Ransomes Matador 71 Guide

RANSOMES
¨
Safety and Operation Manual
Manuel de Securite & de Fonctionnement
Veiligheids & Bedienings handleiding
Sicherheits und Bedienungs anleitung
Manuale d’istruzioni per I’uso e la Sicurezza
Matador 71
Series: YR - Engine type: Kubota GS200
Product codes: LDDD080
RANSOMES
AVVERTENZA: Questa macchina può causare gravi infortuni
se viene utilizzata in modo errato. Prima di accingersi ad
approntare, usare, mettere a punto o eseguire la
manutenzione di questa macchina, coloro che la utilizzano
ed i responsabili della manutenzione devono essere
addestratiall’impiegodellamacchina,devonoessereinformati
dei pericoli, e devono leggere l’intero manuale.
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Part No. 24291G (rev.0)(RJ 100 121999)
FNL DI
WARNHINWEIS:WenndieseMaschinenicht ordnungsgemäß
verwendet wird, können ernsthafte Verletzungen verursacht
werden. Personen, die diese Maschine verwenden und
warten, müssen in ihrer richtigen Verwendung ausgebildet
sein, auf die Gefahren aufmerksam gemacht worden sein
und die Anleitung ganz gelesen haben, bevor sie versuchen,
die Maschine aufzustellen, zu bedienen, einzustellen oder
zu warten.
WAARSCHUWING: Bij verkeerd gebruik kan deze machine
ernstig lichamelijk letsel veroorzaken. Degenen die de ma-
chine gebruiken en onderhouden moeten worden getraind
in het juiste gebruik ervan, worden gewaarschuwd voor de
gevaren ervan en behoren de volledige handleiding
aandachtig te lezen alvorens de machine bedrijfs-klaar te
maken, te bedienen, af te stellen en/of te onderhouden.
AVERTISSEMENT : Risque de blessures graves en cas
d’utilisation incorrecte de la machine. Les opérateurs et le
personnel d’entretien doivent être formés et conscients des
dangers encourus. Ils doivent lire avec attention le manuel
avant d’essayer de monter, d’utiliser, de régler ou maintenir
lamachine.
WARNING: If incorrectly used this machine can cause se-
vereinjury. Those who use and maintain this machine should
be trained in its proper use, warned of its dangers and should
read the entire manual before attempting to set up, operate,
adjust or service the machine.

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IMPORTANT: This is a precision machine and the service obtained from it depends on the way it is
operatedandmaintained.
Thisoperatorsmanualshouldberegardedaspartofthemachine. Suppliersofbothnewand
second-handmachinesareadvisedtoretaindocumentaryevidencethatthismanualwasprovided
with the machine.
This machine is designed solely for use in customary grass cutting operations. Use in any other way
is considered as contrary to the intended use. Compliance with and strict adherence to the
conditions of operation, service and repair as specified by the manufacturer, also constitute essential
elements of the intended use.
Beforeattemptingtooperatethismachine, ALL operators MUST read through this manualandmake
themselvesthoroughlyconversantwithSafety Instructions,controls,lubrication andmaintenance.
Accidentpreventionregulations, all othergenerallyrecognized regulations onsafetyand occupational
medicine, and all road traffic regulations shall be observed at all times.
Any arbitrary modifications carried out on this machine may relieve the manufacturer of liability for
any resulting damage or injury.

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Fig. 1

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GB Contents
SAFETYINSTRUCTIONS ..................................................................................................... 4
SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................................... 6
CONTROLS ........................................................................................................................ 10
OPERATION OF THE MACHINE ....................................................................................... 12
LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE CHART .................................................................. 15
LUBRICATION.................................................................................................................... 16
MAINTENANCE.................................................................................................................. 17
ADJUSTMENTS ................................................................................................................. 19
ACCESSORIES .................................................................................................................. 24
CORRECTION OF MINOR FAULTS.................................................................................. 26
GUARANTEE...................................................................................................................... 27
SALES & SERVICE ............................................................................................................ 27

