MTD 136-390A Manual

Owner's Operating
Service Instruction
Manual Model Nos.
136-390A
• ASSEMBLY 136-395A
• OPERATION
• REPAIR PARTS
30 ” RIDING MOWERS
lOcfc
MTD PRODUCTS INC • 5389 WEST 130th STREET • P. 0. BOX 2741 CLEVELAND OHIO 441II
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
FORM NO. 770-6034

IMPORTANT
It is suggested that this manual be read in its entirety before attempting to assemble or operate. Keep this
manual in a safe place for future reference and for ordering replacement parts.
This unit is shipped WITHOUT GASOLINE or OIL. After assembly, see operating section of this manual foi
proper fuel and amount.
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES FOR RIDING VEHICLES
1. Know the controls and how to stop quickly—
READ THE OWNER’S MANUAL.
2. Do not allow children to operate vehicle. Do
not allow adults to operate it without proper
instruction.
3. Do not carry passengers. Keep children and
pets a safe distance away.
4. Clear work area of objects which might be
picked up and thrown.
5. Disengage all attachment clutches and shift
into neutral before attempting to start engine.
6. Disengage power to attachment(s) and stop
engine before leaving operator position.
7. Disengage power to attachments) and stop
engine before making any repairs or adjust¬
ments.
8. Disengage power to attachments) when
transporting or not in use.
9. Take all possible precautions when leaving
vehicle unattended such as disengaging
power-take-off, lowering attachments, shift¬
ing into neutral, setting parking brake,
stopping engine and removing key.
10. Do not stop or start suddenly when going
uphill or downhill. Mow up and down face of
steep slopes; never across the face.
11. Reduce speed on slopes and in sharp turns to
prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise ex¬
treme caution when changing direction on
slopes.
12. Stay alert for holes in terrain and other hidden
hazards.
13. Use care when pulling loads or using heavy
equipment.
A. Use only approved drawbar hitch points.
B. Limit loads to those you can safely
control.
C. Do not turn sharply. Use care when
backing.
D. Use counterweight(s) or wheel weights
when suggested in owner’s manual.
14. Watch out for traffic when crossing or near
roadways.
15. When using any attachments never direct dis¬
charge of material toward bystanders nor
allow anyone near vehicle while in operation. 2
16. Handle gasoline with care—it is highly
flammable.
A. Use approved gasoline container.
B. Never remove cap or add gasoline to a run¬
ning or hot engine or fill fuel tank indoors.
Wipe up spilled gasoline.
C. Open doors if engine is run in garage—ex¬
haust fumes are dangerous. Do not run
engine indoors.
17. Keep the vehicle and attachments in good
operating condition, and keep safety devices
in place. Use guards as instructed in owner’s
manual.
18. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be
sure the equipment is in safe working
condition.
19. Never store the equipment with gasoline in
the tank inside a building where fumes may
reach an open flame or spark. Allow engine to
cool before storing in any enclosure.
20. To reduce fire hazard keep engine free of
grass, leaves or excessive grease.
21. The vehicle and attachments should be
stopped and inspected for damage after
striking a foreign object, and the damage
should be repaired before restarting and
operating the equipment.
22. Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine.
23. When using the vehicle with mower, proceed
as follows:
(1) Mow only in daylight or in good artificial
light.
(2) Never make a cutting height adjustment
while engine is running if operator must
dismount to do so.
(3) Shut engine off when removing grass
catcher and/or unclogging chute.
(4) Check blade mounting bolts for proper
tightness at frequent intervals.
24. Check grass catcher bags frequently for wear
or deterioration. Replace with new bags for
safety protection.
25. Look behind to make sure the area is clear
before placing the transmission in reverse and
backing up.

