Speedcontrol A Djustment; Section 7: Maintaining Your Lawntractor; Cleaning The Engine And Deck - MTD 650 Operator's Manual

• Loosen, but do NOT remove, the hex nut found on
the right side of the brake assembly. See Figure 9.
• Using a feeler gauge, set the gap between the
brake disc and the brake puck at .011 ".
• Re-tighten the hex nut loosened earlier.
SpeedControl A djustment
NOTE:
When operating the unit initially or after
replacing the belts, there will be little difference
between the highest two speeds until after the belts
have gone through a break-in period and have seated
themselves into the pulleys.
If the full range of speeds cannot be obtained on your
lawn tractor, adjust the speed control as follows.
• Unthread the shift knob and remove the two flange
screws which secure the shift cover panel in place.
Refer to Figure 7.
• Remove the shift cover panel and locate the speed
control rod. See Figure 10.
Ferrule and
Hairpin Clip
Speed Control Rod
Figure 10
NOTE: There is a small yellow wire connected to a
spring switch on the underside of the shift cover panel.
Be careful not to damage it when removing the panel
• Remove the hairpin clip which secures the speed
control rod's ferrule to the speed bracket. See
Figure 10.
At the factory, the speed control rod is adjusted so that
5/8-in. of the rod is exposed beyond the ferrule.
• Adjust the speed control by threading the ferrule
inward so that no more than 3/4-in. of the rod is
exposed beyond the ferrule. See Figure 1 1.
NOTE:
Figure is NOT to scale
Figure 11
• Reinsert the ferrule and re-secure the rod with the
cotter pin removed earlier.
• Reassemble the shift cover panel, start the tractor's
engine and test the full range of speeds.
IMPORTANT:If the above adjustment did not result in
the tractor obtaining the full range of speeds, see an
authorized MTD service dealer to have the variable
speed drive system inspected and professionally
adjusted.
SECTION 7: MAINTAINING YOUR LAWNTRACTOR
WARNING: Before performing any
maintenance or repairs, place the deck
engagement/lift lever in the BLADES STOP
position, move shift lever into neutral position,
set parking brake, stop engine and remove
key to prevent unintended starting.
Cleaning the Engine And Deck
Any fuel or oil spilled on the machine should be wiped
off promptly. Do NOT allow debris to accumulate
around the cooling fins of the engine or on any other
part of the machine, especially the belts, pulleys and
other moving parts. Clean the underside of the deck
with a wisk broom, scraper or forced air after each
mowing.
IMPORTANT:The use of a pressure washer or garden
hose to clean your tractor is NOT recommended. It may
cause damage to electrical components, spindles,
pulleys, bearings or the engine. The use of water will
result in a shortened life of the tractor and reduce its
serviceability.
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