Ryobi 197788 - Manual (Page 18)

18
MAINTENANCE
MUFFLER
Inspect and replace corroded muffl er and spark arrester
(if equipped) as it could create a fi re hazard and/or dam-
age.
SPARK PLUGS
Replace spark plugs at the beginning of each mowing
season or after every 100 hours of operation, whichever
occurs fi rst. Spark plug type and gap setting are shown in
“PROD UCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual.
IN-LINE FUEL FILTER (See Fig. 14)
The fuel fi lter should be replaced once each season. If fuel
fi lter becomes clogged, ob struct ing fuel fl ow to car bu re tor,
re place ment is re quired.
• With engine cool, remove fi lter and plug fuel line sec-
tions.
• Place new fuel fi lter in position in fuel line with arrow
pointing towards carburetor.
• Be sure there are no fuel line leaks and clamps are
properly positioned.
• Immediately wipe up any spilled gasoline.
CLAMP
FUEL FILTER
CLAMP
FIG. 14
CLEANING
• Clean engine, battery, seat, fi nish, etc. of all foreign
matter.
• Keep fi nished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline,
oil, etc.
• Protect painted surfaces with automotive type wax.
We do not recommend using a garden hose or pressure
washer to clean your tractor unless the engine and trans-
mission are covered to keep water out. Water in engine or
transmission will shorten the useful life of your tractor. Use
compressed air or a leaf blower to remove grass, leaves
and trash from tractor and mower.
CLEAN AIR SCREEN
Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent
engine dam age from overheating. Clean with a wire brush
or compressed air to re move dirt and stubborn dried gum
fi bers.
AIR FILTER
Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air fi lter.
Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions. See
Engine Manual.
ENGINE OIL FILTER
Replace the engine oil fi lter every season or every other
oil change if the tractor is used more than 100 hours in
one year.
• Unlock drain valve by pushing inward and turning
coun ter clock wise.
• To open, pull out on the drain valve.
• After oil has drained completely, close and lock the
drain valve by pushing inward and turning clockwise
until the pin is in the locked position as shown.
• Remove the drain tube and replace the cap onto to the
bottom fi tting of the drain valve.
• Refi ll engine with oil through oil fi ll dipstick tube. Pour
slowly. Do not overfi ll. For approximate capacity see
“PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this man-
u al.
• Use gauge on oil fi ll cap/dipstick for checking level.
For accurate reading, insert dipstick into the tube
and push down fi rmly into place before removing.
Keep oil up to, but not over, the “FULL” line on dip-
stick. Push dipstick down fi rmly into the tube when
fi nished.
CLEAN AIR INTAKE/COOLING AREAS
To insure proper cooling, make sure the grass screen,
cooling fi ns, and other external surfaces of the engine are
kept clean at all times.
Every 100 hours of operation (more often under extremely
dusty, dirty conditions), remove the blower housing and
other cooling shrouds. Clean the cooling fi ns and external
surfaces as necessary. Make sure the cooling shrouds are
reinstalled.
NOTE: Operating the engine with a blocked grass screen,
dirty or plugged cooling fi ns, and/or cooling shrouds re moved
will cause engine damage due to overheating.