Section5: Maintenance
WARNING Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the unit, shut off engine, wait for all partsto cometo a completestop, disconnectspark plug wire and movewire away from spark plug. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or propertydamage.
ENGINEOIL SERVICE
Checkthe 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.
It is recommended that you changethe motor oil after every 10 hours of operation and evensooner when operating in extremely dirty or dusty conditions. Refer
to the separateEngineOwner'sManualfor detailed service instructions.
A. To Checkthe Engine0il Level:
1.Move the tiller to a level areaand shut off the engine.
2.Levelthe engine by adjusting the Depth Regulator Lever. The tines must be in contact with the ground. Move the Anti- ReverseStake backif necessary.
AIR CLEANERSERVICE
The engine air cleanerfilters dirt and dust out of the air before it enters the carbure-
tor. Operating the enginewith a dirty, clogged air filter can cause poor perfor- manceand damageto the engine. Never operatethe engine without the air cleaner installed. Inspect and service the air cleaner more often if operating in very dusty or dirty conditions.
Servicethe air cleaner as instructed in the
separateEngineOwner'sManual.
SPARKPLUGSERVICE
Inspect and clean or replacethe spark plug after every 100 operating hours or annually. Cleanthe plug and set the gap as described in the separateEngineOwner's Manual.
The governor controls the maximum safe operating speed and protects the engineand all moving parts from damagecaused by overspeeding. Do not tamper with the engine governor settings.
WARNING
Operators shall not tamper with the engine governor settings on the machine; the governor controls the maximum safe operating speed to protect the engine and all moving parts from damage caused by overspeed. Authorized service shall be sought if a problem exists.
3. Cleanthe area around the oil dipstick or
oil fill tube to prevent dirt from falling into the crankcase.
4.Onengines with an oil fill tube, remove the filler cap, add oil (if required) until it reachesthe top of the tube and reinstall the filler cap.
5.Onengines with a dipstick, remove it, wipe it clean,and reinstall it
Add oil (if required) to bring the levelto the FULLmark. Do not overfill.
B. To Changethe Engine0il:
Changethe engine oil as instructed in the separateEngineOwner'sManual.
ENGINECLEANING
Keepthe engine clean to assure smooth operation and to prevent damagefrom overheating. Referto the separateEngine Owner'sManualfor specific repair and cleaning instructions. All inspections and services must be done with the engineshut off and cool to the touch.
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In some areas, local law requires using resistor spark plugs to suppress ignition signals. If the engine was originally equippedwith a resistor spark plug, use the same type for replacement.
SPARKARRESTERSCREENSERVICE
If the engine muffler is equipped with a spark attester screen, remove and clean it according to the time intervals and instruc- tions in the separateEngineOwner's Manual.
THROTTLELEVERADJUSTMENT
If the engine does not respond to various throttle lever settings, refer to the separate EngineOwner'sManualfor service infor- mation or contact your local authorized engineservice dealer.
CARBURETOR/GOVERNORCONTROL ADJUSTMENTS
The carburetor was adjusted at the factory for best operating speed. Referto the separateEngineOwner'sManualfor any adjustment information or seeyour autho- rized engine service dealer.
OFFSEASONSTORAGE
When the tiller won'tbe used for
extendedperiods, prepareit for storage as follows:
1.Cleanthe tiller and engine.
2.Do routine tiller lubrication and check for loose parts and hardware.
3.Protect the engine and perform rec- ommended engine maintenanceby following the engine storage instruc-
tions found in the separate Engine Owner'sManual. NOTE:Besure to
protect the fuel lines, carburetor and fuel tank from gum deposits by removing fuel or by treating fuel with a fuel stabilizer (follow engine manufac- turer'srecommendations).
4.Store unit in a clean, dry area.
5.Neverstore the tiller with fuel in the
fuel tank in an enclosed areawhere gas fumes could reach an open flame or spark, or where ignition sources are present (space heaters, hot water heaters,furnaces, etc.).