Engine Maintenance
Servicing the Air Cleaner
Service Interval:
Before each use or daily—Check the
air cleaner for dirty, loose or damaged
parts.
This engine is equipped with a replaceable, high density
paper air cleaner element. Check the air cleaner daily or
before starting the engine. Check for a buildup of dirt
and debris around the air cleaner system. Keep this area
clean. Also check for loose or damaged components.
Replace all bent or damaged air cleaner components.
Note:
Operating the engine with loose or damaged air
cleaner components could allow unfiltered air into the
engine causing premature wear and failure.
Note:
Service the air cleaner more often under
extremely dusty, dirty conditions.
G
014524
1
2
3
4
Figure 28
1.
Knobs, air cleaner cover
3.
Paper element
2.
Air cleaner cover
4.
Air cleaner base
Servicing Paper Element
Service Interval:
Every 25 hours—Service the paper
element. (more often under extremely
dusty, dirty conditions)
Every 100 hours—Replace the paper
element. (more often under extremely
dusty, dirty conditions)
1. Remove the air cleaner cover (Figure 28).
2. Remove the air cleaner element with the integral
rubber seal (Figure 28).
3. Gently tap the pleated side of the paper element to
dislodge dirt. Do not wash the paper element or
use pressurized air, as this will damage the element.
Replace a dirty, bent, or damaged element. Handle
new elements carefully; do not use if the rubber seal
is damaged.
4. Clean all air cleaner components of any accumulated
dirt or foreign material. Prevent any dirt from
entering the carburetor.
5. Install the air cleaner element with the pleated side
“out” and seat the rubber seal onto the edges of the
air cleaner base (Figure 28).
6. Reinstall the air cleaner cover and secure with the
two knobs (Figure 28).
Servicing the Engine Oil
Oil Type:
Detergent oil (API service SG, SH, SJ, or
higher)
Crankcase Capacity:
1.6 qt (1.5 l) when the filter is
changed
Viscosity:
See the table below.
G005176
Figure 29
Checking the Oil Level
Service Interval:
Before each use or daily—Check the
engine oil level.
1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the
blade control switch, stop the engine, and remove
the key.
2. Make sure the engine is stopped, level, and is cool so
the oil has had time to drain into the sump.
3. To keep dirt, grass clippings, etc., out of the engine,
clean the area around the oil fill cap/dipstick before
removing it.
4. Pull and remove the oil fill cap/dipstick; wipe oil
off. Reinsert the dipstick and push firmly into place
(Figure 30).
26