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This safety symbol indicates important safety
messages in this manual. When you see this symbol,
be alert to the possibility of injury, carefully read the
messagethatfollows,andinformotheroperators.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
OPERATINGINSTRUCTIONS
Ensure that the instructions in this book are read and
fullyunderstood.
No person should be allowed to operate this machine
unless they are fully acquainted with all the controls
andthesafetyprocedures.
Neverallowchildrenorpeopleunfamiliarwiththese
instructions to use this machine. Local regulations
may restrict the age of the operator.
SAFETY SIGNS
It is essential all safety labels are kept legible, if they
are missing or illegible they must be replaced. If any
part of the machine is replaced and it originally carried
a safety label, a new label must be affixed to the
replacement part. New safety labels are obtainable
fromRansomesdealers.
STARTINGTHEENGINE
Before starting the engine check that the drives are in
neutral, guards are in position and intact, and
bystanders are clear of the machine. Do not run the
enginein abuildingwithoutadequateventilation.
DRIVINGTHE MACHINE
Before moving the machine, check to ensure that all
partsarein good workingorder,payingparticular
attention to the security of cutting blades. Replace
faulty silencers. Mow only in daylight or good artificial
light.
AlwaysobservetheHighwayCodebothonandoffthe
roads. Keep alert and aware at all times. Remember
that some people are deaf or blind and that children and
animals can be unpredictable. Watch out for traffic
whencrossingor nearroadways.
Stopthebladesrotating before crossingsurfacesother
than grass.
Remove or avoid obstructions in the area to be cut,
thus reducing the possibility of injury to yourself and/or
bystanders.Whenmovingthemachinebackwards,
take special care to ensure that the area behind is
clear of obstructions and/or bystanders.
After striking a foreign object, inspect the machine for
damageandmakerepairsbeforerestartingand
operating the equipment. If the machine starts to
vibrateabnormally,checkimmediately.
DONOTcarrypassengers.
Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible for
accidents or hazards occurring to other people or their
property.
Whilemowing,always wearsubstantialfootwear and
long trousers. Do not operate the equipment when
barefootorwearingopensandals.

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TRANSPORTING
Do not transport with cutting mechanism rotating.
Operatethe machinewithdueconsiderationof road
and surface conditions, inclines and local undulations.
LEAVINGTHEOPERATINGPOSITION
Parkthemachineonlevelground.Beforeleavingthe
operating position, stop the engine and make sure all
movingpartsarestationary.Disengagealldrives.
Engageparkingbrake.
SLOPES
TAKEEXTRACAREWHENWORKINGONSLOPES
Localundulationsandsinkagewillchangethegeneral
slope. Avoid ground conditions which can cause the
machine to slide. Keep machine speeds low on slopes
and during tight turns.
Ratchetdrivenmachinesfree-wheelondownhillslopes.
Remember there is no such thing as a "safe" slope.
Travelongrassslopesrequiresparticularcare,toguard
againstoverturning.
BLOCKEDCUTTINGCYLINDER
Stop the engine and make sure all moving parts are
stationary. Apply brakes and disengage all drives.
Release blockages with care. Keep all parts of the
body away from the cutting edge. Beware of energy in
the drive which can cause rotation when the blockage
is released.
Keep other people away from the cutting unit.
ADJUSTMENTS,LUBRICATIONANDMAINTENANCE
Read all the appropriate servicing instructions. Use only
the replacement parts supplied byRANSOMES.
When adjusting the cutting cylinders take care not to
gethandsandfeettrappedwhenrotatingcylinder.
Make sure that other people are not touching the
cutting unit.
Toreducethefirehazard,keeptheengine,silencerand
batteryfreeof grass,leavesor excessivegrease.
Replacewornordamagedpartsforsafety.
Whenworkingunderneathliftedpartsormachines,
makesureadequatesupportisprovided.
Do not dismantle the machine without releasing or
restrainingforceswhich can cause parts to move
suddenly.
Donotalterenginespeed abovemaximumquoted in
Engine Specification. Operating the engine at
excessivespeedmayincreasethehazardofpersonal
injury.
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Whenrefuelling,STOPTHEENGINE,DONOT
SMOKE. Refuel outdoors only. Add fuel before starting
theengine,never add fuelwhilethe engine isrunning.
Use a funnel when pouring fuel from a can into the
tank. Do not spill fuel onto hot components. If petrol is
spilled, do not attempt to start the engine but move the
machineaway fromtheareaofspillage andavoid
creatingany sourceofignition untilpetrolvapourshave
dissipated. If the fuel tank has to be drained, this
should be done outdoors. DO NOT fill the fuel tank
beyond the bottom of the filler neck. Replace all fuel
tank and container caps securely. Store fuel in
containers specifically designed for this purpose.
Whenservicingbatteries, DO NOTSMOKE,andkeep
naked lights away. Do not place any metal
objects across the terminals. Allow the engine to cool
beforestoringinanyenclosure. Never storeequipment
with petrol in the tank inside a building where fumes
may reach an open flame or spark.
DO NOT use on loading ramps with a trailing
seat. There could be a situation where the
operators legs come into contact with the
OPC rail causing loss of control.
CAUTION
DO NOT make sharpe turns when the trailing
seat is fitted as this may cause the mower
and trailing seat to jack-knife causing loss of
control.
CAUTION
When mowing over uneven groung care
should be taken when the trailing seat is
fitted as an upward force on the hitch may
cause disconnection.
CAUTION
Batteries produce explosive gases and
contain corrosive acid and supply levels of
electrical current high enough to cause
burns.
WARNING

