Check Mower Blade; Check Engine To Transmission Drive Belt; Service - Annually; Engine - Snapper ELP21703BV Safety Instructions & Operator's Manual

Section 3 - MAINTENANCE
WARNING
DO NOT attempt any maintenance, adjustments or
service with engine and blade running. STOP engine
and blade. Remove key. Disconnect spark plug wire
and secure away from spark plug. Engine and
components are HOT. Avoid serious burns, allow
sufficient time for all components to cool. Wear
heavy leather gloves when handling or working
around cutting blades. Blades are extremely sharp
and can cause severe injury.

3.2.4. CHECK MOWER BLADE

1. Disconnect spark plug wire and secure end
away from plug.
2. Tilt mower up on its rear wheels for access to
the blade cap screw. See Figure 3.2.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT tip machine with carburetor or
spark plug down. Oil from crankcase will saturate the air
filter and cause the engine to be hard to start or not start
at all. If contamination does occur, the air filter will have to
be replaced.
3. Check torque of blade retaining cap screw.
Recommended torque should be 30 to 40 ft. lbs.
See Figure 3.2.
4. Check blade for sharpness, wear and damage.
Refer to Section "BLADE WEAR LIMITS".
3.2.5. CHECK ENGINE to TRANSMISSION
DRIVE BELT
1. Visually check belt for cracking, fraying, severed
or belt strands exposed. Replace belt before
operating mower. Refer to Section "BELT SERVICE"
for replacement instructions.
TILT MOWER UP ON ITS BACK WHEELS!
BLADE
RETAINING CAP
SCREWS
FIGURE 3.2

3.3 SERVICE - ANNUALLY

Perform all maintenance as described in the maintenance
schedule.

3.3.1. Engine

Service engine according to engine owner's manual.

3.3.2. Air Filter

Refer to engine owner's manual for service
instructions.

3.3.3. Engine Oil

Refer to engine owner's manual for service
instructions.

3.4 STORAGE PROCEDURE

Refer to the Engine Owner's Manual for directions
regarding engine storage preparations. Prepare the
mower for "end of season" storage as follows:
1. Drain fuel from fuel tank and let engine run until
all fuel is out of the carburetor.
2. Disconnect and remove the spark plug wire
away from spark plug before any other
preparations are made!
3. Tape all openings closed to prevent spraying
water into exhaust or air intakes during washing.
4. Tilt mower up on its rear wheels and thoroughly
clean the underside of the deck. Do not tilt mower
with spark plug or carburetor down. Scrape away
any accumulation of grass with a putty knife and or
wire brush.
5. Lubricate all exposed metal with a light coating
of oil to prevent corrosion.
6. Loosen handle knobs. Carefully fold the handles
forward, "flexing" the control cables to prevent
cable damage.
7. Store the mower in a shed or other dry area,
protected from weather.
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