Fuel System Maintenance; Servicing The Fuel Tank - Toro 30986 Operator's Manual

4. Clean around the spark plugs to prevent dirt from
falling into the engine and potentially causing
damage.
5. Remove the spark plugs and the metal washers.
Checking the Spark Plugs
1. Look at the center of the spark plugs (Figure 30).
If you see light brown or gray on the insulator, the
engine is operating properly. A black coating on the
insulator usually means that the air cleaner is dirty.
2. If needed, clean the spark plug with a wire brush to
remove carbon deposits.
Figure 30
1. Center electrode insulator
2. Side electrode
Important: Always replace the spark plugs
when it has a black coating, worn electrodes,
an oily film, or cracks.
3. Check the gap between the center and side electrodes
(Figure 30). Bend the side electrode (Figure 30) if
the gap is not correct.
Installing the Spark Plugs
1. Install the spark plugs and the metal washer. Ensure
that the air gap is set correctly.
2. Tighten the spark plugs to 16 ft-lb (22 N•m).
3. Connect the wires to the spark plugs (Figure 30).
3. Air gap (not to scale)
Fuel System
Maintenance

Servicing the Fuel Tank

In certain conditions, gasoline is extremely
flammable and highly explosive. A fire or
explosion from gasoline can burn you and
others and can damage property.
• Drain gasoline from the fuel tank when the
engine is cold. Do this outdoors in an open
area. Wipe up any gasoline that spills.
• Never smoke when draining gasoline, and
stay away from an open flame or where a
spark may ignite the gasoline fumes.
Draining the Fuel Tank
1. Park the machine on a level surface, to assure fuel
tank drains completely. Then disengage the power
take off (PTO), set the parking brake, and turn the
ignition key to off. Remove the key.
2. Close the fuel shut-off valve at the fuel tank
(Figure 31).
3. Squeeze the ends of the hose clamp together
and slide it up the fuel line away from fuel filter
(Figure 31).
4. Pull the fuel line off the fuel filter (Figure 31). Open
the fuel shut-off valve and allow the gasoline to drain
into a gas can or drain pan.
Note: Now is the best time to install a new fuel filter
because the fuel tank is empty. Refer to Replacing
the Fuel Filter.
5. Install the fuel line onto the fuel filter. Slide the hose
clamp close to the valve to secure the fuel line.
30