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Carefully read this Section on mower
and engine maintenance and service.
Performing the required maintenance
according to schedule will ensure the
proper performance and long life of your
machine.
NOTE: All references to left, right, front
and rear of the machine are determined by
standing behind the handlebars and facing
the direction of forward travel.
IMPORTANT: REFER TO
MAINTENANCE CHART IN THIS
SECTION FOR A LISTING OF REGU-
LARLY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
PROCEDURES.
ENGINE SERVICE
Routine engine service is described
below. For more complete engine ser-
vice information, refer to the engine
manual provided with your machine.
For complete engine service, contact an
authorized engine dealer.
ENGINE OIL
OIL LEVEL: With mower on level
ground, the engine oil level must be be-
tween the "ADD" and "FULL" marks on
the dipstick at all times. Check before
each use and every 5 operating hours.
OIL CHANGE: On a new engine, change
oil after first 2 hours of use, then change
oil regularly as specified on the
Maintenance Chart. Refer to Engine
Owner's Manual for oil capacity.
OIL TYPE: Use clean, high quality deter-
gent oil having an A.P.I. service classifi-
cation of SE, SF or SG. Use no special
additives with oil. Refer to the Engine
Owner’s Manual for recommended SAE
viscosity grades that match the starting
temperature anticipated before the next
oil change.
Checking Oil Level:
1. Park machine on level ground.
2. Stop engine, wait for parts to stop
moving, and disconnect spark plug
wire.
3. Clean area around dipstick (Z, Figure
5-1) to prevent dirt from entering oil fill
hole.
4. Remove dipstick. Oil level must be
between “ADD” and “FULL” marks. Do
not exceed “FULL” mark on dipstick.
5. To add oil, pour slowly into dipstick
opening. While adding, check oil level
frequently by securely replacing dipstick
and removing to read oil level. Wipe dip-
stick clean each time oil level is
checked.
6. After filling to “FULL” mark, securely
replace dipstick.
Changing Oil:
Change oil while engine is still warm
from recent operation. Warm oil flows
more freely and carries away more im-
purities.
1. Stop engine, wait for parts to stop
moving, and disconnect spark plug
wire.
2. Remove dipstick (Z, Figure 5-1).
3. Remove protective cap (A, Figure 5-
2) to expose oil drain port (B).
4. Push oil drain hose (D) (included in
hardware bag with unit) onto oil drain
port. Route other end of hose to an ap-
propriate oil collection receptacle.
5. Twist oil drain fixture (C) to the open
position. Pull out. Drain oil completely.
6. Push in and twist oil drain fixture to
the closed position. Remove drain
hose. Replace protective cap (A).
7. Refill engine with fresh oil and se-
curely replace dipstick.
NOTE: Please dispose of all waste mate-
rials in an ecologically responsible man-
ner. Use proper waste material storage
containers.
Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing
the machine, shut off engine, make
sure that all moving parts have 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 personal injury or property
damage.
WARNING
Figure 5-1: Briggs and Stratton engine oil
fill.
Z
Figure 5-2: Oil drain.
C
A
B
D
Maintenance
5
Section
Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for moving parts to stop, disconnect spark
plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition key (electric start models).
Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.
WARNING
16