Service
Blade Care
WARNING:
sharpening or replacement, protect your hands with
a pair of heavy gloves or use a heavy rag to hold the
blade.
Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks, especially if you
strike a foreign object. Replace when necessary. Follow the steps
below for blade service.
1.
Allow the engine to run until it is out of fuel. Do not
attempt to pour fuel from the engine. Disconnect spark
plug wire. Refer to Engine Operator's Manual.
2.
Turn mower on its side making sure that the air filter and
the carburetor are facing up (not pointed toward ground).
3.
Remove the bolt (a) and the blade bell support (b) which
hold the blade and the blade adapter to the engine
crankshaft. See Figure 7-1.
4.
Remove blade (c) and adapter (d) from the crankshaft.
See Figure 7-1.
5.
Remove blade from the adapter for testing balance.
Balance the blade on a round shaft screwdriver to check.
Remove metal from the heavy side until it balances evenly.
When sharpening the blade, follow the original angle of
grind. Grind each cutting edge equally to keep the blade
balanced.
WARNING:
excessive vibration when rotating at high speeds. It
may cause damage to mower and could break
causing personal injury.
6.
Lubricate the engine crankshaft and the inner surface of
the blade adapter with light oil. Slide the blade adapter (d)
onto the engine crankshaft. Place the blade on the adapter
such that the side of the blade marked "Grass Side" (or with
part number) faces the ground when the mower is in the
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When removing the cutting blade for
(d)
(b)
(a)
Figure 7-1
An unbalanced blade will cause
operating position. Make sure that the blade is aligned and
seated on the blade adapter flanges. See Figure 7-1 inset.
7.
Place blade bell support (b) on the blade (c). Align notches
on the blade bell support with small holes in blade.
8.
Replace hex bolt (a) and tighten hex bolt to torque:
450 in-lb (min.), 600 in-lb (max.).
To ensure safe operation of your mower, periodically check the
blade bolt for correct torque.
Belt Care
NOTE: Several components must be removed in order to change
the mower's belt. See an authorized Service Dealer to have your
belt replaced.
Off-Season Storage
The following steps should be taken to prepare your lawn mower
and engine for storage.
Mower
•
Clean and lubricate mower thoroughly as described in the
lubrication instructions.
•
Coat mower's cutting blade with chassis grease to prevent
rusting.
•
Store mower in a dry, clean area. Do not store next to
corrosive materials, such as fertilizer.
When storing any type of power equipment in a poorly
ventilated or metal storage shed, care should be taken to
rust-proof the equipment. Using a light oil or silicone, coat the
equipment, especially cables and all moving parts of your lawn
(c)
mower before storage.
Engine
Fuel System
Fuel can become stale when stored over 30 days. Stale fuel
causes acid and gum deposits to form in the fuel system or on
essential carburetor parts. To keep the fuel fresh, use Briggs
& Stratton® Advanced Formula Fuel Treatment & Stabilizer,
available wherever Briggs & Stratton genuine service parts are
sold.
There is no need to drain gasoline from the engine if a fuel
stabilizer is added according to instructions. Run the engine
for two minutes to circulate the stabilizer throughout the fuel
system before storage.
If gasoline in the engine has not been treated with a fuel
stabilizer, it must be drained into an approved container. Run the
engine until it stops from lack of fuel. The use of a fuel stabilizer
in the storage container is recommended to maintain freshness.
Engine Oil
Change the oil while the engine is warm.
NOTE: Store the engine level (normal operating position). If the
engine is tipped for storage, the fuel tank must be empty and the
spark plug side must be up. If the fuel tank is not empty and if
the engine is tipped in any other direction, it may be difficult to
start due to oil or gasoline contaminating the air filter and/or the
spark plug.
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