Toro 71257 Operator's Manual page 23

5. Remove the ignition key.
6. Open the hood.
7. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug (Figure 25).
Figure 25
1. Spark-plug wire
8. Clean around the spark plug to prevent dirt from
falling into the engine and potentially causing
damage.
9. Remove the spark plug and metal washer.
Checking the Spark Plug
Service Interval: Every 25 hours
Every 100 hours
1. Look at the center of the spark plug (Figure 26).
If you see light brown or gray on the insulator, the
engine is operating properly. A black coating on the
insulator usually means that the air cleaner is dirty.
Figure 26
1. Center electrode insulator
2. Side electrode
Important: Do not 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
(Figure 26) and bend the side electrode if the gap
is not correct.
3. Air gap (not to scale)
Installing the Spark Plug
1. Install the spark plug and metal washer.
Note: 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 (Figure 25).
4. Close the hood.
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