Cub Cadet 5254 Engine Maintenance, Cleaning The Engine, Cleaning The Radiator Screen And Radiator

ENGINE MAINTENANCE

WARNING: Use care when servicing any component in the engine area. If the engine has recently been operated, components will be hot and could cause burns. Allow the engine to cool before servicing.

WARNING: Before servicing the engine, place the tractor on a level surface, stop the engine, engage the parking brake, and remove the key from the ignition switch. For additional safety, remove the spark plugs to prevent accidental starting.

CLEANING THE ENGINE

This tractor has a liquid-cooled engine. Air must be able to circulate freely through the fins of the radia- tor and the transmission oil cooler. Keep this area free of accumulated dirt and debris to prevent engine overheating, which could possibly cause extensive engine damage.

WARNING: Keep the muffler area clean. Before running the engine, remove all combustible debris from the muffler area.

CLEANING THE RADIATOR SCREEN AND RADIATOR

To remove the radiator screen, lift the hood and carefully lift the screen by its center tab. Flush the screen with water to clean its surface. See Figure 51.

RADIATOR RADIATOR

SCREENCAP

cooling fins. Blow the debris out using compressed air directed from the fan shroud side of the radiator.

Reinsert the screen, making sure that it is in the slots of the radiator frame.

CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL

Before each use, the oil level in the engine crankcase should be checked to see that it is filled to the correct level. During the "break in" period for the engine, closely monitor the engine oil level. The oil level should be checked hourly during the first 5 hours of operation.

•Check the oil level only while the engine is stopped and the tractor is level. Clean the area around the oil level dipstick to prevent debris from entering the crankcase. See Figure 52.

•If recently operated, allow the engine to cool and the oil to drain back into the oil pan.

•To check the oil level, withdraw the dipstick and wipe it clean; then insert the dipstick all the way into the tube before withdrawing it for a true reading. See Figure 52.

DIPSTICK OIL FILL CAP

DIPSTICK TUBE

VALVE COVER

Figure 52

•Always keep the oil level between the ‘H’ (full) and the ‘L’ (add) marks on the dipstick. See Figure 53.

•Reinsert the dipstick into the dipstick tube and push firmly into the tube.

Full H

RADIATOR

Figure 51

Add

Operating

Range

L

Check the radiator and transmission oil cooler fins for any accumulation of debris lodged between

Figure 53

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