Cleaning the Engine, Engine Oil Service

	Section 5: Maintenance	13

WARNING

Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to come to a stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition key on electric start models.

Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.

Figure 5-6A

10.Reattach the idler arm spring (R, Figure 5-6) in the hole in the idler arm (T).

11.A new belt may need to be adjusted by following the “Adjusting Trimmer Head Engagement” instructions in this Section.

TRIMMER/MOWER CLEANING AND DEBRIS REMOVAL

Thorough and regular cleaning of debris from the engine and the machine is re- quired for maximum efficiency and good overall performance. Inspect and clean the following areas regularly, making sure the engine is stopped, and cool, be- fore proceeding:

CLEANING THE ENGINE

Before each use of the machine and at each refueling, clean grass, chaff or accu- mulated debris from the finger guard area on top of the engine (see Figure 5-7), and from the linkage, springs and controls on the engine. Keep the area around and be- hind the muffler free of any combustible debris. See “Cleaning Debris” in the engine manual for complete cleaning in- structions. Do not use water to clean engine parts as water could contaminate the fuel system. Use a brush or dry cloth. Be sure engine is cool before cleaning around muffler area.

NOTE: The separate engine air cleaner must also be serviced according to the instructions in the engine manual.

WARNING

Engine parts must be kept clean to re- duce the risk of overheating and ignition of accumulated debris. This is espe- cially important if cutting tall grass. Clean accumulated debris at each refu- eling and before each use of machine.

Failure to comply can cause injury or property damage.

LUBRICATION

Applying light oil or a silicone-based lu- bricant to your machine allows parts to work more smoothly and protects them from the elements. Use Silicone-base Spray Lubricant (or light oil) to lubricate the following parts:

•Throttle control cable

•Control bail cable

•Nuts, bolts and other hardware

NOTE: The spindle head is permanently lubricated at the factory. There is no need for additional lubrication.

COMPACT STORAGE

For compact storage of the unit, remove the two screws and locknuts securing the handlebar and carefully (to avoid kinking the cables) rotate the handlebar so that the upper portion rests on the engine and the handlebar legs face to the rear of the unit.

GENERAL ENGINE MAINTENANCE

Perform the following engine mainte- nance for your engine according to the engine maintenance schedule and in- structions in the separate engine manual:

Engine Oil Service

•Brush and wipe off all engine surfaces, especially before checking oil or adding fuel. Do not let debris, oil or grease ac- cumulate. To access the front of the engine, lift the debris shield up and tilt it forward.

•Wipe the deck clean, particularly near the engine muffler.

•Clean the underside of the deck.

•Keep safety and operating decals clean and legible.

•Keep all operating control levers debris-free so they work properly.

Finger Guard

Figure 5-7

Check the engine oil level before starting the engine each day and check it after each 5 hours of continuous operation. Running the engine when it is low on oil will quickly ruin the engine.

Change the oil after every 25 hours of op- eration and even sooner when operating in extremely dirty or dusty conditions.

Air Cleaner Service

Operating the engine with a dirty, clogged air filter can cause poor performance and damage to the engine. Inspect and ser- vice the air cleaner after every 25 operat- ing hours, more often if operating in very dusty or dirty conditions. Never operate the engine without the air cleaner installed.

Section 5: Maintenance