MTD 7304 manual Checking Engine Coolant Level

•Place a suitable container below the drain plug to collect the old oil. Turn the drain plug counter- clockwise to remove from the engine.

•Allow the old oil to completely drain from the engine crankcase into the container below.

•Remove the filter by turning it counterclockwise using an automotive type filter wrench to loosen. See Figure 56.

FULL

MARK

LOW

MARK

OIL	FUEL
FILTER		COOLANT
	FILTER
		RESERVOIR

Figure 56

•Reinstall the drain plug in the engine and clean up any residual oil. Refer to Figure 55.

•Apply a light coating of clean oil on the gasket of the new oil filter. Thread the filter on by hand until the gasket contacts the filter mounting surface, then tighten the filter an additional 3/4 turn.

•Refill the crankcase to the "FULL" mark on the dipstick with the appropriate type oil.

•Reinstall the oil fill cap and dipstick.

•Start the engine and run for about 5 minutes. Stop the engine and check for leaks at the oil filter and drain plug.

•Wait 3 minutes and re-check the oil level. If needed, add oil to bring the oil level up to the "FULL" mark.

WARNING: Never overfill the engine crankcase. The engine may overheat and/or damage may occur. For best results, fill to the “FULL” mark on the dipstick as opposed to adding a given quantity of oil. Always check the level on the dipstick before adding more oil.

Dispose of used oil in an environmentally safe manner. If necessary, contact your area EPA office for proper disposal procedures and recycling center locations.

IMPORTANT: The oil fill caps and dipstick must always be installed securely in place when the engine is running. Severe engine damage could result from failure to do so.

CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL

Before each use, the engine coolant level in the overflow reservoir should be checked to ensure it is within the operating range. Engine coolant absorbs heat from the engine and transfers the heat to the air flowing through the radiator. If the coolant level becomes low, the engine may overheat and could cause severe damage to the engine.

Use a permanent type antifreeze containing corrosion and rust inhibitors. Dilute the antifreeze with water at a 1:1 ratio to mix the coolant solution (50% antifreeze : 50% water).

NOTE: Distilled water is recommended for the coolant solution IF your tap water has a high mineral content. Minerals cause scaling in the engine and the radiator coolant passages. System efficiency will be greatly reduced over time and severe engine damage may result.

•Check the coolant level when the engine is cold and the tractor is on a level surface.

•Raise the tractor hood and check the coolant level in the overflow reservoir on the right side of the engine. Refer to Figure 56.

•If the coolant level is below the "LOW" mark, remove the cap from the reservoir and add coolant solution to the "FULL" mark.

NOTE: The cooling system is a closed type. Normally, to prevent air from entering the system, the radiator cap should not be removed.

If the overflow reservoir is empty, the radiator cap should be removed and the coolant level in the radiator checked before adding coolant to the reservoir. If necessary, first refill the system through the radiator filler neck as follows:

WARNING: It is dangerous to remove the radiator cap when the system is hot. Allow the system to cool before removing the radiator cap.

•Turn the radiator cap counterclockwise to the first stop to release any pressure. Refer to Figure 51.

•Push downward on the cap and turn counter- clockwise until the cap stops then lift cap off.

•Slowly pour coolant into the filler neck until the level reaches the bottom of the filler neck overflow flange.

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