Cub Cadet RZT SX 42 Operation Manual - Page 10

Air Filter Cover 2 1 Figure 6-8 Spark Plug Service WARNING! DO NOT check for spark with spark plug removed. DO NOT crank engine with spark plug removed. WARNING! If the engine has been running, the muffler will be very hot. Be careful not to touch the muffler. 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 6-9. Spark Plug Boot Figure 6-9 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. 3. Measure the plug gap with a feeler gauge. Correct as necessary by bending electrode. See Figure 6-10. The gap should be set to 0.024-0.031 in. Electrode 0.024-0.031 in. Figure 6-10 4. Check that the spark plug washer is in good condition and thread the spark plug in by hand to prevent cross-threading. 5. After the spark plug is seated, tighten with a spark plug wrench to compress the washer. NOTE: When installing a new spark plug, tighten 1/2 turn after the spark plug seats to compress the washer. When reinstalling a used spark plug, tighten 1/8-1/4 turn after the spark plug seats to compress the washer. IMPORTANT: The spark plug must be securely tightened. An improperly tightened spark plug can become very hot and may damage the engine. 6. Repeat STEPS 1-5 to service the remaining spark plug. Clean Engine If the engine has been running, allow it to cool for at least half an hour before cleaning. Periodically remove dirt build-up from engine. Clean cooling fins every 25 hours. Clean with a brush or compressed air. IMPORTANT: Do not spray engine with water to clean because water could contaminate fuel. Using a garden hose or pressure washing equipment can also force water into the air cleaner or muffler opening. Water in the air cleaner will soak the paper element, and water that passes through the element or muffler can enter the cylinder, causing damage. WARNING! Accumulation of debris around muffler could cause a fire. Inspect and clean before every use. Storage CAUTION Failure to use a fuel stabilizing additive or completely run the engine until it's out of fuel before off-season storage may result in damage to your engine's carburetor. Subsequent damage would not be covered under the manufacturer's warranty. Gasoline that will be stored longer than 30 days needs to be pre-treated upon purchase with fuel stabilizer to prevent gum and varnish from forming in the engines fuel and intake system. Improper fuel storage can result in hard starting, no starting, stalling and poor performance. If the gasoline in your engine deteriorates during storage, you may need to have the carburetor, and other fuel system components, serviced or replaced. 1. Remove all fuel from tank by running engine until it stops from lack of fuel. WARNING! Never leave engine unattended while running. 2. Change oil. See Oil Change section. 3. Remove spark plug and pour about 1/2 an ounce of engine oil into cylinder. Replace spark plug and crank slowly to distribute oil. 4. Clean debris from around engine, under finger guard, and under, around and behind muffler. Touch up any damaged paint, and coat other areas that may rust with a light film of oil. 5. Store in a clean, dry and well ventilated area away from any appliance that operates with a flame or pilot light, such as a furnace, water heater, or clothes dryer. Also avoid any area with a spark producing electric motor, or where power tools are operated. 6. If possible, also avoid storage areas with high humidity, because that promotes rust and corrosion. 7. Keep the engine level in storage. Tilting can cause fuel or oil leakage. Removing From Storage 1. Check your engine as described in the Pre-Operation Check section of this manual. Check for debris under blower housing. 2. If the fuel was drained during storage preparation, fill the tank with fresh gasoline. If you keep a container of gasoline for refueling, make certain it contains only fresh fuel. Gasoline oxidizes and deteriorates over time, causing hard starting. 3. If the cylinder was coated with oil during storage preparation, the engine will smoke briefly at startup. This is normal. 10 Section 6 - Maintenance