Troy-Bilt 42012, 42031 Maintenance, Engine oil, Ignition system, Spark Plug, Carburetor, Section

Section

Maintenance 5

Engine oil

Check the engine oil level each time before starting the unit and after each 5 hours of operation.

WARNING

BEFORE PERFORMING ANY MAINTENANCE OR ADJUSTMENTS TO THE UNIT SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND ALLOW IT TO COOL. REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY. DISCONNECT THE SPARK PLUG WIRE FROM THE SPARK PLUG. PREVENT THE WIRE FROM CONTACTING THE PLUG.

To check the engine oil level:

1.Move the unit onto a level surface.

2.Remove the oil dipstick (A, Fig. 5-1).

3.Wipe the oil from the dipstick with a clean cloth.

4.Screw the dipstick back into the engine.

5.Remove the oil dipstick (A , Fig. 5-1) again.

A

B

Fig. 5-1

6.The oil level should be between the “FULL” and the “ADD” marks on the dipstick. Refer to the engine owner manual for proper oil specifications.

To change the engine oil:

1.Start the engine and allow it to warm up to normal operating temperature.

2.Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop. Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug.

3.Move the unit onto a level surface.

4.Remove the engine oil dipstick (A, Fig. 5-1) to allow venting for the engine crankcase.

5.Place a container with a minimum capacity of two quarts below the oil drain opening.

6.Fold a piece of cardboard or aluminum foil into a shallow “V”, and position it so the oil will drain through it into the container.

7.Remove the oil drain plug (B, Fig. 5-1) and allow the oil to drain into the container.

8.When all oil has completely drained from the crankcase securely replace the oil drain plug (B).

9.Refer to the engine owner manual for correct oil specifications. Fill the engine through the oil dipstick opening with the correct type and amount of oil as indicated in the engine owner manual.

10.Securely replace the oil dipstick (A).

NEVER DISPOSE OF WASTE OIL ON THE GROUND, DOWN A DRAIN OR INTO A LAKE, POND OR STREAM. CONTACT LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORITIES FOR PROPER OIL DISPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Ignition system

The engine has an electronic ignition system which does not use points or a condenser. The spark plug is the only item requiring maintenance in this system.

Spark Plug

Annually or every 100 hours of operation, remove and inspect the spark plug. Replace the spark plug if the electrode is pitted or burned or if the porcelain is cracked. Refer to the engine owner manual for correct spark plug specifica- tions (Fig, 5-2).

Refer to engine manual for spark plug gap specifications.

Fig. 5-2

Note: Use of an incorrect plug can damage the engine.

Carburetor

The carburetor has been adjusted at the factory and should not require additional adjustment. If a black exhaust is noticed, inspect the air cleaner first. An over-rich mixture is usually caused by a clogged air cleaner element, not an improperly adjusted carburetor. Refer to the engine owner manual or contact your dealer for additional carburetor information.

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