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4-Cycle Tiller Maintenance
(Continued)
A wet or dirty air filter can affect the way your engine starts, performs, and wears.
So, it’s a good idea to check your air filter once a month.
If you work in dusty soil, or if you want to be on the safe side — check your filter
more often (for instance, before each use). But be sure to replace it at least once a
year, in the spring or fall.
How to Check, Clean and Change the Air Filter
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
Figure 1
Figure 2
1. The air filter is held in the air cleaner in a black housing on the side of the tiller,
behind the gas tank cap.
2. Squeeze the two locking tabs at the rear of the air cleaner cover
(Figure 1)
and
swing the cover towards the front of the engine to open it
3. The air filter is the dark sponge like material on the inside of the air cleaner.
Check whether it is soiled or moist.
4. If the air filter needs to be cleaned or no longer fits properly, simply remove it by
carefully peeling it out of the air cleaner.
(Figure 2)
5. To clean the air filter
a. Clean the filter element in warm soapy water, rinse and allow to dry
thoroughly. Or, clean in a non-flammable solvent and allow to dry.
b. Dip the filter element in clean engine oil, then squeeze out all excess oil. The
engine will smoke when started if too much oil is left in the element.
c. Wipe dirt from the air cleaner body and cover, using a moist rag. Be careful to
prevent dirt from entering the carburetor.
6. Insert your clean filter inside the air cleaner.
IMPORTANT:
Make sure the filter is “seated”
properly in the cover. The filter
must fit snugly inside the open
-
ing that holds the filter in place.
Installing the filter incorrectly will
cause engine damage and void
the warranty. Fit the cover back
over the air cleaner and snap the
two locking tabs
IMPORTANT NOTE:
A dirty air cleaner will restrict air
flow to the carburetor, reducing
engine performance. If you oper-
ate the engine in very dusty areas,
clean the air filter element more
often then specified in the
Maintenance section.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Operating the engine without an
air filter element, or with a dam
-
aged air filter element, will allow
dirt to enter the engine, causing
rapid engine wear. This type of
damage is not covered by the
Limited Warranty
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Please check the lip on the Air
Cleaner Cover. If the lip is chipped
or cracked, it should be replaced.
This will prevent dirt from being
ingested through the carburetor
into the inside of the engine.
