Servicing The Spark Plug - Toro 71199 Operator's Manual

2. Inspect the element for tears, an oily film, or damage to
the rubber seal.
Important
Never clean the paper element with
pressurized air or liquids such as solvents, gasoline, or
kerosene. Replace the paper element if it is damaged or
cannot be cleaned thoroughly.
Installing the Paper Element
Important
To prevent engine damage, always operate
the engine with the complete air cleaner assembly installed.
1. Slide the air cleaner assembly onto the long rod.
2. Screw the rubber nut finger-tight against the air cleaner
(Fig. 21).
Note: Make sure that the rubber seal is flat against the
air cleaner base.
3. Install the air cleaner cover and knob (Fig. 20) and
tighten the knob snugly.
4. Close the hood.

Servicing the Spark Plug

Check the spark plug after every 25 operating hours. Install
a new Champion RJ-19LM or equivalent spark plug after
every 100 operating hours. Make sure that the air gap
between the center and side electrodes is 0.030 in.
(0.76 mm) before installing the spark plug. Use a spark
plug wrench for removing and installing the spark plug and
a gapping tool or feeler gauge to check and adjust the air
gap.
Removing the Spark Plug
1. Disengage the blade (PTO).
2. Shift the ground speed into Neutral.
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.
5. Remove the ignition key.
6. Open the hood.
7. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug (Fig. 23).
1
Figure 23
1. Spark plug wire
8. Clean around the spark plug to prevent dirt from falling
into the engine and potentially causing damage.
9. Remove the spark plug and metal washer.
Checking the Spark Plug
1. Look at the center of the spark plug (Fig. 24). 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
Figure 24
1. Center electrode insulator
2. Side electrode
Important
Do not clean the spark plug. Always
replace the spark plug when it has a black coating, worn
electrodes, an oily film, or cracks.
2. Check the gap between the center and side electrodes
(Fig. 24) and bend the side electrode if the gap is not
correct.
26
m-1884
2
2. Spark plug
3
1
0.030 in.
(0.76 mm)
m-1870
3. Air gap (not to scale)