Operator's Manual

16
6. Remove the dirt and grass clippings with a hardwood or
plastic scraper. Avoid burrs and sharp edges.
Important Move the blade as little as possible to avoid
future starting problems.
7. Turn the lawn mower upright.
8. Connect the wire to the spark plug.
Cleaning the Discharge Tunnel
and Plug
To ensure the best performance, clean the discharge tunnel
and plug after each use. When the grass is thick and lush,
clippings may collect on and around the plug, making it
difficult to remove the plug.
Always ensure that the discharge tunnel door locks closed
when you release the handle. If debris prevents the
discharge door from locking closed, clean the inside of the
discharge tunnel and the door thoroughly.
Servicing the Air Filter
Clean the pre-cleaner and replace the air filter once every
season or every 25 operating hours; replace it more
frequently in dusty operating conditions.
Important Do not operate the engine without the air
filter element; extreme engine damage will occur.
1. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.
2. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug (Fig. 13).
3. Remove the screws that secure the air filter cover
(Fig. 23).
4
m–4203
2
3
1
Figure 23
1. Cover
2. Foam pre–cleaner
3. Air filter
4. Screws
4. Remove the cover and clean it thoroughly (Fig. 23).
5. Remove the foam pre-cleaner.
6. Wash the pre-cleaner with a mild detergent and water,
then blot it dry (Fig. 23).
7. Remove the paper air filter and discard it (Fig. 23).
Important Do not try to clean a paper air filter.
8. Insert the new paper air filter into the foam pre-cleaner
(Fig. 23).
9. Install the new air filter (Fig. 23).
10. Install the cover and secure it (Fig. 23).
Servicing the Spark Plug
Check the spark plug after every 25 operating hours. Use a
Champion RC12YC spark plug or equivalent.
1. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.
2. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug (Fig. 13).
3. 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 grit entering the
cylinder could damage the engine.
4. Set the gap on the new plug to 0.020 in. (0.50 mm)
(Fig. 24).
986
1
Figure 24
1. 0.020 in. (0.50 mm)
5. Install the spark plug and the gasket seal.
6. Torque the spark plug to 15 ft-lb (20 Nm).
7. Connect the wire to the spark plug.
Adjusting the Self-propel Drive
Cable
Whenever you change the handle height, install a new
self-propel cable, or the traction drive belt slips, adjust the
self-propel drive cable.
1. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.
2. Remove the cover.
3. Loosen the cable support nut (Fig. 25).