INDEX
Safe Operation Practice.2
Index and Assembly Instructions.3
Installing the Battery.5
Controis. 6
Operating Instructions... .9
Maintenance and Adjustment.10
Lubrication. 1 1
Belt Removal.12
Trouble Shooting Chart for Recoil Start Model. 14
Trouble Shooting Chart for Electric Start
Modeis.15
Electricai Breakdown. 1 6
Differential. . 17
Transmission.18
Transmission Parts List.19
Illustrated Parts for Rider. 20, 23, 25
Parts List for Rider. 21,23, 26,
Wheel Chart. 2 7
Deck Linkage.27
Parts Information.Back Cover
GRASS CATCHER Modei No. 196-015A is
avaiiable as optionai equipment for the mowers
shown in this manuai.
\ WARNING \
The mower should not be operated
without the entire grass catcher or
chute deflector in place.
NOTE
Under normal usage bag material is
subject to wear, and should be
checked periodically. Be sure any re¬
placement bag complies with the
manufacturer’s recommendations.
For replacement bags, use only fac¬
tory authorized replacement bag No.
764-0121.
IMPORTANT
After striking a foreign object, stop
the engine. Remove wire from spark
plug, thoroughly inspect the mower
for any damage, and repair the dam¬
age before restarting and operating
the mower.
The steering wheei and seat, with the necessary
hardware, are easily assembled to the machine.
On the eiectric starter models, the battery must be
activated and instaiied as outiined in this section.
TIRE PRESSURE
FOR SHIPPING PURPOSES, THE TIRES ON
YOUR UNIT MAY BE OVER-INFLATED. TIRE
PRESSURE SHOULD BE REDUCED BEFORE
UNIT IS PUT INTO OPERATION. PRESSURE
SHOULD BE APPROXIMATELY 15 P.S.I. EQUAL
TIRE PRESSURE SHOULD BE MAINTAINED ON
ALL TIRES. MAXIMUM TIRE PRESSURE IS 30
P.S.I.
ASSEMBLY
NOTE
Reference to right-hahd or left-hand
side of machine is from the driver’s
seat facing forward.
Hex Bolt G H
QJ)
Hex Lock Nut
H—16 Belleville Washer W
FIGURE 1. HARDWARE SUPPLIED
Step 1. Remove the iawn mower and all parts
from the carton. Make certain that all
loose parts and literature have been
removed before the carton is discarded.
Step 2. Place steering wheei over steering shaft.
Step 3. Secure with Belleviile washer and hex nut.
See figure 2.
Step 4. Press the cap on the steering wheel by
hand. See figure 2.
3

I
Steering Wheel Cap
Step 5. Your molded seat comes with the
mounting bolt molded in the seat.
A. Select one of three hole locations on
seat spring.
B. Place seat on spring and secure with
lockwasher (A) and hex nut (B). See
figures 1 and 3.
FIGURES. SEAT ASSEMBLY
NOTE
Check all nuts and bolts for correct
tightness.
BATTERY INFORMATION FOR ELECTRIC START
MODELS
A.
\ WARNING {
Battery acid must be handled with great care
as it will blister the skin and damage clothing.
It is advisable to wear goggles, rubber gloves,
and a protective apron when working with it.
B. Neutralize acid spilled on clothing with dilute
ammonia water or a water solution of baking
soda. If acid gets on clothes, dilute it with
clean water first, then neutralize.
C. If for any reason acid should be spattered in
the eyes, wash it out immediately with clean
cold water. Seek medical aid if discomfort
continues.
D.
Since battery acid is corrosive to metals, do
not pour into any sink or drain. Rinse empty
electrolyte containers and mutilate before dis¬
carding.
^ DANGER \
BATTERIES CONTAIN SULFURIC
ACID MAY CONTAIN EXPLOSIVE
GASES (when electrolyte has been
added)
A. Keep sparks, flame, cigarettes away.
B. Hydrogen gas is generated during charging
and discharging.
C. Ventilate when charging or using in enclosed
space.
D. When using a charger—to avoid sparks—
NEVER connect or disconnect charger clips to
battery while charger is turned on.
E. Always shield eyes, protect skin and clothing
when working near batteries.
A. Activating the Battery
1. Place battery to be filled on bench or
workbench. NEVER activate battery in unit.
Remove vent caps from all cells.
2. Fill each cell carefully using battery grade
1.250—1.265 specific gravity. Sulfuric acid to
be 3/8” above the top of the separators or to
the split ring.
3. Allow battery to set for 20 minutes to 1/2
hour. Add additional acid if necessary to
bring it up to the proper ievel.
4. Replace the vent caps.
5. The battery can now be charged after the 20
minutes setting period. Battery can be SLOW
CHARGED (DO NOT FAST CHARGE) at a
maximum bench rate of 4-5 amperes until the
specific gravity reading is 1.265—1.275. A
charging rate in excess of this will buckle and
warp the positive plates and perforate the
separators. If electrolyte bubbles violently
while charging, reduce charging rate until
excessive bubbling action subsides, then
continue charging until specific gravity is
reached.
4

