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Section5: Maintenance
WARNING Before inspecting,cleaningor servicingthe unit, shutoff engine, wait for all
partsto cometo a completestop, disconnectspark plugwire and movewire away from spark
plug. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or
propertydamage.
ENGINEOILSERVICE
Checkthe engine oil level before starting
the engine eachday and check it after each
5 hours of continuous operation. Running
the engine when it is low on oil will quickly
ruin the engine.
It is recommended that you changethe
motor oil after every 10 hours of operation
and evensooner when operating in
extremely dirty or dusty conditions. Refer
to the separateEngineOwner's Manualfor
detailed service instructions.
A. To Checkthe Engine0il Level:
1. Move thetiller to a level areaand shut
off the engine.
2. Levelthe engine by adjusting the Depth
Regulator Lever. The tines must be in
contact with the ground. Move theAnti-
ReverseStake backif necessary.
3. Cleanthe area around 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, remove it,
wipe it clean,and reinstall itfinger-tight.
Removethe dipstick and check the reading.
Add oil (if required) to bring the levelto the
FULLmark. Do not overfill.
B. To Changethe Engine0il:
Changethe engine oil as instructed in the
separateEngineOwner's Manual.
ENGINECLEANING
Keepthe engine clean to assure smooth
operation and to prevent damagefrom
overheating. Referto the separateEngine
Owner's Manualfor specific repair and
cleaning instructions. All inspections and
services must be done with the engineshut
off and cool to the touch.
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AIR CLEANERSERVICE
The engine air cleanerfilters dirt and dust
out of the air before it enters the carbure-
tor. Operatingthe enginewith a dirty,
clogged air filter cancause poor perfor-
manceand damageto the engine. Never
operatethe engine without the air cleaner
installed. Inspect and servicethe air
cleaner more often if operating in very
dusty or dirty conditions.
Servicethe air cleaner as instructed in the
separateEngineOwner's Manual.
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 attester screen, remove and cleanit
according to the time intervalsand instruc-
tions in the separateEngineOwner's
Manual.
THROTTLELEVERADJUSTMENT
If the engine does not respond to various
throttle lever settings, refer to the separate
EngineOwner's Manualfor service infor-
mation or contact your local authorized
engineservice dealer.
CARBURETOR/GOVERNORCONTROL
ADJUSTMENTS
The carburetor was adjusted at thefactory
for best operatingspeed. Referto the
separateEngineOwner's Manualfor any
adjustment information or seeyour autho-
rized engine service dealer.
The governor controls the maximum
safe operatingspeed and protects the
engineand all moving parts from
damagecaused by 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 thetiller won't be usedfor
extendedperiods, prepareit for storage
as follows:
1. Cleanthe tiller and engine.
2. Do routine tiller lubrication and 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's Manual. NOTE:Besureto
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's recommendations).
4. Store unit in a clean, dry area.
5. Neverstore the tiller with fuel in the
fuel tank in an enclosed areawhere gas
fumes could reach an open flame or
spark, or where ignition sources are
present (space heaters, hotwater
heaters,furnaces, etc.).