Ariens 96136001000, A149K21 (96136001000) Owner’s Manual

A149K21

(96136200)

Owner's Manual

431609 Rev. 2 04.12.10 BY

, EspaSol, p. 18

Printed in U.S.A.

Safety Rules .......................................... 2-4

Product Specifications .............................. 4

Assembly / Pre-Operation ........................ 5

Operation ............................................... 6-9

Maintenance Schedule ........................... 10

Maintenance ...................................... 10-12

Service and Adjustments ........................ 13

Storage .............................................. 14-I5

Troubleshooting ................................. 15-16

Repair Parts....................................... 32-33

Warranty ............................................ 34-35

IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is

capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the

following safety instructions could result in

serious injury or death.

•,Look for this symbol to point out impor- tant safety precautions. It means

CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!i! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

_, WARNING: In order to prevent ac- cidental starting when setting up, trans- porting, adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug.

_,WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components

contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer andbirth defects

or other reproductive harm.

•°_WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead

compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash

hands after handling.

CAUTION: Muffler and other engine

parts become extremely hot during

operation and remain hot after engine

has stopped. To avoid severe burns on

contact, stay away from these areas.

1.GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all instructionson the machine and inthe

manual(s) before starting. Be thoroughly

familiar with the controls and the proper use of the machine before starting.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of the dis- charge opening at all times.

• Only allow responsible individuals, who

are familiar with the instructions, to oper- ate the machine.

• Clear the area of objects such as rocks,

toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by blade.

° Be sure the area is clear of other people

before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

• Do not operate the mower when bare- foot or wearing open sandals. Always

wear substantial foot wear.

• Do not pull mower backwards unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while moving

backwards.

° Never direct discharged material toward

anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material

may richochet back toward the opera-

tor. Stop the blade when crossing gravel surfaces.

• Do not operate the mower without proper guards, plates, grass catcher or

other safety protectivedevices in place.

• See manufacturer's instructions for

proper operation and installation of accessories. Only use accessories ap-

proved by the manufacturer.

• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel ddves, walks, or roads.

o Stop the engine (motor) whenever you

leave the equipment, before cleaning the mower or unclogging the chute.

• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until

the blade comes to complete stop before removing grass catcher.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial

2 light.

• Do not operate the machfne while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Never operate machine in wet grass. Always be sure of your footing: keep a

firm hold on the handle; walk, never run.

• Disengage the self-propelted mech-

anism or drive clutch on mowers so equipped before starting the engine.

• If the equipment should start to vibrate

abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and check immediately for the cause. Vibra- tion is generally a warning oftrouble.

• Always wear safety goggles or safety

glasses with side shields when operating

mower.

II. SLOPE OPERATION Slopes are a major factor related to slip &

fall accidents whichcan result insevere

injury.All slopes require extra caution. If

you feel uneasy ona slope, do notmow it.

DO:

• Mow across the face of slopes: never up and down. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.

• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree

limbs, etc.

• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall

grass can hide obstacles.

DO NOT:

• Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or

embankments. The operator could lose footing or balance.

• Do not trim excessively steep slopes.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced

footing could cause slipping.

II!. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator

is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine

and the mowing activity. Never assume

that children will remain where you last

saw them. ° Keep children out of the trimming area

and under the watchful care of another

responsible adult.

• Be alert and turn machine off ifchildren enter the area,

• Before and while walking backwards,

look behind and down for small children.

• Never allow children to operate the

machine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind

comers, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

IV. SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE Use extreme care in handling gasoline.

Gasoline is extremely flammable and the

vapors are explosive.

• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars,pipes and other sources of ignition.

• Use only an approvedcontainer.

• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with

the engine running. Allow engine to cool

before refueling.

• Never refuel the machine indoors.

° Never store the machine or fuel contain-

er where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light such as a water heater or

on other appliances.

• Never fill containers insidea vehicle, on a truck ortrailer bed witha plastic liner. Always place containerson the ground

away from your vehicle before filling.

