Maintenance & Repair Instructions; Cleaning And Storage - Troy-Bilt TB146 EC Operator's Manual

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
WARNING:
To prevent serious injury, never perform maintenance or repairs with unit running. Always
service and repair a cool unit. Disconnect the spark plug wire to ensure that the unit cannot start.
Perform these required maintenance procedures at the frequency stated in the table. These procedures should also be
a part of any seasonal tune-up.
NOTE: Some maintenance procedures may require special tools or skills. If unsure about these procedures take the
unit to any non-road engine repair establishment, individual or authorized service dealer.
NOTE: Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emission control devices and system may be performed by any
non-road engine repair establishment, individual or authorized service dealer.
FREQUENCY MAINTENANCE REQUIRED
Fill fuel tank with fresh fuel
Before starting engine
Check oil
Every 10 hours Clean and re-oil air filter
1st change at 10 hours Change oil
Every 25 hours after Clean spark arrestor
10 hours on new engine Check rocker arm to valve clearance and adjust
Every 25 hours Check spark plug condition and gap
TINE REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT
WARNING:
To prevent serious personal injury, always wear heavy gloves when handling the tines.
All tines should be replaced at the same time as they will wear evenly through normal use. Work on one side at a time.
1. Make sure the unit is off.
NOTE: It may be necessary to lay the cultivator back in a horizontal position on a flat level surface with the upper
handle touching the ground. It may also be necessary to wash any dirt off the tines and shaft for ease of
removal.
2. Remove the clip from the cotter pin that is
between the 2 outer tines (Fig. 14)
3. Remove the cotter pin and slide the tines off of
the shaft (Fig. 13).
4. Clean and oil the shaft.
5. Slide on the new tines with the hubs facing
each other (Fig. 13).
NOTE: Make sure the single tine goes on the
tine shaft first with the double tines on
the outside and holes on the outer tines are aligned with the outer hole on the shaft (Fig. 13).
6. Secure the new tines to the shaft by sliding the cotter pin into the holes between the 2 outer tines (Fig. 14)
7. Insert the clip into the cotter pin to secure the tines.
8. Repeat step 2 through 7 for the opposite side.
CHECKING THE OIL LEVEL
WARNING:
To prevent extensive engine wear and damage to the unit, always maintain the proper oil
level in the crankcase. Never operate the unit with a low oil level.
The importance of checking and maintaining the
proper oil level in the crankcase cannot be
overemphasized. Check oil before each use:
1. Stop the engine and allow oil to drain into the
crankcase.
2. Place the unit in a horizontal position to get a
proper oil level reading (Fig. 15).
3. Keep dirt, grass clippings and other debris out
of the engine. Clean the area around the
dipstick before removing it.
4. Remove the oil fill plug.
5. Look into the oil fill hole, use a flashlight if needed. The oil should be just touching the inner most thread (Fig. 16).
6. If the oil level is not touching the inner most thread on the oil fill hole, add a small amount of oil to the oil fill hole
and recheck (Fig. 16). Repeat this procedure until the oil level reaches the inner most thread on the oil fill hole.
NOTE: Do not overfill the unit.
NOTE: Make sure the O-ring is in place on the oil fill plug when checking and changing the oil (Fig. 17).
CHANGING THE OIL
WARNING:
To avoid serious personal injury, always turn the unit off and allow it to cool before
cleaning or servicing it.
For a new engine, change the oil after the first 10
hours of operation. Change the oil while the engine
is still warm. The oil will flow freely and carry away
more impurities.
1. Unplug spark plug boot to prevent accidental
starting.
2. Remove the oil fill plug (Fig. 17).
3. Pour the oil out of the oil fill hole and into a
container by tipping the unit to a vertical
position (Fig. 18). Allow ample time for
complete drainage.
4. Wipe up any oil residue on the unit and clean up any oil that may have spilled.
Dispose of the oil according to Federal, State and local regulations.
5. Refill the crankcase with 3.04 fluid ounce (90 ml) of SAE 30 SF, SG, SH oil.
NOTE: Use the bottle and spout saved from initial use to measure the correct
amount of oil. The top of the label on the bottle measures approximately
3.04 ounces (90 ml) (Fig. 19). Check the level, See Checking the Oil Level.
If the level is low, add a small amount of oil and recheck. Do not overfill
(Fig. 16).
6. Replace the oil fill plug.
7. Reconnect the spark plug boot.
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
WARNING:
To avoid serious personal injury, always turn the unit off and allow it to cool before
cleaning or servicing it.
Cleaning the Air Filter
Clean and re-oil the air filter every 10 hours of
operation. It is an important item to maintain.
Failure to maintain the air filter properly can result
in poor performance or can cause permanent
damage to the engine.
1. Open the air filter cover. Push the tab on the
under side of the cover inward. Then pull the air
filter cover out and up. (Fig. 20).
