Ariens 912 - Manual (Page 15)

Lubrication and Maintenance (Continued)
Remove the air cleaner cover by loosening
“ screws and turning cover counterclockwise and
remove it from base.
DO NOT attempt to clean or oil filter; replace
filter if it is dirty.
Clean inside of cover and base thoroughly. In­
stall filter, cover and secure.
Engine Cooling
The engine is air cooled. Air must circulate freely
around engine from air intake screen, over cool­
ing fins on cylinder head and block to prevent
overheating.
Every 100 operating hours or yearly (more often
if conditions require) remove blower housing
and clean cooling fins. Also clean external sur­
faces of your engine of dust, dirt and oil deposits
which can contribute to improper cooling.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT operate engine with
blower housing removed - this will cause
overheating and engine damage.
Battery (electric start models)
A
A
WARNING: Batteries produce explosive
gases which can cause personal injury.
DO NOT allow flames, sparks or any ig­
nited object to come near battery. When
charging or working near a battery, always
shield your eyes and provide ventilation.
WARNING: Keep batteries out of reach of
children. Batteries contain sulfuric acid.
Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing.
In case of acid contact with skin, eyes or
clothing, flush immediately with water for
a minimum of 15 minutes. If acid is
swallowed, drink large quantities of milk
or egg or vegetable oil. Call a physician
immediately.
Every 25 hours or each week check electrolyte
level of each cell by removing caps one at a time.
The electrolyte level should be at level indicator.
Use distilled water to fill each cell if needed. In­
stall and tighten each cap after checking.
A CAUTION: Periodically clean muffler and
manifold areas to remove all grass, dirt
and combustible debris. If engine muffler
is equipped with spark arrester screen
assembly, remove every 50 hours for
cleaning and inspection. Replace if
damaged.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs should be cleaned or replaced (if
necessary) and gap reset to .030” every 100
hours of operation or yearly whichever comes
first.
To clean, remove spark plug from engine, scrape
electrodes (DO NOT wire brush or sand blast).
NOTE: Sparking can occur if wire terminals do
not fit firmly on spark plugs. Reform terminals if
necessary.
Muffler
Worn out mufflers are more than just a noise
nuisance and should be replaced immediately.
Continued use could result in fire or explosion.
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