14For any maintenance or adjustment not described in this manual, ask your local Makita authorized service center.Daily checkup and maintenanceTo ensure a long service life and to avoid any damage to the equipment, the following servicing operations should be performed at regularintervals.- Before use;• Check the machine for loose screws or missing parts. Pay particular attention to the tightness of the cutter blade screws.• Check for clogging of the cooling air passage and the cylinder fins. Clean them if necessary.• Clean and check the fuel tank for fuel leakage or foreign object in the tank.- After use;• Clean the hedge trimmer externally and inspect for damage.• Clean the air filter. When working under extremely dusty conditions, clean the filter several times a day.• Check the blades for damage and make sure they are firmly mounted.Checking the spark plugCheck and clean the spark plug daily or every 8 operating hours.- Only use the supplied universal wrench to remove or install the spark plug.- The gap between the two electrodes of the spark plug should be 0.7 to0.8 mm. If the gap is too wide or too narrow, adjust it. If the spark plug isclogged with carbon or fouled, clean it thoroughly or replace it. Use an exactreplacement.0.7 - 0.8 mmGrease nippleTank capFuel pipeSupplying grease and lubricant- Supply grease through the grease nipple every 50 operating hours. (ShellAlvania No. 3 or equivalent)NOTE: Be sure to observe the specified time and amount of grease supply.Otherwise an insufficient grease supply will cause a machine trouble.Cleaning the fuel filter (suction head in the fuel tank)WARNING: Inflammables strictly prohibitedCheck and clean the fuel filter monthly or every 50 operating hours.- The felt filter (1) of the suction head is used to filter the fuel required by thecarburetor.- Visually check the felt filter regularly.- To check the felt filter, open the tank cap, use a wire hook and pull out thesuction head through the tank opening.Replace the felt filter if it has hardened, been contaminated or be clogged.- Replace the felt filter at least quarterly to ensure an enough fuel supply to thecarburetor. Otherwise an insufficient fuel supply will cause the engine startfailure and limited maximum speed.Replacing the fuel pipeCAUTION: Inflammables strictly prohibitedCheck and clean the fuel pipe daily or every 10 operating hours.Replace the fuel pipe every 200 operating hours or every year regardless ofoperating frequency. Otherwise fuel leakage may lead to fire.If you find any leakage during inspection, replace the oil pipe immediately.Replacing the tank cap- If there is any flaw or damage on the tank cap, replace it.- The tank cap wears out in course of time. Replace it every two or three years.