Maintenance, Belt Inspection, Belt Removal

12Section 5: Maintenance

WARNING

Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug.

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

REMOVING AND REPLACING THE TRIMMER HEAD

1.Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop. Disconnect spark plug wire and move it away from the spark plug. Remove the ignition key on electric start models.

2.Two bolts (A, Figure 5-3) secure the trimmer head (B) to the spindle head (C). Loosen both bolts (not the nuts) just enough to open up the trimmer head and allow it to slide down the spindle head and past the two stops. Do not attempt to remove the bolts completely – they are permanently attached.

3.Install the new trimmer head on the spindle head. Tighten the hardware securely (to 75 in/lbs.) and evenly.

4.If the wear cup (D, Figure 5-3) is worn, replace it. Use a 1/2" socket wrench to remove the screw (E, Figure 5- 3) and washer (F). Install the new wear cup and reinstall the washer and screw. Tighten the screw securely.

Figure 5-3

INSPECTING / REPLACING THE DRIVE BELT

The drive belt can be inspected or replaced from beneath the machine deck. The belt should not require inspection for many hours of operation. If replacement becomes necessary, follow the instruc- tions given here.

BELT INSPECTION

Stop the engine and let all moving parts stop. Allow the engine to cool. Discon- nect the spark plug wire and move it away from the spark plug. Remove the ignition key on electric start models.

1.For convenience, we recommend that you place the unit on a raised platform to make access to the underside of the deck as easy as possible.

2.Examine the belt. Feed it around the rear (engine) pulley so the entire belt can be examined. If cracks or other damage are noted, a new belt is needed.

BELT REMOVAL

1.Stop the engine and wait for engine to cool. Disconnect the spark plug wire and move it away from the spark plug.

Remove the ignition key on electric start models.

DANGER

GASOLINE IS HIGHLY FLAMMABLE AND ITS VAPORS ARE EXPLOSIVE.

•Drain fuel into approved container out- doors, away from open flame.

•Be sure engine and muffler are cool before draining gasoline.

•Do not smoke.

Failure to comply can result in serious personal injury and property damage.

2.Remove gasoline from fuel tank.

3.Carefully tip unit on its left side and secure it in place.

4.Remove the plastic plug (A, Figure 5- 4) from the top of the mower deck.

5.Using a 3/4" socket wrench, remove nut (B, Figure 5-4), Belleville washer (C) and flat washer (D) from spindle shaft

(E).

6.Thread nut (B, Figure 5-4) a few turns back onto spindle shaft (E) to protect threads on spindle shaft during the next step.

Figure 5-4

7.Loosen the spindle shaft by placing a wood block against the top of the nut (B, Figure 5-4) and firmly striking the wood block with a hammer.

8.Remove the nut from the spindle shaft and then remove the spindle shaft (E, Figure 5-5) and entire spindle head assembly (F) from the bottom of the deck. Slip the belt off the spindle head pulley (P).

9.Disconnect the idler arm spring (R, Figure 5-6) from the hole in the idler arm

(T).

10.Using a 1/2" wrench, loosen the idler arm mounting screw (S, Figure 5-6) two full turns.