Service; Steering Shaft - MTD 660 Operator's Manual

• In front of the pivot bar, measure the distance
horizontally from the inside of the left rim to the
inside of the right rim. Note the distance.
• Behind the pivot bar, measure the distance
horizontally from the inside of the left rim to the
inside of the right rim. Note the distance.
• The measurement taken in front of the pivot bar
should be between 1/16" and 5/16" less than the
measurement taken behind the pivot bar. If it is not,
an adjustment is necessary. Proceed as follows.
• Locate the ferrule at the right end of the tie rod, just
to the rear of the right, front tire of tractor. See
Figure 17.
Ferrule
Tie Rod
Right Axle
Figure 17
• Remove the cotter pin and flat washer which
secures the adjustment ferrule to the tractors right
axle.
• Two turns at a time, thread the adjustment ferrule
toward the right, front tire to lengthen the tie rod. Or,
thread the adjustment ferrule away from the right,
front tire to shorten the tie rod.
NOTE:
Lengthening the tie rod increases the tractor's
front tie toe-in. Shortening the tie rod decreases the
tractor's front tire toe-in.
SECTION 5: SERVICE
WARNING:
disconnect spark plug wire before cleaning,
lubricating or doing any kind of work on lawn
tractor.
Flat Washer
Cotter Pin
Right Front
Tire
Always stop engine and
• Reinsert the adjustment ferrule and temporarily
secure it with the cotter pin removed earlier.
• Make certain the steering wheel is in position for
straight-ahead travel before again taking
measurements. Continue to repeat the steps above
until a proper adjustment is achieved.
• Secure the tie rod to the right axle with the flat
washer removed earlier and a replacement cotter
pin (714-0470).
Do NOT reuse the original cotter pin once
IMPORTANT:
it has been removed.
(1/16" - 5/16" Less Than A)
Carburetor Adjustments
WARNING:
to the engine while the engine is running (e.g.
carburetor), disengage all clutches and
blades. Keep clear of all moving parts. Be
careful of heated surfaces and muffler.
Minor carburetor adjustments may be required to
compensate for differences in fuel, temperature,
altitude and load. Refer to separate engine manual for
carburetor adjustment information.
NOTE:
A dirty air cleaner will cause an engine to run
rough. Be certain air cleaner is clean and attached to
the carburetor before adjusting carburetor.
Steering Gears
Lubricate teeth of steering gears with automotive multi-
purpose grease after every 25 hours of operation or
once a season. See Figure 19.

Steering Shaft

Lubricate steering shaft at least once a season with
light oil.
18
A
Front
B
Figure 18
If any adjustments are made