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CLEANING THE ENGINE
FOAM DEBRIS FILTER
It is extremely important to keep the
foam debris filter (A, Figure 5-14) free
of dirt and dust so the engine can run
as efficiently and as cool as possible.
Clean the foam debris filter every time
you refuel (also remove all debris from
around the fuel fill cap).
To wash the debris filter, remove the
outer “O-ring” (B, Figure 5-14) and
carefully lift it off the wire guard (C) to
which it is attached on top of engine.
Soak filter in warm water and detergent
solution.
When clean, rinse the debris filter thor-
oughly, then air dry it. The wire guard
may also be removed to clean out any
debris. Replace the wire guard and
foam filter properly—they must make
contact with the engine. The recoil
start rope must fit in the slot. Be sure
the “O-ring” is 1/2" above the engine.
NOTE: Inspect the engine air filter sys-
tem as per the Engine Owner’s Manual.
GENERAL LUBRICATION
Apply grease, light oil or silicone-based
lubricant to your machine so parts
work more smoothly and are protected
from the elements. The following are
general guidelines:
Light Grease:
• Wheel axle shaft pivot points
Silicone-base Spray Lubricant
(or light oil):
• Throttle control cable (if so equipped)
• Control bail cable
• Nuts, bolts and other hardware
NOTE: The spindle head is perma-
nently lubricated at the factory. There
is no need for additional lubrication.
COMPACT STORAGE
For compact storage of the unit, re-
move the two screws and locknuts se-
curing the handlebar and carefully (to
avoid kinking the cable) rotate the han-
dlebar so that the upper portion rests
on the engine and the handlebar legs
face to the rear of the unit.
GENERAL ENGINE
MAINTENANCE
Perform the following engine mainte-
nance for your engine according to the
engine maintenance schedule and in-
structions in the separate Engine
Owner’s Manual:
• Check engine oil level.
• Add oil to engine.
• Change engine oil. (In order to
change the oil, debris flap and belt
cover removal are required to
access the oil drain plug.)
• Inspect the air cleaner.
• Inspect the spark arrester muffler (if
so equipped).
• Inspect the spark plug.
OFF-SEASON STORAGE
When storing the trimmer/mower for
extended periods, follow these proce-
dures to ensure that the trimmer/mower
will be in good condition for future use.
• Store machine on a level surface.
• Thoroughly inspect the machine for
any loose, broken or missing parts.
Repair or replace parts as necessary.
• Remove all fuel from fuel tank or use
a fuel stabilizer additive as directed in
the Engine Owner’s Manual.
• Change engine oil.
• Remove spark plug and squirt 1/2-
ounce of engine oil into spark plug
hole. Cover hole with a rag. Slowly
pull recoil starter rope to crank engine,
then reinstall plug.
• Clean any dirt, grass or chaff from
the air cooling system intake area and
other parts of the engine.
• Check nuts, bolts, other hardware for
tightness. Replace missing hardware.
• On an electric start model, remove
key from keyswitch. Charge battery for
24 hours before and after storage.
• Disconnect spark plug wire from
spark plug. Prevent wire from touch-
ing spark plug by placing wire boot
away from spark plug.
Figure 5-14.
c
e
B
A
C
WARNING
Never run engine without the
debris filter properly in-
stalled. If debris filter is not
properly installed, grass clip-
pings may be drawn into en-
gine, causing heat buildup
and, in some cases, a fire.
Failure to comply can cause
injury or property damage.
WARNING Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the unit, shut off engine, wait for all parts
to come to a complete 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.
Section 5: Maintenance/Repairs
WARNING
• Never perform mainte-
nance when engine is run-
ning or spark plug wire is
connected except when in-
structed 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, electric motors, etc.
Make sure engine is cool be-
fore storing.
• Drain gasoline outdoors
into an approved container.
• Do not smoke and keep
fuel away from open flame.
Failure to follow these in-
structions will result in seri-
ous personal injury or prop-
erty damage.