A CAUTION
After the battery has been in service,
add only approved water. DO NOT
ADD ACID.
B. To Install Battery
To install the battery in this unit, refer to next
column.
C. Maintenance
1. Check periodically (every two weeks or before
and after charging) to be sure electrolyte level
is 9/16” above separator plates. Add only
distilled water or good quarrty drinking water.
NEVER add additional acid or other chemicals
to battery after initial activation.
2. The battery should be checked with a
hydrometer after every 25 hours of operation.
If the specific gravity is less than 1.225
remove battery and recharge.
3. Coat the terminals and exposed wiring with a
thin coat of grease or petroleum jelly for
longer service and protection against electro¬
lyte corrosion.
4. The battery should be kept clean. Any
deposits of acid should be neutralized with
soda and water. Be careful not to get this
solution in the cells.
D. Storage
1. Charge battery using normal methods.
NEVER store discharged battery as it will not
recover.
2. Store in cold, dry place.
3. Recharge battery whenever the specific
gravity is less than 1.225 before returning to
service or every two months, whichever
occurs first.
E. Common Causes for Battery Failure Are:
1. Overcharging
2. Undercharging
3. Lack of water
4. Loose hold downs and/or corroded
connections
5. Excessive loads
6. Battery electrolyte substitutes
7. Freezing of electrolyte
NOTE
THESE FAILURES DO NOT CON¬
STITUTE WARRANTY.
LIMITED WARRANTY
For ninety (90) days of original retail purchase, the
battery carries a limited warranty against faulty
material or workmanship by the battery manu¬
facturer.
INSTALL THE BATTERY
A. Open the hood of the mower.
B. Place the battery with the terminals to the
FRONT in the battery case. See figure 4.
C. Hook both hold-down rods under the battery
case and place the hold down over the battery
caps and secure with wing nuts D.
A CAUTION
Be sure the flared edge of the hold
down is facing up to avoid damage
to the battery.
D. Attach the free end of the positive cable and
the small wire from the ammeter, to the
positive battery terminai with bolt E, washer F
and nut G. The battery terminal is marked +.
E. Attach the free end of the negative cable to the
negative terminal with bolt E, washer F and
nut G. Battery terminal is marked -.
FIGURE 4. INSTALLING THE BATTERY
5

I
CONTROLS (See figure 5.)
This manual should be read in its entirety before
you operate your Riding Mower. The more you
know and understand about the machine and its
operation, the better job it will do for you. While
reading the manual, compare the illustrations
with your mower to familiarize yourself with the
locations of various controls, lubrication points,
attachments and adjustment features.
Study the operating instructions and safety
precautions thoroughly to insure proper function¬
ing of your mower and to prevent injury to yourself
and others. Be sure to save this manual for future
reference.
THROTTLE CONTROL
The throttle control is used to regulate the engine
speed and to activate the choke on the engine. To
get maximum efficiency from cutting, the throttle
should be in the FAST position when operating
the mower. Pushing the throttle all the way
forward, past FAST will choke the engine. See
figures.
IGNITION KEY
Recoil Model. The key must be turned to the ON
position before you pull the recoil handle to start
the engine. Remove the key when the mower is
not in use. Turn the key to the left to the OFF
position to stop the engine. See figure 10.
Electric Model. The key must be turned to the
START position to start the engine. After the
engine is running let the key return to the ON
position. Remove the key when the mower is not
in use. Turn the key to the OFF position to stop
the engine. See figure 5.
FIGURES. CONTROLS
INTERLOCKS (Not Shown)
An interlock safety switch is located on the clutch
pedal and the lift and disengagement lever.
The clutch pedal must be depressed all the way
down and can be locked and the lift and
disengagement lever must be in the disengaged
position before the engine can be started.
On the recoil start model, the ignition will be
grounded and on the electric start model, the
starter will not run.
BRAKE
The brake pedal is located on the right hand side
of the mower and is operated by depressing it with
your right foot. See figure 6.
BRAKE LOCK
The brake lock is located on the right hand side of
the mower. To lock the brake, depress the brake
pedal and lift up the lock button. The pedal will
stay depressed. To release, depress the brake
pedal. Always lock the brake when you park the
mower. See figure 6.
CLUTCH
The clutch pedal is located on the left hand side of
the mower and is operated with your left foot.
Depress the pedal to disengage the drive
mechanism. Release the clutch slowly to engage.
The clutch and brake pedals must both be
depressed when stopping the mower. When
shifting gears, the clutch pedal must be
disengaged and the mower cannot be moving. See
figure?.
FIGURE 6. BRAKE AND BRAKE LOCK
6

