TC/TM SERIES 2-Cycle Engines - Small Engine Suppliers

CHAPTER 2 AIR CLEANERSGENERAL INFORMATIONThe air cleaner is designed to eliminate dust and dirt from the air supply. Most models of 2-cycle and 4-cycle enginesuse an air cleaner except engines that run in clean environments like snow throwers or ice augers. On theseapplications, a filter is not necessary and could collect snow or moisture and prevent proper engine operation. On mostapplications, filtered air is necessary to assure abrasive particles are removed before entering the combustion chamber.Dirt allowed into the engine will quickly wear the internal components and shorten the life of the engine.Tecumseh engines use either a polyurethane or a paper type air filter system. A polyurethane pre-filter or a flockedscreen may be used in conjunction with the main filter. Extremely dirty operating conditions may require frequent filtercleaning or replacement.OPERATIONThe outer cover holds the air filter element(s) and prevents debris from entering the filter box. The air supply is filteredthrough the pre-filter if equipped, filter element (polyurethane or paper), and a flocked screen if equipped. Pre-filterelements do not extend the recommended air filter service intervals listed under "Service". However; in extremely dirtyoperating conditions a pre-filter element may increase the run time of the engine before the filter becomes restricted (notto exceed the service recommendations), and service on the filter is necessary.TROUBLESHOOTINGIf the engine's performance is unsatisfactory (needsexcessive adjustments, starts smoking abnormally, losespower), the first component to be checked is the aircleaner. A dirt restricted or an oil soaked filter element willcause noticeable performance problems. A polyurethaneelement may be cleaned following the service procedurelisted under "Service" in this chapter. A paper-type air filtershould only be replaced. Follow the procedure listed in theservice section in this chapter for replacement. Retry theengine after filter replacement or service. If the problempersists after filter service, additional solutions can befound in Chapter 7 under "Troubleshooting".Polyurethane FilterAir Cleaner Screen2-1SERVICECleaning and oiling the polyurethane element (diag. 2-1)is recommended every three (3) months or every 25operating hours. If the engine is used in extremely dustyor dirty conditions, the filter may require service everythree hours or as often as necessary to maintain properengine performance.CoverAir CleanerCollarPolyurethane type filters require re-oiling after extendedstorage due to oil migration out of the filter.A paper type element (diag. 2-2) should be replaced oncea year, every 100 operating hours, or more often if used inextremely dusty conditions. Use only original factoryrecommended replacement filters.NOTEDO NOT attempt to clean or oil paper filters.Clamp2-29