Spark Plug Maintenance - Ryobi RLM46160S Original Instructions Manual

For proper performance and long life, keep the air filter
clean.
■ Stop the product. Make sure that all moving parts have
come to a complete stop. Allow the product to cool
down. Disconnect the spark plug wire.
■ Remove the air filter cover by pushing in on the latch
with your thumb while gently pulling on the cover.
■ Remove the air filter element for inspection.
■ After removing the air filter element, most debris can be
removed by tapping it gently against a hard surface, or
brushing the surface lightly.
NOTE: A dirty air filter element will restrict air flow and
may result in damage to the engine. Air filter element
life is dependant upon the environment in which the
mower is used, and it should be inspected & cleaned
regularly and replaced when dirty.
■ Reinstall the cleaned or new air filter element into the
air filter base.
■ Replace and secure the air filter cover.
NOTE: The filter should be replaced annually for best
performance or sooner, if necessary.
FUEL CAP
WARNING
A leaking fuel cap is a fire hazard and must be replaced
immediately.
A clogged fuel cap will cause poor engine performance.
If performance improves when the fuel cap is loosened,
check valve may be faulty or clogged. Replace fuel cap if
required.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL
See figure 14.
■ Stop the product. Make sure that all moving parts have
come to a complete stop. Allow the product to cool
down. Disconnect the spark plug wire.
■ Ensure the fuel tank is completely empty before tipping
the unit over; otherwise, fuel will leak out.
■ Engine oil should be changed after every 20 hours of
use. Change the oil while the engine oil is still warm,
but not hot. This allows the oil to drain quickly and
completely.
■ Remove the oil fill cap/dipstick.
■ Tip mower onto its side and allow oil to drain from the oil
fill hole into an approved container.
■ Place mower upright and refill with oil following the
instructions in the Adding/Checking Oil section.
NOTE: Used oil should be disposed of at an approved
disposal site. See your local oil retailer for more information.

SPARK PLUG MAINTENANCE

See figure 12.
The spark plug must be properly gapped and free of
deposits in order to ensure proper engine operation. To
check:
■ Stop the product. Make sure that all moving parts have
come to a complete stop. Allow the product to cool
down. Disconnect the spark plug wire.
■ Remove spark plug boot.
■ Clean any dirt from around base of spark plug.
■ Remove spark plug using a 13/16 in. spark plug socket
(not provided).
■ Inspect spark plug for damage, and clean with a wire
brush before reinstalling. If insulator is cracked or
chipped, spark plug should be replaced.
NOTE: The recommended spark plug models are Torch
F7RTC or NGK BPR6ES.
■ Measure plug gap. The correct gap is 0.71 mm −
0.79 mm. To widen gap, if necessary, carefully bend
the ground (top) electrode. To lessen gap, gently tap
ground electrode on a hard surface.
■ Seat spark plug in position; thread in by hand to prevent
cross-threading.
■ Tighten with wrench to compress washer. If spark plug
is new, use 1/2 turn to compress washer appropriate
amount. If reusing old spark plug, use 1/8 to 1/4 turn for
proper washer compression.
NOTE: An improperly tightened spark plug will become
very hot and could damage the engine.
■ Reinstall spark plug boot.
DRIVE GEAR MAINTENANCE
See figure 15.
To ensure smooth operation of the wheels, the wheel
assembly should be cleaned before storage.
■ Remove the spat (hub cap).
■ Remove the nut and wheel and set aside.
■ Remove the e-ring, pins, and wheel gear. Clean any
dirt from these items and the end of the drive shaft by
wiping with a dry cloth. If necessary, rubbing alcohol
may be used to remove any stubborn dirt.
CAUTION: Do not lubricate any of the wheel components
Lubrication may cause the wheel components to fail during
use, which could result in mower damage.
■ Reinstall the wheel gear with the arrows facing the front
of the mower. Reinstall the pins and e-ring.
■ Reinstall the wheel and nut. Tighten nut to secure.
■ Assemble the spat (hub cap).
User Manual
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