MTD 580 Series Operator's Manual page 16

ENGINE
Refer to the separate engine manual for engine
maintenance instructions.
Maintain engine oil as instructed in the separate
engine manual packed with your unit. Read and
follow instructions carefully.
Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normal
conditions. Clean every few hours under extremely
dusty conditions. Poor engine performance and
flooding usually indicates that the air cleaner should
be serviced. To service the air cleaner, refer to the
separate engine manual packed with your unit.
The spark plug should be cleaned and the gap reset
once a season. Spark plug replacement is recom-
mended at the start of each mowing season; check
engine manual for correct plug type and gap specifi-
cations.
Clean the engine regularly with a cloth or brush.
Keep the cooling system (blower housing area) clean
to permit proper air circulation which is essential to
engine performance and life. Be certain to remove all
grass, dirt and combustible debris from muffler area.
REAR FLAP REPLACEMENT
The rear flap is attached to the back of the mower
deck, and is designed to minimize the possibility that
objects will be thrown from the rear of the mower
toward the operator. If the rear flap becomes dam-
aged, replace as follows.
To remove the old rear flap, compress the hinge
clips and remove from the slots in rear of the deck.
Attach the new rear flap by placing new spring clips
in the slots on the flap. Then compress the spring
clips and reinsert in slots in rear of deck.
BELT REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT
1. Remove the two shoulder screws from on top of
the deck which secures the belt guard to the
mower deck. See Figure 18.
Hex Head
Shoulder Screws
Belt Guard
2. Remove the belt guard from the unit by lightly
pressing inward on the sides of the belt guard.
This will release the tabs that secure the belt
guard to the height adjuster brackets.
.
See Figure 19
3. Remove the idler assembly from idler bracket
using 7/16" wrench and socket. See Figure 20.
4. Remove the belt from the transmission. See
Figure 21.
Height Adjuster
Tabs Holes
16
Figure 18
Figure 19