Maintaining The Engine; Maintenance Schedule - MTD 277cc Operator's Manual

3
Maintaining
the
Engine
WARNING
WARNING: Shut off the
engine before performing
any type of maintenance.
To prevent accidental
start-up, disconnect the
spark plug boot.
Before tipping engine or
equipment to drain oil,
drain fuel from tank by
running engine until fuel
tank is empty.
IMPORTANT: Be sure to
check engine on a level
surface with the engine
stopped. Drain the oil
while the engine is still
warm to assure rapid and
complete draining.
WARNING: Shut off the engine before
performing any type of maintenance.
To prevent accidental start-up, discon-
nect the spark plug boot.
IMPORTANT: If engine must be tipped to transport
equipment or to inspect, keep spark plug side of en-
gine up. Transporting or tipping engine with spark
plug down may cause smoking, hard starting, spark
plug fouling, or oil saturation of air cleaner.
Tasks First 5
Hrs.
Check engine oil
Change engine oil
Check spark plug
Service spark plug
Clean exhaust area
Oil Service
• Check oil level regularly.
• Be sure correct oil level is maintained. Check every
five hours or daily before starting engine. See oil
checking procedure in the Operation section.
Oil Change
IMPORTANT: Be sure to check engine on a level
surface with the engine stopped. Drain the oil while
the engine is still warm to assure rapid and complete
draining.
1. Drain fuel from tank by running engine until the fuel
tank is empty. Be sure fuel fill cap is secure.
2. Place suitable oil collection container under oil drain
plug.
3. Remove oil drain plug, Figure 3-1.
4. Tip engine to drain oil into the container. Used oil
must be disposed of at a proper collection center.
5. Reinstall the drain plug and tighten it securely.
6. Refill with the recommended oil and check the oil
level, refer to Operation section for instructions.
7. Reinstall the oil filler cap/dipstick securely.
IMPORTANT: Used motor oil may cause skin cancer
if repeatedly left in contact with the skin for pro-
longed periods. Although this is unlikely unless you
handle used oil on a daily basis, it is still advisable
to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water
as soon as possible after handling used oil.
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 type of mainte-
nance to be performed are described in the table below.
Follow the hourly or calendar intervals, whichever occur
first. More frequent service is required when operating in
adverse conditions.

Maintenance Schedule

Each Use or Every Season
Every 5 Hrs. or 25 Hrs.
Figure 3-1: Remove the oil drain plug to drain oil from engine.
NOTE: Please dispose of used motor oil in a manner
that is compatible with the environment. We suggest
you take it in a sealed container to your local service
station for reclamation. Do not throw it in the trash or
pour it on the ground.
10
Every Season Every Season
or 50 Hrs. or 100 Hrs.
Oil Drain
Oil
Drain
Plug
Service Dates