Storing Your Log Splitter - MTD 5DM Series Operator's Manual

5. Chock both wheels, front and rear, and have your
helper grasp the front of the unit and carefully tilt it
back to expose the belt drive underneath.
IMPORTANT: To prevent engine oil from entering
carburetor and/or hydraulic oil from escaping through the
air vent hole, do not tilt unit to the side.
6. While your partner continues to hold the unit up, grasp
the idler pulley nut with a 9/16 hex wrench or socket
and pivot the idler bracket as shown in Figure 5-2.
This will enable the belt to be easily removed from the
idler pulley.
WARNING: Avoid the possibility of
a pinching injury. Do not place your
fingers on the idler spring or between
the belt and a pulley while removing the
belt.
7. Remove the belt from around the engine and pump
pulleys.
8. Route the new belt around the three pulleys as shown
in Figure 5-2.
NOTE: Idler bracket must pivot freely.
9. Have your partner lower unit and remount the belt
cover removed earlier. Do not over tighten.
10. Remove piece of plastic from gas cap (if used).
11. Reconnect spark plug.

Storing Your Log Splitter

Prepare your log splitter for storage at the end of the
season or if the log splitter will not be used for 30 days or
more.
WARNING: Never store machine with
fuel in the fuel tank inside of building
where fumes may reach an open flame
or spark, or where ignition sources
are present such as hot water and space heaters,
furnaces, clothes dryers, stoves, electric motors, etc.
1. Clean the log splitter thoroughly.
NOTE: We do not recommend the use of pressure wash-
ers or garden hose to clean your unit. They may cause
damage to bearings or the engine. The use of water will
result in shortened life and reduce serviceability.
Idler Pulley
Nut
Figure 5-
2. Wipe unit with an oiled rag to prevent rust, especially
on the wedge and the beam.
3. Drain fuel tank. Always drain fuel into approved
container outdoors, away from open flame. Be sure
that engine is cool before draining the fuel. Do not
smoke while handling fuel.
4. Start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and
carburetor are empty.
5. Remove spark plug. Holding a rag over the cylinder
hole, pour approximately 1/2 ounce (approximately
one tablespoon) of engine oil into cylinder and crank
slowly to distribute the oil.
6. Replace spark plug.
7. Do not store gasoline from one season to another.
8. Replace your gasoline can if it starts to rust. Rust
and/or dirt in the gasoline will cause problems.
NOTE: For more information on storing the engine, refer
to the Engine Maintenance section.
9. Store unit in a clean, dry area. Do not store next to
corrosive materials, such as fertilizer. DO NOT store
unit in upright position.
NOTE: If storing in an unventilated or metal storage
shed, be certain to rustproof the equipment by coating
with a light oil or silicone.
13
Engine
Pulley
Pump
Pulley
5
Maintaining
Your Log
Splitter
WARNING
Avoid the possibility of
a pinching injury. Do
not place your fingers
on the idler spring or
between the belt and a
pulley while removing
the belt.
Avoid the possibility of
a pinching injury. Do
not place your fingers
on the idler spring or
between the belt and a
pulley while removing
the belt.