Maintenance; Engine Maintenance - Craftsman 486.25012 Operator's Manual

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
•
Read and follow the maintenance schedule and the maintenance procedures listed in this section.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Fill in dates as you
complete regular service.
Check for loose fasteners
Check cover
Check tire pressure
Check engine oil level
Lubricate
Clean
Maintain engine per instructions below and in engine manual.
BEFORE EACH USE
CHECK FOR LOOSE FASTENERS
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Make a thorough visual check of the Vac System
for any bolts and nuts which may have loosened.
Retighten any loose bolts and nuts.
CHECK COVER
•
Check the cover, especially the front boot and the
rear flap for wear. Replace cover if worn or damaged.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
•
Check tire pressure regularly. Recommended tire
pressure is 12-14 Lbs.
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL
•
Check oil level before each use. Maintain engine oil
as instructed in the separate engine manual.
LUBRICATION
•
At the beginning of each season, lubricate the latch,
latch pivot bolt, and the axle where the hitch tongue
pivots, with a light machine oil.
•
At least once a season, grease or oil the wheel
bearings. Use automotive wheel bearing type grease
or 20 weight oil.
WARNING: Always stop engine and
disconnect spark plug wire before
cleaning, lubricating or before performing
any repairs or maintenance.
CLEANING
•
Make sure the cart and top are cleaned after each
use. Grass clippings and leaves left in the cart will
mildew and cause damage if not cleaned out.
•
Clean the engine regularly with a cloth or brush.
Keep the cooling fins on the engine housing clean
to permit proper air circulation which is essential to
engine performance and life. Be sure to remove all
dirt and debris from muffler area.

MAINTENANCE

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20
Service Dates

ENGINE MAINTENANCE

Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service
classification SF or SG. Select the oil's SAE viscosity
grade according to your expected operating temperature.
SAE 30 grade oil is recommended for warm weather use.
For cold weather use refer to the engine manufacturer's
Operating and Maintenance Manual.
•
Check oil level before each use. Maintain engine oil
at level shown in figure 31 below.
•
Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normal
conditions. Clean every few hours under extremely
dusty conditions. Poor engine performance and
flooding usually indicates that the air cleaner should
be serviced. To service the air cleaner, refer to the
separate engine manual.
•
The spark plug should be cleaned and the gap reset
once a season. Spark plug replacement at the start
of each season is recommended. Check the engine
manual for correct plug type and gap specifications.
OIL
FIGURE 31
REMOVE OIL CAP
REPLACE CAP
AFTER FILLED
FULL OIL LEVEL