Bolens 12229 Engine, Maintenance, Replacement Belt Information, To Check Forward Belt Tension

Section 5: Maintenance 19

WARNING

Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving 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 enter soil first when tiller moves forward.

c. Unhook the top of the spring from the Forward Clutch Bail.

d. Use pliers to prevent the adjuster (B) from turning and turn the slotted screw located inside the spring clockwise (viewed from operator’s position) to increase tension on the spring. Turn the screw counter- clockwise to decrease tension. Once adjusted, reattach the spring to the Forward Clutch Bail.

e. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 to re-measure the length of the spring. When the second measurement is between 1/16" -to- 3/16" longer than the first measurement, retighten the hex nut

(C) against the top of the adjuster (B).

Replacement Belt Information

If the drive belt needs to be replaced, see your local authorized dealer or refer to the

CHECKING AND ADJUSTING FORWARD DRIVE BELT TENSION

It is important to maintain correct tension on the forward drive belt. A loose belt will cause the tines and wheels to slow down – or stop completely – even though the engine is running at full speed. A too tight belt can result in unintentional tine move- ment when the clutch bail is in the Neutral (released) position.

•Check belt tension after the first two hours of break-in operation and after every 10 operating hours.

•At the end of each tilling season, check the belt for cracks, cuts or frayed edges and replace it as soon as possible.

To Check Forward Belt Tension:

measurement is between 1/16" -to- 3/16" longer than the first measurement.

4.If the spring is too short (less than 1/16"), the tension is too loose. If the spring is too long (more than 3/16"), the tension is too tight.

5.To adjust the length of the spring:

a.Release the Forward Clutch Bail.

b.Unthread the hex nut (C, Figure 5-4) about halfway up the adjustment screw (D).

	A
C	1
B
	D

Parts List for ordering information. Use only a factory-authorized belt as an “over- the-counter” belt may not perform satis- factorily. The procedure requires average mechanical ability and commonly available tools.

5

4

3

2

1.Stop engine, wait for all parts to stop moving and disconnect spark plug wire.

2.With the Forward Clutch Bail in an open (released) position, measure and note the overall length of the cable spring (A, Figure 5-4) by measuring from the out- ermost coil to the outermost coil.

3.Squeeze the Forward Clutch Bail against the handlebar (see Figure 5-4) and re-measure the length of the coils. The belt tension is correct if this second

Hold bail against handlebar while taking second measurement of spring

Figure 5-4: To check forward belt tension, take two measurements of the overall length of the coils in the spring – first with the clutch bail open, then with the clutch bail closed against the handlebar.