23
NOTE:  Refer  to  the  Attachments  &  Accessories  table
found on  page  32 of this manual for the proper spark
plug type.
• Lift the tractor’s hood and locate the spark plug wire 
on the front, right area of the engine.
• Carefully pull the spark plug wire boot off of the 
spark plug.
• Before removing the spark plug, clean the area 
around the base of the plug to keep dirt and debris 
out of the engine.
• Using a ratchet with a 5/8-inch spark plug socket, 
remove the spark plug and check its condition. 
• Replace the plug if worn, dirty of damaged. Reuse 
only after resetting the gap as instructed in the 
following steps.
NOTE:  Do  not  clean  the  spark  plug  in  a  machine
using abrasive grit. Some grit could remain in the spark
plug and enter the engine causing extensive wear and
damage.
• Check the gap using a feeler gauge and adjust, if 
necessary, by carefully bending the ground 
electrode. See Figure 22. Set the spark plug gap to 
1.0 mm (0.040 in.).
Figure 22
• Reinstall the spark plug into the cylinder head. 
Torque the spark plug to 38.0/43.4 N·m (28/32 ft. 
lb.).
• Place the spark plug wire boot over the spark plug 
and press until you feel it “click” in place.
Fuel Filter
WARNING:  Do  not  replace  the  fuel  filter
when engine is hot.
The engine is equipped with an inline fuel filter located 
on the right side of the engine.
Visually inspect the filter periodically for a build-up of 
residue inside the filter body, and for a dirty element 
which can be indicated by discoloration. Replace the 
fuel filter when dirty.
NOTE: If necessary, remove the  tractor’s right-hand
side  panel as  instructed  on  page  20  before  changing
the engine’s fuel filter.
Cleaning the Engine And Deck
Any fuel or oil spilled on the machine should be wiped 
off promptly. 
Do NOT allow debris to accumulate around the cooling 
fins of the engine or on any other part of the machine, 
especially the belts and pulleys.
IMPORTANT:
 The use of a pressure washer or garden 
hose to clean your tractor is NOT recommended. It may 
cause damage to electrical components, spindles, 
pulleys, bearings or the engine. The use of water will 
result in a shortened life of the tractor and reduce its 
serviceability.
Lubrication
WARNING: Before lubricating, repairing, or
inspecting,  always  disengage  PTO,  set
parking brake, stop engine and remove key to
prevent unintended starting.
Deck Spindles
Grease fittings can be found on the top of each deck 
spindle shaft. See Figure 23. Lubricate with 251H EP 
grease or an equivalent No. 2 multi-purpose lithium 
grease. Using a grease gun, apply two strokes 
(minimum) or sufficient grease to flush old grease and 
dirt out of the spindle shaft.
Figure 23
Feeler Gauge
Ground Electrode
Spark Plug
Gap
Grease Fitting