Tecumseh Engine OV490EA Operators Manual

181-887-14Four-Cycle Engine • Vertical Crankshaft • Air-CooledPage 9
II. Independent Speed and Choke Controls
1. To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, make sure 
engine is outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
2. Move engine speed control to “FAST” position and set 
choke control to “FULL CHOKE” position (see equip-
ment manufacturer’s instructions). See Figures 14, 16, 
17 and 18.
 NOTES
Generator and Water Pump applications may have the 
choke lever mounted on the engine. See Figure 18. 
If restarting a...

Page 10Four-Cycle Engine • Vertical Crankshaft • Air-Cooled181-887-14
VII. Maintenance
An adult should perform maintenance 
on this engine. Only allow children to 
perform maintenance if an adult has determined they are 
experienced and capable of such operation.
To prevent accidental starting when 
working on equipment, always:
• Disconnect spark plug wire and keep it away from 
spark plug. See G. Avoid Accidental Starts 
instructions on page 2.
• Keep the disconnected spark plug wire 
securely away...

181-887-14Four-Cycle Engine • Vertical Crankshaft • Air-CooledPage 11
B. Removing Debris from Engine
Before each use, remove grass clippings, dirt and debris 
from the following areas: 
• Levers and Linkage
• Cooling Fins
• Air Intake Screen 
• Air Inlet
• Guards
Removing debris will insure adequate cooling, correct 
engine speed and reduce the risk of fire. See Figure 21.
 NOTE
Before removing air cleaner cover see III. Filter Removal/
Installation instructions on page 12. Special care should be 
taken...

Page 12Four-Cycle Engine • Vertical Crankshaft • Air-Cooled181-887-14
D. Cleaning/Replacing Air Cleaner
Your engine has an air cleaner which helps prevent 
premature engine wear and failure. NEVER run engine 
without complete air cleaner installed on engine. Your air 
cleaner periodically needs to be cleaned or replaced.
 NOTE
Contact your Authorized Tecumseh Servicing Dealer for a 
Tecumseh Air Cleaner.
I. Servicing Foam Pre-Filter
Clean foam pre-filter every 3 months or every 25 operating 
hours. Clean...

181-887-14Four-Cycle Engine • Vertical Crankshaft • Air-CooledPage 13
VIII. Transporting Your Engine
NEVER transport this engine inside 
another vehicle or in any enclosed 
space if there is any gasoline in the tank. Fuel vapor or 
spilled fuel may ignite.
If there is fuel in the fuel tank, close 
the fuel shut off valve, if equipped, 
and transport the engine upright in an open vehicle, such as 
an open trailer or open bed of a pickup truck.
If you do not have an open vehicle and have to transport 
the...

Page 14Four-Cycle Engine • Vertical Crankshaft • Air-Cooled181-887-14
III. Fuel System
To avoid stale gas and carburetor problems, treat the fuel 
system in the following method below: 
 NOTES
Tecumseh recommends using ULTRA-FRESH™ or Fuel 
Saver Plus Gasoline Stabilizer plus Fuel System Cleaner as 
an acceptable method of minimizing formation of fuel gum 
deposits during storage. This product is available from your 
Authorized Tecumseh Servicing Dealer.
Always follow mix ratio found on stabilizer...

181-887-14Four-Cycle Engine • Vertical Crankshaft • Air-CooledPage 15
II. 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 
spark plug. See  Figure 25. and  Figure 26.
• 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. 
• Disconnect...

Page 16Four-Cycle Engine • Vertical Crankshaft • Air-Cooled181-887-14
XI. Maintenance Intervals
Maintenance is one of the most important things that you 
can do to extend the life of your Tecumseh Engine. If you 
are unable to perform maintenance intervals yourself, 
contact your nearest Authorized Tecumseh Servicing 
Dealer. You may also call Tecumseh Power Company at 
1-800-558-5402 or visit www.TecumsehPower.com to 
locate your dealer. 
ALWAYS promptly follow maintenance intervals listed. See 
Table...

181-887-14Four-Cycle Engine • Vertical Crankshaft • Air-CooledPage 17 Every 50 Hours or 3 Months Scheduled Maintenance
1. Change Oil 
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Page 18Four-Cycle Engine • Vertical Crankshaft • Air-Cooled181-887-14