10
Section 3 - MAINTENANCE
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.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT tip machine with carburetor or
spark plug down. Oil from 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.
3.2.3. CHECK MOWER BLADE
1. Disconnect spark plug wire and secure end away
from plug.
2. Tilt mower up on its rear wheels for access to
the blade cap screw. Do not tilt mower with spark
plug or carburetor down. See Figure 3.4.
3. Check torque of blade retaining cap screw.
Recommended torque should be 30 to 40 ft. lbs.
See Figure 3.4.
4. Check blade for sharpness, wear and damage. See
Section on Blade Wear Limits.
3.2.4. CHECK ENGINE DRIVE BELT
1. Visually check engine drive belt for cracking,
fraying, severed or belt strands exposed. If worn or
damaged, replace belt before operating mower.
3.2.5. CHECK TRANSMISSION POLY-V BELT
1. Visually check poly-v belt for cracking, fraying,
severed or belt strands exposed. If worn or damaged,
replace belt before operating mower.
FIGURE 3.4
3.3 SERVICE - ANNUALLY
Perform all maintenance as described in the
“Service Schedule” section of this manual.
3.3.1. Engine
Service engine according to engine owner’s
manual.
3.3.2. Air Filter
Refer to engine owner’s manual for service
instructions.
3.3.3. Engine Oil
Refer to engine owner’s manual for service
instructions.
3.4 STORAGE
PROCEDURE
Refer to the Engine Owner’s Manual for directions
regarding engine storage preparations. Prepare the
mower for “end of season” storage as follows:
1. Drain fuel from fuel tank and let engine run until
all fuel is out of the carburetor.
2. Disconnect and remove the spark plug wire
away from spark plug before any other
preparations are made!
3. Tape all openings closed to prevent spraying
water into exhaust or air intakes during washing.
4. Tilt mower up on its rear wheels and thoroughly
clean the underside of the deck. Do not tilt mower
with spark plug or carburetor down. Scrape away
any accumulation of grass with a putty knife and or
wire brush.
5. Lubricate all exposed metal with a light coating
of oil to prevent corrosion.
6. On these models, loosen wing nuts on ground
speed control rod before folding handles.
7. Loosen handle knobs. Carefully fold the handles
forward, “flexing” the control cables to prevent cable
damage.
8. Store the mower in a shed or other dry area,
protected from weather.
RECOMMENDED
BLADE RETAINING
CAP SCREW
TORQUE VALUE
SHOULD BE 30 TO
40 FT. LBS.
