Page 10
Four-Cycle Engine • Vertical Crankshaft • Air-Cooled
181-887-14
VII. Maintenance
An adult should perform maintenance
on this engine. Only allow children to
perform maintenance if an adult has determined they are
experienced and capable of such operation.
To prevent accidental starting when
working on equipment, always:
• Disconnect spark plug wire and keep it away from
spark plug. See "G. Avoid Accidental Starts"
instructions on page 2.
• Keep the disconnected spark plug wire
securely away from metal parts where arcing
could occur.
• Attach the spark plug wire to the grounding
post, if provided.
• Disconnect battery at negative terminal first, if
engine is equipped with an electric starter.
• Turn off all engine switches.
• Remove ignition key, if provided.
A. Checking and Changing Oil
To avoid engine damage, it is important to:
• Check oil level before each use and every 5
operating hours when engine is warm. See "A.
Checking Oil Level" instructions on page 4.
• Change oil after first 2 operating hours and every 50
operating hours thereafter; more often if operated in
extremely dusty or dirty conditions. Engine should
still be warm but not hot from recent use.
1. Be sure you find the correct drain plug location, if
present. (See equipment manufacturer’s instructions).
See Figure 19.
2. Disconnect spark plug wire and keep it away from
spark plug. See "G. Avoid Accidental Starts" instruc-
tions on page 2.
3. Be sure the gas cap is on and is tightened securely.
4. Clean area around oil drain plug. See Figure 19.
5. Place approved recyclable oil container under oil drain
plug. (See equipment manufacturer’s instructions).
NOTE
Used oil must be disposed of at a proper
collection center.
6. Remove oil drain plug and drain oil into
an approved container. See Figure 19.
7. Install oil drain plug and tighten securely.
8. Fill with recommended oil. See "III. Oil and Fuel Speci-
fications" instructions on page 3. See "Table 1. Recom-
mended Engine Oil" instructions on page 3. See Figure
20.
9. Wipe away any spilled oil.
10. Carefully disconnect spark plug wire from grounding
post, if provided.
11. Carefully re-connect spark plug wire to spark plug.
NOTES
The oil filter if so equipped, should be changed every 100
operating hours or at least once a year.
The filter should be changed more often if the engine is
operated in extremely dust or dirty conditions.
Changing the oil filter requires that additional oil be added to
fill the filter.
Contact your Authorized Tecumseh Servicing Dealer for a
Tecumseh Oil Filter.
!
WARNING
!
WARNING
Figure 19. Oil Drain Plug Location
Figure 20. Oil Filler Locations
