MTD 7304 manual Inspection of Cooling System Hoses, Changing the Engine Coolant

•Wait a few minutes to allow as much air as possible to escape through the filler neck, then reinstall the radiator cap.

•Fill the overflow reservoir to the "FULL" mark.

•Start the engine and allow it to run for a short period. Stop the engine.

•Recheck the coolant level in the overflow reservoir and refill as needed. Reinstall the reservoir cap.

INSPECTION OF COOLING SYSTEM HOSES

Check the cooling system hoses and fan belt for any cracks or deterioration after every 100 hours of operation. Check for loose hose connections. Replace any damaged hoses and tighten any loose connections. Replace a worn or damaged fan belt.

CHANGING THE ENGINE COOLANT

The engine coolant should be drained and replaced with new coolant solution yearly.

The dry capacity of the cooling system is approximately 5.3 Qts. Dilute the antifreeze with water at a 1:1 ratio to mix the coolant solution (50% antifreeze : 50% water).

Change the engine coolant as follows:

•Drain the coolant when the engine is cold.

•Place the tractor on a level surface and raise the tractor hood.

•Slide the overflow reservoir upward and off the res- ervoir bracket to access the radiator drain plug.

•Locate the radiator drain plug in the lower right rear corner of the radiator. See Figure 57.

Coolant is a toxic substance. Dispose of in an environmentally safe manner. Contact your area EPA office for proper disposal methods and recycling center locations.

•Reinstall the drain plug and turn clockwise until fully tightened.

•Turn the radiator cap counterclockwise to the first stop, then push downward on the cap and turn counterclockwise to remove. Refer to Figure 51.

•In stages, SLOWLY pour the coolant solution into the filler neck, allowing as much air as possible to escape through the neck. Fill to the overflow flange of the filler neck.

•Wait a few minutes to allow air to escape through the filler neck and refill as needed, then reinstall the radiator cap.

•Fill the overflow reservoir to the "FULL" mark.

•Start the engine and allow it to run for a short period. Stop the engine.

•Recheck the coolant level in the overflow reservoir and refill as needed. Reinstall the reservoir cap.

CHANGING THE AIR CLEANER

Check the air cleaner daily or before starting the engine. Check for loose or damaged components and check the condition of the filter element. Remove any buildup of dirt and debris in the air cleaner housing.

Replace the paper air cleaner element after every 300 hours of operation. More often if operating the

RADIATOR DRAIN PLUG

RESERVOIR BRACKET

tractor under extremely dusty conditions.

Check and replace the air cleaner element as follows:

•Unlock the clamps to remove the air cleaner housing cover. See Figure 58.

COVER	COVER
	CLAMP

Figure 57

•Place a suitable container beneath the drain plug and remove the cap from the overflow reservoir.

•Turn the drain plug counterclockwise to re- move. Allow as much of the old coolant as pos- sible to drain from the system.

Pull Outward to Unlock

Figure 58

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