maintenanceoperation. Wear proper clothing and work-ing gloves whenever your hands are at risk.Do not perform maintenance or repair oper-ations without the necessary tools andtechnical knowledge.

Never get rid of used oil, fuelor other pollutants in unauthorised places.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Follow the hourly or calendar – whichever occurfirst – maintenance schedule shown in the fol-lowing table.

1) Change oil every 25 hours if the engine is oper-

2) Clean air cleaner more frequently if themachine is operating in dusty areas.

3) To be carried out by a specialized Centre.

6.2

IMPORTANT

�! WARNING!

6.1

6. MAINTENANCE CHANGE OIL

See the specific chapter (8.1) for the oil to beused.

Drain oil while the engineis warm, being careful not to touch the hotengine nor the drained oil.

a) Place the machine on a flat surface.b) Clean the area around the filler cap and

c) Provide a suitable container for collecting the

d)

position.e)f) Check that the oil level has reached the

g)traces of oil that was possibly spilt.

liter.

CLEAN SILENCER AND ENGINE

Silencer must be cleaned when the engine iscold.

a) Use a jet of compressed air to remove anydebris and dirt that could cause a fire from thesilencer and its protective cover.

b)not blocked.

c) Clean the plastic components with a sponge

AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE

a)b)

c)d)

6.5

6.4

NOTE

�! WARNING!

6.3

6 EN

Check oil level - ✔ - -

Change oil 1) ✔ - - ✔

- ✔ - -

Air filter cleaning 2)

- ✔ - -

Air filter replacement 2) - - ✔ -

Check spark plug - - ✔ -

Replace spark plug - - - ✔

Fuel filter check 3)

- - - ✔

Operation

Aft

er F

irst

5 h

our

s

Eve

ry 5

ho

urs

or

dai

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very

50

hour

s o

rev

ery

seas

on

Eve

ry 1

00 h

our

s

Clean silencer and engine

and check

commended type.

right gap (0.6-0.8mm) between the elec-

socket wrench.Install the spark plug and tighten with a

Using a thickness gauge, check for the

Clean the electrodes with a metal brushsocket wrench.Remove the spark plug using a spark plug

in its housing and refit the cover.Remove the rag, install the filtering element

inlet duct with a rag to prevent them from

Clean the inside of the filter housing from

NEVER be oiled.The sponge pre-filter must

f)

e)

Do not use water, petrol,detergents or any other products to clean thecartridge.

dust and debris, making sure to block the

entering the engine.

SPARK PLUG SERVICE

a)

b)and remove any carbonaceous build-up.

c)

trodes.d)

Replace the spark plug if the electrodes areburnt or if the porcelain is broken or damaged.

Fire hazard! Do not checkthe ignition system with spark plug remov-ed.

Use only spark plugs of there

TUNING THE THROTTLE CABLE ANDTHE CARBURETTOR

Should the engine not reach maximum revs withthe throttle trigger set to “FAST”, it could be dueto the throttle trigger and speed control leverbeing out of phase or to a carburetion problem.

Go to a specialised Centre or contact yourDealer to restore normal operation.

6.7

IMPORTANT

�! WARNING!

6.6

IMPORTANT

IMPORTANT

7EN

Spark plug ....................................................................................... RC12YC(Champion) or equivalent... 0.6 - 0.8 mm

– Adjust the cable

– Check and clean

– Check and clean

– Check

– Wait for a few minutes then start again

– Replace with proper oil

– Check and clean

– Check

over the plug terminals

ly

– Check and top up

8 EN

REFILLING AND OPERATION MATERIALS

Fuel .......................................................................................... Unleaded gasoline, minimum 90 octaneEngine oil: from 5 to 35 °C......................................................................................................... SAE 30

from -15 to +5 °C .................................................................................... 5W-30 or 10W-30from -25 to +35 °C .................................................................. Synthetic 5W-30 or 10W-30

Oil capacity .................................................................................................................................. 1.2 liter

Spark plug gap ................................................................................................................

8.1

8. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

PROBLEM LIKELY CAUSE SOLUTION

7. TROUBLESHOOTING

a) Hard starting

b) Inconsistentworking

c) Loss of powerwhilst operating

– No fuel

– Stale fuel or build-ups in tank

– Incorrect starting procedure

– Spark plug disconnected

– The spark plug is wet or the spark plugelectrodes are dirty or placed inade-quately

– Air filter clogged

– Incorrect oil for the season

– Fuel evaporation in the carburetor(vapor lock) due to high temperatures

– Fault in carburation

– Hard starting

– Dirty electrodes or incorrect gap

– The spark plug cap is inserted incor-rectly

– Air filter clogged

– Throttle trigger in “CHOKE” position

– Fault in carburation

– Fault in ignition

– Air filter clogged

– Fault in carburation

– Governor out of phase with respect tothe accelerator

– Empty fuel tank and refill with fresh fuel

– Perform the starting procedure correct-

– Check that the spark plug cap fits well

– Contact a Licensed Service Centre

– Contact a Licensed Service Centre

– Check that the cap is fitted correctly

– Move the lever to the “FAST” position

– Contact a Licensed Service Centre

– Contact a Licensed Service Centre

– Contact a Licensed Service Centre