ENGINE
Every 25 Hours or Annually *
Clean engine air filter and pre-cleaner (if equipped) **
Every 50 Hours or Annually *
Change engine oil
Replace oil filter (if equipped)
Annually
Replace air filter
Replace pre-cleaner (if equipped)
See Dealer Annually to
Inspect muffler and spark arrester (if equipped)
Replace spark plug
Replace fuel filter (if equipped)
Clean engine air cooling system
* Whichever comes first
** Clean more often in dusty conditions or when airborne
debris is present
Change Engine Oil
WARNING
Amputation Hazard
• DO NOT attempt any maintenance, adjustments or
service with engine and blade running.
• STOP engine and blade.
• Disconnect spark plug wire and secure away from spark
plug.
Burn Hazard
• Engine and components are HOT.
• Avoid serious burns, allow sufficient time for all
components to cool.
Laceration Hazard
• Wear heavy leather gloves when handling or working
around cutting blades.
• Blades are extremely sharp and can cause severe
injury.
1. Drain the fuel tank completely.
2. Remove the dipstick (A, Figure 12), then turn the mower
on its side. Allow the oil to drain from the oil fill tube into
an appropriate container. Dispose of used oil properly.
3. Place the mower upright, then fill the engine with engine
oil to the 'full' mark on the dipstick. Refer to the section
entitled 'Oil Recommendations'. Do not overfill.
NOTICE
Drain the fuel tank before tipping the machine. DO NOT
tip the machine with the carburetor or spark plug down. Oil
from the crankcase will saturate the air filter and cause the
engine to be hard to start or not start at all. If contamination
does occur, the air filter will have to be replaced.
Change Oil Filter
(If Equipped)
1. Drain the oil from the engine. See Change Engine Oil .
2. Remove the oil filter (B, Figure 12) and dispose of
properly.
3. Before you install the new oil filter, lightly lubricate the oil
filter gasket with fresh, clean oil.
4. Install the oil filter by hand until the gasket contacts the oil
filter adapter, then tighten the oil filter 1/2 to 3/4 turns.
5. Add oil. See Change Engine Oil .
6. Start and run the engine. As the engine warms up, check
for oil leaks.
7. Stop the engine and check the oil level. It should be at the
top of the full indicator on the dipstick.
Service Air Filter
WARNING
Fire Hazard
Never start or run the engine with the air cleaner assembly
(if equipped) or the air filter (if equipped) removed.
NOTICE
Do not use pressurized air or solvents to clean the filter.
Pressurized air can damage the filter and solvents will
dissolve the filter.
1. Remove the fastener (A, Figure 13) and the air filter cover
(B).
2. Remove the pre-cleaner (C) and the filter (D).
3. To loosen debris, gently tap the filter on a hard surface. If
the filter is excessively dirty, replace with a new filter.
4. Wash the pre-cleaner in liquid detergent and water. Then
allow it to thoroughly air dry. Do not oil the pre-cleaner.
5. Assemble the dry pre-cleaner to the filter.
6. Install the filter and pre-cleaner into the base (E). Make
sure filter fits securely in the base.
7. Install air filter cover and secure with fastener. Make sure
the fastener is tight.
Service Air Filter
See Figure: 14, 15
WARNING
Fuel and its vapors are extremely flammable and
explosive.
Fire or explosion can cause severe burns or death.
• Never start and run the engine with the air cleaner
assembly (if equipped) or the air filter (if equipped)
removed.
NOTICE Do not use pressurized air or solvents to clean
the filter. Pressurized air can damage the filter and solvents
will dissolve the filter.
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