15
2. Hold the self-propel drive bail 1 to 1-1/2 in. (25 to
38 mm) from the handle (Fig. 19).
3. Pull the cable jacket down (away from the bail) to
remove the slack in the cable between the bail and the
cable support.
4. Tighten the nut on the cable support.
5. Release the bail and ensure that the cable is loose.
Note: The cable must be loose when you release the bail
or the lawn mower may creep when you disengage the
bail.
Servicing the Air Filter
Clean the air filter once every season or every 50 hours;
clean it more frequently under dusty conditions.
Note: Do not operate the engine without the air filter
element; extreme engine damage will occur.
1. Snap the air filter cover latch open and swing it to the
side (Fig. 20).
ÎÎÎÎ
ÎÎÎÎ
ÎÎÎÎ
ÎÎÎÎ
m–3834
1
2
Figure 20
1.
Filter
2.
Cover
2. Remove the air filter.
3. Wash the air filter in laundry detergent or kerosene
(Fig. 21).
988
Figure 21
4. Squeeze the filter to remove excess liquid and blot it
dry with a paper towel or rag.
5. Saturate the air filter with SAE 30W oil (Fig. 22).
989
Figure 22
6. Squeeze the filter to distribute the oil evenly. Blot the
filter lightly with a paper towel to remove excess oil.
7. Replace the filter with the cleanest side facing the
carburetor.
Note: Ensure that the filter fully seats in the air box and
does not pucker, allowing air and dirt to pass directly
through to the carburetor.
Maintaining the Spark Plug
A spark plug that is dirty, pitted, carbon-covered, or has
worn electrodes may cause hard starting and poor
operation.
Clean or replace the spark plug once a season or every 50
hours, whichever occurs first. Use an NGK BPMR4A
spark plug.
1. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug (Fig. 7).
2. Remove the spark plug and clean it with a wire brush,
removing carbon buildup.
IMPORTANT: Do not sandblast the spark plug.
3. Check the condition of the plug for cracks and
damaged or worn electrodes. Replace it if necessary.
4. Set the spark plug gap at 0.035 in. (0.9 mm) (Fig. 23).
986
1
Figure 23
1.
0.035 in. (0.9 mm)
5. Install the spark plug by hand, then torque it to
180 in-lb (15 ft-lb or 20 N
⋅
m).
6. Connect the wire to the spark plug.
