Operator's Manual

13
2. Remove cap from fuel tank (Fig. 9) and use a
pump-type siphon to drain fuel into clean gas
can.
Note: This is the only procedure
recommended for draining fuel.
3. Reconnect spark plug wire.
4. Run engine until it dies. Try starting engine once
more to make sure gas is out of carburetor.
Spark Plug
A spark plug that is dirty, pitted, carbon-covered or
has worn electrodes may cause hard starting and poor
operation.
Replace spark plug once a season or clean every 100
hours, whichever occurs first. Use a Champion
RJ19LM spark plug or equivalent.
1. Pull wire off spark plug (Fig. 4). Remove spark
plug and clean with a wire brush, removing
carbon build–up. DO NOT SAND-BLAST.
Check condition of plug for cracks and damaged
or worn electrodes. Replace if necessary.
2. Set spark plug gap at .030 inch (.76 mm)
(Fig. 19).
3. Install spark plug by hand, then torque to
180 in.–lbs. (15 ft.–lbs.) (20 N⋅m) (Fig. 4).
4. Reconnect spark plug wire when maintenance is
completed.
Clean Mower Housing
A clean mower housing provides the best cutting
performance. Check for grass build-up and clean after
each use.
1. Disconnect spark plug wire (Fig. 4).
2. Tip mower onto right side (Fig. 20).
POTENTIAL HAZARD
• Gasoline is extremely flammable, highly
explosive and under certain conditions can
cause personal injury or property damage.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
• Tipping mower may cause fuel leakage
from carburetor or fuel tank.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
• Avoid fuel spills by running engine dry or
remove gas with hand pump, never siphon.
3. Scrape built-up grass clippings and dirt from
mower housing with a hardwood scraper.
4. Connect spark plug wire when maintenance is
completed.
Blade
A straight, sharp blade provides maximum cutting
performance. Regularly inspect and sharpen blade.
POTENTIAL HAZARD
• Blade is sharp.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
• Contact with sharp blade can cause serious
personal injury.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
• Wear gloves or wrap sharp edges of the
blade with a rag.
Blade Straightness
1. Disconnect spark plug wire (Fig. 4).
2. Measure the distance from the bottom edge of
the mower housing to the blade tip (Fig. 21).
Rotate the blade 180° and measure to other blade
tip.