2. Remove the air filter (Fig. 20).
3. Wash the filter in detergent and water (Fig. 21).
Rinse the filter thoroughly and allow it to dry.
4. Apply enough clean SAE 30 motor oil to lightly
coat the filter (Fig. 22).
5. Squeeze the filter to spread and remove excess
oil (Fig. 23).
6. Replace the filter (Fig. 20).
NOTE: Operating the unit without the air filter,
will VOID the warranty.
7. Reinstall the air filter cover. Position the slots on
the top of the air filter cover onto the tabs at the top of the back plate (Fig. 20).
8. Swing the cover down until the tab on the air filter backplate snaps into place in the slot on the air filter cover (Fig. 20).
CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT
The idle speed of the engine is adjustable. An idle adjustment screw is between the air filter cover and the engine
starter housing (Fig. 24).
NOTE: Careless adjustments can seriously damage the unit. An authorized service dealer should make carburetor
adjustments.
Check Fuel
Old fuel is usually the reason for improper unit performance. Drain and refill the tank with fresh fuel prior to making any
adjustments. Refer to Oil and Fuel Information.
Clean Air Filter
The condition of the air filter is important to the operation of the unit. A dirty air filter will restrict air flow. This is often
mistaken for an out of adjustment carburetor. Check the condition of the air filter before adjusting the idle speed screw.
Refer to Air Filter Maintenance.
4
Outer
Inner Hubs
Cotter Pin
Tines
Tine
Tine
Shaft
Clip
Align Holes
Fig. 13 Fig. 14
Fig. 15 Fig. 16
Oil Plug
O-Ring
Oil Fill Hole
Fig. 17
Fig. 18
Fig. 19
Air Filter Cover
Hooks
Slot
Air Filter Tab
Fig. 20 Fig. 21
Fig. 22 Fig. 23
ADJUST IDLE SPEED SCREW
WARNING:
all safety instructions to prevent serious personal injury.
If, after checking the fuel and cleaning the air filter, the engine still will not idle, adjust
the idle speed screw as follows:
1. Start the engine and let it run at a high idle for a minute to warm up. Refer to
Starting/Stopping Instructions.
2. Release the throttle trigger and let the engine idle. If the engine stops, insert a
small phillips in between the Air Filter Cover and the Engine Cover (Fig. 24). Turn
the idle speed screw in, clockwise, 1/8 of a turn at a time (as needed) until the
engine idles smoothly.
SEE
NOTE: The tines should not rotate when the engine idles.
p. 3
3. If the tines rotates when the engine idles, turn the idle speed screw
p. 4
counterclockwise 1/8 of a turn at a time (as needed), to reduce idle speed.
p. 5
Checking the fuel, cleaning the air filter, and adjusting the idle speed should solve most engine problems. If not and all
of the following are true:
p. 4
• the engine will not idle
p. 4
• the engine hesitates or stalls on acceleration
p. 4
• there is a loss of engine power
p. 4
Have the carburetor adjusted by an authorized service dealer.
ROCKER ARM CLEARANCE
WARNING:
cleaning or servicing it.
This requires disassembly of the engine. If unsure or unqualified to perform this task, take the unit to an authorized
service center.
NOTE: Inspect the valve to rocker arm
clearance with a feeler gauge after the
first 10 hours of operation and every 25
hours of operation.
• The engine must be cold when checking or
adjusting the valve clearance.
• This task should be performed inside, in a
clean, dust free area.
1. Remove the six (6) screws on the back of the
engine cover with a Flat-head or T-25 Torx
screwdriver (Fig. 25).
2. Disconnect the spark plug wire.
3. Clean dirt from around the spark plug. Remove
the spark plug from the cylinder head by
turning a 5/8 in. socket counterclockwise.
4. Remove the engine cover (Fig. 25).
5. Clean dirt from around the rocker arm cover.
Remove the screw holding the rocker arm
cover with a large flat blade screwdriver or Torx
T-25 bit (Fig. 26). Remove the rocker arm cover and gasket.
6. Pull the starter rope slowly to bring the piston to the top of its travel, (known as top dead center). Check that:
• The piston is at the top of its travel while looking in the spark plug hole (Fig. 26).
Oil Full Line
• Both rocker arms move freely, and both valves are closed.
If these statements are not true, repeat this step.
7. Slide the feeler gauge between the rocker arm and the valve return spring. Measure the clearance between the
valve stem and rocker arm (Fig. 27). Measure both the intake and exhaust valves.
The recommended clearance for both intake and exhaust is .003 – .006 in. (.076 – 0.152 mm). Use a standard
automotive .005 in. (0.127 mm) feeler gauge. The feeler gauge should slide between the rocker arm and valve stem
with a slight amount of resistance, without binding. See Figures 27 and 28.
