MTD 179cc User Manual

Page of 24
7
Tasks
First 5 
Hrs.
Each Use or 
Every 5 Hrs.
Every Season 
or 25 Hrs.
Every Season 
or 50 Hrs.
Every Season 
or 100 Hrs.
Service Dates
Check engine oil
Change engine oil
             
 
Check spark plug
Service spark plug
Clean exhaust area
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.
Oil Service
Check oil level regularly.
 Be sure correct oil level is maintained. Check every 
five hours or daily before starting engine. See oil 
checking procedure in the Operation section.
Oil Change
IMPORTANT: Be sure to check engine on a level 
surface with the engine stopped. Drain the oil while 
the engine is still warm to assure rapid and complete 
draining.
Drain fuel from tank by running engine until the fuel 
tank is empty. Be sure fuel fill cap is secure.
Place suitable oil collection container under oil drain 
plug. 
 Remove oil drain plug, Figure 3-1.
Tip engine to drain oil into the container. Used oil 
must be disposed of at a proper collection center.
Reinstall the drain plug and tighten it securely. 
Refill with the recommended oil and check the oil 
level, refer to Operation section for instructions.
Reinstall the oil filler cap/dipstick securely.
IMPORTANT: Used motor oil may cause skin cancer 
if repeatedly left in contact with the skin for pro-
longed 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.

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6.
7.
Maintaining 
the  
Engine
WARNING
WARNING: Shut off the 
engine before performing 
any type of maintenance. 
To prevent accidental 
start-up, disconnect the 
spark plug boot.
WARNING: Shut off the engine before 
performing any type of maintenance. 
To prevent accidental start-up, discon-
nect the spark plug boot.
IMPORTANT: If engine must be tipped to transport 
equipment or to inspect, keep spark plug side of en-
gine up. Transporting or tipping engine with spark 
plug down may cause smoking, hard starting, spark 
plug fouling, or oil saturation of air cleaner.
Periodic inspection and adjustment of the engine is 
essential if high level performance is to be maintained. 
Regular maintenance will also ensure a long service life. 
The required service intervals and the type of mainte-
nance to be performed are described in the table below. 
Follow the hourly or calendar intervals, whichever occur 
first. More frequent service is required when operating in 
adverse conditions.
Maintenance Schedule
Before tipping engine or 
equipment to drain oil, 
drain fuel from tank by 
running engine until fuel 
tank is empty.
IMPORTANT: Be sure to 
check engine on a level 
surface with the engine 
stopped. Drain the oil 
while the engine is still 
warm to assure rapid and 
complete draining.
Figure 3-1: Remove the oil drain plug to drain oil from engine.
Oil Drain
Oil 
Drain 
Plug