Engine Model: RM55, RM55ES RM65, RM65ES RM45 (OHV) SELF-HELP PROBLEM SOLVING and MAINTENANCE for PETROL LAWNMOWERS The RM55. RM55ES, RM65, RM65ES or RM45 (OHV) engine is fitted to the following products: • • • • • • • 463 PD/ES M43 PD 483 R 553 R/ES SP536 HP454 (some models) SP474 (for 2011) • • • • • • 463R PD/ES M63 PD 483 R/ES SP554 SP536ES SP454 (some models) • • • • • • 513 PD/ES M63 PD/ES 553 R SP534ES Multiclip 501SP HP474 (for 2011) 1. Safety Precautions …………………………………. 2.
Engine Model: RM55, RM55ES RM65, RM65ES RM45 (OHV) 1 Safety Precautions Your lawnmower should be used with due care and attention. Symbols have therefore been placed on various parts of the machine to remind you of the main precautions to be taken. Their meaning is explained below. You are also asked to read the safety precautions listed below. 1. Warning: Read the instruction manual before using the machine. 2. Beware of thrown objects: Keep other people at a safe distance whilst working. 3.
Engine Model: RM55, RM55ES RM65, RM65ES RM45 (OHV) PREPARATION: 1. While mowing, always wear sturdy footwear and long trousers. Do not operate the equipment when bare foot or wearing open sandals. Avoid loose clothing that may snag on moving parts. 2. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and remove all objects which may be thrown by the machine or damage the cutter assembly and the engine (stones, sticks, metal wire, bones, etc). 3.
Engine Model: RM55, RM55ES RM65, RM65ES RM45 (OHV) 18.
Engine Model: RM55, RM55ES RM65, RM65ES RM45 (OHV) the characteristics of the vehicle or the place where it has to be placed or collected. 2. During transport, fasten the machine securely with ropes or chains. Page 5 of 40 Mountfield 160+200cc & 140cc OHV Selfhelp Guide 2011, Issue 1.
Engine Model: RM55, RM55ES RM65, RM65ES RM45 (OHV) 2 Fuel, Oil, Air Filter and Spark Plug Requirements FUEL – these are 4-stroke petrol engines. The correct fuel is ordinary unleaded petrol. NOTE: These engines have dual fuel capability and so bio-fuels may be used without additional adjustment to the engine. Fuel capacity: RM55, RM55ES and RM45 (OHV) engines: 1.0 litre RM65 and RM65ES engines: 1.2 litre Do not overfill the fuel tank – fill the tank until it reaches the internal lip of the filler neck.
Engine Model: RM55, RM55ES RM65, RM65ES RM45 (OHV) 3 Routine Engine Maintenance Regular and careful maintenance is essential to preserve the original performance and safety level of the engine. Always store the mower in a dry place. TESTING FOR A SPARK (this job requires 2 people) 1. Stand the machine on a firm surface and set the height adjusters to the lowest setting for added safety. 2. Remove the H.T. lead (spark plug cap) – a push/pull fit. 3.
Engine Model: RM55, RM55ES RM65, RM65ES RM45 (OHV) CHANGING ENGINE OIL Check the engine oil before each use. Engine Oil Depending on model, these small four stroke engines hold up to 0.65 litre of oil (see below in right hand margin for details). Any oil shortages can cause premature wear or serious damage to the engine. So too will using the incorrect grade of oil.
Engine Model: RM55, RM55ES RM65, RM65ES RM45 (OHV) ENGINE MANUFACTURER’S RECOMMENDATIONS: As a guide, the table and notes below have been copied from the engine manufacturer’s user manual: Maintenance Schedule for RM 55, RM55ES and RM45 (OHV) engines: Maintenance Schedule for RM 65 and RM65ES engines: NB: Please refer to the engine manufacturer’s manual for specific information. Page 9 of 40 Mountfield 160+200cc & 140cc OHV Selfhelp Guide 2011, Issue 1.
Engine Model: RM55, RM55ES RM65, RM65ES RM45 (OHV) Battery Care (for key-start models only): These guidelines for the care of lawnmower batteries should be observed. If not, a shortened working life of the battery may result. These are duplicated in the Owners Instruction pack supplied with the lawnmower. 1. Always read the instructions carefully in the owner’s manual which is supplied with the engine. 2.
