Maintaining your engine, Warning – Cub Cadet 18M User Manual

Page 19

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19

Spark Plug Service

WARNING: DO NOT check for spark
with spark plug removed. DO NOT crank
engine with spark plug removed.

To ensure proper engine operation, the spark plug must
be properly gapped and free of deposits.
1. Remove the spark plug boot and use a spark plug

wrench to remove the plug. See Figure 10-3.

WARNING: If the engine has been
running, the muffler will be very hot. Be
careful not to touch the muffler.

2. Visually inspect the spark plug. Discard the spark plug

if there is apparent wear, or if the insulator is cracked
or chipped. Clean the spark plug with a wire brush if it
is to be reused.

IMPORTANT: Used motor oil may cause skin cancer
if repeatedly left in contact with the skin for prolonged
periods. Although this is unlikely unless you handle used
oil on a daily basis, it is still advisable to thoroughly wash
your hands with soap and water as soon as possible
after handling used oil.

NOTE: Please dispose of used motor oil in a manner that
is compatible with the environment. We suggest you take
it in a sealed container to your local service station for
reclamation. Do not throw it in the trash or pour it on the
ground.

Air Cleaner Service

A dirty air cleaner will restrict air flow to the carburetor.
To prevent carburetor malfunction, service the air cleaner
regularly. Service more frequently when operating the
engine in extremely dusty areas.

WARNING: Never use gasoline or low
flash point solvents for cleaning the
air cleaner element. A fire or explosion
could result.

IMPORTANT: Never run the engine without the air
cleaner. Rapid engine wear will result.

1. Remove the wing bolt and the air cleaner cover.

Remove the elements and separate them. See Figure
10-2. Carefully check both elements for holes or tears
and replace if damaged.

2.

Foam element: Wash the element in a solution of
household detergent and warm water, then rinse
thoroughly, or wash in nonflammable or high flash
point solvent. Allow the element to dry thoroughly.
Soak the element in clean engine oil and squeeze out
the excess oil. The engine will smoke during initial
start-up if too much oil is left in the foam.

3.

Paper element: Tap the element lightly several times
on a hard surface to remove excess dirt, or blow
compressed air through the filter from the inside out.
Never try to brush the dirt off; brushing will force
dirt into the fibers. Replace the paper element if it is
excessively dirty.

10

Maintaining

Your

Engine

WARNING

Never use gasoline

or low flash point sol-
vents for cleaning the

air cleaner element.

A fire or explosion

could result.

DO NOT check for

spark with spark plug

removed. DO NOT

crank engine with

spark plug removed.

If the engine has

been running, the

muffler will be very

hot. Be careful not to

touch the muffler.

Figure 10-2: Servicing the air cleaner.

Figure 10-3: The spark plug and boot.

Paper Element

Foam Element

Spark Plug

Spark Plug Boot

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