Maintenance And Repair Instructions; Cleaning And Storage - Cub Cadet BV428 Operator's Manual

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
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 such as replacement or
repair of the emission control devices and system. If unsure about these procedures or tools
are not available; take the unit to a qualified service dealer. Call 1-877-282-8684 for more
information.
NOTE:
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emission control devices and system may be
performed by a qualified service dealer.
NOTE: Please read the EPA statement that came with the unit for a complete listing of terms and
coverage for the emissions control devices, such as the spark arrestor, muffler, carburetor,
etc.
FREQUENCY MAINTENANCE REQUIRED
Every 10 hours Clean air filter
After the first 10 Change oil
hours and every
Check rocker arm to valve clearance and adjust
40 hours
Check spark plug condition and gap
CHECKING THE 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 engine on a level surface.
3. Clean the area around the oil plug before removing it. Keep
dirt, grass clippings, and other debris out of the engine.
4. Remove the oil plug (Fig. 22).
5. Look into the oil fill hole (use a flashlight if needed). The oil
should be just touching the innermost thread (Fig. 21).
6. If the oil level is not touching the innermost thread on the oil fill
hole, add a small amount of oil to the oil fill hole and recheck
(Fig. 21). Repeat this procedure until the oil level reaches the
innermost thread on the oil fill hole.
NOTE:
Do not overfill the unit.
NOTE: Make sure the O-ring is in place on the oil plug when
checking and changing the oil (Fig. 22).
CHANGING THE OIL
Change the oil while the engine is still warm. The oil will flow freely
and carry away more impurities.
1. Remove the oil fill plug.
2. Pour the oil out of the oil fill hole and into a container by
tipping the unit to a vertical position (Fig. 23). Allow ample
time for complete drainage.
3. 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.
4. Refill the crankcase with 2.03 fl.oz. (60 ml) of SAE 30 SJ oil
(Fig. 25).
NOTE:
Use the bottle and spout saved from initial use to
measure the correct amount of oil. The fill line on the
bottle's label measures approximately 2.03 fl.oz. (60 ml)
(Fig. 24).
5. Check the level, See Checking the Oil Level.
6. Once full, replace the oil plug.
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
WARNING:
To avoid serious personal injury,
always turn the unit off and allow it to cool before
cleaning or maintaining it.
Cleaning the Air Filter
Failure to maintain the air filter will VOID the warranty.
1. To open the air filter cover, push the tab on the left side of the
cover inward and pull the air filter cover slightly out and to the
right (Fig. 26).
2. Remove the air filter (Fig. 26).
3. Wash the filter in detergent and water. Making sure to rinse the
filter thoroughly and allow it to dry.
4. Lightly coat the filter with clean SAE 30 motor oil.
5. Squeeze the filter to spread and remove excess oil.
6. Replace the filter.
NOTE: Operating the unit without the air filter will VOID the
warranty.
7. To reinstall the air filter cover, position the hooks on the right
side of the air filter cover into the slots at the right side of the
back plate (Fig. 26).
8. Swing the cover to the left and press closed so the air filter cover tab snaps into the slot on the
back plate (Fig. 26).
IDLE SPEED 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. 27).
NOTE:
Careless adjustments can seriously damage to the unit. A qualified service dealer should
make carburetor adjustments.
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 warm up according to the Starting/Stopping Instructions.
2. Release the trigger and let the engine idle. If the engine stops, insert a small Phillips screwdriver in
between the air filter cover and the engine cover (Fig. 27). Turn the idle speed screw 1/8 of a turn
clockwise at a time until the engine idles smoothly.
3. If the engine appears to be idling too fast, turn the idle speed screw counterclockwise 1/8 of a
turn at a time (as needed), to reduce idle speed.
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:
the engine will not idle
•
the engine hesitates or stalls on acceleration
•
there is a loss of engine power
•
take the unit to a qualified service dealer.
ROCKER ARM CLEARANCE
This requires disassembly of the engine. If you feel unsure or
unqualified to perform this, take the unit to a qualified service dealer.
WARNING:
To avoid serious personal injury, always turn the unit off and allow it to cool
before cleaning or maintaining it.
The engine must be cold when checking or adjusting the rocker arm clearance.
•
This task should be performed inside, in a clean, dust free area.
•
1. Remove the 8 engine cover screws with the appropriate tool (Fig. 28), then remove the cover.
NOTE:
Make sure to store the screws so that they can be reinstalled into their original holes.
2. Disconnect the spark plug wire.
3. Clean dirt from around the spark plug and rocker arm cover.
Remove the spark plug from the cylinder by turning a 5/8 in.
socket counterclockwise.