Engine Model: RM55, RM55ES RM65, RM65ES RM45 (OHV) 4 Starting the Engine The correct way to start the mower: Check the engine oil, and there is sufficient clean/fresh petrol in the fuel tank. 1. Ensure the machine is on a firm level surface (path, patio or short grass). Before checking the underside, make sure to remove the HT cap (spark plug cap). Check the underside is clear from old lawn debris. If you have to tilt the mower, do this backwards only. 2. Check the H.T.
Engine Model: RM55, RM55ES RM65, RM65ES RM45 (OHV) A: Fuel requirements: These engines run on ordinary un-leaded fuel. The fuel tank holds 1.0 litre (for the RM55, RM55ES and RM45 OHV engines) or 1.2 litre (RM65 and RM65ES engines). Stale fuel or build-ups in the fuel tank are most common when the mower has been stored for a period of time (e.g. over the winter period) The fuel tank on these gravity-fed engines breathes through the thread on the fuel cap.
Engine Model: RM55, RM55ES RM65, RM65ES RM45 (OHV) B: Spark plug: 1. Check the H.T. lead (spark plug cap) is correctly fitted Spark Plug to the spark plug and the metal cap inside the H.T. lead cap is pointing forwards to make a good connection with the spark plug. To test for a spark see 2-6 below. 2. Stand the machine on a firm surface and set the height adjusters to the lowest setting for added safety. 3. Remove the H.T. lead (1 in the diagram) – a push fit. 4.
Engine Model: RM55, RM55ES RM65, RM65ES RM45 (OHV) D: Adjusting the micro switch: 1. Hold the OPC bar gently in to the main handle and listen for a faint click coming from the back left hand corner of the engine. You are checking here for a micro-switch engaging which allows the electrical feed to the spark plug. If there is no audible click it may be that the micro-switch is not fully engaged. 2.
Engine Model: RM55, RM55ES RM65, RM65ES RM45 (OHV) Check the cables leading from the battery are connected to the cables coming down the handle from the key start. Check also the cables are attached firmly to the terminals on the battery. Check the cables leading from the back of the key start (beneath the handle) are securely attached to the terminals on the starter key unit.
Engine Model: RM55, RM55ES RM65, RM65ES RM45 (OHV) 5 Engine Starts and Smokes Heavily QUICK TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE: Problem: Likely Cause: White, blue or • Over-filled with oil grey smoke from • Mower has been tipped incorrectly exhaust Oil coming from exhaust A: • • Over-filled with oil Mower has been tipped incorrectly Solution: • Reduce oil (see A) • Remove oil from cylinder (see B) • • Reduce oil (see A) Remove oil from cylinder (see B) 1. Do not overfill the engine with oil.
Engine Model: RM55, RM55ES RM65, RM65ES RM45 (OHV) B: This is a general indication that the mower has been over-filled with oil, or tipped incorrectly (perhaps inadvertently). It can be resolved without the intervention of a service dealer. Place the mower on a level surface (not the lawn or a good patio). Check the oil level in the sump, top up if necessary. Check the level of fuel in the tank and top this up (the mower once started may need to run for up to 40 minutes).
Engine Model: RM55, RM55ES RM65, RM65ES RM45 (OHV) 6 Engine Cutting Out or Running Unevenly QUICK TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE: Problem: Likely Cause: Engine hunts • Fuel cap too tight briefly and stops Solution: • Loosen cap (see A) Engine hunts continuously • • Dirt in fuel supply Air drawn into the engine from a faulty manifold • • Replace fuel (see B) Refer to dealer Engine stops without hunting and won’t start again • Faulty spark plug or faulty spark plug connection • Check for a spark (see C) •
Engine Model: RM55, RM55ES RM65, RM65ES RM45 (OHV) We advise the engine should be drained of fuel before storage for more than 30 days. One should only buy fuel in quantities that can be used within a few weeks, and petrol should be bought from the garage and transported/stored in approved plastic petrol containers. NB: Where a fuel supply blockage has occurred, a service dealer should be consulted to free the blockage.
