Maintaining Your Lawn Mower, Engine Maintenance

SECTION 6: MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN MOWER

WARNING: Always stop engine and disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance or adjustments on the mower.

WARNING: Never tip mower more than 90 degrees in any direction and do not leave it tipped for long. Oil can drain into the upper part of the engine causing a starting problem.

Cleaning the Lawn Mower

•Clean underside of the mower deck after each use to prevent any build-up of grass. If this debris accumulates, it will cause rust and corrosion.

NOTE: We do not recommend the use of pressure washers or garden hose to clean your unit. These may cause damage to bearings or the engine. The use of water will result in shortened life and reduced serviceability.

•Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain gasoline from the mower, or place a piece of plastic under gas cap.

•Tilt the mower so that the side with the air cleaner is facing up. Hold the mower firmly.

•Scrape and clean the underside of the deck with a suitable tool. Do not spray with water.

•Put mower back on its wheels, remove plastic from under gas cap, and put gas cap back on.

Engine Maintenance

A list of key maintenance jobs required for good performance by the mower is given below. Follow the engine manual for detailed list and instructions.

•Change engine oil as specified in the engine manual. Check oil level before starting engine every time.

•Service foam filter in the air cleaner as specified in the engine manual. Service air filter more frequently in extremely dusty conditions.

•Clean engine periodically. Remove dirt and debris with a cloth or brush.

•Clean spark plug and reset the gap to.030” at least once a season or every 50 hours of operation.

•Inspect muffler periodically, and replace if necessary. Damaged mufflers or spark arresters can create a fire hazard.

IMPORTANT: Make sure to avoid muffler and surrounding areas while the mower engine is hot because temperature of these areas of the engine may exceed 150o F.

Lubrication (See Figure 12 )

Wheels

•Lubricate the wheels and bearings, if so equipped, at least once a season with light oil or engine oil. Also, if the wheels are removed for any reason, lubricate the surface of the axle and inner surface of the wheel with light oil.

Chute Deflector & Rear Discharge Door

•Lubricate the torsion springs and the pivot point on each end of the rear discharge door using a light oil. This will prevent rusting.

Engine

•Follow the engine manual instructions and recommended schedule for lubricating engine.

Pivot Points

•Lubricate the pivot points on the discharge chute door, blade control handle and the cutting height adjustment lever at least once a season with light oil. The blade control handle must operate freely in both directions. The cutting height adjustment levers should be able to move easily.

	Lubricate
Lubricate	Follow engine manual
	for lubrication
	Lubricate

Figure 12