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Section 5: Maintenance
A
WARNING
Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to come
to a complete stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition
key on electric start models.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.
CHECKING AND ADJUSTING
FORWARD DRIVE BELT TENSION
Maintaining correct tension on the
forward drive belt is important to good
tilling performance and long belt life.
A loose belt will slip on the engine and
transmission pulleys and cause the tines
and wheels to slow down - or stop com¬
pletely - even though the engine is
running at full speed. A belt that is too
tight can result in unintentional tine
movement when the clutch bail is in the
Neutral (released) position.
Also check the belt for cracks, cuts or
frayed edges and replace it as soon as
possible.
• Check belt tension after the first two
hours of break-in operation (new belt).
• Check belt tension after every 10
operating hours.
To Check Forward Belt Tension:
1. Stop the engine, wait for all parts to
stop moving and disconnect the spark
plug wire.
2. With the forward clutch bail in an open
(released) position, measure and carefully
note the overall length of the cable spring
(A, Figure 5-4) by measuring from the
outermost coil to the outermost coil.
3. Lift and hold the forward clutch bail
against the handlebar (see Figure 5-4) and
re-measure the overall length of the coils
while the spring is under tension. The belt
tension is correct if this second measure¬
ment is between 1/16" -to- 3/16'' longer
than the first measurement.
4. If the spring is too short (less than
1/16" greater than the first measurement),
the tension is too loose. If the spring is
too long (more than 3/16" greater than the
first measurement), the tension is too
tight.
5. To adjust the length of the spring:
a. Release the Forward Clutch Bail.
b. Unthread the hex nut (C, Figure 5-4)
about halfway up the adjustment
screw (D).
c. Unhook the top of the spring from
the forward clutch bail.
d. Use pliers to prevent the adjuster (B)
from turning and turn the slotted
screw located inside the screw
clockwise (viewed from operator's
position) to increase tension on the
spring. Turn the screw counter¬
clockwise to decrease tension on the
spring. Once adjusted, re-hook the
top of the spring to the forward
clutch bail. (Continue to Step 5e.)
e. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 to re-measure
the length of the spring coils. When
the second measurement (with bail
closed against handlebar) is between
1/16" -to- 3/16" longer than the first
measurement, retighten the hex nut
(C) against the top of the adjuster (B).
Replacement Belt Information
If the drive belt needs to be replaced, see
your local authorized dealer or refer to the
Parts List for ordering information. Use
only a factory-authorized belt as an "over
the counter" belt may not perform satis¬
factorily. The procedure requires average
mechanical ability and commonly
available tools.
FORWARD CLUTCH
BAIL ADJUSTMENT
If the Forward Clutch Bail does not
function properly, first check that the
forward drive belt is adjusted properly
(see "Checking and Adjusting Forward
Drive Belt Tension"). If this fails to
correct the problem, contact the factory
technical service department or your
authorized dealer for service advice.
Figure 5-4: To check forward belt tension, take two measurements of
the overall length of the coils in the spring - first with the clutch bail
open, then with the clutch bail closed against the handlebar.
22
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