• Remove gas-powered equipment from

the truck or trailer and refuel iton the ground. If this is not possible, then

refuel such equipment with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline d{spenser nozzle.

• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim

of the fuel tank or container opening at

alltimes until fueling is complete. Do

not use a nozzle lock-open device.

• Iffuel is spilled on clothing,change clothingimmediately.

° Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas

cap and tighten securely.

V. GENERAL SERVICE

• Never run a machine insidea closed

area.

° Never make adjustments or repairs with

the engine (motor) running. Disconnect

the spark plug wire, and keep the wire away from the plugto prevent accidental starting.

• Keep nuts and bolts, especially btade attachment bolts, tight and keep equip- ment in good condition.

• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.

• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel

spillage. Allow machine to cool before storing.

• Stop and inspect the equipment ifyou strike an object. Repair, if necessary,

before restarting.

° Never attempt to make wheel height

adjustments while the engine is running.

• Grasscatchercomponentsaresubject towear,damage,anddeterioration, whichcouldexposemovingpartsor allowobjectstobethrown.Frequently checkcomponentsandreplacewith manufacturer'srecommendedparts,

whennecessary.

° Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.

Wraptheblade(s)orweargloves,and useextracautionwhenservicingthem,

• Donotchangetheenginegovernorset- tingoroverspeedtheengine.

• Maintainorreplacesafetyandinstruc- tionlabels,asnecessary.

AWARNING:Thislawnmowerisequippedwithaninternalcombustionengineand shouldnotbeusedonornearanyunimprovedforest-covered,brush-coveredor

grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaust system is equipped with a spark

arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator,

In the state of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on

federal lands.

t.5 Quarts (Unleaded Regular)

20 Ounces SAE 30 (above 32°F); SAE 10W-30 (below 32_F)

Spark PIug: Champion RC12YC (Gap: .030") Blade Bolt Torque: 35-40 ft. Ibs.

• The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal on the rear of the lawn mower housing. Record both serial number and date of purchase in space provided above.

Read these instructionsand this manual in its entirety before you attempt to assemble

or operate your new lawn mower. IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped

WITHOUT OIL OR GASOUNE inthe engine.

Your new lawn mower has been assem- bled at the factory with the exception of

those parts left unassembled for shipping

purposes. To ensure safe and proper

operation of your lawn mower, all parts

and hardware you assemble must be tight- ened securely. Use the correct tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness. All parts such as nuts, washers, bo_ts,etc., necessary to complete the assembly have been ptaced in the parts bag.

TO REMOVE MOWER FROM CARTON

1. Remove loose parts included with

mower.

2. Cut down two end corners of carton and lay end panel down fiat.

3. Remove all packing materials except padding between upper and lower

handle and padding holding operator presence control bar to upper handle,

4. Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton thoroughly for additional

loose parts.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE IMPORTANT: Unfoldhandie carefully so

as not to pinch or damage controlcables.

1, Raise handles until lower handle section

locks into place in mowing position.

2. Remove protective padding, raise up- per handle section into place on lower handle and tighten both handle knobs.

3, Remove handle padding holding

operator presence control bar to upper handle.

Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted for your mowing comfort. Refer to "AD-

JUST HANDLE" in the Service and Adjust- ments section of this manual.

MOWING

controlbar

POSITION

Upper

handle

Handte

knob

Lower handle

TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER

1. Put grass catcher frame intograss bag with rigid partof bag on the bottom.

Make sure the frame handle is outside of the bag top.

2. Slip vinyl bindings over frame. NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold

them in warm water for a few minutes, If bag gets wet, let it dry before using,

Frame

VinyJ

bindings

Frame

opening

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be

usedas a mulcher. To convertto bagging or

discharging, see "TO CONVERT MOWER"

inthe Operation section of this manual.

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALL SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize

yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

.... m a'ron ..........................................................................

