Pre-Maintenance
Procedures
Preparing the Machine for
Maintenance
WARNING
While you are maintaining or adjusting the
machine, someone could start the engine.
Accidentally starting the engine could
seriously injure you or other bystanders.
Remove the key from the ignition, engage
parking brake, and pull the wire(s) off the
spark plug(s) before you do any maintenance.
Also push the wire(s) aside so it does not
accidentally contact the spark plug(s).
Perform the following before servicing, cleaning, or
making any adjustments to the machine.
1.
Park the machine on a level surface.
2.
Shut off the engine and remove the key from the
machine (if equipped).
3.
Engage the parking brake.
4.
Wait for all moving parts to stop allow the engine
to cool before servicing, storing, or making
repairs.
5.
Disconnect the spark-plug wire (
).
g265998
Figure 33
1.
Spark-plug wire
Engine Maintenance
Engine Safety
•
Do not change the governor speed or overspeed
the engine.
•
Run the engine dry or remove the fuel with a hand
pump; never siphon the fuel. If you must drain the
fuel tank, do it outdoors.
Servicing the Engine Oil
Fill the crankcase with approximately 0.56 L (19 fl
oz) of the proper viscosity oil before starting. The
engine uses a high-quality oil that has the American
Petroleum Institute (API) service classification of SJ or
higher. Select the proper oil viscosity (weight) based
on the ambient temperature.
illustrates the
temperature/viscosity recommendations.
g013375
Figure 34
Note:
Multi-grade oils (5W-20, 10W-30 and 10W-40)
increase oil consumption. Check the engine-oil level
more frequently when you use these oils.
Checking the Engine-Oil Level
Service Interval:
Before each use or daily
The ideal time to check the engine-oil level is when the
engine is cool or before you have started the engine
for the day. If you have already ran the engine, allow
the oil to drain back down to the sump for at least 10
minutes before you check the engine-oil level.
1.
Shut off the engine and wait for all moving
parts to stop; refer to
Maintenance (page 30)
.
2.
Position the machine so that the engine is level,
and clean the area around the oil-fill tube (
30