Engine Model: RM55, RM55ES RM65, RM65ES RM45 (OHV) D: Adjusting the micro switch: 5. Hold the OPC bar gently in to the main handle and listen for a faint click coming from the back left hand corner of the engine. You are checking here for a micro-switch engaging which allows the electrical feed to the spark plug. If there is no audible click it may be that the micro-switch is not fully engaged. 6.
Engine Model: RM55, RM55ES RM65, RM65ES RM45 (OHV) 7 Pull Cord Not Pulling or Snatching Back QUICK TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE: Problem: Likely Cause: Pull cord will not • OPC not engaged pull • Grass caught between the blade and the deck • “Hydraulic lock” Cord snatches back • • Solution: • Hold OPC in (see A) • Remove grass from the blade (see B) • Remove oil from cylinder (see C) Blade rotation is impeded • Blade is unbalanced or • damaged Free blade (See D) (See E) and refer to dealer A: The OPC lever
Engine Model: RM55, RM55ES RM65, RM65ES RM45 (OHV) D: The engine pull cord may snatch back when pulled if the machine is not on a flat and firm surface, or the blade and/or its mounting boss are damaged or fitted insecurely. . E: 1. Ensure the machine is situated on a firm level surface (path, patio or short grass). Check the underside of the machine is clear from old lawn debris. If you have to tilt the mower, do this backwards only.
Engine Model: RM55, RM55ES RM65, RM65ES RM45 (OHV) 8 Cutting and Collecting Grass, Vibration QUICK TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE: Problem: Likely Cause: Mower will not • Technique is incorrect cut grass • Grass is too long or wet properly • Problem with the blade or blade mounting Mower vibrates excessively • • Mower will not collect grass properly A • • • Solution: • See A • See A • See B Problem with the blade or blade mounting The engine mounting is loose • See B • See B Technique is incorrect Grass
Engine Model: RM55, RM55ES RM65, RM65ES RM45 (OHV) that to obtain the perfect cutting height you need to work down from the maximum height setting in steps until you reach your ideal height. 1. Remember the one third rule – never remove more than one third of the length of the blade of grass whenever you mow. This is good advice no matter what type of mower you use! 2.
Engine Model: RM55, RM55ES RM65, RM65ES RM45 (OHV) Excessive vibration can indicate damage to the blade, or blade mounting, or that the engine is loose Check the blade bolt is tight. WARNING: Mark the blade before attempting to remove it. This will enable you to replace it the correct way up. Check the blade mount. The mount has two lugs one either side of the blade securing bolt. If these have sheered then the blade can move.
Engine Model: RM55, RM55ES RM65, RM65ES RM45 (OHV) of cut increases airflow and assists grass collection. This is especially so if the grass is damp. Reducing the height of cut in stages to achieve the desired level is a sound strategy. it. If heavily soiled, wash it in warm soapy water to clear old deposits of grass juices and debris. A good airflow is essential for efficient grass collection. 3. If grass is very long, remove the grass catcher, and work with the deflector plate (stone guard) in position.
Engine Model: RM55, RM55ES RM65, RM65ES RM45 (OHV) 9 Loss of Drive on Self-Propelled Mowers QUICK TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE: Problem: Likely Cause: Clutch cable very • Cable is detached or broken slack and mower • Cable tension is incorrect does not drive Solution: • See A • See A Back wheels turn when raised from ground but mower does not drive • • Clutch cable has stretched Cable tension is incorrect • • See A See A Clutch cable may be slack and mower does not drive • Belt is broken or has come off
Engine Model: RM55, RM55ES RM65, RM65ES RM45 (OHV) c) If the above steps do not return the tension to the cable and restore the drive, the cause of the problem may be the belt has come off the drive pulleys (see Section B) or the clutch cable has broken or become detached (see a service dealer). FOR COLLECTING MOWERS WITH THE CLUTCH BAR RUNNING ACROSS THE HANDLE: a) Check the clutch cable runs up the left hand side of the main handle through the anchoring bracket on the handle.
Engine Model: RM55, RM55ES RM65, RM65ES RM45 (OHV) FOR MULTICLIP MOWERS: a) Check the clutch cable runs up the RIGHT hand side of the main handle through the anchoring bracket on the handle. If the cable is not in this bracket, insert it and secure it there with the securing bolt, then follow the instructions in b) below to adjust the tension. b) The cable may have stretched a little with use.
