Replacing The Blade; Cleaning The Mower - Toro 20323 Operator's Manual

Figure 21
1. Center electrode insulator
2. Side electrode
3. Air gap (not to scale)
6. Install the spark plug and the gasket seal.
7. Torque the plug to 15 ft-lb (20 N-m).
8. Connect the wire to the spark plug.

Replacing the Blade

Service Interval: Yearly
Important: You will need a torque wrench to install
the blade properly . If you do not have a torque
wrench or are uncomfortable performing this
procedure, contact an Authorized Service Dealer.
Examine the blade whenever you run out of gasoline. If
the blade is damaged or cracked, replace it immediately.
If the blade edge is dull or nicked, have it sharpened or
replace it.
WARNING
The blade is sharp; contacting the blade can result
in serious personal injury.
• Disconnect the wire from the spark plug.
• Wear gloves when servicing the blade.
1. Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug.
Refer to Preparing for Maintenance.
2. Tip the mower onto its side, with the air filter up.
3. Use a block of wood to hold the blade steady.
4. Remove the blade (turn the blade bolt
counterclockwise), saving all the mounting hardware.
5. Install the new blade (turn the blade bolt clockwise)
and all mounting hardware (Figure 22).
Important: Position the curved ends of the
blade to point toward the mower housing.
6. Use a torque wrench to tighten the blade bolt to
60 ft-lb (82 N-m).
Important: A bolt torqued to 60 ft-lb (82 N-m)
is very tight. While holding the blade with a
block of wood, put your weight behind the
ratchet or wrench and tighten the bolt securely.
This bolt is very difficult to overtighten.

Cleaning the Mower

Service Interval: Before each use or daily
WARNING
The mower may dislodge material from under the
mower housing.
• Wear eye protection.
• Stay in the operating position (behind the
handle).
• Do not allow bystanders in the area.
1. With the engine running on a flat paved surface,
spray a stream of water in front of the right rear
wheel (Figure 23).
The water will splash into the path of the blade,
cleaning out the clippings.
13
Figure 22