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5. Raise the left side of the lawn mower at least 12 inches
(30 cm) and open the side oil drain plug (Fig. 21).
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m-4354
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Figure 21
1. Oil drain tube 2. Side oil drain plug
6. Insert the oil drain tube over the drain plug and lower
the lawn mower (Fig. 21).
7. Raise the right side of the lawn mower to drain the oil
into the drain pan.
8. Lower the right side of the lawn mower.
9. Remove the oil drain tube and tighten the side oil
drain plug.
Important Do not overtighten the side oil drain plug;
it may damage the crankcase cover. Torque the side oil
drain plug to 190 in-lb (23 N-m).
10. Fill the crankcase to the Full line on the dipstick with
fresh oil. Refer to the Filling the Crankcase with Oil
on page 5.
11. Wipe up any spilled oil.
12. Connect the wire to the spark plug.
13. Recycle the used oil according to local codes.
Maintaining the Cutting Blade
Always mow with a sharp blade. A sharp blade cuts
cleanly and without tearing or shredding the grass blades.
1. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.
2. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug (Fig. 7).
3. Drain the gasoline from the fuel tank; refer to
Emptying the Fuel Tank and Cleaning the Fuel Filter
on page 18.
4. Tip the mower onto its right side (air filter up)
(Fig. 22).
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Figure 22
Inspecting the Blade
Carefully examine the blade for sharpness and wear,
especially where the flat and the curved parts meet
(Fig. 23A). Because sand and abrasive material can wear
away the metal that connects the flat and curved parts of
the blade, check the blade before using the lawn mower. If
you notice a slot or wear (Figs. 23B and 23C), replace the
blade; refer to Removing the Blade on page 17.
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1
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2
3
4
A
B
C
Figure 23
1. Sail
2. Flat part of blade
3. Wear
4. Slot formed
Note: For the best performance, install a new blade before
the cutting season begins. During the year, file down any
small nicks to maintain the cutting edge.
Danger
A worn or damaged blade can break, and a piece
of the blade could be thrown into the operator’s
or bystander’s area, resulting in serious personal
injury or death.
• Inspect the blade periodically for wear or
damage.
• Replace a worn or damaged blade.