MTD 838 Lawn Mower User Manual


 
10
5
Maintaining
Your Lawn
Mower
WARNING
Always stop engine,
disconnect spark plug,
and ground against
engine before cleaning,
lubricating or doing any
kind of maintenance on
your machine.
IMPORTANT: Do not
use a pressure washer
or garden hose to clean
your unit. These may
cause damage to electric
components, spindles,
pulleys, bearings, or the
engine. The use of water
will result in shortened life
and reduce serviceability.
General Recommendations
Always observe safety rules when performing
any maintenance.
The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover
items that have been subjected to operator abuse
or negligence. To receive full value from warranty,
operator must maintain the lawn mower as
instructed here.
Changing of engine-governed speed will void
engine warranty.
All adjustments should be checked at least once
each season.
Periodically check all fasteners and make sure these
are tight.
WARNING: Always stop engine,
disconnect spark plug, and ground
against engine before servicing the
unit.
Lubrication
1. Lubricate pivot points on the blade control at least
once a season with light oil. The blade control must
operate freely in both directions, Figure 5-1.
2. Lubricate the wheels at least once a season with
light oil (or motor oil). If wheels are removed for any
reason, lubricate surface of the axle and inner surface
of the wheel with light oil, Figure 5-1.
3. Lubricate the torsion spring and pivot point on the rear
discharge door periodically with light oil to prevent
rust, Figure 5-1.
4. The transmission is pre-lubricated and sealed at the
factory and does not require lubrication.
5. Follow the accompanying engine manual for lubrica-
tion schedule and instruction for engine lubrication.
Deck Care
1. Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain gasoline from lawn
mower or place a piece of plastic under the gas cap.
2. Tip mower so that it rests on the housing. Keep the
side with the air cleaner facing up. Hold mower firmly.
WARNING: Never tip the mower more
than 90º in any direction and do not
leave the mower tipped for any length of
time. Oil can drain into the upper part of the engine
causing a starting problem.
3. Scrape and clean the underside of the deck with a
suitable tool. Do not spray with water.
4. Put the mower back on its wheels on the ground. If
you had put plastic under the gas cap earlier, make
sure to remove it now.
Engine Care
NOTE: Refer to the engine manual for detailed
instructions.
1. Maintain oil level.
2. Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normal
conditions. Clean every few hours under extremely
dusty conditions.
3. Clean spark plug and reset the gap once a season.
4. Clean engine regularly with a cloth or brush. Keep the
cooling system (blower housing area) clean to permit
proper air circulation. Remove all grass, dirt, and
combustible debris from muffler area.
Replacing Rear Flap
1. Lift up rear door.
2. Bend (bow) the rear flap inward on each side to
release tabs from the holes in the handle mounting
brackets, Figure 5-2.
3. Replace with new flap by bending the rear flap and
sliding into place.
Figure 5-1: Lubrication areas on the mower.
Figure 5-2: Replacing the rear flap.
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