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SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE SPECIFICATION
TYPE: Kubota 3.9KW (5.3HP) @ 2000
RPM, single cylinder, vertical, air
cooled, 4 cycle OHV 201cc
(12.3 cu.in), recoil start
Model: GS200
MaximumSpeed: 2700 to 2500 RPM (Noload)
IdleSpeed: 1250 to 1300 RPM
Oil Sump Capacity: 0.6 litres (1.05 Imp.pints)
(0.63 US qts)
Fuel: Leadfreepetrol
Fuel Tank Capacity: 4 litres (7.5 Imp. pints)
(4.3 US qts)

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MACHINE SPECIFICATION
Chassis: Pressedsteelwelded
fabrication.
Transmission: By heavy duty roller chains.
Clutches: Main centrifugal clutch.
Separatelandrollclutch.
Separate cylinder clutch.
Front roll
Marquis: One piece steel roll running on ball
bearings
Landroll: Two piece cast iron with or rubber
treaded with bevel gear differential.
Cutting cylinder: All welded 5 knife cylinder
running on ball bearings.
Cutting ratio
Cast iron Landroll: 78 cuts / metre (72 cuts/yd).
Rubber Treaded
Landroll: 73cuts / metre (67 cuts/yd).
Height of cut 6- 28mm (1/4 - 1 1/8in.)
Handles: Tubularsteeladjustableat
top and bottom.
Grass box: Large capacity steel tip over/Lift off
Cutting width: 71cm (28in.)
Cutting performance 1930 sq. m./hr
(2240 sq. yd./hr)
Ground pressure 0.45 kg./cm2 (6.6lb./in2)
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DIMENSIONS
Overall height 102cm(40in)
Overall length 134cm(53in)
Overall width 87cm(34in)
Width of cut 71cm(28in)
Gross weight (including
grass box) 156Kg(334lb)
VIBRATION LEVEL
Themachinewas testedforwhole bodyandhand/arm
vibrationlevels. The operatorwasseated inthenormal
operating postion with both hands on the steering
mechanism. The engine was running and the cutting
device was rotating with the machine stationary.
Hand / Arm acceleration level : 6.35 m/s2
RECOMMENDED LUBRICANTS
Engine oil: ShouldbetoMIL-L-2104B/orto
A.P.I. Classification SC grades and
as given in the table below:
Grease: ShellDarinaR2orequivalent.
TEMPERATURE OIL VISCOSITY
ABOVE 25°C (77°F) SAE30
0°C to 25° F(32°F to 77°F) SAE20
BELOW 0°C (32°F) SAE 10W or 10W-30

