McCulloch MC1538ST manual Engine

MAINTENANCE

BATTERY

Your tractor has a battery charging system which is sufficient for normal use. However, periodic charging of the battery with an automotive charger will extend its life.

•Keep battery and terminals clean.

•Keep battery bolts tight.

•Keep small vent holes open.

•Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour.

NOTE: The original equipment battery on your tractor is maintenance free. Do not attempt to open or remove caps or covers. Adding or checking level of electrolyte is not necessary.

TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS

Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause the battery to “leak” power.

•Disconnect BLACK battery cable fi rst then RED bat- tery cable and remove battery from tractor.

•Rinse the battery with plain water and dry.

•Clean terminals and battery cable ends with wire brush until bright.

•Coat terminals with grease or petroleum jelly.

•Reinstall battery (See “CONNECT BATTERY” in the Assembly section of this manual).

V-BELTS

Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after 100 hours of operation and replace if necessary. The belts are not adjustable. Replace belts if they begin to slip from wear.

TRANSAXLE COOLING

Keep transaxle free from build-up of dirt and chaff which can restrict cooling.

ENGINE

LUBRICATION

Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service classifi cation SG-SL. Select the oil’s SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperature.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

							SAE 30
			5W-30
F	-20	0			30 32 40		60	80	100
C	-30	-20		-10	0	10	20	30	40

TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE

oil_visc_chart1_e

FIG. 11

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather, they will result in increased oil consumption when used above 32°F. Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage from running low on oil.

Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or at least once a year if the tractor is not used for 25 hours in one year.

Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine and after each eight (8) hours of operation. Tighten oil fi ll cap/dipstick securely each time you check the oil level.

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Figs. 11 and 12)

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

•Be sure tractor is on level surface.

•Oil will drain more freely when warm.

•Catch oil in a suitable container.

•Remove oil fi ll 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 fi tting.

	OIL DRAIN VALVE
CLOSED			63
		4
	2
	0
AND
LOCKED
POSITION
			DRAIN
YELLOW CAP			TUBE

FIG. 12

•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 fi tting of the drain valve.

•Refi ll engine with oil through oil fi ll dipstick tube. Pour slowly. Do not overfi ll. For approximate capacity see “PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this man- ual.

•Use gauge on oil fi ll cap/dipstick for checking level. Be sure dipstick cap is tightened securely for accurate reading. Keep oil at “FULL” line on dipstick.Tighten cap onto the tube securely when fi nished.

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 fi bers.

AIR FILTER

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

16