MTD 26M Maintaining Your Engine, Air Cleaner Service, Spark Plug Service, Never use gasoline

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IMPORTANT: Used motor oil may cause skin cancer if repeatedly left in contact with the skin for prolonged periods. Although this is unlikely unless you handle used oil on a daily basis, it is still advisable to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water as soon as possible after handling used oil.

NOTE: Please dispose of used motor oil in a manner that is compatible with the environment. We suggest you take it in a sealed container to your local service station for reclamation. Do not throw it in the trash or pour it on the ground.

Air Cleaner Service

A dirty air cleaner will restrict air flow to the carburetor. To prevent carburetor malfunction, service the air cleaner regularly. Service more frequently when operating the engine in extremely dusty areas.

WARNING: Never use gasoline or low flash point solvents for cleaning the air cleaner element. A fire or explosion could result.

IMPORTANT: Never run the engine without the air cleaner. Rapid engine wear will result.

1.Remove the wing bolt and the air cleaner cover. Remove the elements and separate them. See Figure 10-2. Carefully check both elements for holes or tears and replace if damaged.

2.Foam element: Wash the element in a solution of household detergent and warm water, then rinse thoroughly, or wash in nonflammable or high flash point solvent. Allow the element to dry thoroughly. Soak the element in clean engine oil and squeeze out the excess oil. The engine will smoke during initial start-up if too much oil is left in the foam.

3.Paper element: Tap the element lightly several times on a hard surface to remove excess dirt, or blow compressed air through the filter from the inside out. Never try to brush the dirt off; brushing will force dirt into the fibers. Replace the paper element if it is excessively dirty.

Paper Element

Foam Element

Figure 10-2: Servicing the air cleaner.

Spark Plug

Spark Plug Boot

Figure 10-3: The spark plug and boot.

Spark Plug Service

WARNING: DO NOT check for spark with spark plug removed. DO NOT crank engine with spark plug removed.

To ensure proper engine operation, the spark plug must be properly gapped and free of deposits.

1.Remove the spark plug boot and use a spark plug wrench to remove the plug. See Figure 10-3.

WARNING: If the engine has been running, the muffler will be very hot. Be careful not to touch the muffler.

2.Visually inspect the spark plug. Discard the spark plug if there is apparent wear, or if the insulator is cracked or chipped. Clean the spark plug with a wire brush if it is to be reused.

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Maintaining

Your

Engine

WARNING

Never use gasoline

or low flash point sol- vents for cleaning the air cleaner element.

A fire or explosion

could result.

DO NOT check for

spark with spark plug

removed. DO NOT crank engine with spark plug removed.

If the engine has been running, the muffler will be very hot. Be careful not to touch the muffler.

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Contents MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, Ohio Rotary Mower Model 26M10/12/2006 Finding and Recording Model Number Table of ContentsCustomer Support Slope Gauge General Operation ChildrenYour Responsibility Slope Operation ServiceHandle in the higher height position Setup AdjustmentTighten rope guide wing nut Rope guide Setup as follows in FigureSlowly pull starter rope out of engine Slip starter rope into the rope guideKnow Your Lawn Mower Operating Your Lawn MowerStopping Engine Using Your Lawn MowerUsing as Mulcher Starting EngineMaintaining Your Lawn Mower Blade Care Break causing per Sonal injuryBelt Care Problem Cause Remedy Trouble ShootingOff-Season Storage Off Season Storage Safety LabelsDo not choke carburetor to stop engine Cm below lowest portion of neck to allow for fuel expansionInternational Symbols and Meanings Safety Label LocationPre-Operation Check Ambient TemperatureOperating Your Engine Know Your EngineFuel Recommendations Check Oil LevelStarting The Engine Stopping The EngineMaintaining Your Maintenance ScheduleNever use gasoline Air Cleaner ServiceSpark Plug Service Maintaining Your EngineRemoving From Storage Clean EngineAccumulation StoragePage Model 26M Description Parts ListEngine 1P65 Illustrated Parts List MANUFACTURER’S Warranty Coverage EPA-1 MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, Ohio 44136-0019 Phone MANUFACTURER’S Limited Warranty for