Troy-Bilt 12180 owner manual Engine, Checking and Adjusting, To Check Forward Belt Tension

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.

	re-measure the overall length of the coils
	while the spring is under tension. The belt
	tension is correct if this second measure-
	ment is between 1/16" -to- 3/16" longer
ENGINE	than the first measurement.
	4. If the spring is too short (less than
	1/16" greater than the first measurement),
	the tension is too loose. If the spring is
	too long (more than 3/16" greater than the
D	first measurement), the tension is too
	tight.
C	5. To adjust the length of the spring:
	a. Release the Forward Clutch Bail.
	b. Unthread the hex nut (C, Figure 5-4)
A	about halfway up the adjustment
	screw (D).
B	c. Unhook the top of the spring from
	the forward clutch bail.

Figure 5-3: Install tines so that cutting edge of tines will enter soil first when tiller moves			d. Use pliers to prevent the adjuster (B)
forward.
			from turning and turn the slotted
CHECKING AND ADJUSTING	2. With the forward clutch bail in an open		screw located inside the screw
FORWARD DRIVE BELT TENSION	(released) position, measure and carefully		clockwise (viewed from operator’s
			position) to increase tension on the
Maintaining correct tension on the	note the overall length of the cable spring
	(A, Figure 5-4) by measuring from the		spring. Turn the screw counter-
forward drive belt is important to good	outermost coil to the outermost coil.		clockwise to decrease tension on the
tilling performance and long belt life.	3. Lift and hold the forward clutch bail		spring. Once adjusted, rehook the
A loose belt will slip on the engine and			top of the spring to the forward
	against the handlebar (see Figure 5-4) and
			clutch bail. (Continue to Step 5e.)
transmission pulleys and cause the tines
and wheels to slow down – or stop com-			5
pletely – even though the engine is
running at full speed. A belt that is too			4
tight can result in unintentional tine			3
movement when the clutch bail is in the
	A
Neutral (released) position.			2
Also check the belt for cracks, cuts or	C	1
frayed edges and replace it as soon as	B
possible.	D
• Check belt tension after the first two	Hold bail against handlebar while
hours of break-in operation (new belt).
	taking second measurement of
• Check belt tension after every 10			spring
operating hours.

To Check Forward Belt Tension:

1.Stop the engine, wait for all parts to

stop moving and disconnect the spark	Figure 5-4: To check forward belt tension, take two measurements of
plug wire.	the overall length of the coils in the spring – first with the clutch bail
	open, then with the clutch bail closed against the handlebar.

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