City of Manassas Fire and Rescue Services Standard Operating Procedure Small Engine Checkout Presented Date: 12/13/2018 Page 1 of 3 2.80 Effective Date: 00/00/0000 Revision Date: 00/00/0000

PURPOSE To establish a standard department wide small engine checkout procedure.

POLICY Every Monday will be small engine checkout day.

PROCEDURE

2-Cycle saw checkout and starting procedure.

Pre-start checklist:  Visually inspect saw for damage and cleanliness.  Check for loose screws paying special attention to the handle, muffler, and shield.  Operate chain brake listening and feeling for a positive click when it engages and disengages.  Ensure air filter is tight and not dirty.  Make sure chain/blades are installed to spin in the correct direction.  Check that carbide cutting teeth are sharp and not more than 3 consecutive or 5 total are missing.  For abrasive and diamond blades inspect for damage, cracks, and excessive wear.  Spin cutoff blades by hand it should feel consistent and smooth without bumps or tight spots.  Check for chain tension by pulling on chain with a gloved hand from the underside of the bar. The chain should not come all the way out of the bar groove with light pressure and snap back when released. It should move freely around the bar with little effort when pulled manually.  Correct belt tension on cutoff saws is when the indicator is centered between the tensioning marks on the belt cover. There is no indicator or adjustment screw for K- 970 saws, proper tension is set automatically when the 3 belt guard nuts are loosened.

Starting procedure: 1. For chain saws ensure the chain brake is engaged so the chain does not move when the saw is started. 2. Set choke to full by pulling out on the lever and engage decompression valve if equipped. 3. If equipped, press primer bulb 6 times until it fills mostly with fuel. 4. Grip the front handle with your left hand. Put your right foot on the rear handle pad pressing the saw against the ground. Pull the starter handle sharply with your right hand up to three times with the choke on. The engine should start during one of Small Engine Checkout Section 2.80 Page 2 of 3 these three pulls. At any point, if the engine almost starts but stops immediately, move the choke lever all the way in and pull the starter handle again. The engine should start and stay running with a fast idle. Briefly squeeze the throttle trigger to disengage the idle lock and allow the saw to idle. 5. Allow the saw to idle for at least one minute at a minimum to warm up prior to continuing.

Running check list:  Ensure the chain did not move at all with the brake engaged while starting.  Disengage chain brake, the chain should still not move at all while idling.  For cut off saws the blade should not spin at normal idle.  Fully depress the throttle trigger to check for smooth operation. The vibrations should feel consistent and no abnormal noises, rattling or squealing should be heard. If the saw is making a popping noise it’s not warm enough yet and needs to idle longer prior to continuing.  Check that chainsaws are oiling properly by looking for a spray pattern on the ground in line with the bar.  Engage the chain brake.  Allow saw to idle for a minute to cool down prior to turning off.

Post run check list:  Allow the saw to cool for several minutes prior to continuing.  Check fuel (50:1 mixed gas) and bar oil levels, add correct fluids as necessary.  Wipe any excess bar oil or spilled fuel from saw.

4-Cycle Starting and checkout and starting procedure

Pre-start checklist:  Visually inspect for damage and cleanliness.  Check air filter for cleanliness  Check oil level. Full level on Briggs and Stratton Engines is between the hash marks on the dip stick; On Honda Engines it is just below the dip stick threads cast in the engine block (do not read oil level on Honda dip sticks). If oil is above the full mark, pours out when removing the dip stick or smells like gasoline it must be changed.

Starting procedure: 1. For Honda motors turn the fuel valve on, the vent switch on top of the fuel cap also needs to be moved to the on position. Turn the Eco Throttle switch to off on portable generators. 2. Turn ignition switch to the on position and move the throttle lever to 1/3 for Honda engines. Briggs and Stratton engines combine ignition switch and throttle functions, move this lever all the way to the fast or “rabbit” position. 3. Move the choke lever to full choke. 4. Pull the starter handle sharply up to three times with the choke on. The engine should start during one of these three pulls. At any point, if the engine almost starts but stops immediately, move the choke lever to half and pull again. The engine should start and stay running. 5. Move the choke lever to off. Small Engine Checkout Section 2.80 Page 3 of 3

4-Cycle shut down procedure:  Move the throttle lever to the slow or “turtle” position and allow the engine to cool down for at least one minute.  On Honda motors turn ignition switch to the off position then move the vent lever on the fuel cap to off. For Briggs and Stratton engines move the throttle lever all the way to off.

Post run check list:  Check fuel level and add straight gasoline as needed.

APPROVED BY

______Councilman Marc T. Aveni, Fire and Rescue Committee Chairman Date