Section5: Maintenance
WARNINGBefore inspecting, cleaning or servicingthe unit, shut off engine, wait for all parts to cometo a complete stop, disconnectspark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or propertydamage.
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ENGINEOILSERVICE
Checkthe engine oil level before starting the engineeach day and check it after each 5 hours of continuous operation. Running the enginewhen it is low on oil will quickly ruin the engine.
It is recommendedthat you changethe motor oil after every 10 hours of operation and even sooner when operating in extremely dirty or dusty conditions. Refer
to the separateEngineOwner'sManual for detailed service instructions.
A. To Checkthe EngineOil Level:
1.Move the tiller to a levelareaand shut
off the engine.
2.Levelthe engineby adjusting the Depth Regulator Lever. The tines must be in contact with the ground. Move the Anti- ReverseStake backif necessary.
3.Cleanthe areaaround the oil dipstick or oil fill tube to prevent dirt from falling into the crankcase.
4.Onengines with an oil fill tube, remove the filler cap, add oil (if required) until it reachesthe top of the tube and reinstall the filler cap.
5.Onengines with a dipstick, removeit, wipe it clean, and reinstall it
Add oil (if required) to bring the levelto the FULLmark. Do not overfill.
B. To Changethe Engine Oil:
Changethe engine oil as instructed in the separateEngineOwner'sManual.
ENGINECLEANING
Keepthe engineclean to assure smooth operation and to prevent damagefrom overheating. Referto the separateEngine Owner'sManual for specific repair and cleaning instructions. All inspections and services must bedone with the engineshut off and cool to the touch.
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AIR CLEANERSERVICE
The engineair cleanerfilters dirt and dust out of the air before it entersthe carbure-
tor. Operating the enginewith a dirty, clogged air filter can causepoor perfor- manceand damage to the engine. Never operatethe enginewithout the air cleaner installed. Inspect and service the air cleaner more often if operating in very dusty or dirty conditions.
Servicethe air cleaner as instructed in the
separateEngineOwner'sManual.
SPARKPLUGSERVICE
Inspect and clean or replacethe spark plug after every 100 operating hours or annually. Cleanthe plug and set the gap as described in the separateEngineOwner's Manual.
In some areas, local law requires using resistor spark plugs to suppress ignition signals. If the engine was originally equippedwith a resistor spark plug, use the same type for replacement.
SPARKARRESTERSCREENSERVICE
If the engine muffler is equipped with a spark arrester screen, remove and clean it according to the time intervals and instruc- tions in the separateEngineOwner's Manual.
THROTTLELEVERADJUSTMENT
if the engine does not respond to various throttle lever settings, refer to the separate EngineOwner'sManual for service infor- mation or contact your local authorized engine service dealer.
CARBURETOR/GOVERNORCONTROL ADJUSTMENTS
The carburetor was adjusted at the factory for best operating speed. Referto the separateEngineOwner'sManual for any adjustment information or see your autho- rized engine service dealer.
The governor controls the maximum safe operating speed and protects the engineand all moving parts from damage causedby overspeeding. Do not tamper with the engine governor settings.
WARNING
Operators shall not tamper with the engine governor settings on the machine; the governor controls the maximum safe operating speed to protect the engine and all moving parts from damage caused by overspeed. Authorized service shall be sought if a problem exists.
OFFSEASONSTORAGE
When the tiller won'tbe used for extendedperiods, prepareit for storage as follows:
1.Cleanthe tiller and engine.
2.Do routine tiller lubricationand check for loose parts and hardware.
3.Protect the engine and perform rec- ommended engine maintenanceby following the engine storage instruc-
tions found in the separate Engine Owner'sManual. NOTE: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 engine manufac- turer'srecommendations).
4.Store unit in a clean,dry area.
5.Neverstore the tiller with fuel in the fuel tank in an enclosedareawhere gas fumes could reach an open flame or spark, or where ignition sources are present (space heaters,hot water heaters, furnaces, etc.).
