Note:
The oil should be warm before
draining. Warm oil flows better and
carries more contaminants than cold
oil.
3.
Even though the gasoline has been drained from
the engine, enough fuel should be left in the
carburetor bowl and fuel line to start the engine.
Reinstall the spark plug wire onto the spark
plug. For electric start models, insert key into
switch. Start the engine and let it run until it runs
out of fuel. Briefly running the engine will warm
up the oil.
4.
Tip mower on left side.
5.
Drain oil from oil fill tube at dipstick (Fig. 14).
Drain oil into appropriate container. Dispose of
oil properly. Recycle per local codes.
6.
Turn mower upright.
7.
Fill crankcase to FULL line on dipstick with
fresh oil. See Before Starting chapter, Oil section
for specifications.
8.
Check oil level and reinstall dipstick.
9.
Wipe up any spilled oil.
Spark Plug
A spark plug that is dirty, pitted, carbon-covered or
has worn electrodes may cause hard starting and poor
operation.
Replace spark plug once a season or clean every 100
hours, whichever occurs first. Use a Champion
RJ19LM spark plug or equivalent.
1.
Pull wire off spark plug (Fig. 7). Remove key
from switch on electric start model.
2.
Remove spark plug and clean with a wire brush,
removing carbon build-up. DO NOT SAND
BLAST. Check condition of plug for cracks and
damaged or worn electrodes. Replace if
necessary.
EN–13
3.
Set spark plug gap at .030 inch (.76 mm)
(Fig. 15).
4.
Install spark plug by hand, then torque to
15 ft.–lbs. (20 N m) (Fig. 15).
5.
Reconnect spark plug wire when maintenance is
completed.
Throttle Cable
Throttle control adjustment may be required if engine
does not start or stop. Whenever a new throttle
control cable is installed, throttle must be adjusted.
1.
Stop engine and pull wire off spark plug (Fig. 7).
Remove key from switch on electric start model.
2.
Remove (2) screws from engine cover and lift
off cover (Fig. 16).
3.
Loosen cable clamp screw until throttle cable
slides (Fig. 17).
4.
Move throttle control to
5.
Move throttle cable until throttle lever contacts
stop (Fig. 17).
6.
Tighten cable clamp screw to lock adjustment in
place.
7.
Reinstall engine cover with (2) screws. Torque
screws to 8-10 in.-lbs. (.9-1.1 N m)
Self-propelled Cable
Selected models only
If mower does not self-propel or has a tendency to
creep forward when traction is not engaged, adjust
wheel drive control knob on rear of gear box
(Fig. 18).
1.
Rotate control knob clockwise 1/2 turn if mower
does not self-propel. If mower creeps forward,
rotate knob 1/2 turn counterclockwise to loosen
belt.
(FAST) position.