MTD 1842 Maintenance & Adjustments, Lubrication, Changing Engine Oil, Air Cleaner, Spark Plug

Maintenance & Adjustments

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Maintenance

WARNING! Before performing any maintenance or repairs, disengage PTO, move shift lever into neutral position, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting.

Engine

Refer to the Engine Operator/Owner Manual for engine maintenance instructions.

Check engine oil level before each use as instructed in the Engine Operator/Owner Manual packed with your unit. Follow the instructions carefully.

Changing Engine Oil

For draining oil from the engine’s crankcase of select model tractors, a plastic oil drain sleeve is packed with this Operator’s Manual. To drain the oil, proceed as follows:

1.Unscrew the oil fill cap and remove the dipstick from the oil fill tube.

2.Snap the small end of oil drain sleeve onto the oil sump. See Fig. 6-1.

Figure 6-1

3.Remove drain plug and drain oil into a suitable container with a capacity of no less than 64 oz.

4.Service oil filter (if so equipped) as instructed in the separate

Engine Operator/Owner Manual packed with your unit.

Perform the above steps in the opposite order after oil has finished draining.

5.Refill the engine with new motor oil as instructed in the Engine Operator/Owner Manual packed with your machine.

NOTE: Refer to the Engine Operator/Owner Manual packed with your unit for information regarding the quantity and proper viscosity of motor oil.

Air Cleaner

Service the pre-cleaner, if so equipped, and cartridge/air cleaner element as instructed in the Engine Operator/Owner Manual packed with your unit.

Spark Plug

The spark plug should be cleaned and the gap reset once a season. Spark plug replacement is recommended at the start of each mowing season. Refer to the Engine Operator/Owner Manual for correct plug type and gap specifications.

Lubrication

WARNING! Before lubricating, repairing, or inspecting, always disengage PTO, move shift lever into neutral position, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting.

Engine

Lubricate the engine with motor oil as instructed in the Engine Owner Manual packed with your unit.

Pivot Points & Linkage

Lubricate all the pivot points on the drive system, parking brake and lift linkage at least once a season with light oil.

Rear Wheels

The rear wheels should be removed from the axles once a season. Lubricate the axles and the rims well with an all-purpose grease before re-installing them.

Front Axles

Each end of the tractor’s front pivot bar may be equipped with a grease fitting. Lubricate with a grease gun after every 25 hours of tractor operation.

Battery

The battery is sealed and is maintenance-free. Acid levels cannot be checked.

•Always keep the battery cables and terminals clean and free of corrosive build-up.

•After cleaning the battery and terminals, apply a light coat of petroleum jelly or grease to both terminals.

•Always keep the rubber boot positioned over the positive terminal to prevent shorting.

IMPORTANT: If removing the battery for any reason, disconnect the NEGATIVE (Black) wire from it’s terminal first, followed by the POSITIVE (Red) wire. When re-installing the battery, always connect the POSITIVE (Red) wire its terminal first, followed by the NEGATIVE (Black) wire. Be certain that the wires are connected to the correct terminals; reversing them could change the polarity and result in damage to your engine’s alternating system.

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