14
Section 5: Maintenance
Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to come to
a stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition key on electric
start models.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.
WARNING
Spark Plug Service
Inspect and clean or replace the spark
plug after every 100 operating hours or
annually.
Spark Arrester Screen Service
If the engine is equipped with a spark ar-
rester screen, remove and clean it ac-
cording to the time intervals and instruc-
tions in the engine manual.
Engine Cleaning
The engine must be kept clean to assure
smooth operation and to reduce the risk
of overheating and ignition of accumu-
lated debris.
Carburetor/Governor Control
Adjustments
The carburetor was adjusted at the fac-
tory for best operating speed. Refer to
the engine manual for any adjustment
information.
The governor controls the maximum safe
operating speed and protects the engine
and other moving parts from damage
caused by overspeeding. Do not tamper
with the governor settings. Seek autho-
rized service if you think an adjustment is
required.
Throttle Control Adjustment
If the engine does not shut off when the
throttle lever is moved to the stop posi-
tion, or if the engine does not respond to
various throttle settings, refer to the en-
gine manual for service information.
OFF-SEASON STORAGE
When storing the unit for extended peri-
ods, follow these procedures to ensure
that the unit will be in good condition for
future use.
• Store machine on a level surface.
• Inspect for any loose, broken or miss-
ing parts. Repair or replace parts as
necessary.
• Perform recommended engine mainte-
nance by following the engine storage
instructions found in the engine manual.
Be sure to protect the fuel lines, carbure-
tor and fuel tank from gum deposits by
removing fuel or by treating fuel with a
fuel stabilizer (follow the engine manu-
facturer’s recommendations).
• Clean any dirt, grass or chaff from the
air cooling system intake area and other
parts of the engine.
• Disconnect spark plug wire and move
away from spark plug.
• Never perform maintenance when en-
gine is running or spark plug wire is
connected, except when instructed to
do so.
• Never store mower with fuel in fuel
tank inside a building where fumes
can reach an open flame or spark, or
where ignition sources are present
such as hot water and space heaters,
furnaces, clothes dryers, stoves, elec-
tric motors, etc. Make sure engine is
cool before storing.
• Drain gasoline outdoors into an
approved container.Do not smoke and
keep fuel away from open flame.
Failure to follow these instructions will
result in serious personal injury or
property damage.
WARNING
