14Section 5: Maintenance
WARNING
Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to come to a 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.
Spark Plug Service
Inspect and clean or replace the spark plug after every 100 operating hours or annually.
Spark Arrester Screen Service
If the engine is equipped with a spark ar- rester screen, remove and clean it ac- cording to the time intervals and instruc- tions in the engine manual.
Engine Cleaning
The engine must be kept clean to assure smooth operation and to reduce the risk of overheating and ignition of accumu- lated debris.
Carburetor/Governor Control Adjustments
The carburetor was adjusted at the fac- tory for best operating speed. Refer to the engine 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 posi- tion, or if the engine does not respond to various throttle settings, refer to the en- gine manual for service information.
OFF-SEASON STORAGE
When storing the unit for extended peri- ods, follow these procedures to ensure that the unit will be in good condition for future use.
WARNING
•Never perform maintenance when en- gine 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, elec- tric 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 property damage.
•Store machine on a level surface.
•Inspect for any loose, broken or miss- ing parts. Repair or replace parts as necessary.
•Perform recommended engine mainte- nance by following the engine storage instructions found in the engine manual. Be sure to protect the fuel lines, carbure- tor and fuel tank from gum deposits by removing fuel or by treating fuel with a fuel stabilizer (follow the engine manu- facturer’s recommendations).
•Clean any dirt, grass or chaff from the air cooling system intake area and other parts of the engine.
•Disconnect spark plug wire and move away from spark plug.
