Troy-Bilt TBE515 Operator'S Manual Download Page 6

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Apply enough clean SAE 30 motor oil to lightly coat the filter (Fig. 27).

Squeeze the filter to spread and remove excess oil (Fig. 28).

Replace the filter (Fig. 25).

NOTE:

If the unit is operated without the air filter, you will VOID

the warranty.

Reinstall the air filter cover. Position the tabs on the sides of
the air filter cover onto the slots at the top of the back plate
(Fig. 25).

Push the cover in until the tab on the air filter backplate snaps
into place in the slot on the air filter cover (Fig. 25).

CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT

The idle speed of the engine is adjustable. An idle adjustment
screw is between the air filter cover and the engine starter housing
(Fig. 29).

NOTE:

Careless adjustments can seriously damage your unit. An

authorized service dealer should make carburetor
adjustments.

Check Fuel

Old fuel is usually the reason for improper unit performance. Drain
and refill the tank with fresh fuel prior to making any adjustments.
Refer to Oil and Fuel Information.

Adjust Idle Speed Screw

If, after checking the fuel and cleaning the air filter, the engine still
will not idle, adjust the idle speed screw as follows:
1.

Start the engine and let it run at a high idle for a minute to
warm up. Refer to Starting/Stopping Instructions.

Move the throttle control lever to the Slow position (

) and

let the engine idle. If the engine stops, insert a
small phillips in between the Air Filter Cover and the Engine
Cover (Fig. 29).

NOTE:

Do not engage the Blade Clutch Lever while adjusting the
idle speed screw to ensure that the blade will not rotate.

Turn the idle speed screw in,

clockwise

, 1/8 of a turn at a

time (as needed) until the engine idles smoothly.

Checking the fuel, cleaning the air filter, and adjusting the idle
speed should solve most engine problems. If not and all of the
following are true:
•

the engine will not idle

•

the engine hesitates or stalls on acceleration

•

there is a loss of engine power

Have the carburetor adjusted by an authorized service dealer.

ROCKER ARM CLEARANCE

This requires disassembly of the engine. If you feel unsure or
unqualified to perform this, take the unit to an authorized service
center.

NOTE:

Inspect the valve to rocker arm clearance with a feeler

gauge after the first 10 hours of operation and every 25
hours of operation.

•

The engine must be cold when checking or adjusting the valve
clearance.

•

This task should be performed inside, in a clean, dust free
area.

Remove the six (6) screws on the back of the engine cover
with a Flat-head or T-25 Torx screwdriver (Fig. 30).

Disconnect the spark plug wire.

Clean dirt from around the spark plug. Remove the spark plug
from the cylinder head by turning a 5/8 in. socket
counterclockwise.

Remove the engine cover (Fig. 30).

Clean dirt from around the rocker arm cover. Remove the
screw holding the rocker arm cover with a large flat blade
screwdriver or Torx T-25 bit (Fig. 31). Remove the rocker arm
cover and gasket.

Pull the starter rope slowly to bring the piston to the top of its
travel, (known as top dead center). Check that:

•

The piston is at the top of its travel while looking in the spark
plug hole (Fig. 32)

•

Both rocker arms move freely, and both valves are closed

If these statements are not true, repeat this step.
7.

Slide the feeler gauge between the rocker arm and the valve
return spring. Measure the clearance between the valve stem
and rocker arm (Fig. 32). Measure both the intake and exhaust
valves.

The recommended clearance for both intake and exhaust is .003 –
.006 in. (.076 – 0.152 mm). Use a standard automotive .005 in.
(0.127 mm) feeler gauge. The feeler gauge should slide between
the rocker arm and valve stem with a slight amount of resistance,
without binding. See Figures 32 and 33.
8.

If the clearance is not within specification:

a. Turn the adjusting nut using a 5/16 inch (8 mm) wrench or

nut driver (Fig. 32).

•

To increase clearance, turn the adjusting nut
counterclockwise.

