Preparing for Maintenance
1. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.
2. Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug
(Figure 39) before performing any maintenance
procedure.
Figure 39
3. After performing the maintenance procedure(s),
connect the spark plug wire to the spark plug.
Important:
Before tipping the mower to change
the oil or replace the blade, allow the fuel tank to
run dry through normal usage. If you must tip the
mower prior to running out of fuel, use a hand fuel
pump to remove the fuel. Always tip the mower
onto its side with the air filter up.
Tipping the mower may cause the fuel to leak.
Gasoline is flammable, explosive and can cause
personal injury.
Run the engine dry or remove the gasoline with a
hand pump; never siphon.
Servicing the Air Cleaner
1. Press down on the latch tabs on top of the air cleaner
cover (Figure 40).
Figure 40
1. Latch tabs
2. Open the cover.
3. Remove the air filter (Figure 41).
Figure 41
4. If the air filter is damaged or is wet with oil or fuel,
replace it.
5. If the air filter is dirty, tap it on a hard surface several
times or blow compressed air less than 30 psi (207 kPa)
through the side of the filter that faces the engine.
Note:
Do not brush the dirt off the filter; brushing
forces dirt into the fibers.
6. Remove dirt from the air cleaner body and cover using
a moist rag.
Do not wipe dirt into the air duct.
7. Install the filter into the air cleaner.
8. Close the cover.
Changing the Engine Oil
Change the engine oil after the first 5 operating hours
;
change it yearly thereafter.
Run the engine a few minutes before changing the oil
to warm it. Warm oil flows better and carries more
contaminants.
1. Perform the pre-maintenance procedures; refer to
Preparing for Maintenance.
2. Remove the dipstick (Figure 42).
Figure 42
3. Tip the mower onto its side, with the air filter up, to
drain the used oil out through the oil fill tube (Figure
43).
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