Cleaning the Discharge Tunnel and Plug

Remove the plug from the discharge tunnel and clean it after each use.

Always be sure that the discharge tunnel door closes securely when you release the handle. If the debris prevents the discharge door from closing securely, clean the inside of the discharge tunnel and the door thoroughly.

Warning

Grass clippings and other objects can be thrown from an open discharge tunnel and cause serious injury or kill the operator or bystanders.

Never start or operate the lawn mower unless one of the following is true:

•The discharge tunnel plug is locked securely in the discharge tunnel.

•The grass bag is locked in place.

•The optional side discharge chute is locked in place.

•The discharge tunnel door is locked in place.

Servicing the Air Filter

Clean the foam pre-cleaner every 25 operating hours. Replace the paper air filter once every season or every 300 operating hours; replace it more frequently in dusty conditions.

Important Do not operate the engine without the air filter assembly; extreme engine damage will occur.

1.Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.

2.Disconnect the wire from the spark plug (Fig. 10).

3.Remove the screw that secures the air cleaner cover (Fig. 18).

		1
		2	m-7282
		2
		Figure 18
1.	Screw	3. Paper air filter
2.	Cover

4.Remove the cover and clean it thoroughly (Fig. 18).

5.Remove the paper air filter and discard it as required (Fig. 19).

	m-7281
	Figure 19
1. Paper air filter	2. Foam pre-cleaner

Important Do not try to clean a paper filter.

6.Remove the foam pre-cleaner and wash it with a mild detergent and water, then blot it dry (Fig. 18).

7.Saturate the pre-cleaner with clean engine oil, then squeeze it (do not twist) to remove the excess oil.

8.Install the foam pre-cleaner.

9.Install the new paper air filter.

10.Install the cover and secure it with the screw.

Changing the Engine Oil

Change the oil after the first 8 operating hours and than after every 50 operating hours or every season (more frequently in dusty or dirty conditions).

1.Run the engine to warm the engine oil.

Note: Warm oil flows better and carries more contaminants.

Warning

Oil may be hot after engine has been run, and contact with hot oil can cause severe personal injury.

Avoid contacting the hot engine oil when you drain it.

2.Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.

3.Disconnect the wire from the spark plug (Fig. 10).

4.Place a suitable drain pan beside the right side of the lawn mower.

5.Remove the dipstick by rotating the cap counterclockwise and pulling it out (Fig. 7).