Operator's Manual

34
7. Slowly add additional oil to bring it to the full mark.
Change the Oil Filter
Replace the oil filter every 200 hours or every other oil
change.
Note: Change the oil filter more frequently when
operating conditions are extremely dusty or sandy.
1. Drain the oil from the engine; refer to
Changing/Draining Oil, page 33.
2. Remove the old filter and wipe the filter adapter
(Fig. 41) gasket surface.
3. Pour new oil of the proper type in through the center
hole. Stop pouring when the oil reaches the bottom of
the threads. Allow a minute or two for the oil to be
absorbed by filter material.
4. Apply a thin coat of new oil to the rubber gasket on
the replacement filter (Fig. 41).
m–1256
1
2
3
Figure 41
1. Oil filter
2. Gasket
3. Adapter
5. 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 1/2 turn (Fig. 41).
6. Fill the crankcase with the proper type of new oil;
refer to Changing the Oil, page 33.
Servicing the Spark Plug
Check the spark plug(s) after every 200 operating hours.
Make sure 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
plug(s) and a gapping tool/feeler gauge to check and
adjust the air gap. Install a new spark plug(s) if necessary.
Type: Champion RC12YC (or equivalent)
Air Gap: 0.030 inch (0.76 mm)
Removing the Spark Plug(s)
1. Disengage the PTO, move the motion control levers to
the neutral locked position 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. Pull the wire(s) off the spark plug(s) (Fig. 42). Now
clean around the spark plug(s) to prevent dirt from
falling into the engine and potentially causing damage.
4. Remove the spark plug(s) and metal washer.
1
2
m–4811
Figure 42
1. Spark plug wire 2. Spark plug
Checking the Spark Plug
1. Look at the center of the spark plug(s) (Fig. 43). If you
see light brown or gray on the insulator, the engine is
operating properly. A black coating on the insulator
usually means the air cleaner is dirty.
Important Never clean the spark plug(s). Always
replace the spark plug(s) when it has: a black coating,
worn electrodes, an oily film, or cracks.
2. Check the gap between the center and side electrodes
(Fig. 43). Bend the side electrode (Fig. 43) if the gap is
not correct.