Weed Eater 435073, Operator'S Manual

17

MAINTENANCE

V-BELTS

Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after 100 hours and 

replace if necessary. The belts are not adjustable. Re place 

belts if they begin to slip from wear.

Fig. 10

ENGINE

LUBRICATION

Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service 

classification SG-SL.  Select the oil’s SAE viscosity grade 

according to your expected operating temperature.

TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

-20 0 30 40 

80 

100 

-30 

-20 0  20 30 

40 

F

C

32 

-10 

10 

60 

5W-30

SAE 30

oil_visc_chart1_e

NOTE:

  Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) 

improve starting in cold weather, they will result in increased 

oil consumption when used above 32°F.  Check your engine 

oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage 

from running low on oil.

Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or at least 

once a year if the tractor is not used for 25 hours in one 

year.

Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine 

and after each eight (8) hours of operation.  Tighten oil fill 

cap/dipstick securely each time you check the oil level.   

AIR FILTER 

Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. 

Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions. See 

Engine Manual.

MUFFLER   

Inspect and replace corroded muffler and spark arrester 

(if equipped) as it could create a fire hazard and/or dam-

age.

SPARK PLUGS 

Replace spark plugs at the beginning of each mowing sea-

son or after every 100 hours of use, whichever comes first.  

Spark plug type and gap setting is shown in "PROD UCT 

SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual. 

CLEAN AIR SCREEN

Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent 

engine dam age from overheating.  Clean with a wire brush 

or com pressed air to re move dirt and stubborn dried gum 

fibers.

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Fig. 10 and 11) 

Determine temperature range expected before oil change.  

All oil must meet API service classification C.
•  Be sure tractor is on level surface.
•  Oil will drain more freely when warm.
•  Catch oil in a suitable container.
• 

Remove oil fill cap/dipstick.  Be careful not to allow dirt 

to enter the engine when changing oil.

CAUTION: If engine has been operated 

for an extended period of time immedi-

ately prior to draining oil, oil will be hot.

• 

Slide oil drain extension under oil drain hole (drain hole 

may be flush with or protrude from engine block side wall).

• 

Make sure back face of oil drain extension is flush with 

engine side wall.

•  Make sure bottom lip of oil drain extension is lined up 

with bottom of oil drain hole.

• 

Position a container to catch oil directly under front end 

of oil drain extension.

• 

Slide a 1/2” (12 point) socket mounted on an extension 

onto oil drain plug.

• 

Loosen plug while holding the oil drain extension firmly 

in place.

•  Drain oil into container.
• 

After oil has drained completely, reinstall oil drain plug.  

(Do not tighten more than 13 Ft. Lbs.)

•  Refill engine with oil through oil fill dipstick tube.  Pour 

slowly.  Do not overfill.  For approximate capacity see 

“PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this man u al.

•  Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for checking level.  

Be sure dipstick cap is tightened securely for accurate 

reading.  Keep oil at “FULL” line on dipstick. Tighten 

cap onto the tube securely when finished.

Fig. 11

OIL DRAIN HOLE

OIL DRAIN 

EXTENSION

OIL 

DRAIN 

PLUG

TRANSAXLE MAINTENANCE

Keep transaxle free from build-up of dirt and chaff which 

can restrict cooling.
Do not attempt to clean transaxle while engine is running 

or while the transaxle is hot. To prevent pos si ble damage 

to seals, do not use high pressure water or steam to clean 

transaxle.