CLUTCH LOCK
When the clutch pedal is depressed all the way it
can be locked by lifting up the lock button. The
pedal will stay depressed. To release, depress the
pedal. See figure?.
STARTING I KSTRUCTIONS
■ Lock-rat clHtck
■ S otthrattie
■ D isinfoii Wait
Tan koy to or position
Pill ropo to start
Rotara rapt kaadte to lock
NOTE
The clutch pedal must be depressed
to start the engine.
FIGURE?. CLUTCH AND CLUTCH LOCK
GEAR SHIFT LEVER
Four Speed—The four speed transmission has
four forward speeds, neutral and reverse. The
clutch pedal must be repressed to shift gears. It
may be necessary to release the clutch pedal
slightly to shift the gear shift lever. Do not force
the shift lever.
1 St Gear—Heavy Cutting
2nd Gear—Medium Cutting
3rd Gear-Medium Cutting
4th Gear—Light Cutting or Travel Gear
N —Neutral
R—Reverse
a
FIGURE 8. FOUR SPEED TRANSMISSION
RECOIL STARTER HANDLE
The recoil starter handle is located on the right
side of the dashboard. The recoil starter handle
cani'either be pulled while seated on the rider or
pulled while standing behind the rider. The
ignition key must be on before the engine will
start. After the engine starts, the recoil starter
handle must be returned and locked into the
dashboard before the blade or clutch are engaged.
The engine will stop if you do not follow these
instructions. See figure 9.
3 a 'I
FIGURE 9. RECOIL STARTER
LIFT AND DISENGAGEMENT LEVER
It is used to raise the cutting deck. Pulling it all
the way back and locking it disengages the blade.
See figures 5 and 8.
7

I
FIGURE 10. HEIGHT OF CUT SETTINGS
FIGURE 11 WHEEL HEIGHT ADJUSTER
NOTE
The engine will not start unless the
lift and disengagement lever is in the
disengaged position. See figure 10.
CUTTING CONTROLS
To set the cutting deck in the full float position:
set the wheel height adjusters in the desired
cutting height as indicated in figure 11. Set height
of cut stop in the lowest position. See figure 10.
To set the cutting deck in the suspended
position: set the height of cut stop in the desired
cutting height and then set the deck wheel so they
just clear the ground.
The cutting controls consist of the height of cut
stop and the wheel height adjusters.
CAUTION
Height of Cut Stop. See figure 10. Lift the stop
and set it at the desired cutting height. Allow the
lift and disengagement lever to come forward to
rest against the height of cut stop.
Wheel Height Adjuster. Move the lever towards
the wheel and set it in the desired cutting height
position. See figure 11. Both wheels must be in
the same relative position.
Parking Brake must be disengaged
before unit is put into motion.
NOTE
Unit is equipped with separate brake
and clutch pedals. To efficiently
stop, it is necessary to disengage
clutch when applying brakes.
SETTING THE CUTTING HEIGHT
The cutting height of the mower can be set in two
different ways: Full Float position where the deck
follows the contour of the ground, and the
Suspended position where the deck hangs from
the frame of the rider. The suspended position is
normally used for cutting rough uneven ground.
8

OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION
3.
4.
Keep all shields and guards in place.
Before leaving operator’s position:
Shift controls into neutral
Set parking brake
Disengage attachment drive
Shut off engine
Remove ignition key
Wait for all movement to stop before servicing
machine.
Keep people and pets a safe distance away
from machine.
FIGURE 12. RECOIL STARTER
STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Be sure the crankcase is filled with oil as
recommended in the engine manual and put
regular gasoline in the gasoline tank.
2. If the engine is equipped with a fuel shut off
valve, be sure it is open.
Electric Start Model. Turn the ignition key to the
START position. As soon as the engine starts let
the key return to the ON position. See figure 5.
Slowly return the throttle to the running position
as soon as the engine starts.
8. To stop either model, turn the ignition key to
the OFF position and remove the key when
the unit is not in use.
3. Attach the wire to the spark plug.
4. Depress the clutch pedal and lock it down
with the speed control lever.
5. Move the lift and disengagement lever
backward to the disengaged position and lock
it.
6. Set the throttle control lever in the CHOKE
position.
7. Recoil Model. Turn the ignition key to the ON'
position, twist the recoil starter handle until it
is free and pull it with a quick steady motion.
After the engine starts, return the recoil
starter handle and twist it until it iocks. See
figures 9 and 12.
NOTE
The engine will stop when clutch or
blades are engaged if this procedure
is not followed.
PUTTING THE RIDER IN MOTION
1. Advance the throttle control from % to full
throttle to prevent strain on the engine and to
operate the cutting blades.
2. Depress the clutch pedal so the clutch lock
releases.
3. Place the gear shift lever in the number 1
position on the four speed unit.
4. Slowly release the clutch pedal.
5. To stop the unit, depress the clutch pedal and
the brake pedal.
6. The blade can be engaged either while moving
or while standing still. Move the lift and
disengagement lever forward slowly until the
■ blade is running.
NOTE
As you become more familiar with
the four speed transmission, stop
the unit and shift into a higher gear.
9

I
STOPPING
Engine— Turn the ignition key to the left to the
OFF position.
Rider— D epress the ciutch and brake pedals.
Blades— M o ve the lift and disengagement iever
aii the way to the rear and iock it.
The deck may be cleaned by tilting the mower on
its rear wheels. Scrape clean with a suitable tool
or by washing with a stream of water from a
garden hose.
Be sure to disconnect the spark plug wire and
ground it while performing this maintenance.
MAINTENANCE
CRANKCASE OIL
To ensure maximum engine performance, perform
the following periodic maintenance:
Check oil level before starting engine and after
every 5 hours of operation. Be sure oil level is
maintained to FULL POINT OF OVERFLOWING or
to FULL MARK on dipstick.
Change Oil after first 5 hours of operation.
Thereafter change oil every 25 hours of operation.
Remove oil drain plug and drain oil while engine is
warm. Replace drain plug. Remove dipstick or
filler plug and refill with new oil of proper grade.
Replace dipstick or plug.
FIGURE 13. CHECKING OIL
NOTE
To insure safe operation, ALL nuts
and bolts must be checked periodi¬
cally for correct tightness.
MOWER DECK
The underside of the mower deck should be
cleaned after each period of use as grass
clippings, leaves, dirt and other matter will
accumulate. This accumulation of grass clip¬
pings, etc., is undesirable as it will invite rust and
corrosion and may cause an uneven discharge of
grass clippings at the next mowing.
BLADES
{ WARNING \
Disconnect the spark plug wire and
remove the ignition key before re¬
moving the blades.
Sharp and balanced blades are essential for
efficient mowing and long mower and engine life.
When sharpening blades, file equal amounts of
metal from each side. The blades should be
balanced before they are reinstalled. An unbal¬
anced blade will cause excessive vibration and
undue wear on the mower and the engine. When
reassembling, all parts must be installed in the
proper order and fastened securely.
Remove the 3/8” bolt and lockwasher. Pull the
blade and adapter off the mower deck. To remove
the adapter form the blade, remove the two 5/16”
bolts, lockwashers and nuts. See figure 14.
BRAKE ADJUSTMENT See figure 16.
To adjust the brake tighten the locknut one half
turn and then test the brakes. After attaining the
proper adjustment, replace the cotter pin.
The brake is located by the right rear wheel inside
the frame.
10

