Toro 74253 Operator's Manual page 33

Removing the Spark Plug
1. Disengage the PTO, move the motion control levers
to the neutral locked position and set the parking
brake.
2. Stop the engine, remove the key, and wait for all
moving parts to stop before leaving the operating
position.
3. Pull the wire(s) off the spark plug(s) (Figure 39).
Now clean around the spark plug(s) to prevent dirt
from falling into the engine and potentially causing
damage.
4. Remove the spark plug(s) and metal washer.
Figure 39
1. Spark plug wire
Checking the Spark Plug
Service Interval: Every 100 hours
1. Look at the center of the spark plug(s) (Figure 40).
If you see light brown or gray on the insulator, the
engine is operating properly. A black coating on the
insulator usually means the air cleaner is dirty.
Important: Never clean the spark plug(s).
Always replace the spark plug(s) when it has: a
black coating, worn electrodes, an oily film, or
cracks.
Figure 40
1. Canter electrode insulator
2. Side electrode
2. Spark plug
3. Air gap (not to scale)
2. Check the gap between the center and side electrodes
(Figure 40). Bend the side electrode (Figure 40) if
the gap is not correct.
Installing the Spark Plug
1. Install the spark plug(s). Make sure the air gap is set
correctly.
2. Tighten the spark plug(s) to 16 ft.-lb (22 N⋅m).
3. Push the wire(s) onto the spark plug(s) (Figure 39).
33