MTD 08M - Manual (Page 21)

21 s
ectiOn
10 — e
ngine
M
aintenance
Fuel Filter Service
The fuel filter cannot be cleaned and must be replaced once a
year or every 100 operating hours; more often if run with old
gasoline.
Remove all fuel from tank by running engine until it stops 1.
from lack of fuel.
Remove c-clamp from fuel line and remove fuel line from
2.
tank outlet. See Fig. 10-5.
Pull out old fuel filter from tank outlet. Replace when dirty 3.
or damaged.
Grasp new fuel filter from shouldered end and insert it
4.
completely to the shoulder into the tank outlet. See Fig.
10-5 inset.
Replace fuel line and c-clamp.
5.
Clean Engine
If the engine has been running, allow it to cool for at least half
an hour before cleaning. Periodically remove dirt build-up from
engine. Clean finger guard and around muffler. Clean with a
brush or compressed air.
IMPORTANT: Do not spray engine with water to clean because
water could contaminate fuel. Using a garden hose or pressure
washing equipment can also force water into the air cleaner or
muffler opening. Water in the air cleaner will soak the paper
element, and water that passes through the element or muffler
can enter the cylinder, causing damage.
WARNING: Accumulation of debris around muffler
could cause a fire. Inspect and clean before every
use.
Storage
Engines stored between 30 and 90 days need to be treated with
a gasoline stabilizer and engines stored over 90 days need to be
drained of fuel to prevent deterioration and gum from forming
in fuel system or on essential carburetor parts. If the gasoline in
your engine deteriorates during storage, you may need to have
the carburetor, and other fuel system components, serviced or
replaced.
Remove all fuel from tank by running engine until it stops 1.
from lack of fuel.
WARNING: Never leave engine unattended while
running.
Change oil. See Oil Change section. 2.
Remove spark plug and pour about 1/2 an ounce of engine 3.
oil into cylinder. Replace spark plug and crank slowly to
distribute oil.
Clean debris from around engine, under finger guard, and
4.
under, around and behind muffler. Touch up any damaged
paint, and coat other areas that may rust with a light film
of oil.
Store in a clean, dry and well ventilated area away from any
5.
appliance that operates with a flame or pilot light, such
as a furnace, water heater, or clothes dryer. Also avoid any
area with a spark producing electric motor, or where power
tools are operated.
If possible, also avoid storage areas with high humidity,
6.
because that promotes rust and corrosion.
Keep the engine level in storage. Tilting can cause fuel or
7.
oil leakage.
Removing From Storage
Check your engine as described in the Pre-Operation 1.
Check section of this manual.
If the fuel was drained during storage preparation, fill the
2.
tank with fresh gasoline. If you keep a container of gasoline
for refueling, make certain it contains only fresh fuel.
Gasoline oxidizes and deteriorates over time, causing hard
starting.
If the cylinder was coated with oil during storage
3.
preparation, the engine will smoke briefly at startup. This
is normal.
Figure 10-5