Cleaning The Cooling System; Servicing The Brake - Toro Wheel Horse 16-38HXL Operator's Manual

7. Clean around the spark plug to prevent dirt from falling
into the engine and potentially causing damage.
8. Remove the spark plug and metal washer.
Checking the Spark Plug
1. Look at the center of the spark plug (Fig. 21). If you see
light brown or gray on the insulator, the engine is
operating properly. A black coating on the insulator
usually means the air cleaner is dirty.
2
1
Figure 21
1. Center electrode insulator
2. Side electrode
Important Never clean the spark plug. Always replace
the spark plug when it has a black coating, worn electrodes,
an oily film, or cracks.
2. Check the gap between the center and side electrodes
(Fig. 21). Bend the side electrode (Fig. 21) if the gap is
not correct.
Installing the Spark Plug
1. Install the spark plug and metal washer. Make sure that
the air gap is set correctly.
2. Tighten the spark plug to 15 ft.-lb. (20 N m).
3. Connect the wire to the spark plug (Fig. 20).
4. Close the hood.

Cleaning the Cooling System

Use a dry brush to clean grass and accumulated debris from
the engine daily.
Important
To prevent contamination of the fuel
system, do not use water to clean the engine.

Servicing the Brake

The brake is on the right side of the rear axle, inside the
rear tire (Fig. 22). If the brake does not hold securely or
stopping power is insufficient, an adjustment is required.
3
0.030 in.
(0.76 mm)
m-1870
3. Air gap (not to scale)
23
0.015 in.
(0.38 mm)
1
Figure 22
1. Brake arm spring
Checking the Brake
1. Park the tractor on a level surface.
2. Disengage the blades (PTO).
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Stop the engine.
5. Remove the ignition key.
6. Move the drive control wire to the Push position; refer
to Pushing the Tractor Manually on page 17.
7. If the rear wheels lock and skid when you push the
tractor forward, you do not need to adjust the brake. If
the wheels turn and do not lock, adjust the brake; refer
to Adjusting the Brake on page 23.
Adjusting the Brake
1. Check the brake before you adjust it; refer to Checking
the Brake on page 23.
2. Remove the brake arm spring (Fig. 22).
3. Remove the cotter pin that secures the brake adjusting
nut and slightly loosen the nut (Fig. 22).
4. Insert a 0.015 in. (0.38 mm) feeler gauge between the
brake disc and the brake puck (Fig. 22).
5. Tighten the nut until you feel a slight resistance on the
feeler gauge when you slide it in and out.
6. Install a new cotter pin and attach the brake arm spring.
7. Check the brake operation again; refer to Checking the
Brake, page 23.
Important
With the parking brake released, the rear
wheels should rotate freely when you push the tractor. If
you cannot set the 0.015 in. (0.38 mm) clearance and get
free wheel rotation, contact an Authorized Service Dealer
immediately.
2
m-4981
2. Brake adjusting nut