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EC Declaration of Conformity
We the undersigned
Ransomes Jacobsen Limited
Ransomes Way
Ipswich, England, IP3 9QG
Certify that the lawnmower
Make: RANSOMES
Type: MATADOR 71
Series: YR
Conforms to EC directives and amendments:
98/37/EEC,89/336/EEC
Standard:
EN836
S.Chicken
Director of Engineering
NOISE EMISSION
CERTIFICATEOFCONFORMITY
We, the undersigned
Ransomes Jacobsen Limited
Ransomes Way, Ipswich, England IP3 9QG
Certify that the lawnmower
Category:Self Propelled Pedesrrian Cylinder Mower
Make: RANSOMES
Type: MATADOR 71
Motor:- Manufacturer: KUBOTA
Type: GS200
Speed of rotation during the test: 3240 r.p.m.
Conforms to the specification of directive EEC 79/113 84/538
87/252 88/180 88/181
GUARANTEEDSound power level: 98 dB(A) LWA
Sound pressure level: 86 dB(A) LpA
Type of cutting device: Single Cylinder, 5 Blades
Width of cut: 71cm, (28”)
Speed of rotation of the cutting device: 1690 r.p.m.
TestCompleted at:
Ransomes Jacobsen Limites
Ransomes Way, Ipswich, England IP3 9QG 21.5.91
Report No.
S.Chicken
Director of Engineering

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EC Declaration of Incorporation
We the undersigned
Ransomes Jacobsen Limited
Ransomes Way
Ipswich, England, IP3 9QG
Certify that the Accessory
Make: Ransomes
Type: Trailing Seat LMAA628
Series: YB
Conforms to the Harmonised standard:
EN836
This accessory has been designed to be fitted to the:
Matador & Marquis
S.Chicken
Director of Engineering

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CONTROLS
THROTTLE CONTROL (A Fig.2)
The maximum cutting speed can be adjusted by means
of this control. To adjust the engine revs. move the
hand lever clockwise to decrease or anticlockwise to
increasetheenginerevs.
OPERATORPRESENCECONTROL(OPC)
(B Fig.2)
By raising the OPC towards the hand rail the engine
revsareincreased toengagethe centrifugalclutch
allowingthemachinetomove forwardandthe cylinder
to rotate. When the OPC is released the engine revs
dropdisengagingthecentrifugelclutchbringingthe
machine to a holt and stopping the cylinder rotating.
IGNITIONCUT-OUTSWITCH
(C Fig. 2)
The ignition is switched on by moving the lever to the
‘ON’ position. To stop the engine close the throttle and
move the lever to the ‘OFF’ position.
BRAKE RELEASE LEVER (DFig.2)
Thelandrollbrake is appliedwhenthehand leveris
moved to its upper position. To fully release the landroll
brakemovethehandleverdownwardsandpullthe
machinebackwards.
CYLINDER CLUTCH LEVER (E Fig. 3)
The cylinder clutch is engaged by moving the lever
downwardsanddisengagedbymovingthelever
upwards.
LANDROLLCLUTCH LEVER (F Fig.2)
The landroll clutch is situated on the left hand side of
the hand rail. The clutch is engaged by disengaging
thehandlever ratchet lockandreleasing the lever.
Fig. 2
Fig. 3

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Fig. 3A
SAFETY LABELS (Fig 3A)
1. CautionRotatingCuttingCylinder.
2. Stay Clear of Hot Surfaces.
3. Keep a Safe Distance from the Machine.
INSTRUCTION LABEL (Fig. 3B)
A. IgnitionCut-out
B. BrakeRelease
C. ReadtheOperatorsManual
ENGINE
(Fig. 4 and Fig. 5)
(A) Petrol tank filler cap
(B) Recoilstarter
(C) Chokeoperatingknob
(D) Aircleaner
(E) Sparkingplug
(F) Fuel tap
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 3B
C
A
B

