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20 Section 5: Maintenance
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.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.
WARNING
FORWARD CLUTCH
BAIL ADJUSTMENT
If the Forward Clutch Bail does not func-
tion properly, first check that the forward
drive belt is adjusted properly (see
Checking and Adjusting Forward Drive
Belt Tension). If this fails to correct the
problem, contact your authorized dealer
for service advice.
ENGINE CLEANING
Keeping the engine clean will help to
ensure smooth operation and prevent
damage from overheating. Refer to the
Engine Owner’s Manual for engine
cleaning service intervals and instructions.
Be sure that the muffler is cool before ser-
vicing the engine.
AIR CLEANER SERVICE
The air cleaner filters 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 without the air cleaner installed.
Inspect and service the air cleaner more
often if operating in very dusty or dirty
conditions. Refer to the Engine Owner’s
Manual for air cleaner service intervals
and instructions.
ENGINE OIL SERVICE
Check the engine oil level before each use
and after every 5 hours of continuous
operation. Running the engine when it is
low on oil will quickly ruin the engine.
It is recommended that you change the
motor oil after every 10 hours of operation
and even sooner when operating in
extremely dirty or dusty conditions. Refer
to the Engine Owner’s Manual for detailed
service instructions.
A. To Check the Engine Oil Level:
1. Park the tiller on a level area and shut
off the engine.
2. Level the engine (use the Depth Regu-
lator Lever to adjust the engine angle).
3. Clean around the oil dipstick or oil fill
tube (whichever applies) to prevent dirt
from falling into the crankcase.
4. On engines with an oil fill tube, remove
the fill cap and add oil (if required) until it
reaches the top of the fill tube. Reinstall
the fill cap.
5. On engines with a dipstick, remove it
and wipe it clean. Reinsert the dipstick,
tighten it securely, and remove it. Add oil
as needed to bring the level up to the FULL
mark. Wipe dipstick clean each time oil
level is checked. Do not overfill. Tighten
dipstick securely.
B. To Change the Engine Oil:
Change the engine oil as instructed in the
Engine Owner’s Manual.
SPARK PLUG SERVICE
Inspect and clean or replace the spark
plug after every 100 operating hours or
annually. Refer to the Engine Owner’s
Manual for spark plug service instructions.
In some areas, local law requires using
resistor spark plugs to suppress ignition
signals. If the engine was originally
equipped with a resistor spark plug, use
the same type for replacement.
SPARK ARRESTER SCREEN
SERVICE
If the engine muffler is equipped with a
spark arrester screen, remove and clean it
according to the service intervals and
instructions in the Engine Owner’s
Manual.
THROTTLE LEVER ADJUSTMENT
If the engine does not respond to various
throttle lever settings, refer to the Engine
Owner’s Manual for service information or
contact your local authorized engine
dealer.
Operators shall not tamper with the
engine governor settings on the
machine; the governor controls the max-
imum safe operating speed to protect
the engine and all moving parts from
damage caused by overspeed. Autho-
rized service shall be sought if a
problem exists.
WARNING