These symbols ay appe your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the

product. Learn and understand their meaning.

CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OJL DANGER, KEEP HANDS

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

i ii ii ii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii ,i ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,

Operator presence controI bar

Starte= handle Gasoline filler cap

Grass catche

withdipstick

Mufti,

Mulcher door

olug

Air filter

Housing

Wheeladjuster

(oneachwheel)

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped

WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.

iii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii I iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii i iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Our rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Com-

mission. AWARNING: The blade turns when the engine is running.

iiiiiiiiii i I ii IIIIIII

Mulcher door - allows conversionto

be held down to the handle to start the

engine, Release to stop the engine.

discharging or bagging operation. Starter handle - used for starting engine.

Theoperationofanylawn

mowercanresultinforeign

objectsthrownintotheeyes, whichcanresultinsevere

safety glasses or eye shields while opeP ating your lawn mower or performing any

adjustments or repairs. We recommend a standard safety glasses orwide vision safety

mask worn over spectacles.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER ENGINE SPEED

Engine speed was set at the factory for optimumperformance, it is not adjustable.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

_,CAUTION: Federal regulationsrequire

an engine controlto be installed on this lawn mower in order to minimize the

risk of blade contact injury. Do not under any circumstances attempt to defeat the

function of the operator control, The blade turns when the engine is running. ° Your lawn mower is equipped with an

operator presence control bar which requires the operator to be positioned

behind the lawn mower handle to start and operate the lawn mower.

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT

Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels for high cut, adjust cutting height to suit

your requirements. Medium position is best for most lawns.

• To change cutting height, squeeze ad-

juster lever toward wheel. Move wheel up or down to suit your requirements, Be sure all wheels are in the same setting.

NOTE: Adjuster isproperly positioned when plate tab inserts into hole in lever, Also, 9- position adjusters (ifsoequipped) allow lever to be positioned between the plate tabs.

LEVERBACKWARD Platetab TO LOWERMOWER

eye damage. Always wear

• To convert to mulching or discharging operation,remove grass catcher and

close rear door.

Pivot " Rear Grass

Catcherframehook SIDE DISCHARGING

* Rear door must be closed. . Open mulcher door and install dis-

charge deflector under door as shown.

- Mower is now ready for discharging

operation.

o To convert to mulching or bagging opera-

tion, discharge deflector must be removed and mulcher door must be closed.

SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER WHEN CONVERTING YOUR LAWN MOWER

FOR MULCHING -

1. Rear door closed.

2. Mulcher door closed.

FOR REAR BAGGING -

1. Grass catcher installed.

2. Mulcher door closed.

FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -

1. Rear door closed.

2. Discharge deflector installed. _CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower

without rear door closed, clippingdeflector or approved grass catcher in piace. Never

attempt to operate the lawn mower with the rear door removed or propped open.

catcher

handle

LEVER FORWARD TO RAISE MOWER Lever

TO CONVERT MOWER Your lawn mowerwas shipped ready to be

usedas a mulcher. To convertto bagging or discharging:

REAR BAGGING

• Liftrear door ofthe lawn mower and place the grass catcher frame hooks

onto the door pivot pins.

Install

discharge

7 deflector

MOWERtS NOWREADYFOR

DISCHARGINGOPERATION

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

1. Lift up on grass catcher using the frame handle.

2. Remove grass catcher withclippings from under lawn mower handle.

3. Empty clippings from bag.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when empty- ing; it will cause unnecessary wear.

Grass

catcher

frame

handle

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE ADD OIL

Your lawnmower is shipped withoutoil in the engine. For type and grade of oil to

use, see "ENGINE" in the Maintenance

section of this manual. dt_CAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with

oil, or it wilt smoke heavily from the muffler on startup,

1. Be sure lawnmower is level.

2. Remove oil dipstick from oil fill spout.

3. You receive a container of oil with the unit. Slowly pour the entire container

down the oil fill spout into the engine.

