Operator's Manual

15
Checking the Engine Oil Level
Before you use the lawn mower, ensure that the oil level is
between the Add and the Full marks as shown on the
dipstick (Fig. 10). If the oil level is below the Add mark,
add oil. Refer to Filling the Crankcase with Oil on page 8.
Cleaning the Underside of the
Lawn Mower Housing
Keep the underside of the lawn mower housing clean. Be
especially careful to keep the kickers free of debris
(Fig. 21).
979
1
Figure 21
1. Kicker plates
Washing Method
1. Move the lawn mower onto a flat paved surface near a
water hose.
2. Attach a quick-disconnect coupling (sold separately) to
the end of the water hose.
3. Attach the coupling to the lawn mower washout fitting
(Fig. 22).
1
2
m-3044
Figure 22
1. Washout fitting 2. Hose
4. Turn the water on high.
5. Start the engine.
6. Let the lawn mower run for 2 minutes.
7. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.
8. Turn the water off.
9. Remove the coupling from the washout fitting.
10. Move the lawn mower to a dry area, and let the engine
run for one minute to dry out the lawn mower and its
components.
11. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.
If the underside of the lawn mower deck has excessive
grass buildup, wait 30 minutes and repeat steps 2 through
11 above.
A broken or missing washout fitting could expose
you and others to thrown objects or to the blade,
causing injury or death.
• Replace a broken or missing washout fitting
immediately before using the lawn mower again.
• Plug any hole(s) in the lawn mower with bolts
and locknuts.
• Never put your hands or feet under the lawn
mower or through openings in the lawn mower.
Warning
Scraping Method
Tipping the lawn mower may cause the fuel to leak
from the carburetor or the fuel tank. Gasoline is
extremely flammable, highly explosive and under
certain conditions can cause personal injury or
property damage.
Avoid fuel spills by running the engine dry or
removing gasoline with a hand pump; never
siphon.
Warning
If washing does not remove all the debris from under the
deck, tip the lawn mower and scrape it clean.
1. Remove the grass bag.
2. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug (Fig. 13).
3. Drain the gasoline from the fuel tank. Refer to steps 3
and 4 of Emptying the Fuel Tank on page 21.
4. If the grass bag is on the lawn mower, close the door in
the lawn mower housing and remove the grass bag.
5. Tip the lawn mower onto its left side (Fig. 21).