26
Cleaning the Foam and Paper Elements
Foam Element:
1. Wash the foam element in liquid soap and warm water.
When the element is clean, rinse it thoroughly.
2. Dry the element by squeezing it in a clean cloth. Do not
oil the element.
Important
Replace the foam element if it is torn or
worn.
Paper Element:
1. Lightly tap the element on a flat surface to remove dust
and dirt.
2. Carefully clean the rubber seal on the paper element to
prevent debris from entering the engine.
3. Inspect the element for tears, an oily film, and damage
to the rubber seal.
Important
Never clean the paper element with
pressurized air or liquids, such as solvent, gas, or kerosene.
Replace the paper element if it is damaged or cannot be
cleaned thoroughly.
Installing the Foam and Paper Elements
Important
To prevent engine damage, always operate
the engine with the complete foam and paper air cleaner
assembly installed.
1. Place the foam element and paper element into the
blower housing.
Note: Make sure that the rubber seal is flat against the air
cleaner base.
2. Align the tabs on the air cleaner cover with the slots of
the blower housing (Fig. 22). Hook the handle onto the
cover and press down on the handle to lock the cover in
place.
3. Close the hood.
Servicing the Spark Plug
Check the spark plug after every 25 operating hours. Install
a new Champion QC12YC or equivalent spark plug after
every 100 operating hours. Make sure that the air gap
between the center and side electrodes is 0.030 in.
(0.76 mm) before installing the spark plug. Use a spark
plug wrench for removing and installing the spark plug and
a gapping tool or feeler gauge to check and adjust the air
gap.
Removing the Spark Plug
1. Disengage the blade (PTO).
2. Shift the ground speed into Neutral.
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.
5. Remove the ignition key.
6. Open the hood.
7. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug (Fig. 23).
1
Figure 23
1.
Spark plug wire
8. Clean around the spark plug to prevent dirt from falling
into the engine and potentially causing damage.
9. Remove the spark plug and metal washer.
