Note: This is the only procedure recommended for
draining fuel.
Change Engine Oil
Change the engine oil after the first 5 hours of operation
and after 50 hours of operation thereafter. Change oil
while the engine is warm.
WARNING
POTENTIAL HAZARD
Gasoline is extremely flammable, highly
explosive and under certain conditions can
cause personal injury or property damage.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
Tipping the mower may cause fuel leakage
from the carburetor or fuel tank.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
Avoid fuel spills by running the engine dry or
removing gas with a hand pump; never siphon.
1. Drain the gasoline from the fuel tank. Refer to the
Draining Gasoline section, page 11.
2. Start the engine and let it run until it runs out of fuel.
3. Pull the wire off of the spark plug (Fig. 18).
4. Remove the dipstick and tip the mower on the left
side, draining the oil out the oil fill tube into an
appropriate container (Fig. 17).
Figure 17
1. Oil fill tube
5. Recycle the oil as per local codes.
6. Turn the mower upright.
7. Fill the crankcase to the FULL line on the dipstick
with fresh oil. Refer to the Oil section, page 6, for
specifications.
8. Check the oil level and install the dipstick.
9. Wipe up any spilled oil.
Spark Plug
Use a Champion RJ19LM spark plug or equivalent. The
correct air gap is 0.030" (0.76 mm). Remove the plug
after every 25 operating hours and check its condition.
1. Stop the engine and pull the wire off the spark plug
(Fig. 18).
1. Spark plug
2. Clean around the spark plug and remove it from the
cylinder head.
IMPORTANT: Replace a cracked, fouled, or dirty
spark plug. Do not clean the electrodes because engine
damage could result from grit entering the cylinder.
3. Set the gap on the new plug to 0.030" (0.76 mm) (Fig.
19).
m–-1782
4. Install the spark plug and gasket seal. Tighten the plug
to 15 ft-lb (20 N m).
5. Connect the spark plug wire (Fig. 18).
Adjusting the Self-propel Cable
(Self–propelled models only)
Whenever the handle height is changed, a new
self–propelled cable is installed, or the traction drive belt
slips, adjustment is required.
The self–propelled cable is adjusted on the handle by
moving the cable jacket held by the cable support.
1. Loosen the nut on the cable support (Fig. 20).
12
Figure 18
2. Spark plug wire
.030 in.
(.76 mm)
Figure 19
1
2
1004
986