Bolens 52068 - 5HP Cleaning the Engine, Lubrication, Compact Storage, General Engine Maintenance

14Section 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.

TRIMMER/MOWER CLEANING AND DEBRIS REMOVAL

Thorough and regular cleaning of debris from the engine and the machine is required for maximum engine efficiency and good overall performance. Inspect and clean the following areas regularly, making sure the engine is stopped, and cool, before proceeding:

•Brush and wipe off all engine surfaces, especially before checking oil or adding fuel. Do not let debris, oil or grease accumulate. To access the front of the engine, lift the debris shield up and tilt it forward.

•Wipe the deck clean, particularly near the engine muffler.

•Clean the underside of the deck.

•Keep safety and operating decals clean and legible.

•Keep all operating control levers debris-free so they work properly.

CLEANING THE ENGINE

Before each use of the machine and at each refueling, clean grass, chaff or accumulated debris from the finger guard area on top of the engine (see Figure 5-7), and from the linkage, springs and controls on the engine. Keep the area around and behind the muffler free of any combustible debris. See “Cleaning Debris” in the Engine Owner’s Manual for complete cleaning instructions. Do not use water to clean engine parts as water could contaminate the fuel system. Use a brush or dry cloth. Be sure engine is cool before cleaning around muffler area.

NOTE: The separate engine air cleaner must also be serviced according to the instructions in the Engine Owner’s Manual.

WARNING

Engine parts must be kept clean to reduce the risk of overheating and igni- tion of accumulated debris. This is especially important if cutting tall grass. Clean accumulated debris at each refu- eling and before each use of machine.

Failure to comply can cause injury or property damage.

Finger Guard

Figure 5-7

LUBRICATION

Applying light oil or a silicone-based lubricant to your machine allows the fol- lowing parts to work smoothly and pro- tects them from the elements:

•Throttle control cable

•Control bail cable

•Nuts, bolts and other hardware

NOTE: The spindle head is permanently lubricated at the factory. There is no need for additional lubrication.

COMPACT STORAGE

For compact storage, remove the two screws and locknuts securing the han- dlebar and carefully (to avoid kinking the cables) rotate the handlebar so that the upper portion rests on the engine and the handlebar legs face to the rear.

GENERAL ENGINE

MAINTENANCE

Perform the following engine mainte- nance according to the engine mainte- nance schedule and instructions in the separate Engine Owner’s Manual:

Engine Oil – Check the engine oil level before starting the engine each day and check it after each 5 hours of continuous operation. Running the engine when it is low on oil will quickly ruin the engine.

Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation and even sooner when oper- ating in extremely dirty or dusty condi- tions.

Air Cleaner – 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 unit without the air cleaner installed. Inspect and service the air cleaner after every 25 operating hours, more often if operating in very dusty or dirty conditions. See the Engine Owner’s Manual for cleaning or replacement instructions.

Spark Plug – Inspect and clean or replace the spark plug after every 100 operating hours or annually. Refer to the Engine Owner’s Manual for cleaning or replacement instructions.

Spark Arrester Screen – If the engine is equipped with a spark arrester screen, remove and clean it according to the time intervals and instructions in the Engine Owner’s Manual.

Engine Cleaning – The engine must be clean to assure smooth operation and to reduce the risk of overheating and igni- tion of accumulated debris. Refer to the Engine Owner’s Manual for specific cleaning instructions.

Carburetor/Governor Control Adjustments – The carburetor was adjusted at the factory for best operating speed. See the Engine Owner’s Manual for any adjustment information.

The governor controls the maximum safe operating speed and protects the engine and other moving parts from damage caused by overspeeding. Do not tamper with the governor settings. Seek authorized service if you think an adjust- ment is required.