4. Remove the screw holding the rocker arm cover with the
appropriate tool (Fig. 29). Remove the rocker arm cover and
gasket.
5. Turn the flywheel slowly to bring the piston to the top of its
MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
If these statements are not true, repeat this step.
6. Slide the feeler gauge between the rocker arm and the valve
The recommended clearance for both intake and exhaust is
0.003 – 0.006 in. (0.076 – 0.152 mm). Use a standard automotive
0.005 in. (0.127 mm) feeler gauge. The feeler gauge should slide
between the rocker arm and valve stem with a slight amount of
SEE
resistance, without binding. See Figure 30.
p. 5
7. If the clearance is not within specification:
p. 5
a. Turn the adjusting nut using a 5/16 inch (8 mm) wrench or nut
p. 5
p. 5
b. Recheck both clearances, and adjust as necessary.
8. Reinstall the rocker arm cover using a new gasket (Fig. 29). Torque the screw to: 20–30 in•lb
Oil Fill Line
9. Check the spark plug and reinstall. See Replacing the Spark Plug.
10. Reinstall the spark plug wire.
11. Reinstall the engine cover. Check alignment of the cover before tightening the screws. Tighten screws.
Fig. 21
NOTE:
Oil Plug
REPLACING THE SPARK PLUG
O-Ring
Use a replacement part number 753-05784 or Champion spark
plug #RDZ4H. The correct spark gap is 0.025 in. (0.635 mm).
1. Stop the engine and allow it to cool.
2. Open the spark plug cover (Fig. 31).
Oil Fill Hole
3. Grasp the plug wire firmly and pull the cap from the spark plug.
4. Clean dirt from around the spark plug. Remove the spark
Fig. 22
5. Replace cracked, fouled or dirty spark plug. Set the spark gap
6. Install a correctly-gapped spark plug in the cylinder head. Turn
7. Reinstall the spark plug cover.
Fig. 23
If using a torque wrench, torque to:
110-120 in.•lb. (12.3-13.5 N•m)
Do not over tighten.
Fill Level
Fig. 24
CLEANING
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
•
•
Fig. 25
•
•
•
Long Term Storage
1. Drain all gasoline from the gas tank into a container. Do not use gas that has been stored for more
2. Start the engine and allow it to run until it stalls. This ensures that all gasoline has been drained
Slot Tab
Air Filter Air Filter Cover
3. Allow the engine to cool. Remove the spark plug and put 5 drops of high quality motor oil into the
Fig. 26
NOTE:
4. Change the oil, referring to Changing the Oil. Dispose of the old oil in accordance with federal,
5. Thoroughly clean the unit and inspect for any loose or damaged parts. Repair or replace damaged
Idle Adjustment
Screw
Fig. 27
Screws
Screws
Fig. 28
travel (known as top dead center). Check that:
The piston is at the top of its travel by looking in the spark
•
plug hole (Fig. 29)
Both rocker arms move freely, and both valves are closed.
•
return spring. Measure the clearance between the valve stem
and rocker arm (Fig. 30). Measure both the intake and exhaust
valves.
driver (Fig. 30).
To increase clearance, turn the adjusting nut
•
counterclockwise.
To decrease clearance, turn the adjusting nut clockwise.
•
(2.2–3.4 N•m).
Make sure that the screws are reinstalled into their
original holes (Fig. 28).
plug from the cylinder head by turning a 5/8 in. socket
counterclockwise.
WARNING:
Do not sand blast, scrape or clean spark plug electrodes. Grit in the engine
could damage the cylinder.
at 0.025 in. (0.635 mm) using a feeler gauge (Fig. 32).
the 5/8 in. socket clockwise until snug.

CLEANING AND 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 are a.
Store the unit out of the reach of children.
than 30 days. Dispose of the old gasoline in accordance with federal, state and local regulations.
from the carburetor.
cylinder. Pull the starter rope slowly to distribute the oil. Reinstall the spark plug.
Remove the spark plug and drain all of the oil from the cylinder before attempting to start
the blower after storage.
state and local regulations.
parts and tighten loose screws, nuts or bolts. The unit is ready for storage.
Rocker
Arm
Cover
Screw
Spark
Plug
Hole
Fig. 29
Adjustment Nut Rocker Arm
0.003–0.006 in.
(0.076–0.152 mm)
Valve
Feeler Gauge
Stem
Fig. 30
Fig. 31
0.025 in.
(0.635 mm)
Fig. 32
5