10
Section 3 - MAINTENANCE
WARNING
DO NOT attempt any maintenance, adjustments or
service with engine and blade running. STOP engine
and blade. Remove key. Disconnect spark plug wire
and secure away from spark plug. Engine and
components are HOT. Avoid serious burns, allow
sufficient time for all components to cool. Wear
heavy leather gloves when handling or working
around cutting blades. Blades are extremely sharp
and can cause severe injury.
3.2.4. CHECK MOWER BLADE
1. Disconnect spark plug wire and secure end away
from plug.
2. Tilt mower up on its rear wheels for access to
the blade cap screw. See Figure 3.2.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT tip machine with carburetor or
spark plug down. Oil from crankcase will saturate the air
filter and cause the engine to be hard to start or not start
at all. If contamination does occur, the air filter will have to
be replaced.
3. Check torque of blade retaining cap screw.
Recommended torque should be 40 ft. lbs. See
Figure 3.2.
4. Check blade for sharpness, wear and damage.
Refer to Section “BLADE WEAR LIMITS”.
3.2.5. CHECK ENGINE to TRANSMISSION
DRIVE
BELT
1. Visually check belt for cracking, fraying, severed
or belt strands exposed. Replace belt before operating
mower. Refer to Section ”BELT SERVICE” for
replacement instructions.
FIGURE 3.2
3.3 SERVICE - ANNUALLY
Perform all maintenance as described in the maintenance
schedule.
3.3.1. Engine
Service engine according to engine owner’s manual.
3.3.2. Air
Filter
Refer to engine owner’s manual for service
instructions.
3.3.3. Engine
Oil
Refer to engine owner’s manual for service
instructions.
3.4 STORAGE
PROCEDURE
Refer to the Engine Owner’s Manual for directions
regarding engine storage preparations. Prepare the
mower for “end of season” storage as follows:
1. Drain fuel from fuel tank and let engine run until
all fuel is out of the carburetor.
2. Disconnect and remove the spark plug wire
away from spark plug before any other
preparations are made!
3. Tape all openings closed to prevent spraying
water into exhaust or air intakes during washing.
4. Tilt mower up on its rear wheels and thoroughly
clean the underside of the deck. Do not tilt mower
with spark plug or carburetor down. Scrape away
any accumulation of grass with a putty knife and or
wire brush.
5. Lubricate all exposed metal with a light coating
of oil to prevent corrosion.
6. Loosen handle knobs. Carefully fold the handles
forward, “flexing” the control cables to prevent cable
damage.
7. Store the mower in a shed or other dry area,
protected from weather.
BLADE
RETAINING CAP
SCREWS
TILT MOWER UP ON ITS BACK WHEELS!
