Scraping Method
If washing does not remove all debris from under deck, tip mower and scrape it clean.
1.Pull wire off spark plug.
2.Drain gasoline from fuel tank: refer to DRAINING GASOLINE section.
3.Tip mower on its right side.
4.Remove dirt and grass clippings with a hardwood scraper. Avoid burrs and sharp edges.
5.Turn mower upright.
6.Refill gas tank.
7.Reconnect spark plug wire.
Belt Cover (self-propelled model only)
Keep area under belt cover free of debris.
1.Remove bolts securing belt cover (Fig. 26) to mower housing. Lift off cover and brush out all debris from belt area. Reinstall belt cover.
Fuel Filter
Replacing the Fuel Filter
Replace the fuel filter after every 100 operating hours or yearly, whichever occurs first. The best time to replace the fuel filter (Fig. 31) is when the fuel tank is empty. Never install a dirty filter if it is removed from the fuel line.
1.Squeeze the ends of the hose clamps together and slide them away from the filter (Fig. 31).
2.Remove the filter from the fuel lines.
3.Install a new filter and move the hose clamps close to the filter.
Storage
1.For long term storage, either drain gasoline from fuel tank or add a fuel stabilizer to the gasoline. To drain gasoline, refer to DRAINING GASOLINE section. After fuel is drained, start engine and let it idle until all fuel is consumed and engine stops. Repeat the starting procedure two more times to ensure all gas is removed from the engine. If gasoline is not drained,
Note: If engine is operating on oxygenated or reformulated gasoline (gasoline blended with an alcohol or an ether), remove all fuel from tank and run engine until it stops from lack of fuel before storing.
Fuel can be left in gas tank only if a fuel stabilizer is added to gasoline and run through engine before storing. Exmark does not recommend stabilizers with an alcohol base, such as ethanol, methanol or isopropyl. Use fuel additive in recommended quantities as specified on container.
Under normal conditions, fuel additives remain effective in fuel for 6±8 months.
2.Drain oil: refer to CHANGING CRANKCASE OIL section. After oil is drained, do not fill crankcase with oil until the following steps (3±10) are completed.
3.Remove spark plug and pour 2 tablespoons of SAE 30 oil into hole in cylinder. Pull starter rope slowly to coat inside of cylinder. Install spark plug and tighten to 14 ft±lb (19 Nm). DO NOT
REINSTALL WIRE ON SPARK PLUG.
4.Clean mower housing: refer to CLEANING MOWER section.
5.Clean dirt and chaff from cylinder, cylinder head fins, and blower housing. Also remove grass clippings, dirt, and grime from external parts of the engine, shrouding, and top of mower housing.
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