Cub Cadet 18M Operator's Manual page 17

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. Replace paper element when dirty or damaged.
Replace foam element when damaged.
2. To clean foam element, separate it from the paper
element and wash in liquid detergent and water. Allow
to dry thoroughly before using. Do not oil the foam
element.
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.
3. Measure the plug gap with a feeler gauge. Correct
as necessary by bending side electrode. See Figure
10-4. The gap should be: 0.030 in.
4. Check that the spark plug washer is in good condition
and thread the spark plug in by hand to prevent
cross-threading.
Figure 10-
Figure 10-3
Figure 10-4
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 tight-
ened. An improperly tightened spark plug can become
very hot and may damage the engine.
1
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.