Maintaining Your Lawn Mower - MTD 430 Series Operator's Manual

SECTION 6: MAINTAINING YOUR LAWNMOWER
WARNING: Always stop engine and
disconnect spark plug wire before performing
any maintenance or adjustments on the mower.
WARNING:
Never tip mower more than 90
degrees in any direction and do not leave it
tipped for long. Oil can drain into the upper part
of the engine causing a starting problem.
Cleaning the LawnMower
• Clean underside of the mower deck after each use
to prevent any build-up of grass. If this debris
accumulates, it will cause rust and corrosion.
NOTE: We do not recommend the use of pressure
washers or garden hose to clean your unit. These may
cause damage to bearings or the engine. The use of
water will result in shortened life and reduced
serviceability.
• Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain gasoline from the
mower, or place a piece of plastic under gas cap.
• Tilt the mower so that the side with the air cleaner is
facing up. Hold the mower firmly.
• Scrape and clean the underside of the deck with a
suitable tool. Do not spray with water.
• Put mower back on its wheels, remove plastic from
under gas cap, and put gas cap back on.
EngineMaintenance
A list of key maintenance jobs required for good
performance by the mower is given below. Follow the
engine manual for detailed list and instructions.
• Change engine oil as specified in the engine
manual. Check oil level before starting engine
every time.
• Service foam filter in the air cleaner as specified in
the engine manual. Service air filter more frequently
in extremely dusty conditions.
• Clean engine periodically. Remove dirt and debris
with a cloth or brush.
• Clean spark plug and reset the gap to.030" at least
once a season or every 50 hours of operation.
• Inspect muffler periodically, and replace if
necessary. Damaged mufflers or spark arresters
can create a fire hazard.
IMPORTANT: Make sure to avoid muffler and
surrounding areas while the mower engine is hot
because temperature of these areas of the engine may
exceed 150 ° F.
Lubrication (see
Figure11)
Wheels
• Lubricate the wheels and bearings, if so equipped,
at least once a season with light oil or engine oil.
Also, if the wheels are removed for any reason,
lubricate the inner surface of the wheel with light oil.
ChuteDeflector& Rear DischargeDoor
• Lubricate the torsion spring and the pivot point on
each end of the rear discharge door using a light oil.
This will prevent rusting.
Engine
• Follow the engine manual instructions and
recommended schedule for lubricating engine.
Pivot Points
• Lubricate the pivot points on the discharge chute
door, blade control and the cutting height
adjustment lever at least once a season with light
oil. The blade control must operate freely in both
directions. The cutting height adjustment levers
should be able to move easily.
Lubricate
Follow engine manual
for lubrication
Figure 11
Lubricate
12