Maintenance - MTD 123cc Operator's Manual

Maintenance

Maintenance Schedule
Check Engine Oil Level
Change Engine Oil
Check Air Cleaner (If so equipped)
Service Air Cleaner (If so equipped)
Check Spark Plug
Replace Spark Plug
Clean Engine Shroud (If so equipped)
Clean around muffler
Periodic inspection and adjustment of the engine is essential if
high level performance is to be maintained. Regular maintenance
will also ensure a long service life. The required service intervals
and the kind of maintenance to be performed are described
in the table above. Follow the hourly or calendar intervals,
whichever occur first. More frequent service is required when
operating in adverse conditions.
WARNING!
Shut off the engine before performing
any maintenance. To prevent accidental start-up,
disconnect the spark plug boot.
NOTE: If engine must be tipped to transport equipment or to
inspect or remove grass, keep spark plug side of engine up.
Transporting or tipping engine spark plug down may cause
smoking, hard starting, spark plug fouling, or oil saturation of air
cleaner.
WARNING!
If the engine has been running, the
muffler will be very hot. Be careful not to touch the
muffler.
Checking and Changing the Engine Oil
Oil Recommendations
Refer to the viscosity chart (Fig. 6-1) for oil recommendations.
Do not over-fill. Use a 4-stroke, or an equivalent high detergent,
premium quality motor oil certified to meet or exceed
U.S. automobile manufacturer's requirements for service
classification of a minimum level SF or SG (higher letter ratings
are acceptable such as SJ, SL and SM grades). Motor oil will
display this designation on the container.
Each Use or Every Season
First 5 Hours
Every 5 Hrs. or 25 Hours
P
P
P
P
P
NOTE: Do not use non-detergent oil or 2-stroke engine oil. It
could shorten the engine's service life.
To avoid engine damage, it is important to:
• Check oil level before each use and every 5 operating hours
when the engine is warm.
• Change the oil after the first 5 operating hours and every
50 operating hours thereafter. Engine should still be warm
but NOT hot from recent use.
Every Season Every Season
or 50 Hours or 100 Hours
P
P
P
P
Figure 6-1
6
Service
Dates
13