Cub Cadet 7254 manual Engine Maintenance, Before servicing, Cleaning the Engine

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 screen by the center tab. Flush the screen with water to clean its surface. Reinsert the screen, making sure that it is in the slots of the radiator frame. See Figure 49.

RADIATOR

CAP

RADIATOR

SCREEN

Check the radiator and transmission cooler fins for any accumulation of debris lodged between cooling fins. Blow the debris out using compressed air directed from the fan shroud side of the radiator.

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 50.

•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 50.

DIPSTICK OIL FILL CAP

DIPSTICK TUBE

VALVE COVER

Figure 50

•Always keep the oil level between the ‘H’ (full) and the ‘L’ (add) marks on the dipstick. See Figure 51.

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

TRANSMISSION	RADIATOR
OIL COOLER

Full H

Add L

Operating Range

Figure 49

Figure 51

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