11
Maintenance
Maintenance - Introduction
To retain the quality of the mower, use genuine replacement
parts only. Contact a local dealer for parts and service
assistance. For the correct part or information for a
particular mower, always mention the model and
serial number.
Service - After First 5 Hours
Change Engine Oil
1. Refer to the Engine Manual for proper oil specifications,
procedures and proper service intervals.
2. For the simplest/cleanest oil change, simply turn the
mower on its side to drain the oil, as shown. Drain the
oil through the dipstick tube
(A, Figure 13)
into a
container. Allow sufficient time for all the oil to drain.
Important:
Drain the fuel tank before tipping the machine.
DO NOT tip the machine with the carburetor or spark plug
down. Oil from the crankcase will saturate the air filter and
cause the engine to be hard to start or not start at all. If
contamination does occur, the air filter will have to be
replaced.
3. Dispose of drain oil properly.
4. Fill the engine with oil as specified in the Engine Manual.
Do Not overfill.
Check Mower Blade
1. Disconnect the spark plug wire and secure the end away
from the plug.
2. Tilt the mower up on its rear wheels for access to the
blade cap screw
(A, Figure 14)
. Do not tilt the mower
with the spark plug or carburetor down.
Important:
Drain the fuel tank before tipping the mower. DO
NOT tip the machine with the carburetor or spark plug down.
Oil from the crankcase will saturate the air filter and cause
the engine to be hard to start or not start at all. If
contamination does occur, the air filter will have to be
replaced.
3. Check the torque of the blade cap screw. Recommended
torque should be 40 ft. lbs.
4. Check the blade for sharpness, wear and damage. Refer
to the Section entitled “Blade Wear Limits”.
Check Engine Drive Belt
1. Visually check the engine drive belt for cracking, fraying,
severed or exposed belt strands. If worn or damaged,
replace the belt before operating the mower.
Service - Periodic
Perform all maintenance as described in the “Service
Schedule” section of this manual.
Engine
Service the engine according to the engine owner’s manual.
Air Filter
Refer to the engine owner’s manual for service instructions.
Engine Oil
Refer to the engine owner’s manual for service instructions.
Figure 13: Draining the engine oil
WARNING
DO NOT attempt any maintenance, adjustments or service
with engine and blade running. STOP engine and blade.
Disconnect spark plug wire and secure away from spark
plug. Engine and components are HOT. Avoid serious
burns, allow sufficient time for all components to cool.
Wear heavy leather gloves when handling or working
around cutting blades. Blades are extremely sharp and can
cause severe injury.
!
!
A
Figure 14: Tightening the blade cap screw
A
Not
for
Reproduction
