MTD 390 Series - Manual (Page 12)

1
WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug
wire and ground it against the engine
before performing any repairs.
Engine
Refer to the separate engine manual for engine
maintenance instructions.
Maintain
engine oil as instructed in the separate
engine manual packed with your unit. Read and follow
instructions carefully.
Service
air cleaner every ten hours under normal
conditions. Clean every hour under extremely dusty
conditions. Poor engine performance and flooding
usually indicates that the air cleaner should be serviced.
To service the air cleaner, refer to the separate engine
manual packed with your unit.
IMPORTANT: Never run your engine without air cleaner
completely assembled.
The
spark plug should be cleaned and the gap
reset every 25 hours of engine operation. Spark plug
replacement is recommended at the start of each tiller
season; check engine manual for correct plug type and
gap specification.
Clean the engine regularly with a cloth or brush. Keep
the cooling system (blower housing area) clean to
permit proper air circulation which is essential to engine
performance and life. Be certain to remove all dirt and
combustible debris from muffler area.
5
Maintaining
Your Tiller
WARNING
Disconnect the spark
plug wire and ground
it against the engine
before performing
any repairs or
maintenance.
Belt Replacement
Reverse Drive Belt
Your tiller has been engineered with a belt made of
special material (Kevlar Tensile) for longer life and better
performance. It should not be replaced with an off-the-shelf
belt. Order all belts through you authorized service dealer.
1. Disconnect and ground the spark plug wire against
the engine.
2. Remove the belt cover from the left side of the tiller by
removing the two self-tapping screws and hex stop nut
and washer.
See Figure 5–1.
3. Remove belt from transmission pulley and then from
around the reverse idler pulley. See Figure 5–2.
4. To reassemble new belt. Follow instructions in reverse
order. Be sure to place wider side of belt against
transmission and idler pulley while slimmer side goes
over the engine pulley. See Figure 5–2.
NOTE: Upon reassembly, make certain the belt is routed
over the idler pulley and inside of belt keepers by engine
pulley. See Figure 5–2.
Lubrication
Pivot Points
Remove the belt cover and lubricate all pivot points and
linkages at least once a season with light oil. Keep belts
free of lubrication.
Tine Shafts
Remove tine assemblies and lubricate the tine shafts at
least once a season.
Wheel Shafts
Remove wheel assemblies and lubricate the axle shafts
at least once a season.
Chain Drive
The chain drive is pre-lubricated and sealed at factory.
Cleaning Tine Area
Clean underside of the tine shield after each use. The
dirt washes off the tines easier if rinsed off immediately
instead of after it dries. Always towel dry the tiller
afterwards and apply a light coat of oil or silicone to
prevent rusting or water damage.
IMPORTANT: Never use a “pressure washer” to clean
your tiller. Water can penetrate tight areas of the tiller
and its chain case and cause serious damage to unit.
Figure 5–1: Screw and nut removal.
Figure 5–2: Reverse drive belt removal.