Operator's Manual

30
4. Install the replacement oil filter to the filter adapter,
turn the oil filter clockwise until the rubber gasket
contacts the filter adapter, then tighten the filter an
additional 3/4 turn (Fig. 35).
5. Fill the crankcase with the proper type of new oil; refer
to Servicing the Engine Oil, page 28.
6. Run the engine for about 3 minutes, stop the engine,
and check for oil leaks around the oil filter.
7. Check the engine oil level and add oil if needed.
Servicing the Spark Plugs
Service Interval/Specification
Check the spark plugs after every 100 operating hours.
Ensure that the air gap between the center and side
electrodes is correct before installing the spark plug. Use a
spark plug wrench for removing and installing the spark
plugs and a gapping tool/feeler gauge to check and adjust
the air gap. Install a new spark plugs if necessary.
Type: Champion

RCJ-8Y or equivalent
Air Gap: 0.030 inch (0.75 mm)
Removing the Spark Plugs
1. Disengage the PTO and set the parking brake.
2. Stop the engine, remove the key, and wait for all
moving parts to stop before leaving the operating
position.
3. Disconnect the wires from the spark plugs (Fig. 36).
m–7453
1
Figure 36
1. Spark-plug wire/spark
plug
4. Clean around the spark plugs to prevent dirt from
falling into the engine and potentially causing damage.
5. Remove the spark plugs and the metal washers.
Checking the Spark Plugs
1. Look at the center of the spark plugs (Fig. 37). If you
see light brown or gray on the insulator, the engine is
operating properly. A black coating on the insulator
usually means that the air cleaner is dirty.
2. If needed, clean the spark plug with a wire brush to
remove carbon deposits.
0.030 inch
(0.75 mm)
2
3
1
Figure 37
1. Center electrode insulator
2. Side electrode
3. Air gap (not to scale)
Important Always replace the spark plugs when it has
a black coating, worn electrodes, an oily film, or cracks.
3. Check the gap between the center and side electrodes
(Fig. 37). Bend the side electrode (Fig. 37) if the gap is
not correct.
Installing the Spark Plugs
1. Install the spark plugs and the metal washer. Ensure that
the air gap is set correctly.
2. Tighten the spark plugs to 16 ft-lb (22 Nm).
3. Connect the wires to the spark plugs (Fig. 36).
Cleaning the Cooling System
Clean the air intake screen from grass and debris before
each use.
Check and clean cooling fins and engine shrouds every
100 hours or yearly, which ever comes first.
1. Disengage the PTO and set the parking brake.
2. Stop the engine, remove the key, and wait for all
moving parts to stop before leaving the operating
position.
3. Remove the air intake screen, recoil starter and fan
housing.
4. Clean the debris and grass from the engine parts.