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OPERATION OF THE
MACHINE
Read the Safety Instructions.
BEFORESTARTING THE ENGINE FOR THE FIRST
TIME
1. Remove the sump filler cap (A Fig. 7) and
with the machine on level ground check to
see if sump is filled with oil, if not fill sump up
to the top of the filler hole threads with a
recommendedengineoil.
2. Fill the petrol tank with fresh regular grade
leadfreepetrol.
3. Lubricatethemachine(asrecommendedon
page30).
TO START THE ENGINE
1. Ensure that the cylinder clutch is disengaged
if fitted.
2. Turnfueltap to'ON'position.
3. Ensure that the Parking Brake is engaged.
4. MovethechokelevertotheSTARTposition.
5. Set the ignition cutout switch to the ‘ON’
position.
6. Pull the rope operated recoil starter fully to
start the engine. Allow the rope to recoil
slowlybefore releasingthehandle.
7. MovethechokelevertotheRUNNING
position.
TO STOP THE ENGINE
1. Set the ignition cutout switch to the ‘OFF’
positionanddisengage cylinderandlandroll
clutch.
IMPORTANT Ifmachineisbeingleft overnightor
stored turn the fuel tap to the 'OFF' position.
NOTE:DONOTallow the enginetoidlefor
longperiods.
Fig. 7

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OPERATINGTHEMACHINE
1. Start the engine and allow to warm up.
2. Releasethebrake.
IMPORTANT: Ensure the landroll brake is released
before operating the machine. Failure to do so
may cause damage to the brake rolls and landroll.
NOTE: The machine should not be operated
without the Concave fitted.
Method 1.
Drivingthemachineon the landrollclutch(formowingin
confinedspaces).
1. Engage the cylinder clutch.
2. Graduallyrelease thelandrollclutchlever
while at the same time increasing the engine
speed. The cylinder will rotate and the
machinemoveforward.
3. Let the clutch in fully and adjust the OPC to
giveacomfortableforwardspeed. Tostop,
disengage the landroll clutch. The cylinder
will continue to rotate unless the OPC is
released.
Method 2.
Drivingthemachineonthecentrifugal clutch and OPC
(forcontinuousmowingofunrestrictedgrassareas).
1. Engage the cylinder clutch.
2. Engage the landroll clutch.
3. Disengage the transmission lock
and gradually raise the OPC towards the
hand rail. This will raise the engine speed
engagingthecentrifugalclutch, allowing the
machinetomoveforward.
NOTE: If the forward speed is either too high or
too low, adjust the maximum engine speed, as
described in the Controls section.
TRANSPORT
1. Disengage the cylinder clutch.
2. Disengage the transmission lock
and raise the OPC towards the hand rail.
This will raise the engine speed engaging the
centrifugal clutch. Release the landroll
clutchandthemachinewill moveforward.

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TOOPERATEEFFICIENTLY
Keep the machine clean, to avoid grass clippings
dropping on to the turf.
Ensure that the concave is set correctly to deliver grass
clippings into the grass box.
Clear any build up of grass on the front roll etc. when
emptying the grass box.
Keep the space between the rear roll, top deck and
concaveclean.
Do not leave the cylinder running when the machine is
stationery as this will bruise the grass.

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LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE CHART
DAILY
EVERY 8
HOURS
FIRST 20
HOURS
WEEKLY
EVERY 50
HOURS
MONTHLY
EVERY 200
HOURS
ANNUALLY
EVERY 500
HOURS
ENGINEENGINE
Check oil level ll
Change oil ll ll
Clean fuel filter bowl ll
Clean daul air filter element ll
Replace daul air filter element ll
Clean and adjust spark plug ll
Clean carburettor and fuel tank ll
Check and correct valve clearance ll
Change fuel pipes ll
Machine
Lubricate all parts as indicated on page ? ll

