15
4.
Remove the air filter cover (Fig. 22).
m-8230
Figure 22
5.
Remove and discard the old air filter.
Important
Do not try to clean a paper air filter.
6.
Insert a new air filter.
7.
Install the air filter cover.
8.
Connect the wire to the spark plug.
Maintaining the Spark Plug
A spark plug that is dirty, pitted, carbon-covered, or has
worn electrodes may cause hard starting and poor
operation.
Clean or replace the spark plug once a season or every
50 hours, whichever occurs first. Use a
Champion
RJ19LM
spark plug or equivalent.
1.
Disconnect the wire from the spark plug (Fig. 8).
2.
Remove the spark plug and clean it with a wire brush,
removing carbon buildup.
Important
Do not sandblast the spark plug.
3.
Check the condition of the plug for cracks and
damaged or worn electrodes. Replace it if necessary.
4.
Set the spark plug gap at 0.030 in. (0.76 mm)
(Fig. 23).
986
1
Figure 23
1. 0.035 in. (0.85 mm)
5.
Install the spark plug by hand, then torque it to
180 in-lb (15 ft-lb or 20 N
⋅
m).
6.
Connect the wire to the spark plug.
Changing the Engine Oil
Change the oil after the first 5 operating hours and then
after every 50 hours or every season. Run the engine just
before changing the oil to warm the oil. Warm oil flows
better and carries more contaminants.
Note:
Change the oil after every 25 hours when operating
under a heavy load or in high temperatures.
1.
Remove the grass bag.
2.
Disconnect the wire from the spark plug (Fig. 11).
3.
If the grass bag is on the lawn mower, close the door in
the lawn mower housing and remove the bag.
4.
Drain the gasoline from the fuel tank; refer to steps 3
and 4 of Emptying the Fuel Tank on page 18.
5.
Remove the dipstick from oil fill tube and place a
drain pan next to the
left
side of the lawn mower.
6.
Tip the lawn mower onto its
left
side, allowing the oil
to drain into the drain pan.
7.
Turn the lawn mower upright.
8.
Fill the crankcase with fresh oil to the Full mark on the
dipstick. Refer to Filling the Crankcase with Oil on
page 8
.
9.
Install the dipstick.
10.
Wipe up any spilled oil.
11.
Connect the wire to the spark plug.
12.
Recycle the used oil according to local codes.
Maintaining the Cutting Blade
A straight, sharp blade provides maximum cutting
performance. Regularly inspect and sharpen the blade.
The blade is sharp; contacting the blade can result
in serious personal injury.
Wear gloves or wrap the sharp edges of the blade
with a rag.
Warning