SECTION 6: MAINTAINING YOUR TILLER
Lubrication
Always stop engine and disconnect spark plug wire before cleaning, lubricating or doing any kind of maintenance on your tiller.
Pivot Points: Remove the belt cover and lubricate all moving parts and pivot points at least once a season.
Chain Drive: The chain case is lubricated and sealed at the factory.
Engine: Follow the engine manual for lubrication specifications and instructions.
Tines: Remove tines and lubricate shaft with light oil.
Lubricate
See engine manual for instruction
Lubricate
Lubricate
Figure 8
NOTE: Upon reassembly of belt cover, place the belt over top of the idler pulley and between engine pulley and weld pin on belt cover assembly. See Figure 9.
•Fasten belt cover assembly in position. Secure with the hardware removed earlier.
Figure 9
Engine
Refer to the separate engine manual for all engine maintenance instructions.
•Maintain engine oil as instructed in the engine manual.
•Poor engine performance and flooding usually indicate that the air cleaner needs to be serviced. For instructions, refer to the engine manual.
•The spark plug should be cleaned and the gap reset once a season. For instructions, refer to the engine manual.
Cleaning
•Clean the engine regularly with a cloth or brush.
•Keep the cooling system (blower housing area) clean to permit proper air circulation. Be certain to remove all dirt and combustible debris from muffler area.
•Clean the underside of the tine shield after each use. Dirt washes off the tines easier if washed off immediately.
Replacing Belt
•Disconnect and ground spark plug wire against the engine.
•Lift the belt cover assembly off the tiller. Be careful not to bend or kink the clutch cable.
•Remove the belt and position the new belt on engine pulley and chain case pulley.
Off-Season Storage
If the tiller will not be used for a period longer than 30 days, the following steps should be taken to prepare the tiller for storage.
•Clean the exterior of engine and the entire tiller thoroughly.
•Refer to the engine manual for correct engine storage instructions.
•Remove tines from the tine shaft and lubricate shaft with oil.
•Wipe tines with oiled rag to prevent rust.
•Store tiller in a clean, dry area. Do not store next to corrosive materials, such as fertilizer.
NOTE: When storing any type of power equipment in an unventilated or metal storage shed, care should be taken to rustproof the equipment. Using a light oil or silicone, coat the equipment, especially any springs, bearings and cables.
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