NOTE: Refer to the Attachments & Accessories table found on page 32 of this manual for the proper spark plug type.

•Lift the tractor’s hood and locate the spark plug wire on the front, right area of the engine.

•Carefully pull the spark plug wire boot off of the spark plug.

•Before removing the spark plug, clean the area around the base of the plug to keep dirt and debris out of the engine.

•Using a ratchet with a 5/8-inch spark plug socket, remove the spark plug and check its condition.

•Replace the plug if worn, dirty of damaged. Reuse only after resetting the gap as instructed in the following steps.

NOTE: Do not clean the spark plug in a machine using abrasive grit. Some grit could remain in the spark plug and enter the engine causing extensive wear and damage.

•Check the gap using a feeler gauge and adjust, if necessary, by carefully bending the ground electrode. See Figure 22. Set the spark plug gap to 1.0 mm (0.040 in.).

Feeler Gauge

Spark Plug

Ground Electrode

Gap

Figure 22

•Reinstall the spark plug into the cylinder head. Torque the spark plug to 38.0/43.4 N·m (28/32 ft. lb.).

•Place the spark plug wire boot over the spark plug and press until you feel it “click” in place.

Fuel Filter

WARNING: Do not replace the fuel filter when engine is hot.

The engine is equipped with an inline fuel filter located on the right side of the engine.

Visually inspect the filter periodically for a build-up of residue inside the filter body, and for a dirty element which can be indicated by discoloration. Replace the fuel filter when dirty.

NOTE: If necessary, remove the tractor’s right-hand side panel as instructed on page 20 before changing the engine’s fuel filter.

Cleaning the Engine And Deck

Any fuel or oil spilled on the machine should be wiped off promptly.

Do NOT allow debris to accumulate around the cooling fins of the engine or on any other part of the machine, especially the belts and pulleys.

IMPORTANT: The use of a pressure washer or garden hose to clean your tractor is NOT recommended. It may cause damage to electrical components, spindles, pulleys, bearings or the engine. The use of water will result in a shortened life of the tractor and reduce its serviceability.

Lubrication

WARNING: Before lubricating, repairing, or inspecting, always disengage PTO, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting.

Deck Spindles

Grease fittings can be found on the top of each deck spindle shaft. See Figure 23. Lubricate with 251H EP grease or an equivalent No. 2 multi-purpose lithium grease. Using a grease gun, apply two strokes (minimum) or sufficient grease to flush old grease and dirt out of the spindle shaft.

Grease Fitting

Figure 23

23