Air Cleaner Service; Spark Plug Service - MTD 54M Operator's Manual

For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983 For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
IMPORTANT: Used motor oil may cause skin cancer
if repeatedly left in contact with the skin for prolonged
periods. Although this is unlikely unless you handle used
oil on a daily basis, it is still advisable to thoroughly wash
your hands with soap and water as soon as possible
after handling used oil.
NOTE: Please dispose of used motor oil in a manner that
is compatible with the environment. We suggest you take
it in a sealed container to your local service station for
reclamation. Do not throw it in the trash or pour it on the
ground.

Air Cleaner Service

A dirty air cleaner will restrict air flow to the carburetor.
To prevent carburetor malfunction, service the air cleaner
regularly. Service more frequently when operating the
engine in extremely dusty areas.
WARNING: Never use gasoline or low
flash point solvents for cleaning the
air cleaner element. A fire or explosion
could result.
IMPORTANT: Never run the engine without the air
cleaner. Rapid engine wear will result.
1. Remove the wing bolt and the air cleaner cover.
Remove the elements and separate them. See Figure
10-2. Carefully check both elements for holes or tears
and replace if damaged.
2. Foam element: Wash the element in a solution of
household detergent and warm water, then rinse
thoroughly, or wash in nonflammable or high flash
point solvent. Allow the element to dry thoroughly.
Soak the element in clean engine oil and squeeze out
the excess oil. The engine will smoke during initial
start-up if too much oil is left in the foam.
3. Paper element: Tap the element lightly several times
on a hard surface to remove excess dirt, or blow
compressed air through the filter from the inside out.
Never try to brush the dirt off; brushing will force
dirt into the fibers. Replace the paper element if it is
excessively dirty.
Paper Element
Figure 10-2: Servicing the air cleaner.
Spark Plug Boot
Figure 10-3: The spark plug and boot.

Spark Plug Service

To ensure proper engine operation, the spark plug must
be properly gapped and free of deposits.
1. Remove the spark plug boot and use a spark plug
wrench to remove the plug. See Figure 10-3.
2. Visually inspect the spark plug. Discard the spark plug
if there is apparent wear, or if the insulator is cracked
or chipped. Clean the spark plug with a wire brush if it
is to be reused.
19
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Foam Element
Spark Plug
WARNING: DO NOT check for spark
with spark plug removed. DO NOT crank
engine with spark plug removed.
WARNING: If the engine has been
running, the muffler will be very hot. Be
careful not to touch the muffler.
10
Maintaining
Your
Engine
WARNING
Never use gasoline
or low flash point sol-
vents for cleaning the
air cleaner element.
A fire or explosion
could result.
DO NOT check for
spark with spark plug
removed. DO NOT
crank engine with
spark plug removed.
If the engine has
been running, the
muffler will be very
hot. Be careful not to
touch the muffler.