Operator's Manual
MC440 4-Cycle Cultivator
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or call 800-345-6007 M-F 8-5
13
ENGINE MAINTENANCE
Refer to engine emission warranty included with your product
for maintenance schedule.
Good maintenance is essential for safe, economical, and trouble-
free operation. It will also help reduce air pollution. To help
you properly care for your engine, the following pages include
a maintenance schedule, routine inspection procedures, and
simple maintenance procedures using basic hand tools. Other
service tasks that are more difficult, or require special tools, are
best handled by professionals and are normally performed by a
technician or other qualified mechanic.
Maintenance, replacement or repair of the emissions control
devices and systems may be performed by any non-road
engine repair establishment or individuals. However, items
must be serviced by an authorized dealer to obtain “no charge”
emissions control warranty service.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
STEPS FOR WORKING ON EQUIPMENT
1. Flip the ON/OFF switch to the
OFF
position.
SEE FIGURE 9
2. Replace or repair the part on the cultivator.
3. Check all parts that were repaired, or removed during repair,
that they are secure and fit correctly.
NOTE: All repair parts must come from the factory. Never
replace parts that are not specifically designed for the
cultivator.
CULTIVATOR MAINTENANCE
1. Keep all screws, nuts, and bolts tight.
2. For cold weather operation, store the unit in a cool environment.
Transferring the unit from a cold to a warm place can cause the
build up of harmful condensation.
WARNING
PRACTICE SAFETY AT ALL TIMES. ENGINE MUST BE TURNED
OFF AND ALLOWED TO COOL BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY
MAINTENANCE OR REPAIR.
TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL STARTING:
•
ENGINE MUST BE TURNED OFF AND COOL BEFORE
CHECK AND ADJUSTING ENGINE OR EQUIPMENT.
•
TEMPERATURE OF MUFFLER AND NEARBY AREAS MAY
EXCEED 150° F (65° C). AVOID THESE AREAS.
•
CHECK CULTIVATOR OFTEN FOR LOOSE NUTS AND
BOLTS. KEEP THESE ITEMS TIGHTENED.
•
NEVER STORE ENGINE WITH FUEL IN THE TANK INSIDE
A BUILDING. POTENTIAL SPARKS MAY BE PRESENT
FOR IGNITION OF FUEL AND FUEL VAPORS.
•
ONLY AN ADULT MUST DO MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
ON ENGINE AND CULTIVATOR.
ON/OFF SWITCH
FIGURE 9
NOTICE
PROPER POSITION FOR CHECKING OIL LEVEL OR
REFILLING OIL IS FACE DOWN, WITH THE FUEL TANK
OF THE CULTIVATOR DOWN ON A HORIZONTAL
SURFACE. SEE FIGURE 3 ON PAGE 10. FAILURE TO
MAINTAIN THIS POSITION CAN RESULT IN OVER
FILLING THE ENGINE WITH OIL WHICH WILL IMPAIR
THE ENGINE’S PERFORMANCE. ONLY CHECK OIL
AFTER LETTING MACHINE SIT FOR FIVE MINUTES.
LUBRICATION
Choose engine oil that meets or surpasses the latest API service
classification. For temperatures higher than 32º F, use 10W-30
motor oil. Use SAE 5W-30 if temperatures are below 32º F.
OIL MAINTENANCE
After the first five hours of operating a new Viper engine the
oil should be replaced, and every 50 hours of operating time
thereafter. The oil should be changed every 25 hours if used
under severe conditions, such as in high temperatures or under
heavy loads. Check oil periodically; do not overfill!
CHANGING OIL
Be sure the engine is not operating and is located on a level
surface before checking or refilling oil. Engine should be warm
for easy removal of oil.
STEPS FOR CHANGING OIL
1. Flip the ON/OFF switch to the
OFF
position.
