14
3350-614 Rev A
Replacing the Blade
Important: You will need a torque wrench to
install the blade properly. If you do not have a
torque wrench or are uncomfortable performing this
procedure, contact an Authorized Service Dealer.
Examine the blade whenever you run out of gasoline.
If the blade is damaged or cracked, replace it
immediately. If the blade edge is dull or nicked, have
it sharpened or replace it.
Warning
The blade is sharp; contacting the blade can
result in serious personal injury.
Wear cloth or leather gloves when servicing the
blade.
1.
Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark
plug and hook it onto the retaining post. Refer to
Preparing for Maintenance on page 13.
2.
Tip the mower onto the right side.
3.
Use a block of wood to hold the blade steady.
4.
Remove the blade, saving all mounting hardware.
5.
Install the new blade and all mounting hardware.
Important: Position the curved ends of the blade to
point toward the mower.
m-6590
6.
Use a torque wrench to tighten the blade bolt to
60 ft-lb (82 N
⋅
m).
Important: A bolt torqued to 60 ft-lb (82 N
m) is
very tight. While holding the blade with a block
of wood, put your weight behind the ratchet or
wrench and tighten the bolt securely. This bolt is
very difficult to overtighten.
Cleaning the Mower
1.
Remove the bag (self-propel model only).
2.
With the engine
running on a flat paved
surface, spray a stream
of water in front of the
right rear wheel.
1093
The water will splash into the path of the blade,
cleaning out the clippings.
3.
When no more clippings come out, stop the water
and move the mower to a dry area.
Storage
Store the mower in a cool, clean, dry place.
Preparing the Mower for
Storage
Warning
Gasoline vapors can explode.
Do not store gasoline more than 30 days.
Do not store the mower in an enclosure near
an open flame.
Allow the engine to cool before storing it.
1.
On the last refueling of the year, add fuel
stabilizer to the fuel as directed by the engine
manufacturer.
2.
Run the mower until the engine stops from
running out of fuel.
3.
Prime the engine and start it again.
4.
Allow the engine to run until it stops. When you
can no longer start the engine, it is sufficiently dry.
5.
Disconnect the wire from the spark plug and
connect the wire onto the retaining post.
6.
Remove the spark plug, add 1 oz. (30 ml) of oil
through the spark plug hole, and pull the starter rope
slowly several times to distribute oil throughout the
cylinder to prevent cylinder corrosion during the
off-season.
7.
Loosely install the spark plug.
8.
Tighten all nuts, bolts, and screws.