Engine Model: RM55, RM55ES RM65, RM65ES RM45 (OHV) B REPLACING THE BELT FOR COLLECTING MOWERS : To replace the belt on these machines, it will involve tipping the machine to gain access to the belt. You will need to observe certain general and safety precautions prior to doing this task.. Chose an appropriate firm surface to work on such as a workbench - not standing on a high quality patio or lawn (these could be stained or damaged by machine fluids).
Engine Model: RM55, RM55ES RM65, RM65ES RM45 (OHV) 5. Mark the blade so that after removing it you can replace it the correct way 6. Unscrew the blade (normal thread so turn the spanner anti-clockwise to unfasten) 7. Remove the belt guard plate – this is the protective plate through which the blade shaft protrudes……it is between the blade and the deck of the mower (it may be held on by a single screw, 2 screws and a nut, or 4 screws) 8.
Engine Model: RM55, RM55ES RM65, RM65ES RM45 (OHV) FOR MULTICLIP MOWERS : To replace the belt on these machines, it will be necessary to remove the belt guard cover from the top of the deck of the mower because these machines have a front wheel drive. This task involves tipping the machine to gain convenient access (especially if the belt has come off the main drive pulley on the blade shaft). You will need to observe certain general and safety precautions prior to doing this task.
Engine Model: RM55, RM55ES RM65, RM65ES RM45 (OHV) 1. Check you have already removed the spark plug cap (for safety) and the air filter (to avoid potential contamination) 2. Without tipping the mower forwards or sideways, lift the mower up onto a workbench on all 4 wheels, and position the back wheels close to the edge of the workbench. 3. Tip the mower BACKWARDS with the handle hanging over the edge of the bench – it will stand upright like this. 4.
Engine Model: RM55, RM55ES RM65, RM65ES RM45 (OHV) 9. On the front axle there is a black/grey box (the transmission unit) and on the uppermost face of this is a pulley – wind the belt onto this pulley as if winding a chain onto a bicycle wheel (it may appear that this pulley is at an angle, but the tension of the belt will straighten this). 10. Replace the metal protective guard plate beneath the deck and re-attach the blade the correct way up. 11.
Engine Model: RM55, RM55ES RM65, RM65ES RM45 (OHV) 10 Transportation and Handling The correct way to gain access underneath the mower: Before checking the underside, make sure to remove the HT Cap (sparkplug cap). ALWAYS lift from the front of the mower so that the front wheels are raised, and the handles touch the ground at the rear. Do not tip the mower sideways or forward (like one might lift a wheelbarrow) as this can flood the air filter, exhaust and even the cylinder with engine fluids.
Engine Model: RM55, RM55ES RM65, RM65ES RM45 (OHV) 11 Maintenance and Storage Regular and careful maintenance is essential to preserve original performance and safety levels of the engine. Always store the mower in a dry place. Please also refer to the Engine Routine Maintenance information for additional help. Key maintenance and storage information (all engines): 1. Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to ensure the equipment is in safe working condition.
Engine Model: RM55, RM55ES RM65, RM65ES RM45 (OHV) 12 Guarantee, Spare Parts, Repairs Congratulations on the purchase of your lawnmower.
Engine Model: RM55, RM55ES RM65, RM65ES RM45 (OHV) Spare Parts, Repairs We do not supply spares parts direct for general use. We do, however, have a comprehensive ServiceLink network that can happily supply replacement parts for your mower. Our ServiceLink centres can also undertake any remedial work requested (work that is not covered by the guarantee will be chargeable). Your local ServiceLink centre can be found at www.servicelink.org.
Engine Model: RM55, RM55ES RM65, RM65ES RM45 (OHV) Notes: Page 39 of 40 Mountfield 160+200cc & 140cc OHV Selfhelp Guide 2011, Issue 1.
Engine Model: RM55, RM55ES RM65, RM65ES RM45 (OHV) Notes: Page 40 of 40 Mountfield 160+200cc & 140cc OHV Selfhelp Guide 2011, Issue 1.
