Fuel System Maintenance; Draining The Fuel Tank; Replacing The Fuel Filter - Toro 74408 Operator's Manual

Checking the Spark Plugs
Service Interval: Every 100 hours
1. Look at the center of the spark plugs (Figure 35).
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.
2. If needed, clean the spark plug with a wire brush to
remove carbon deposits.
Figure 35
1. Center electrode insulator
2. Side electrode
Important: Always replace the spark plugs
when it has a black coating, worn electrodes,
an oily film, or cracks.
3. Check the gap between the center and side electrodes
(Figure 35). Bend the side electrode (Figure 35) if
the gap is not correct.
Installing the Spark Plugs
1. Install the spark plugs and the metal washer. Ensure
that the air gap is set correctly.
2. Tighten the spark plugs to 16 ft-lb (22 N•m).
3. Connect the wires to the spark plugs (Figure 35).
3. Air gap (not to scale)
Fuel System
Maintenance

Draining the Fuel Tank

In certain conditions, gasoline is extremely
flammable and highly explosive. A fire or
explosion from gasoline can burn you and
others and can damage property.
• Drain gasoline from the fuel tank when the
engine is cold. Do this outdoors in an open
area. Wipe up any gasoline that spills.
• Never smoke when draining gasoline, and
stay away from an open flame or where a
spark may ignite the gasoline fumes.
1. Park the machine on a level surface, to ensure that
the fuel tank drains completely.
2. Disengage the blade control switch and move the
control levers to the neutral locked position and
apply the parking brake.
3. Stop the engine, remove the key, and wait for all
moving parts to stop before leaving the operating
position.
4. Close the fuel shut-off valve located under the front
of the fuel tank.
5. Loosen the hose clamp at the fuel filter and slide it
up the fuel line away from the fuel filter (Figure 36).
6. Pull the fuel line off of the fuel filter (Figure 36).
7. Open the fuel shut-off valve. Allow gasoline to drain
into a gas can or drain pan.
Note: Now is the best time to install a new fuel
filter because the fuel tank is empty.

Replacing the Fuel Filter

Service Interval: Every 200 hours or yearly, whichever
occurs first.
Never install a dirty filter if it is removed from the fuel
line.
1. Disengage the blade control switch and move the
control levers to the neutral locked position and
apply the parking brake.
2. Stop the engine, remove the key, and wait for all
moving parts to stop before leaving the operating
position.
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