| Section 5: Maintenance | 15 |
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WARNING
Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition key on electric start models.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.
TRIMMER/MOWER CLEANING AND DEBRIS REMOVAL
Regular cleaning of debris from around the engine and on the machine is required for maximum engine efficiency and good over- all performance. Inspect and clean the fol- lowing areas regularly, making sure the engine is stopped – and cool – before pro- ceeding:
•Brush and wipe off all engine surfaces, especially before checking oil or adding fuel. Do not let oil or grease accumu- late. For access to the front of the engine, the debris shield can be lifted up and tilted forward.
•Wipe the deck clean, particularly near the engine muffler.
•Clean the underside of the deck.
•Keep safety and operating decals clean and legible.
•Keep all control levers clean so they work properly.
COMPACT STORAGE
For compact storage, remove the two screws and locknuts securing the handle- bar and carefully (to avoid kinking the cables) rotate the handlebar so that the upper portion rests on the engine and the handlebar legs face to the rear of the unit.
GENERAL ENGINE MAINTENANCE
Perform the following engine maintenance for your engine according to the engine maintenance schedule and instructions in the separate Engine Owner’s Manual:
Engine Oil Service – Check the engine oil level before starting the engine and after each 5 hours of continuous operation. Running the engine when it is low on oil will quickly ruin the engine.
Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation and more often when operating in extremely dirty or dusty conditions.
Air Cleaner Service – The air cleaner fil-
ters dirt and dust out of the air before it
enters the carburetor. Operating the
engine with a dirty, clogged air filter can
cause poor performance and damage to the engine. Never operate the engine with- out the air cleaner installed. Inspect and service the air cleaner after every 25 oper- ating hours, more often if operating in very dusty or dirty conditions. Refer to the Engine Owner’s Manual for cleaning or replacement instructions.
Spark Plug – Inspect and clean or replace the spark plug after every 100 operating hours or annually. Refer to the Engine Owner’s Manual for cleaning or replace- ment instructions.
Spark Arrester Screen – If the engine is equipped with a spark arrester screen, remove and clean it according to the time intervals and instructions in the Engine Owner’s Manual.
Engine Cleaning – The engine must be kept clean to assure smooth operation and to prevent damage from overheating. Refer to the Engine Owner’s Manual for specific cleaning instructions.
Carburetor/Governor Control Adjustments – The carburetor was adjusted at the factory for best operating speed. Refer to the Engine Owner’s Manual for any adjustment information.
The governor controls the maximum safe operating speed and protects the engine and other moving parts from damage caused by overspeeding. Do not tamper with the governor settings. Seek autho- rized service if you think an adjustment is required.
Throttle Control Adjustment – If the engine does not shut off when the throttle lever is moved to the stop position, or if the engine does not respond to various throttle settings, refer to the Engine Owner’s Manual for service information.
OFF-SEASON STORAGE
When storing the machine for extended periods, follow these procedures to ensure that the unit will be in good condi- tion for future use.
•Store machine on a level surface.
•Thoroughly inspect the machine for any loose, broken or missing parts. Repair or replace parts as necessary.
•Protect the engine and perform the rec- ommended engine maintenance by fol- lowing the engine storage instructions found in the Engine Owner’s Manual. Be sure to protect the fuel lines, carburetor and fuel tank from gum deposits by removing fuel or by treating fuel with a fuel stabilizer (follow the engine manu- facturer’s recommendations).
WARNING
•Never perform maintenance when engine is running or spark plug wire is connected, except when instructed to do so.
•Never store mower with fuel in fuel tank inside a building where fumes can reach an open flame or spark, or where ignition sources are present such as hot water and space heaters, furnaces, clothes dryers, stoves, electric motors, etc. Make sure engine is cool before storing.
•Drain gasoline outdoors into an approved container.Do not smoke and keep fuel away from open flame.
Failure to follow these instructions will result in serious personal injury or prop- erty damage.
•Clean any dirt, grass or chaff from the air cooling system intake area and other parts of the engine.
•Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug. Prevent wire from touching spark plug by placing wire away from spark plug.
