MTD 454 Maintaining Your Tiller, Handle Adjustment, Belt Tension Adjustment, Engine Adjustment

SECTION 5: MAKING ADJUSTMENTS

WARNING: Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine is running, except where specified in operator’s manual.

Handle Adjustment

The handle height may be adjusted to the desired height. Refer to the handle adjustment in Know Your Tiller section.

Belt Tension Adjustment

Periodic adjustment of the belt tension may be required due to normal stretch and wear on the belt. Adjustment is needed if the tines or wheels seem to hesitate while turning, but the engine maintains the same speed.

To adjust the tension on the belt, refer to Final Clutch Adjustment in Assembly Instructions.

After belt tension has been adjusted, if the belt is excessively stretched, you may need to adjust the idler pulley rod. This can easily be checked.

With the engine off and the clutch control bail disengaged, shift the gear selection handle to each forward mode. If the indicator bracket touches the idler pulley rod (with the clutch control bail disengaged), then an adjustment is necessary.

•Disconnect and ground out spark plug wire against the engine.

•Remove the belt cover as described under Belt Replacement in the Maintenance section.

•Remove the hairpin clip and spring washer from the idler pulley rod. Refer to Figure 9.

•Move the idler pulley rod to the lower hole in the idler bracket.

•Replace the spring washer and hairpin clip.

•Check clearance of the idler pulley rod to the indicator bracket by shifting to each forward mode, as before.

Engine Adjustment

Refer to the separate engine manual for engine adjustment instructions.

SECTION 6: MAINTAINING YOUR TILLER

WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the engine before performing any repairs or maintenance.

Clean the engine regularly with a cloth or brush. Keep the cooling system (blower housing area) clean to permit proper air circulation which is essential to engine performance and life. Be certain to remove all dirt and combustible debris from muffler area.

Engine

Refer to the separate engine manual for engine maintenance instructions.

Maintain engine oil as instructed in the separate engine manual packed with your unit. Read and follow instructions carefully.

Service air cleaner every ten hours under normal conditions. Clean every hour under extremely dusty conditions. Poor engine performance and flooding usually indicates that the air cleaner should be serviced. To service the air cleaner, refer to the separate engine manual packed with your unit.

IMPORTANT: Never run your engine without air cleaner completely assembled.

The spark plug should be cleaned and the gap reset every 25 hours of engine operation. Spark plug replacement is recommended at the start of each tiller season; check engine manual for correct plug type and gap specification.

Lubrication

Transmission

The transmission is pre-lubricated and sealed at the factory. It requires no checking unless the transmission is disassembled. To fill with grease, lay the right half of the transmission on its side, add 22 ounces of Benalene 920 grease, and assemble the left half to it. This grease can be obtained at your nearest authorized dealer by ordering part number 737-0300.

Clutch Handle

Lubricate the pivot point on the clutch handle and the cable at least once a season with light oil. The control must operate freely in both directions.

Pivot Points

Lubricate all pivot points and linkages at least once a season with light oil.

Tine Shafts

Remove tine assemblies and lubricate the tine shafts at least once a season.

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