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Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
LUBRICATION
Read the safety instructions
For recommended lubricants see page 14. Should the
number of working hours that the machine is in use
duringthe indicatedperiodexceedthenumber quoted
inbrackets,thenusetherecommended ‘working hour’
guide as the lubrication schedule.
ENGINE
Daily (Every 8 working hours)
Cleanthe sumpfillercapandsurrounding area.
Check the level of the engine oil and if necessary top
up with fresh oil to the top of the filler hole threads.
Wipe away excess oil and replace the filler cap. To
obtain the correct level the machine must be on level
ground.
After first 20 hours
Remove the drain plug (B Fig. 8) and drain sump.
Cleanandreplacethe plug.
Cleansumpfillercapandsurroundingarea.
Refill the sump through the filler hole until the oil is level
with the top of the filler hole threads.
Wipe away excess oil and replace the filler cap.
To obtain the correct level the machine must be on level
ground.
Weekly (Every 50 working hours)
Drainandrefill thesumpasabove.
IMPORTANT: Neglect in changing the engine oil
will cause premature wear.
MACHINE
Before using the machine for the first time, lubricate the
followingpointsusinganoil gunandrecommended
engineoil:
Cutting cylinder bearings (C Fig. 9)
Landroll clutch (B Fig. 11)
Landroll(C Fig.10)
Frontrollspindle
In addition to the above, oil all linkages, drive chains
and pivot points etc.
NOTE. To gain access to the landroll clutch and drive it
is necessary to remove the chain case cover.
Daily (Every 8 working hours)
Lubricateasabove.

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MAINTENANCE
Read the safety instructions
Shouldthenumberofworkinghours that the machine
is in use during the indicated period exceed the number
quotedinbracketsthen use therecommended‘working
hour’guideasthemaintenance schedule.
Daily (Every 8 working hours)
Cooling fins and Air intake
(Fig. 12 and Fig. 13)
Check to ensure the air intake (B) and cooling fins (A)
arekeptfreeof
grass clippings and debris. This is essential to allow
the free passage of air so that the cooling system
functions correctly. A blocked cooling system will
resultinoverheatingandpossibleenginedamage.
Clutch and Layshaft Cover
(Fig. 14)
Liftcover(A) byreleasingquarterturn fasteners(B)and
pivotingupwards. Grasscanthenbeclearedfromthe
clutch and layshaft area. When completed close cover
(A) and sucure with the quarter turn fasteners (B).
Weekly
Air cleaner (dual element type)
(Fig. 15)
Unhookthecover(A)andremovethefilter(B)and
element(C)inside.
Blow compressed air inside the element and the outer
filter to blow off dust.
The element and the outer filter may be tapped lightly
to remove dust (easy cleaning method). Wipe off dust
from the air cleaner body and the plate (D).
Reassemble the parts in their original positions.
IMPORTANT: Dirt wears engines. Incorrect
maintenance of the air cleaner will cause
premature wear. Service more frequently if the
air cleaner is very dirty or if operating in dusty
conditions.
LANDROLLBRAKE
Checkforwearonthe brakerubberrollers andeither
adjust the stop pin or replace the rollers as necessary.
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
Fig. 14
Fig. 15

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Monthly
Spark plug
(Fig. 15)
Removetheplug and checkcondition. Goodoperating
conditions are indicated if the plug has a light coating of
grey or tan deposit. A white blistered coat could
indicate overheating. A black (carbon) coating may
indicate an over rich fuel mixture caused by a blocked
aircleanerorincorrectcarburettoradjustment.
DONOTsandblast,wire brush or otherwise service a
plug in poor condition.
Best results are obtained with a new plug; set the gap
to0.75mm(0.030in).
Annually (Every 500 working hours)
Valve Clearance
1. Removetappetcoveronsideofengine.
2. Set piston at top dead centre on the
compressionstroke. Thiswillensurevalves
areseated.
3. Check clearance. Both inlet and exhaust
shouldbe:
51cm(20in)machine:
0.10mmto0.15mm(0.0039into0.0059in)
61cm(24in)machine:
0.08mmto0.13mm(0.0031into0.0051in)
This should be checked by using a feeler
gaugebetweenthe tip ofthevalve stem and
thetappet onbothvalves.
4. If the clearance is less than the
recommended gap,removethevalveand
grind the tip of the valve stem with an oil
stone.
5. If the clearance is greater than the
recommendedgapthentheappropriatevalve
ortappetshouldbereplaced.
6. Replacetappetcoversecurely.
Fig. 15