Cleaning

MAINTENANCE

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Fig. 27)

Determine temperature range expected before oil change. All oil must meet API service classification SG-SL.

•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.

•Remove yellow cap from end of drain valve and install the drain tube onto the fitting.

	OIL DRAIN VALVE
CLOSED	2463
AND	0
AND
LOCKED
POSITION
YELLOW
CAP	DRAIN
	DRAIN
	TUBE

Fig. 27

•Unlock drain valve by pushing inward and turning counterclockwise.

•To open, pull out on the drain valve.

•After oil has drained completely, close and lock the drain valve by pushing inward and turning clockwise until the pin is in the locked position as shown.

•Remove the drain tube and replace the cap onto to the bottom fitting of the drain valve.

•Refill engine with oil through oil fill dipstick tube. Pour slowly. Do not overfill. For approximate capacity see “PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual.

•Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for checking level. For accurate reading, insert dipstick into the tube and push down firmly into place before removing. Keep oil up to, but not over, the “FULL” line on dip- stick. Push dipstick down firmly into the tube when finished.

AIR FILTER

Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions. See Engine Manual.

CLEAN AIR SCREEN

Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent engine damage from overheating. Clean with a wire brush or compressed air to remove dirt and stubborn dried gum fibers.

ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM

To insure proper cooling, make sure the grass screen, cooling fins, and other external surfaces of the engine are kept clean at all times.

Every 100 hours of operation (more often under extremely dusty, dirty conditions), remove the blower housing and other cooling shrouds. Clean the cooling fins and external surfaces as necessary. Make sure the cooling shrouds are reinstalled.

NOTE: Operating the engine with a blocked grass screen, dirty or plugged cooling fins, and/or cooling shrouds removed will cause engine damage due to overheating.

MUFFLER

Inspect and replace corroded muffler and spark arrester (if equipped) as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage.

SPARK PLUGS

Replace spark plugs at the beginning of each mowing season or after every 100 hours of operation, whichever occurs first. Spark plug type and gap setting are shown in “PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual.

IN-LINE FUEL FILTER (See Fig. 28)

The fuel filter should be replaced once each season. If fuel filter becomes clogged, obstructing fuel flow to carburetor, replacement is required.

•With engine cool, remove filter and plug fuel line sections.

•Place new fuel filter in position in fuel line with arrow pointing towards carburetor.

•Be sure there are no fuel line leaks and clamps are properly positioned.

•Immediately wipe up any spilled gasoline.

CLAMP	CLAMP
FUEL FILTER	00667
FUEL FILTER

Fig. 28

•Cleanengine,battery,seat,finish,etc.ofallforeignmatter.

•Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, oil, etc.

•Protect painted surfaces with automotive type wax.

We do not recommend using a garden hose or pressure washer to clean your tractor unless the engine and trans- mission are covered to keep water out. Water in engine or transmission will shorten the useful life of your tractor. Use compressed air or a leaf blower to remove grass, leaves and trash from tractor and mower.