Troy-Bilt 12208 - Manual (Page 23)

Sections: Maintenance
A
WARNING
* n
Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to come
to a compiete stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition
key on electric start models.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.
CHECKING AND ADJUSTING
REVERSE DRIVE BELT TENSION
(Models 12209/12210 only)
Maintaining correct tension on the
reverse drive belt is important to good
performance and long belt life. A loose
belt \will slip on the engine and transmis­
sion pulleys and cause the tines and
wheels to slow down - or stop com­
pletely - even though the engine is
running at full speed. A loose belt can
also result in premature belt wear.
If there is no reverse action when the
Reverse Clutch Control knob is pulled
out, then the belt tension is too loose.
When checking belt tension, also check
the belt for cracks, cuts or frayed edges
and replace it as soon as possible.
• Check belt tension after the first two
hours of break-in operation (new belt).
• Check belt tension after every 10
operating hours.
To Check Reverse Belt Tension:
1. Be sure that the engine is stopped and
the spark plug wire is disconnected and
moved away from the spark plug.
2. Remove the screw in the plastic belt
cover and slide the cover (which is
attached to the forward clutch cable) out
of the way.
3. Have an assistant pull the Reverse
Clutch Control knob all the way out and
hold it in that position. Measure the
length of the cable wire between the end
of the threaded cable adjuster (A, Figure
5-5) and the end of the Z-fItting (B) to
which the cable wire is attached.
4. The belt tension is ideal if the cable
wire length measures between 1/8" to
1/4". If the length is less than 1/8" (and if
there is no reverse action when the tiller is
running), then make the following adjust­
ments. NOTE: If the length is more than
1/4", no adjustment is needed, as long as
the reverse action functions properly.
5. Release the Reverse Clutch Control
knob. Unthread the inner jam nut (C,
Figure 5-6) one to two turns and pull the
threaded cable adjuster (A, Figure 5-6) to
the left until the inner jam nut rests
against the bracket.
6. Prevent the inner jam nut (C) from
turning and tighten the outer jam nut (D)
against the bracket. Prevent the outer
jam nut (D) from turning and tighten the
inner jam nut (C) against the bracket.
7. Measure the gap by repeating Step 3.
Readjust as needed by repeating Steps 5
and 6.
8. Reinstall the belt cover.
Replacement Belt Information
If the drive belt needs to be replaced, see
your local authorized dealer or refer to
the Parts List for ordering information.
Use only a factory-authorized belt as an
“over the counter” belt may not perform
satisfactorily. The procedure requires
average mechanical ability and commonly
available tools.
Figure 5-5: Measure cable wire length to
check for correct reverse belt tension.
Figure 5-6: Move threaded
adjuster (A) to left to increase
belt tension.
ENGINE CLEANING
Keep the engine clean to assure smooth
operation and to prevent damage from
overheating. Refer to the separate Engine
Owner’s Manual for specific repair and
cleaning instructions. All inspections and
services must be done with the engine
shut off and cool to the touch.
AIR CLEANER SERVICE
The engine air cleaner filters dirt and dust
out of the air before it enters the carbure­
tor. Operating the engine with a dirty,
clogged air filter can cause poor perfor­
mance and damage to the engine. Never
operate the engine without the air cleaner
installed. Inspect and service the air
cleaner more often if operating in very
dusty or dirty conditions.
Service the air cleaner as instructed in the
separate Engine Owner’s Manual.
23