Maintenance Instructions

KUBOTA TIPS

IMPORTANT TIPS FOR CARE OF THE KUBOTA ENGINE

Fuel System

Fuel must be clean - free from water, dirt, and or- ganic material. Fuel contamination will greatly short- en the life of the fuel injection pump and injectors.

Change fuel filters on a regular basis and when contamination is suspected or found in the fuel.

Model MDD is equipped with an electric fuel pump; therefore it is normally not necessary to bleed air out of the fuel system (after running out of fuel or fuel system maintenance).

When checking and bleeding the fuel system use the air vent plug on the fuel filter and the injector pump. DO NOT attempt to bleed the fuel system by loosening fuel lines on the fuel injection pump as this could damage the pump.

Starting/Stopping

DO NOT use ether or any starting fluid in the air intake. This will damage the engine.

For starting in cold weather [below 40° F (4° C)], use the cold start lever to release the hydrostatic transmissions from the starter cranking load.

Start engine with the throttle advanced off idle (1/4 to 1/2 throttle). This will aid starting, especially in cold weather.

Keep the battery fully charged.

Match crankcase oil viscosity to the ambient tem- perature, allowing the engine to crank faster and start easier.

Allow engine to run at idle for a few seconds be- fore stopping engine to avoid run-on or backfiring.

Cooling System

Fill the cooling system with a pre-mixedsolution of 50/50 antifreeze (ethylene glycol) and distilled water.

IMPORTANT: Solution must be pre-mixed before putting it in the engine (adding pure antifreeze into the radiator may cause damage to the engine by causing overheating).

Maintain proper fluid levels in the radiator and overflow tank.

Operate the engine at full speed when mowing. This will allow the engine to produce full horsepower and move more cooling air through the radiator.

Air Cleaner System

Use only Donaldson air cleaner elements. After- market elements may not seal in the air cleaner housing, allowing dirt to enter the engine. Also, af- termarket filters often skimp on the filtration media and require more frequent cleaning and replace- ment (see following instructions).

Use the air flow restriction gauge to indicate the need to service the air filter.

DO NOT overservice or frequently “disturb” the air filter. A dirty air filter actually cleans better than a new one. Changing and cleaning the filter too of- ten can actually reduce filter efficiency and increase the opportunity for traces of dust to enter the engine. Wait until the element really needs servicing as indi- cated by the air flow restriction gauge.

Do frequently check the Turbine Precleaner for free movement of the internal fan.

When the air filter element is removed or re- placed, make sure all dust is cleaned out of the air cleaner housing and hose. Use a damp cloth and wipe the interior of the canister and hose clean (a little dirt left here will be sucked into the engine and reduce engine life). When the filter is reinstalled, make sure the element is held tight and straight in the canister for proper seating and sealing.

Periodically check the air intake hose for cuts, nicks, etc., and the hose clamps for tightness.

Oil

Use any top quality oil with an API classification of CD or greater. DO NOT use oil that is rated for gas- oline engines only (API SE/SF) as this will cause problems in a diesel engine.

Single viscosity or multi-viscosity oils may be used with the viscosity matching ambient tempera- tures for the engine operating conditions. This will aid starting in cold weather and assure proper lu- brication in hot weather.

Use only Kubota oil filters. Aftermarket filters may not seal properly and/or have the incorrect pressure relief valve for proper lubrication.

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