MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS

REPLACING THE SPARK PLUG

Use only genuine MTD spark plugs. The correct air gap is 0.025 in. (0.655 mm). Remove the plug after every 25 hours of operation and check its condition.

1.Stop the engine and allow it to cool. Grasp the plug wire firmly and pull the cap from the spark plug.

2.Clean dirt from around the spark plug. Remove the spark plug from the cylinder head by turning counterclockwise using a 5/8 inch deep socket.

3.Replace cracked, fouled or dirty spark plug. Set the air gap at 0.025 in. (0.655 mm) using a feeler gauge (Fig. 33).

0.025 in.

(0.655 mm.)

Fig. 33

CAUTION: Do not sand blast, scrape, or clean electrodes. Grit in the engine could damage the cylinder.

4.Install a correctly gapped spark plug in the cylinder head. Tighten by turning the 5/8 inch deep socket clockwise until snug.

If using a torque wrench torque to;

110-120 in.•lb. (12.3-13.5 N•m)

Do not over tighten.

SPARK ARRESTOR MAINTENANCE

1.Remove the muffler cover. Refer to the Rocker Arm section.

2.With a flat blade screwdriver or Torx T20 bit, remove the screw attaching the spark arrestor cover to the muffler (Fig. 34).

Muffler

Spark Arrestor Screen

Tab Screw

Spark Arrestor Cover

Slot

Fig. 34

3.Pull the tab on the spark arrestor cover out of the muffler. Remove the spark arrestor cover.

4.Remove the spark arrestor screen from the spark arrestor cover.

5.Clean the spark arrestor screen with a wire brush, or replace.

6.Reinstall the spark arrestor screen, spark arrestor cover and screw.

ACCESSORIES/REPLACEMENT PARTS

4-Cycle Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181786 Oil Fill Plug / Dipstick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182378 Spark Plug . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180852 Spark Arrestor Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180890 Fuel Cap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182271 Air Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182658 Tine (L) (Left Side Outer or Right Side Inner) . . . .182729 Tine (R) (Right Side Outer or Left Side Inner) . . . .182730 Clevis Pin with Clip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147473

These replacement parts can be purchased from your local authorized dealer.

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