MTD 08M - Manual (Page 13)

Maintenance & Adjustments
6
13
Maintenance
General Recommendations
Always observe safety rules when performing any •
maintenance.
The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover items that
•
have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To
receive full value from warranty, operator must maintain
the lawn mower as instructed here.
Changing of engine-governed speed will void engine
•
warranty.
All adjustments should be checked at least once each
•
season.
Periodically check all fasteners and make sure these are
•
tight.
WARNING: Always stop engine, disconnect spark
plug, and ground against engine before performing
any type of maintenance on your machine.
Lubrication
Lubricate pivot points on the blade control at least once 1.
a season with light oil. This control must operate freely in
both directions. See Fig. 6-1.
Lubricate the wheels at least once a season with light oil (or
2.
motor oil). If wheels are removed for any reason, lubricate
surface of the pivot arm and inner surface of the wheel
with light oil. See Fig. 6-1.
Lubricate the torsion springs and pivot points on the side
3.
discharge chute periodically with light oil to prevent rust.
See Fig. 6-1.
Figure 6-1
Follow the Engine Maintenance section for lubrication 4.
schedule and instruction for engine lubrication.
Deck Care
Clean underside of the mower deck after each use to prevent
build-up of grass clippings or other debris. Follow steps below
for this job.
Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain gasoline from lawn 1.
mower or place a piece of plastic under the gas cap.
Tip mower so that it rests on the housing. Keep the side
2.
with the air cleaner facing up. Hold mower firmly.
WARNING: Never tip the mower more than 90º in
any direction and do not leave the mower tipped for
any length of time. Oil can drain into the upper part
of the engine causing a starting problem.
3. Scrape and clean the underside of the deck with a suitable
tool. Do not spray with water.
IMPORTANT: Do not use a pressure washer or garden hose
to clean your unit. These may cause damage to the engine.
The use of water will result in shortened life and reduce
serviceability.
4. Put the mower back on its wheels on the ground. If you
had put plastic under the gas cap earlier, make sure to
remove it now.
Engine Care
NOTE: Refer to the Engine Operation and Maintenance sections
in this manual for detailed instructions.
Maintain oil level. •
Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normal conditions. •
Clean every few hours under extremely dusty conditions.
Clean spark plug and reset the gap once a season.
•
Clean engine regularly with a cloth or brush. Keep the area •
around the top of the engine clean to permit proper air
circulation. Remove all grass, dirt, and combustible debris
from muffler area.