Section 5: Maintenance
WARNING Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the unit, shut off engine, wait for all 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.
ENGINE OIL SERVICE
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.
It is recommended that you change the motor oil after every 10 hours of operation and even sooner when operating in extremely dirty or dusty conditions. Refer to the separate Engine Owner’s Manual for detailed service instructions.
A. To Check the Engine Oil Level:
1.Move the tiller to a level area and shut off the engine.
2.Level the engine by adjusting the Depth Regulator Lever. The tines must be in contact with the ground. Move the Anti- Reverse Stake back if necessary.
AIR CLEANER SERVICE
The engine air cleaner filters dirt and dust out of the air before it enters the carbure- tor. Operating the engine with a dirty, clogged air filter can cause poor perfor- mance and damage to the engine. Never operate the engine without the air cleaner installed. Inspect and service the air cleaner more often if operating in very dusty or dirty conditions.
Service the air cleaner as instructed in the separate Engine Owner’s Manual.
SPARK PLUG SERVICE
Inspect and clean or replace the spark plug after every 100 operating hours or annually. Clean the plug and set the gap as described in the separate Engine Owner’s Manual.
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.
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.Clean the area around the oil dipstick or oil fill tube to prevent dirt from falling into the crankcase.
4.On engines with an oil fill tube, remove the filler cap, add oil (if required) until it reaches the top of the tube and reinstall the filler cap.
5.On engines with a dipstick, remove it, wipe it clean, and reinstall it
B. To Change the Engine Oil:
Change the engine oil as instructed in the separate Engine Owner’s Manual.
ENGINE CLEANING
Keep the engine clean to assure smooth operation and to prevent damage from overheating. Refer to the separate Engine Owner’s Manual for specific repair and cleaning instructions. All inspections and services must be done with the engine shut 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 equipped with a resistor spark plug, use the same type for replacement.
SPARK ARRESTER SCREEN SERVICE
If the engine muffler is equipped with a spark arrester screen, remove and clean it according to the time intervals and instruc- tions in the separate Engine Owner’s Manual.
THROTTLE LEVER ADJUSTMENT
If the engine does not respond to various throttle lever settings, refer to the separate Engine Owner’s Manual for service infor- mation or contact your local authorized engine service dealer.
CARBURETOR/GOVERNOR CONTROL ADJUSTMENTS
The carburetor was adjusted at the factory for best operating speed. Refer to the separate Engine Owner’s Manual for any adjustment information or see your autho- rized engine service dealer.
OFF SEASON STORAGE
When the tiller won’t be used for extended periods, prepare it for storage as follows:
1.Clean the tiller and engine.
2.Do routine tiller lubrication and check for loose parts and hardware.
3.Protect the engine and perform rec- ommended engine maintenance by following the engine storage instruc- tions found in the separate Engine Owner’s Manual. NOTE: Be sure 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’s recommendations).
4.Store unit in a clean, dry area.
5.Never store the tiller with fuel in the fuel tank in an enclosed area where gas fumes could reach an open flame or spark, or where ignition sources are present (space heaters, hot water heaters, furnaces, etc.).