12
Engine Oil Change
Drain the used oil while the engine is warm. Warm oil drains quickly
and completely.
1. Turn the fuel valve OFF (page 8). This will reduce the possibility of
fuel leakage.
2. Wipe the oil filler area clean, then remove the oil filler cap/dipstick.
3. Place a suitable container
next to the mower to catch
the used oil, then tilt the
mower on its right side.
The used oil will drain
through the filler neck. Allow
the oil to drain completely.
Please dispose of used
motor oil and the container
in a manner that is
compatible with the environment. We suggest you take it in a
sealed container to your local recycling center or service station for
reclamation. Do not throw it in the trash, pour it on the ground, or
pour it down a drain.
4. Fill with the recommended oil.
Do not overfill. Allow a couple
of minutes for the oil to settle in
the engine, then measure the
oil level as shown under
“Engine Oil Level Check.”
NOTICE
Using nondetergent oil can
shorten the engine’s service
life, and using 2-stroke oil can
damage the engine.
Air Cleaner Service
A dirty air filter restricts air flow to the carburetor, reducing engine
performance. If you operate the mower in very dusty areas, clean the
air filter more often than specified in the MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
(page 9).
NOTICE
Operating the engine without an air filter or with a damaged filter
allows dirt to enter the engine, causing rapid engine wear. This type of
damage is not covered by the DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED
WARRANTY (page 20).
1. Press the latch tabs on the top of the air cleaner cover, and then
remove the cover.
2. Remove the foam element from the air cleaner cover.
3. Remove the screen grid and paper element.
4. Check both elements to be sure they are in good condition, and
replace them if they are damaged.
5. Clean the paper element by tapping it several times on a hard
surface to remove dirt, or blow compressed air (not exceeding
30 psi [207 kPa]) through the filter from the clean side that faces
the engine. Never try to brush off dirt; brushing will force dirt into
the fibers.
6. Wash the foam element in a solution of detergent and warm water
and then rinse thoroughly, or wash in nonflammable or high flash
point solvent. Allow the foam element to dry thoroughly.
7. Soak the foam element in clean engine oil and squeeze out the
excess oil.
NOTICE
Be careful not to get oil on the paper element. The engine will
smoke during initial start-up if too much oil is left in the foam, or the
oil could saturate the paper element, making the engine
inoperable.
8. Use a moist rag to wipe dirt from the inside of the air cleaner
housing and cover. Be careful to prevent dirt from entering the air
duct that leads to the carburetor.
9. Reinstall the screen grid over the paper element. Make sure that
the screen grid completely surrounds the paper pleats.
10.Set the paper element and screen grid in the air cleaner body.
11.Reinstall the foam element in the air cleaner cover.
12.Reinstall the air cleaner cover by locking the lower tabs in the
bottom of the air cleaner body and snapping the latch tabs in the
top of the air cleaner body.
AIR DUCT
FOAM ELEMENT
PAPER ELEMENT
SCREEN
GRID
LATCH TABS
LOWER
TABS
AIR CLEANE
R
COVER
AIR CLEANER BODY