8. If the clearance is not within specification:
a. Turn the adjusting nut using a 5/16 inch (8 mm) wrench or nut driver (Fig. 28).
• To increase clearance, turn the adjusting nut counterclockwise.
• To decrease clearance, turn the adjusting nut clockwise.
b. Recheck both clearances, and adjust as necessary.
9. Reinstall the rocker arm cover using a new gasket. Torque the screw to 20–30 in•lb (2.2–3.4 N•m).
10. Check the spark plug and reinstall. See Replacing the Spark Plug.
11. Replace the spark plug wire.
12. Reinstall the engine cover. Check alignment of the cover before tightening the screws. Tighten screws.
REPLACING THE SPARK PLUG
Use a replacement part 769-05255 or a Champion® ref. #RDZ19H spark plug. The correct air gap is 0.025 in. (0.635
mm.). Remove the plug after every 25 hours of operation and check its condition.
1. Stop the engine and allow it to cool. Remove the six (6) screws on the back of the engine cover with a Flat-head or
T-25 Torx screwdriver (Fig. 25).
2. Grasp the plug wire firmly and pull the cap from the spark plug.
WARNING: Do not sand blast, scrape or clean electrodes. Grit in the
engine could damage the cylinder.
3. Clean dirt from around the spark plug. Remove the spark plug from the cylinder
head by turning a 5/8 in. socket counterclockwise.
4. Replace cracked, fouled or dirty spark plug. Set the air gap at 0.025 in. (0.635 mm)
Oil Bottle Fill Line
using a feeler gauge (Fig. 29).
5. Install a correctly-gapped spark plug in the cylinder head. Turn the 5/8 in. socket clockwise until snug.
If using a torque wrench torque to: 110-120 in.•lb. (12.3-13.5 N•m)
Do not over tighten.
SPARK ARRESTOR MAINTENANCE
1. Remove the rear engine cover. See Rocker Arm Clearance.
2. With a flat blade screwdriver or Torx T-20 bit and a T-25 bit, remove the screws
attaching the spark arrestor cover to the muffler (Fig. 30).
3. Pull the tab on the spark arrestor cover out of the muffler. Remove the spark
arrestor cover.
4. Remove the spark arrestor screen from the spark arrestor cover.
5. Clean the spark arrestor screen with a wire brush or replace it.
6. Reinstall the spark arrestor screen, spark arrestor cover and screws.
CLEANING
WARNING:
cleaning or servicing it.
Use a small brush to clean off the outside of the unit. Do not use strong detergents. Household cleaners that contain
aromatic oils such as pine and lemon, and solvents such as kerosene, can damage plastic housing or handle. Wipe off
any moisture with a soft cloth.
STORAGE
• Never store the unit with fuel in the tank where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.
• Allow the engine to cool before storing.
• Lock up the unit to prevent unauthorized use or damage.
• Store the unit in a dry, well-ventilated area.
• Store the unit out of the reach of children.
LONG TERM STORAGE
1. Drain all gasoline from the gas tank into a container. Do not use gas that has been stored for more than 60 days.
Dispose of the old gasoline in accordance to Federal, State, and Local regulations.
2. Start the engine and allow it to run until it stalls. This ensures that all gasoline has been drained from the carburetor.
3. Allow the engine to cool. Remove the spark plug and put 5 drops of high quality motor oil into the cylinder. Pull the
starter rope slowly to distribute the oil. Reinstall the spark plug.
NOTE: Remove the spark plug and drain all of the oil from the cylinder before attempting to start the unit after
storage.
4. Change the oil, referring to Changing the Oil. Dispose of the old oil in accordance to Federal, State and Local
regulations.
5. Thoroughly clean the unit and inspect for any loose or damaged parts. Repair or replace damaged parts and
tighten loose screws, nuts or bolts. The unit is ready for storage.
TRANSPORTING
• Allow the engine to cool before transporting.
• Secure the unit while transporting.
• Drain the gas tank before transporting.
• Tighten gas cap before transporting
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
The tines may spin during idle speed adjustments. Wear protective clothing and observe
To avoid serious personal injury, always turn the unit off and allow it to cool before
Screws
Fig. 25
Feeler
Gauge
Intake
Exhaust
Fig. 27
To avoid serious personal injury, always turn the unit off and allow it to cool before
Idle Adjustment Screw
Fig. 24
Screws
Rocker
Arm Cover
Spark
Plug
Hole
Screws
Fig. 26
Adjustment Nut
Rocker
Arm
0.003 - 0.006 in.
(0.076 -0.152mm)
Valve
Fig. 28
0.025 in.
(0.635 mm.)
Fig. 29
Muffler
Spark Arrestor
Screen
Cover
T-25
Screw
Slot
T-20 Screw
Fig. 30