Spring Tune-Up - Garden Tillers

Instructions

Step 1

Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make sure to disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the engine to prevent unintended starting.

Step 2

Check bolts and screws for proper tightness. Replace hardware if necessary.

Step 3

Fill the fuel tank with clean, fresh gasoline according to the directions in your engine operator's manual.

Step 4

Check the engine oil levels and refill or change the oil if necessary.

Step 5

Check the transmission gear oil. Make sure to check when the engine is cool. See your engine operator's manual for more information.

Step 6

Use a tire pressure gauge to check the air pressure in both tires. Deflate or inflate both tires equally to the level recommended in your operator's manual. Be sure that both tires are inflated equally or the tiller will pull to one side.

Step 7

Check the air cleaner and clean or replace as necessary. Operating the engine with a dirty, clogged air filter can cause poor performance and damage to the engine.

Step 8

Check that all the safety guards and covers are in place.

Step 9

Check the tines for wear. Replace if necessary.

Step 10

Check the spark plug gap. Replace the spark plug if necessary.

Step 11

Remove the wheels, clean the wheel shaft and apply a thin coating of grease to the shaft.

Step 12

Grease the back, front and sides of the depth regulator lever. Remove the tines, clean the tine shafts and inspect for rust, rough spots, or burrs. File or sand smooth and coat the ends of the shaft with grease.

Step 13

Oil the threads on the handlebar height adjustment screw. Use a good quality lubricating oil (#30 weight engine oil is suitable).

Step 14

Oil the threads on the handlebar attaching screws. Use a good quality lubricating oil (#30 weight engine oil is suitable).