16
• Clean the engine periodically. Remove dirt and debris with a cloth or brush. We do not recommend using a
garden hose to clean mower unless the muffler, air filter and the carburetor are covered to keep water out.
Water in engine can shorten engine life.
• Clean the spark plug and reset the gap to .030” at least once a season or every 50 hours of operation. Spark
plug replacement is recommended at the start of each season. Refer to the engine manual for correct spark
plug type.
• Inspect muffler periodically, and replace if necessary. Damaged mufflers or spark arresters can create a fire
hazard. Make sure to avoid muffler and surrounding areas while the mower engine is hot because
temperature of these areas of the engine may exceed 150
o
F.
SECTION 9: SERVICE & ADJUSTMENTS
Blade Care
Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks, especially if you strike a foreign object. Replace when necessary.
WARNING:
When removing the cutting blade for sharpening or replacement, protect hands by using
heavy gloves or a rag to grasp the cutting blade.
• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug.
• Turn mower on its side making sure that the air filter and the carburetor are up.
To Remove Blade
• Remove the bolt and blade bell support which hold the blade and adapter to the engine crankshaft. See
Figure 16A.
• Remove the blade and adapter from the crankshaft.
To Replace Blade:
• Before reinstalling the blade and the blade adapter to the unit, lubricate the engine crankshaft and the inner
surface of the blade adapter with light oil.
• Install the blade adapter on the crankshaft with the “star” away from the engine. See Figure 16A.
FIGURE 16
• Place the new blade with the side marked bottom (or with part number) facing away from the adapter.
• Place the bell support next. Make sure to align the tabs in the holes of the blade with the hole in the bell
support.
• Insert the hex bolt through the blade assembly. Figure 16A shows the correct order of assembly.
• Use block of wood to hold blade again while you tighten the bolt clockwise. Follow the recommended torque
for the bolt which is 450-600 in.-lbs.
Blade
Blade Bell
Support
Hex Bolt
Single-Bolt
Blade
Crankshaft
1. Insert screw driver through hole
2. Blade should be parallel to ground
Screw
Driver
Ground
Blade
A
B
Adapter