NOTE: Initial oil fill requires only 18 oz. due to residual oil in engine from the

manufacturers 100% quality testing.

When changing oil you may need 20 oz.

4. Insert and tighten dipstick.

IMPORTANT;

• Check oil level before each use. Add oil if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.

• Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or each season. You may need to change the oil more often under dusty, dirty conditions. See "TO

CHANGE ENGINE OIL" in the Mainte- nance section of this manual.

filler cap

Engine oil cap

ADD GASOLINE

- Fill fuel tank to bottom oftank filler neck. Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular

unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline.

Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel fresh-

ness.

dl_CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline

near an open flame.

_i, CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels

(called gasohol or using ethanol or metha-

nol) can attract moisture which teadsto separation and formation of acids during storage, Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage, To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied before storage of 30 days or longer, Empty the gas tank, start

the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel

next season. See Storage Instructions for additional information, Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.

TO STOP ENGINE

• Tostop engine, release operator pres-

ence control bar.

TO START ENGINE NOTE: Due to protectivecoatingson the

engine, a small amount of smoke may be present during the initial use of the product

and should be considered normal NOTE: Your engine is equipped with an

automatic choke system. No priming or

choking is required before starting. ° To start engine, hold operator presence

control bar down to the handle and pull starter handle quickly. Do not allow

starter rope to snap back.

MOWING TIPS

CAUTION: Do not use de-thatcher

blade attachments on your mower. Such attachments are hazardous, will damage

your mower and could void your warranty.

• Under certain conditions, such as very tall grass, it may be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine and leaving clumps of grass clippings. It may also be necessary to reduce ground speed and/or run the lawn

mower over the area a second time.

° For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the

width of cut by overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly.

• For better grass bagging and most cut-

ting conditions, the engine speed should be set in the FAST position.

• Pores in cloth grass catchers can become filled with dirt and dust with use

and catchers will collect less grass. To

prevent this, regularly hose catcher off

with water and let dry before using.

• Keep top of engine around starter clear

and clean of grass clippings and chaff• This will help engine air flow and extend engine life.

MULCHING MOWING TIPS

IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep mower housingfree of buUt-up

grass and trash. See "CLEANING" inthe Maintenance section of this manual.

° The special mulching blade wil!recut

the grass clippingsmany times and reduce them in size so that as they fall ontothe lawnthey will disperse into

the grass and not be noticed. Also, the

mulched grass will biodegrade quicklyto provide nutrientsfor the lawn. Always mulchwithyour highest engine (blade)

speed as this willprovidethe best recut- tingaction of the blades.

• Avoid cuttingyour lawnwhen it is wet. Wet grasstends to form clumpsand

interfereswith the mulchingaction. The

best time to mow your lawn is the eady afternoon. At thistimethe grass has

dried, yet the newly cut area willnot be exposedto direct sunlight.

• Forbest results, adjust the lawn mower

cuttingheight so that the lawn mower cutsoff onlythe top one-thirdof the grass blades. Ifthe lawn is overgrown it wiltbe necessaryto raise the height of cutto reduce pushing effortand to keep from overloading the engineand leaving clumpsofmulched grass. Forextremely

heavy grass,reduce your width of cut

by overlappingpreviouslycut pathand mow slowly. _

MAX 1/3

° Certain types of grass and grass

conditions may require that an area be

mulched a second time to completely

hide the clippings. When doing a sec- ond cut, mow across (perpendicular) to

the first cut path.

• Change your cutting pattern from week to week. Mow north to south one week

then change to east to west the next week. This will help prevent matting and graining of the lawn.

MAINTENANCE BEFORE

SCHEDULE USE

Check for Loose Fasteners V _

L "Ciean/Inspect Grass Catcher *

Check Tires .... V _

i H

EACH

AFTER

EACH

USE

EVERy

HOURS

EVERY

25HOURS

OR SEASON

,ll

EVERY

lOO

HOURS i

BEFORE

STORAGE

Jaw

Ctean Lawn Mower ....

