17
S
ection
6 — M
aintenance
& a
djuStMentS
Engine Care
A list of key engine maintenance jobs required for good
performance by the mower is given below. Follow the
accompanying engine manual for a detailed list and instructions.
•
Maintain oil level as instructed in engine manual.
•
Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normal conditions.
Clean every few hours under extremely dusty conditions.
Poor engine performance and flooding usually indicates
that the air cleaner should be serviced. To service the air
cleaner, refer to the engine manual.
•
Clean spark plug and reset the gap once a season. Spark
plug replacement is recommended at the start of each
mowing season. Check engine manual for correct plug
type and gap specifications.
•
Clean engine regularly with a cloth or brush. Keep the
top of the engine clean to permit proper air circulation.
Remove all grass, dirt, and combustible debris from muffler
area.
•
Engines stored between 30 and 90 days need to be treated
with a gasoline stabilizer such as
STA-BIL®
to prevent
deterioration and gum from forming in fuel system or on
essential carburetor parts.
Deck Wash
Your mower’s deck is equipped with a water port on its surface as
part of its deck wash system.
Use the deck wash to rinse grass clippings from the deck’s
underside and prevent the buildup of corrosive chemicals.
Complete the following steps AFTER EACH MOWING:
1.
Push the mower to a level, clear spot on your lawn, near
enough for your garden hose to reach.
CAUTION:
Make certain the mower’s discharge
chute is directed AWAY from your house, garage,
parked cars, etc.
2.
Thread the hose coupler (packaged with your mower’s
Operator’s Manual) onto the end of your garden hose.
3.
Attach the hose coupler to the water port on your deck’s
surface. See Figure 6-2.
Figure 6-2
4.
Turn the water on.
5.
Start the engine as described in the Operation section.
6.
Run the engine for a minimum of two minutes, allowing
the underside of the cutting deck to thoroughly rinse.
7.
Release blade control to stop the engine and blade.
8.
Turn the water off and detach the hose coupler from the
water port on your deck’s surface.
After cleaning your deck, restart the mower. Keep the engine
and blade running for a minimum of two minutes, allowing the
underside of the cutting deck to thoroughly dry.