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Section 5: Maintenance
WARNING
Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for moving parts to stop, dis-
connect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.
2. When servicing the underside of the
mower, the mower should be tipped only
in the direction of the muffler. Tipping
the mower away from the muffler could
result in engine damage or difficult
starting.
SPARK PLUG SERVICE
Inspect and clean or replace the spark
plug after every 100 operating hours or
annually. Set the gap as described in the
separate Engine Owner's Manual.
In some areas, local law requires using
resistor spark plugs to suppress ignition
signals. If the engine was originally
equipped with a resistor spark plug,
replace with the same type.
CLEANING THE ENGINE
The engine must be kept clean to insure
smooth operation and to prevent damage
from overheating. Refer to the Engine
Owner's Manual for more information.
CLEANING UNDER
THE MOWER HOUSING
Check the mower regularly for grass
build-up. Cleaning under the mower deck
should be done after (rather than before)
operating the mower, as grass is moist
and removed more easily.
1. Tip mower towards the muffler onto
its side. See Tipping the Mower for
Service in this Section.
2. Brush or scrape off grass build-up.
CLEANING THE GRASS CATCHER
Bag cleanliness affects collection perfor-
mance as a dirty bag will restrict air flow.
Clean the Grass Catcher bag annually,
more often in dusty environments.
IMPORTANT: Do not wash or dry the
Grass Catcher in a washing machine or
dryer.
1. To clean the bag, remove it from the
mower and hand wash the fabric with
mild detergent.
16
DANGER
Before servicing the underside of the
mower:
• MOVING PARTS HAZARD!
Stop engine, wait for all parts to stop
moving, and disconnect spark plug
wire.
• FIRE - EXPLOSION HAZARD!
Gasoline is highly flammable and its
vapors are explosive.
1. Drain fuel into an approved con-
tainer outdoors, away from open
flame.
2. Be sure engine and muffler are
cool before draining gasoline.
3. Do not smoke.
Failure to comply with the above can
result in serious personal injury and
property damage.
2. Rinse the bag thoroughly with clean
water and allow to dry completely before
using. Do not use a damp bag.
CLEANING UNDER BELT COVER
Check underside of belt cover for grass
clippings every 10 hours of use.
1. Remove the belt cover. See
Removing the Belt Cover in this Section.
2. Remove any grass clippings or debris.
3. Replace belt cover. See Replacing the
Belt Cover in this Section.
SPARK ARRESTER
SCREEN SERVICE
If the engine muffler is equipped with a
spark arrester screen, remove and clean it
according to the time intervals and
instructions in the separate Engine
Owner's Manual.
CARBURETOR/GOVERNOR
CONTROL ADJUSTMENTS
The carburetor was adjusted at the
factory for best operating speed. Refer to
the separate Engine Owner's Manual for
any adjustment information or see your
authorized engine service dealer.
The governor controls the maximum safe
operating speed and protects the engine
and all moving parts from damage caused
by overspeeding. Do not tamper with the
engine governor settings. Seek autho-
rized service if a problem exists.
MOWER BLADE MAINTENANCE
Blade Inspection
1. Tip mower towards the muffler onto
its side. See Tipping the Mower for
Service in this Section.
WARNING
Never reach under mower deck while
the engine is running. Mower blade
rotates at all times while engine is
running and up to 3 seconds after it is
shut off.
2. Inspect periodically for a dull or
slightly nicked blade. Sharpen if needed.
Also check for a deformed, cracked, or
excessively worn blade (Figure 5-2). Do
not use the mower if any of these condi-
tions exist. Replace the blade immedi-
ately.
3. Check the blade screw for tightness.
If loose, tighten to 35 ft-lbs with a 3/4"
torque wrench.
New Blade
Damaged Blade
Replace if separation
Replace blade immediately if cracked,
begins to form.
deformed or badly nicked.
Figure 5-2: Mower blade inspection.
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