M Clean under Drive Cover***

O Check Drive Belt/P,u, lleys' *';* W Check [ Sharpen ! Replace Blade

RILubrication

Clean and Recharge Batte_'y I**

Check Engine Oil 'l'evel .... Vls

El Change Engine Oil

Clean Air Filter "

_l inspect Mf, jffI_lt

N Replace'Spark Plug

IP" Replace Air F!lter Paper Cartridge

Empty fuel system or add Stabilizer

* (if so equipped)

** Electric-Start mowers

*** Power-Propelled mowers

**** Use a scraper

to clean under deck

t - Change more often ff operating under a heavy load or in high outdoor temperatures.

2 - Service more often if operating in dim/or dusty conditions. 3 - Replace blades more often when mowing in sandy soil.

4 - Charge 48 hours at end of season, 5 - And after each 5 hours of use.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS The warranty on this lawn mowerdoes not

cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive

full value from the warranty,operator must maintain unitas instructedin thismanual.

Some adjustments will need to be made periodically to properly maintain your unit.

At least once a season, check to see if you should make any of the adjustments

described in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

• At least once a year, replace the spark plug, clean or replace air filter element

and check blade for wear. A new spark plug and clean/new air filter element

assure proper air-fuel mixture and help

your engine run better and last longer.

• Follow the maintenance schedule in this manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

• Check engine oil level.

• Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION

Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRICATION CHART").

i,'

v'3 v'

V_.2

LUBRICATION CHART

(_ Wheel

adjuster (on

each wheel)

Engine oil

door hinge

(_) Rear door

(_ Handle bracket mounting pins

_ Spray lubricant

See "ENGINE" In Maintenance section,

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic wheel bearings. Viscous lubricants will

attractdust anddirtthat willshorten the life of the self-lubricating bearings. Ifyou feelthey

must be lubricated, use onlya dry, powdered

0graphite type lubricant sparingly,

Mulcher

hinge

LAWN MOWER

Always observe safety rules when per- forming any maintenance. TIRES

• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemicals which can harm rubber,

° Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp

objects and other hazards that may cause tire damage,

BLADE CARE

For best results, mower blade must be kept

arp, Replace bent or damaged blades.

CAUTION: Use only a replacement

blade approved by the manufacturer of your mower. Using a blade not approved by the manufacturer of your mower is

hazardous, could damage your mower and

void your warranty. TO REMOVE BLADE

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug.

2. Turn lawn mower on itsside. Make sure air filter and carburetor are up,

3. Use a wood block between blade and mower housing to prevent blade from

turning when removing blade bolt.

NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap blade with heavy cloth.

4. Remove blade bolt by turning counter- clockwise.

5. Remove blade and attaching hardware (bolt, Iockwasherand hardened washer).

TO REPLACE BLADE

t. Position blade on the blade adapter

aligning the two (2) holes inthe blade with the raised lugs on the adapter,

2. Be sure the trailing edge of blade (oppo-

site sharp edge) is uptoward the engine.

3. Install the blade bolt with the lock washer and hardened washer into

blade adapter and crankshaft,

4. Use block of wood between blade and lawn mower housing and tighten the

blade bolt, turning clockwise.

° The recommended tightening torque is

35-40 ft. Ibs.

Bladeadapter Crankshaft

washer Trailing Crankshaft11

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is heat treated. tf boltneeds replacing, replace only with

approved bolt shown in the Repair Parts section of this manual.

TO SHARPEN BLADE

NOTE: We do not recommend sharp-

ening the blade - but if you do, be sure the blade isbalanced. An unbalanced

blade will cause eventual damage to lawn mower or engine.

• The blade can be sharpened with a file or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen while on the mower.

• Tocheck blade balance, drive a nail into a beam or wall. Leave about one inch of

the straightnail exposed. Place center

hole of blade over the head of the nail, If blade is balanced, it should remain in

a horizontal position. If either end of the

blade moves downward, sharpen the

heavy end until the blade is balanced.

