Manual

Section5: Maintenance
_ efore inspecting,cleaning orservicingthe machine, shutoff engine, wait for movingpartsto stop,dis-
connectsparkplugwire andmovewire awayfrom sparkplug.
Failureto followthese instructionscanresult inseriouspersonalinjuryor propertydamage.
2. When servicing the underside of the
mower, the mower should betipped only
in the direction of the muffler. Tipping
the mower awayfrom the muffler could
result in enginedamage or difficult
starting.
SPARKPLUGSERVICE
Inspectand clean or replacethe spark
plug after every 100 operating hours or
annually. Setthe gapas described in the
separateEngine Owner's Manual.
In some areas,local law requires using
resistor spark plugs to suppress ignition
signals. If the engine was originally
equipped with a resistor spark plug,
replacewith the sametype.
CLEANINGTHE ENGINE
The engine must be keptclean to insure
smooth operation and to prevent damage
from overheating. Refertothe Engine
Owner's Manualfor more information.
CLEANINGUNDER
THE MOWER HOUSING
Checkthe mower regularly for grass
build-up. Cleaningunder the mowerdeck
should bedone after (rather than before)
operating the mower, as grass is moist
and removedmore easily.
1. Tip mower towards the muffler onto
its side. See Tipping the Mower for
Servicein this Section.
2. Brushorscrapeoff grassbuild-up.
CLEANINGTHE GRASSCATCHER
Bagcleanlinessaffects collection perfor-
manceas a dirty bagwill restrict air flow.
Cleanthe GrassCatcher bag annually,
more often in dusty environments.
IMPORTANT: Do not wash or dry the
Grass Catcherin a washing machine or
dryer.
1. To clean the bag, remove itfrom the
mower and hand wash the fabric with
mild detergent.
Before servicing the underside of the
mower:
• MOVINGPARTSHAZARD!
Stop engine, wait for all partsto stop
moving, and disconnect spark plug
wire.
• FIRE- EXPLOSIONHAZARD!
Gasolineis highly flammable and its
vaporsare explosive.
1. Drain fuel into an approvedcon-
tainer outdoors, away from open
flame.
2. Be sure engine and muffler are
coolbeforedraining gasoline.
3. Do notsmoke.
Failure to comply with the above can
result in serious personal injury and
propertydamage.
2. Rinsethe bag thoroughly with clean
water and allow to dry completely before
using. Donot usea damp bag.
CLEANINGUNDERBELTCOVER
Checkunderside of belt cover for grass
clippings every 10 hours of use.
1. Removethe belt cover. See
Removing the Belt Coverin this Section.
2. Removeany grass clippings or debris.
3. Replacebelt cover. See Replacingthe
Belt Coverin this Section.
SPARKARRESTER
SCREENSERVICE
If the engine muffler is equippedwith a
spark arrester screen, removeand clean it
according to the time intervals and
instructions in the separateEngine
Owner'sManual.
CARBURETOR/GOVERNOR
CONTROL ADJUSTMENTS
The carburetor was adjustedat the
factory for best operatingspeed. Referto
the separateEngineOwner's Manualfor
any adjustment information or seeyour
authorized engine service dealer.
The governor controls the maximum safe
operating speed and protects the engine
and all moving parts from damage caused
by overspeeding. Do not tamper with the
engine governor settings. Seekautho-
rized service if a problem exists.
MOWERBLADEMAINTENANCE
Blade Inspection
1. Tip mower towards the muffler onto
its side. See Tipping the Mower for
Servicein this Section.
Never reach under mower deck while
the engine is running. Mower blade
rotates at all times while engine is
runningand up to 3 secondsafter it is
shutoff.
2. Inspect periodically for a dull or
slightly nicked blade. Sharpenif needed.
Also check for a deformed, cracked, or
excessivelyworn blade (Figure 5-2). Do
not use the mower if any of these condi-
tions exist. Replacethe bladeimmedi-
ately.
3. Checkthe bladescrew for tightness.
If loose,tighten to 35 ft-lbs with a 3/4"
torque wrench.
NewBlade
Replaceblade immediately if cracked,
deformed or badly nicked.
Figure 5-2: Mower blade inspection,
15