FIGURE 15. BRAKE ADJUSTMENT
CHAIN ADJUSTMENT
After the first five hours of operation the initial
slack should be removed from the chain. The
chain should be tight enough so that it deflects
approximately V 2 ” when it is depressed with the
thumb.
To tighten the chain, loosen the two locking nuts
on each side of the rear axle.
Tighten the adjusting nuts until the proper chain
tension is obtained.
Tighten the locking nuts on the rear axle. See
figure17.
FIGURE 16. CHAIN ADJUSTMENT
LUBRICATION
Lubricate the following points with SAE 30
non-detergent engine oil.
Front Wheel Bearings, figure 17.
King Pin Bearings, figure 17.
Rear Axle Bearings, figure 18.
Steering Shaft, figure 19.
Lubricate the steering gears with an automo¬
tive multi-purpose type grease. See figure 19.
Pivot Bar—Front End.
FIGURE 17. FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS
FIGURE 18. REAR AXLE
11

I
FIGURE 19. STEERING GEAR
PREPARING FOR BELT
REMOVAL
1. To prevent gasoline from leaking from the
engine, remove the fuel tank cap, place a
piece of thin plastic over the neck of the fuel
tank and screw on the cap.
2. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it
against the engine.
NOTE
If the unit is equipped with a bat¬
tery, continue with step 3.
3. R emove the battery to prevent acid from
leaking.
\ WARNING j
Disconnect the negative terminal
first and connect last when instal¬
ling the battery.
BELT REMOVAL (Blade or Transmission Belt)
Step 1. Place the lift and disengagement lever in
the disengaged position. See figure 10.
Step 2. Remove the belt keeper and shoulder bolt
next to the engine pulley. See figure 20.
Step 3. Remove the blade belt from the engine
pulley.
Step 4. Engage the Lift and Disengagement
Lever.
Step 5. Remove the tension springs on the rear of
the deck.
Step 6. Remove the six pins holding the deck to
the frame. See figure 21.
Belt Guard
FIGURE 20. ENGINE PULLEY
FIGURE 21. BOTTOM VIEW
12

step 7. Remove the deck and set it aside.
Step 8. Removing the blade belt. See figure 22.
a. Take off both belt guards by removing
the two bolts and nuts holding the belt
guards to the deck.
b. Remove and replace the belt.
NOTE
By working between the frame and
the deck, it is possible to remove
and replace the deck belt without re¬
moving the deck, however, the work¬
ing space is limited.
Step 9. Removing the transmission belt. See
figures 20 and 21.
a. Remove the entire belt guard from the
engine pulley by removing the two
front engine bolts. See figures 20 and
21 .
b. Remove the two belt guards from the
transmission pulley. See figure 21.
c. Remove the bolt and nut from the
steering rack and remove the belt.
FIGURE 22. 30” DECK
13

I
TROUBLE SHOOTING CHART FOR RECOIL START MODELS
CAUTION: ALWAYS DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY REMEDY.
TROUBLE
LOOK FOR
REMEDY
Engine fails to start.
Safety System
If the engine will not start be sure the clutch control is dis¬
engaged; blade controls disengaged, the throttle control is
set and the key is turned on.
A. Disconnect the yellow wire from the engine. This comes
from the ignition switch.
B. If the engine fails to start the problem is with the engine,
not the safety system.
C. If the engine starts, the problem is with the safety system.
Check the yellow wire for a ground.
D. Check the operation of the switch behind the recoil start¬
er handle.
E. If the engine stops when the clutch or blade is en¬
gaged, the recoil handle is not pushed into the receptacle
and twisted a quarter turn.
Blocked fuel line or
Clean fuel line; check fuel supply. Also check fuel shut-off
empty gas tank.
valve.
Defective spark
Spark plug lead wire disconnected.
plug.
Faulty spark plug—spark should jump gap between control
electrode and side electrode. If spark does not jump, re¬
place spark plug.
NOTE: Use insulated pliers to hold the spark plug wire.
Throttle setting.
Throttle control lever not in the starting position.
Loose connections
Spark plug wire loose.
Hard starting or loss of
Dirty air cleaner.
Remove air cleaner and clean as outlined in Engine
power.
Manual.
Carburetor improp
erly adjusted.
Review paragraph Carburetor Adjustment.
Excessive vibration. Bent or damaged
Stop engine immediately; tighten all bolts and make all nec-
blade spindle.
essary repairs. If vibration continues, have the unit serviced
by a competent repairman.
Unit fails to discharge
Discharge chute
Clean discharge chute and inside of deck.
grass.
clogged.
Foreign object
Remove object from deck. See CAUTION following step 1 in
lodged in deck.
paragraph Operation.
Engine overheats-
Obstructions in air
Remove any obstruction from air passages in shroud.
passages.
Grass and dirt in engine shroud. Clean cooling fins.
Oil level.
Fill crankcase to proper oil level.
14