GRASS CATCHER

° The grass catcher may be hosed with

water, but must be dry when used.

• Check your grass catcher often for dam-

age or deterioration. Through normal

use it will wear. If catcherneeds replac- ing, replace only with approved replace-

ment catcher shown in the Repair Parts section of this manual. Give the lawn

mower model number when ordering.

ENGINE LUBRICATION

Use only high quality detergent oil rated

with API service classification SJ-SL.

Selectthe oil's SAEviscosity gradeaccording

to your expected operating temperature.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

,O m

.c_:o -$ -1'° _ 1;0.............._:0 ,;, .';°

TEMPERATURE RANGE EXPECTED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE

Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or at least once a year if the

lawn mower is not used for 25 hours in one year.

Check the crankcase oil level before

starting the engine and after each five (5)

hours of continuous use. Tighten oit plug securely each time you check the oil level.

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL

NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to drain oil, empty fuel tank by running en- gine until fuel tank is empty.

1. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromspark plugandplacewirewhereitcannot comeincontactwithplug,

2, Removeengineoilcap;layasideona

cleansurface.

3. Tiplawnmoweronitssideasshown anddrainoil into a suitable container.

Rock lawn mower back and forth to re-

move any oil trapped inside of engine.

4. Wipe off any spilled oil from lawn mower or side of engine.

5. Slowly pour oil down the oil fill spout, stopping every few ounces to check the

oil level with the dipstick.

6, Stop adding oil when you reach the

FULL mark on the dipstick. Wait a minute to allow oil to settle,

7. Continue adding small amounts of oil, rechecking the dipstick until oil level

settles at FULL. DO NOT overfill, or

engine will smoke heavily from the muf-

fler on startup.

8. Always be sure to retighten oil dipstick before starting engine.

9. Reconnect spark plug wire to plug.

MUFFLER

Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage.

AIR FILTER Your engine wilt not run properly and may

be damaged by using a dirty air filter.

Replace the air filter every 100 hours of

operation or every season, whichever oc-

curs first. Service air cleaner more often

under dusty conditions.

TO CLEAN AJR FILTER

1. Remove cover.

2. Carefully remove cartridge.

3. Clean by gently tapping on a fiat sur- face. If very dirty, replace cartridge.

_CAUTION" Petroleum solvents, such as •

kerosene, are not to be used to clean car-

tridge. They may cause deterioration of the cartridge. Do not oi! cartridge, Do not use

pressurized a{r to clean or dry cartridge.

4. Install cartridge, then replace cover. I2

Slot

Back plate

IN-LINE FUEL FILTER

The fuel fitter shoutd be replacedonce each season. If fuel filter becomes

clogged, obstructing fuel flow to carbu- retor, replacement is required,

1. With engine cool, remove filter and plug fuel line sections.

2, Place new fuelfilterin position in fuel line

with arrow pointing towards carburetor.

3+ Be sure there are no fuel line leaks

and clamps are properly positioned.

4. Immediately wipe upanyspilled gasoline.

SPARK PLUG

Replace spark plug at the beginning of each mowing season or after every 100 hours of operation, whichever occurs first. Spark plug type and gap setting

are shown in the "PRODUCT SPECIFIC-

ATIONS" section ofthis manual.

CLEANING IMPORTANT: For best performance,

keep mower housingfreeof built+grass and trash,Clean the undersldeofyour

mower after each use.

ACAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it

cannot come in contact with plug.

• Clean the underside of your lawn mower by scraping to remove build-up

of grass and trash,

• Clean engine often to keep trash from accumulating. A clogged engine runs

hotter and shortens engine life.

° Keep finished surfaces and wheels free

of all gasoline, oil, etc.

We do not recommend using a garden

hose to ctean lawn mower unless the electrical system, muffler, air filter and

carburetor are covered to keep water out. Water in engine can result in short- ened engine life.

+ 28 hidden pages