Bolens 12180 owner manual Engine, Maintenance, To Check Belt Tension

Section 5: Maintenance

WARNING Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the unit, shut off engine, wait for all parts to come to a complete stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.

ENGINE

D

C

A

B

Figure 5-3: Install tines so that cutting edge of tines will enter soil first when tiller moves forward.

4

3

2

A

1

C

B

Figure 5-4: Lift bail and check length of Clutch Bail Spring to check for correct belt tension (1-7/8").

22

CHECKING AND ADJUSTING FORWARD DRIVE BELT TENSION

Maintaining correct tension on the forward drive belt is important to good tilling performance and long belt life. A loose belt will slip on the engine and transmission pulleys and cause the tines and wheels to slow down – or stop com- pletely – even though the engine is running at full speed. A loose belt can also result in premature belt wear.

If you find you cannot bring the Forward Clutch Bail all the way up to the bottom of the upper handlebars, you will need to loosen the belt tension.

Also check the belt for cracks, cuts or frayed edges and replace it as soon as possible.

•Check belt tension after the first two hours of break-in operation (new belt).

•Check belt tension after every 10 operating hours.

To Check Belt Tension:

1.Be sure that the engine is stopped and the spark plug wire is disconnected and moved away from the spark plug.

2.Lift the Forward Clutch Bail up and hold it to the bottom of the handlebars.

3.Measure the length of the coiled portion of the clutch bail spring (A, Figure 5-4) with a ruler. If the belt tension is correct, the length of the coiled portion should be approximately 1-7/8".

4.If the spring is too short, the belt tension will be too loose. If the spring is too long, the belt tension will be too tight.

5.To adjust the length of the spring, release the Forward Clutch Bail. Unthread the hex nut (C, Figure 5-4) to the top of the screw. Next, screw the threaded adjuster (B, Figure 5-4) counterclockwise (as viewed from the operator’s position) to increase the length of the spring, or clockwise (as viewed from the operator’s position) to decrease the length of the spring.