TROUBLE SHOOTING CHART FOR ELECTRIC START MODELS
trouble
LOOK FOR
REMEDY
•^ine fails to start.
Safety System
A. Check for a blown fuse in the wire leading from the
positive terminal of the battery.
B. Before checking the safety system further, be sure the
clutch control and the blade control are disengaged; only
the starting system is being checked. Therefore remove
the spark piug lead and ground it to prevent the engine
from starting.
C. Attach a wire (minimum 18 gauge) to the positive ter¬
minal of the battery and touch the other end to the
small terminal (coil primary) of the solenoid. If the en¬
gine cranks, the problem is in the safety system.
D. Check for continuity from the battery to the solenoid.
NOTE: The positive terminal of the battery should have
a large cable (#8 guage) and a small wire (#18 gauge)
attached to it.
E. Check all wires and cable for tightness.
F. Use a #8 gauge wire and jump between the two large
terminals of the solenoid. If the unit starts, replace the
solenoid.
G. If the unit fails to start after following the above pro¬
cedure the problem is probably in the starting motor of
the engine.
Blocked fuel line or
empty gas tank.
Clean fuel line; check fuel supply. Also check fuel shut-off
valve.
Defective spark
plug.
Spark plug lead wire disconnected.
Faulty spark plug—spark should jump gap between control
electrode and side electrode. If spark does not jump, re¬
place spark plug.
NOTE: Use insulated pliers to hold the spark plug wire.
Throttle setting.
Throttle control lever not in the starting position.
Loose connections
Spark plug wire loose.
Hard starting or loss
power.
of Dirty air cleaner.
Remove air cleaner and clean as outlined in Engine .
Manual.
Carburetor improp
erly adjusted.
Review paragraph Carburetor Adjustment.
Excessive vibration.
Bent or damaged
blade spindle.
Stop engine immediately; tighten all bolts and make all nec¬
essary repairs. If vibration continues, have the unit serviced
by a competent repairman.
Unit fails to dischar
grass.
ge Discharge chute
clogged.
Clean discharge chute and inside of ded(.
Foreign object
lodged in deck.
Remove object from deck. See CAUTION following step 1 in
paragraph Operation.
Engine overheats.
1
Obstructions in air
passages.
Remove any obstruction from air passages in shroud.
Grass and dirt in engine shroud. Clean cooling fins.
Oil level.
Fill crankcase to proper oil level.
IS

Kay Switch
Battery
Yallow
Yaliow
Yellow
Ensina
Screw Head on Spring Side w/Oimple
Engine
PARTS LIST FOR SCHEMATIC MODEL 136-395A
Ref.
No.
Part
No.
Description
New
Part
1
725-0117
Battery
2
725-0156
Battery Charger
3
08821
Battery Hold Down
4
711-0222
Hold Down Rods
736-0329 Lockwasher Va”*
712-0113
Wing Nuts V4-20Thd.*
5
710-0258
Hex Hd. Cap Scr. V4-20 x 5/8
Lg.*
736-0329 Lockwasher Va’’*
712-0287
Hex Nut 1/4-20 Thd.*
6
725-0267 Key Switch
725-0201
Key
7
725-0268
Safety Switch
8
725-0270 Solenoid
9
725-0150 Ground Wire
10
725-0282
Wire Harness
11
725-0221
Electric Wire
12
725-0297
Electric Wire
PARTS LIST FOR SCHEMATIC MODEL 136-390A
Ref.
No.
Part
No.
Description
New
Part
1
725-0269
Safety Switch—Red (2
Req’d.)
2
725-0266
Magneto Ignition Switch
w/Nut
725-0128
Ignition Key
3
725-0272
Wire Harness
4
712-0121
Hex Nut #10-24
5
710-0425
Truss Mach. Scr. #10-24 x .62
6
736-0338
Fiber Washer (2 Req’d.)
7
732-0257 '
Switch Spring
8
736-0225
lnternarLockwasher5/8 I.D.
9
725-0297
Ground Wire