•

To decrease clearance, turn the adjusting nut clockwise.

b. Recheck both clearances, and adjust as necessary.

Reinstall the rocker arm cover using a new gasket. Torque the screw to 20–30 in•lb (2.2–3.4 N•m).

10. Check the spark plug and reinstall. See Replacing the Spark Plug.
11. Replace the spark plug wire.
12. Reinstall the engine cover. Check alignment of the cover before tightening the screws. Tighten screws.

CHECKING THE OIL LEVEL

The importance of checking and maintaining the proper oil level in
the crankcase cannot be overemphasized. Check oil before each
use:
1.

Stop the engine and allow oil to drain into the crankcase.

Place the unit on a level surface to get a proper oil level
reading (Fig. 22).

Keep dirt, grass clippings and other debris out of the engine.
Clean the area around the oil fill plug before removing it.

Remove the oil fill plug.

Look into the oil fill hole, use a flashlight if needed. The oil
should be just touching the inner most thread (Fig. 22).

If the oil level is not touching the inner most thread on the oil
fill hole, add a small amount of oil to the oil fill hole and
recheck (Fig. 23). Repeat this procedure until the oil level
reaches the inner most thread on the oil fill hole.

NOTE:

Do not overfill the unit.

NOTE:

Make sure the O-ring is in place on the oil fill plug when
checking and changing the oil (Fig. 8).

CHANGING THE OIL

For a new engine, change the oil after the first 10 hours of
operation. Change the oil while the engine is still warm. The oil will
flow freely and carry away more impurities.
1.

Unplug spark plug boot to prevent accidental starting.

Remove the oil fill plug.

Pour the oil out of the oil fill hole and into a container by
tipping the unit to a vertical position (Fig. 24). Allow ample
time for complete drainage.

Wipe up any oil residue on the unit and clean up any oil that
may have spilled. Dispose of the oil according to Federal,
State and local regulations.

Refill the crankcase with 3.04 fluid ounce (90 ml or 3/8 cup) of
SAE 30 SF, SG, SH oil.

NOTE:

Use the bottle and spout saved from initial use to measure
the correct amount of oil. The top of the label on the bottle
measures approximately 3.04 ounces (90 ml or 3/8 cup)
(Fig. 23). Check the level, See Checking the Oil Level. If
the level is low, add a small amount of oil and recheck. Do
not overfill (Fig. 22).

Replace the oil fill plug.

Reconnect the spark plug boot.

AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE

Cleaning the Air Filter

Clean and re-oil the air filter every 10 hours of
operation. It is an important item to maintain. Failure
to maintain your air filter properly can result in poor
performance or can cause permanent damage to
your engine.
1.

Open the air filter cover. Push the tab on the left
side of the cover in, swing the air filter cover out
and off the air filter housing (Fig. 25).

Remove the air filter and the screen that sits
behind it (Fig. 25).

Wash the filter in detergent and water (Fig. 26).
Rinse the filter thoroughly and allow it to dry.

BLADE REPLACEMENT

Place the 5/16” Allen wrench in the spindle hole (Fig. 19).

While holding the Allen wrench in place, loosen the nut with a 15/16” wrench by turning it
counterclockwise (Fig. 19).

Re move the nut and blade. Keep the nut for new blade installation.

Install the new blade and nut (Fig. 20).

While holding the Allen wrench in the spindle hole, tighten the nut by turning the wrench clockwise
until tight (Fig. 21).

NOTE:

Make sure that the blade stays flat and centered against the output shaft throughout installation.

ACCESSORIES/REPLACEMENT PARTS

Blade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 753-05562
Nut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 753-05549
Use only original Troy-Bilt replacement parts.

Fig. 26

Fig. 27

WARNING:

To avoid serious personal injury, always wear gloves while han dling,

removing or in stall ing the blade.

Fig. 19

Loosen

Spindle Hole

Fig. 20

Nut

Edger Blade

Fig. 21