MTD 440 Thru E459 Maintaining Your Lawn Mower, Cleaning Mower, Lubrication, Engine Maintenance

SECTION 7: MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN MOWER

WARNING: Always stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire before performing any maintenance work or adjustments on your lawn mower.

Cleaning Mower

The underside of the mower deck should be cleaned after each use to prevent any build-up of grass clippings, leaves, dirt, or other debris. If this debris is allowed to accumulate, it will result in rust and corrosion.

We do not recommend the use of pressure washers or garden hose to clean your unit. They may cause damage to electric components, spindles, pulleys, bearings or the engine. The use of water will result in shortened life and reduce serviceability.

•Disconnect spark plug wire.

•Drain the gasoline from the lawn mower, or place a piece of plastic under the gas cap.

•Tilt the mower so that the side with the air cleaner is facing UP. Hold the mower firmly.

•Scrape and clean the underside of the deck with a suitable tool. Do NOT spray with water.

•Put the mower back on its wheels. If you had put plastic under the gas cap, remove it now.

WARNING: Never tip the mower more than 90 degrees in any direction and do not leave the mower tipped for any length of time. Oil can drain into the upper part of the engine causing a starting problem.

•Clean the engine periodically. Remove dirt and debris with a cloth or brush.

•Clean the spark plug and reset the gap to.030” at

least once a season or every 50 hours of operation. Spark plug replacement is recommended at the start of each season.

Inspect muffler periodically, and replace if necessary. Damaged mufflers or spark arresters can create a fire hazard. Make sure to avoid muffler and surrounding areas while the mower engine is hot because temperature of these areas of the engine may exceed 150o F.

Lubrication

Wheels

•Lubricate the wheels and bearings, if so equipped, at least once a season with light oil or engine oil. Also, if the wheels are removed for any reason, lubricate the surface of the axle bolt and the inner surface of the wheel with light oil.

Chute Deflector & Rear Discharge Door

•Lubricate the torsion spring and the pivot point on each end of the chute deflector and the rear discharge door using a light oil. This will prevent rusting and ensure that the deflector, which is a safety device, can always work properly.

Engine

•Follow the engine manual instructions and recommended schedule for lubricating engine components.

Engine Maintenance

•A list of key maintenance jobs required for good performance by the mower is given below. Follow the accompanying engine manual for detailed list and instructions.

•Change engine oil after the first two operating hours and every 25 operating hours thereafter. Check the oil level before starting the engine every time.

•Service foam filter in the air cleaner every 25 hours of use and replace the paper filter component every 100 hours. You may have to service the air filter more frequently if you are operating the mower under extremely dusty conditions.

Transmission

•The transmission is pre-lubricated and sealed at the factory and does not require lubrication on a regular basis as part of maintenance. However, if you disassemble the transmission for any reason, refill with two ounces of Alvania grease (part # 737- 0168) as part of reassembly.

Pivot Points

•Lubricate the pivot points on the blade control handle, brake cable and the cutting height adjustment lever at least once a season with light oil. The blade control handle must operate freely in both directions. The cutting height adjustment levers should be able to move easily.

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