7-
SHORT SHAFT
PARTS LIST FOR DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY 717-0326
Ref.
No.
Part
No.
Qty.
Req’d.
Description
New
Part
1
715-0247
2
Spring Pin Spir. 3/16” Dia. x
1.00” Lg.
2
748-0185
2
Gear—Double “0” Hole
3
738-0302
1
Shaft—Long 15.11” Lg.
N
4
736-0188
2
FI-Wash. .760 I.D. x1.49 O.D.
5
717-0.341
2
Housing Half
N
6
736-0119
2
L-Wash.5/16” Scr.*
7
710-0363
2
Hex Scr. 5/16-24x4.00” Lg.*
8
736-0187
2
FI-Wash. .640 I.D. x 1.24 O.D.
9
748-0158
2
Gear—Round Hole
10
711-0276
1
Drive Pin
11
712-0237
2
Hex Cent. L-Nut 5/16-24 Thd.
12
09054
1
Sprocket—40 Tooth
13
738-0303 1
Shaft—Short 7.58” Lg.
N
For faster service obtain standard nuts, bolts and washers locally. If these Items cannot be obtained locally, order by part
number and size as shown on parts list.
17

REVERSING TRANSMISSION (PEERLESS 522)
37 33
t
40 41
29-
32-
NOTE: This unit is not undor warranty by
th* mowar manufacturer. All Part Orders
and Service must be handled through the
Local Authorise d Te cumieh Service Dealer.
In TIm
YtNow Pages
PEERLESS MODEL 522
This unit it under warranty by Tecumteh
Products Company. Ports and Service ore
available through all Tecumteh, Lauton
Power Products Service Dealers. Chech the
"Yellow Pages" of your telephone direc*
lory under "Engines—Gotoliae,"
POUR SPEED TRANSMISSION PART NO. PEERLESS 522

PARTS LIST FOR FOUR SPEED TRANSMISSION 522
Ref. No.
Part No.
Description
1
PE-770061
Case, Transmission
2
PE-772070
Cover, Transmission
3
PE-776139
Shaft, Output and Brake
4
PE-778105
Gear, Spur (20 teeth)
5
PE-778106
Gear, Spur (25 teeth)
6
PE-778107
Gear, Spur (30 teeth)
7
PE-778108
Gear, Spur (35 teeth)
8
PE-792071
Key
9
PE-784216
Collar, Shift
10
PE-786060
Sprocket (14 teeth)
11
PE-786061
Sprocket (10 teeth)
12
PE-776134
Shaft, Counter
13
PE-778109
Gear, Bevel (42 tooth & 15 tooth spur gear)
14
PE-778110
Gear, Spur (20 teeth)
15
PE-778111
Gear, Spur (25 teeth)
16
PE-778112
Gear, Spur (30 teeth)
17
PE-776140
Shaft, Input
18
PE-778113
Bevel Pinion, Input
19
PE-784217
Rod and Fork Assembly, Shifter
00 _
Sprocket (8 teeth)
27
PE-780105
Bushing, Flanged
28
PE-786062
Chain, Roller (#41 chain, 22 links)
29
PE-780072
Race, Thrust
30
PE-780106
Bearing, Needle
31
PE-792072
Ring, Retaining
32
PE-792035
Ring, Retaining
33
PE-792059
Screw, V4-20 x 44 Tap Tite
34
PE-788040
Ring, Retaining
36
PE-792073
Screw, 14-20x114 Tap Tite
37
PE-792074
Plug
40
PE-792077
Ball, 5/16" Steel
41
PE-792078
Screw, %-16 X % Set
42
PE-792079
Spring
43
PE-792083
Washer
NOTE: Thii unit i> not under worronty by
the mower manufacturer. All Part Order*
and Service mu»t be handled through the
local Authorized Tecumteh Service Deoler.
FM Us Fast
In The
YuNow Pages
PEERLESS MODEL 522
Thi« unit i» under warranty by Tecumteh
Productt Company. Parti and Service ore
available through all Tecumteh, Louton
Power Productt Service Dealert. Check the
"Yellow Poget" of your telephone direc¬
tory under "Enginet—Gatoline."
19

IF YOU WRITE TO US ABOUT THIS ARTICLE
OR IF YOU ORDER REPLACEMENT PARTS AL¬
WAYS MENTION THIS MODEL & SERIAL NO
MODEL