20Section 5: Maintenance
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.
FORWARD CLUTCH
BAIL ADJUSTMENT
If the Forward Clutch Bail does not func- tion properly, first check that the forward drive belt is adjusted properly (see Checking and Adjusting Forward Drive Belt Tension). If this fails to correct the problem, contact your authorized dealer for service advice.
ENGINE CLEANING
Keeping the engine clean will help to ensure smooth operation and prevent damage from overheating. Refer to the Engine Owner’s Manual for engine cleaning service intervals and instructions. Be sure that the muffler is cool before ser- vicing the engine.
AIR CLEANER SERVICE
The air cleaner filters dirt and dust out of the air before it enters the carburetor. Operating the engine with a dirty, clogged air filter can cause poor performance and damage to the engine. Never operate the engine without the air cleaner installed. Inspect and service the air cleaner more often if operating in very dusty or dirty conditions. Refer to the Engine Owner’s Manual for air cleaner service intervals and instructions.
ENGINE OIL SERVICE
Check the engine oil level before each use and after every 5 hours of continuous operation. Running the engine when it is low on oil will quickly ruin the engine.
It is recommended that you change the motor oil after every 10 hours of operation and even sooner when operating in extremely dirty or dusty conditions. Refer to the Engine Owner’s Manual for detailed service instructions.
A. To Check the Engine Oil Level:
1.Park the tiller on a level area and shut off the engine.
2.Level the engine (use the Depth Regu- lator Lever to adjust the engine angle).
3.Clean around the oil dipstick or oil fill tube (whichever applies) to prevent dirt from falling into the crankcase.
4.On engines with an oil fill tube, remove the fill cap and add oil (if required) until it reaches the top of the fill tube. Reinstall the fill cap.
5.On engines with a dipstick, remove it and wipe it clean. Reinsert the dipstick, tighten it securely, and remove it. Add oil as needed to bring the level up to the FULL mark. Wipe dipstick clean each time oil level is checked. Do not overfill. Tighten dipstick securely.
B. To Change the Engine Oil:
Change the engine oil as instructed in the Engine Owner’s Manual.
SPARK PLUG SERVICE
Inspect and clean or replace the spark plug after every 100 operating hours or annually. Refer to the Engine Owner’s Manual for spark plug service instructions.
In some areas, local law requires using resistor spark plugs to suppress ignition signals. If the engine was originally equipped with a resistor spark plug, use the same type for replacement.
SPARK ARRESTER SCREEN SERVICE
If the engine muffler is equipped with a spark arrester screen, remove and clean it according to the service intervals and instructions in the Engine Owner’s Manual.
THROTTLE LEVER ADJUSTMENT
If the engine does not respond to various throttle lever settings, refer to the Engine Owner’s Manual for service information or contact your local authorized engine dealer.
WARNING
Operators shall not tamper with the engine governor settings on the machine; the governor controls the max- imum safe operating speed to protect the engine and all moving parts from damage caused by overspeed. Autho- rized service shall be sought if a problem exists.
