Checking the Spark Plug
1. Look at the center of the spark plug (Figure 18).
If you see light brown or gray on the insulator, the
engine is operating properly. A black coating on the
insulator usually means that the air cleaner is dirty.
Important: Never Clean the spark plug. Always
replace the spark plug when it has a black
coating, worn electrodes, an oily film, or cracks.
Figure 18
1. Center electrode insulator
2. Side electrode
2. Check the gap between the center and side electrodes
(Figure 18). Bend the side electrode (Figure 18) if
the gap is not correct.
Installing the Spark Plug
1. Thread the spark plug into the spark plug hole.
2. Tighten the spark plug to 20 ft-lb (27 N-m).
3. Push the wire onto the spark plug.
3. Air gap (not to scale)
Belt Maintenance
Checking the Drive Belt
Tension
Service Interval: Every 25 hours
Note: Replace the belt if it shows any signs of wear,
cracks, or damage.
1. Shut off the engine and wait for all rotating parts
to stop.
2. Remove belt guard retaining screws (Figure 19).
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1
2
view may vary depending on model
1. Belt guard
2. Lock washer
3. Washer
3. To check belt tension, gently squeeze the belt spans
together. You should be able to push the belt down
about 1/4–3/8 inch (6–10mm) from the original
position.
Important: To extend the belt life, proper tension
must be maintained. A loose belt will cause
excessive cutting wheel slippage and early belt
failure. A belt that is too tight can cause bearing
and shaft failure, and rapid belt wear.
Adjusting the Drive Belt
1. Remove the belt guard.
2. Loosen the 4 engine mounting bolts, and jam nuts
holding the adjustment bolt (Figure 20).
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3
4
Figure 19
4. Bolt
5. Nut
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