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5.2 CHECKING ENGINE OIL
Check the engine oil daily prior to use.
IMPORTANT:
Never operate the engine with the oil
below the low mark on the dipstick.
See the engine manual for oil specifications and oil
filter service instructions.
To check oil level:
1. Move the unit to level location.
2. Clean around the dipstick and filler tube to prevent
dirt from entering the engine.
3. Remove the dipstick and wipe off the oil on the
dipstick.
4. Put the dipstick back into the engine and tighten
the place and remove again.
5. When the dipstick is removed, note the oil level. Oil
should be between the full and add mark.
6. Replace dipstick.
7. If required, add 5W30 below 40
o
or 30W above
40
o
. Do not overfill.
8. Clean up any spillage that may have occurred.
5.3 CHANGING OIL
Engine muffler and other parts will be hot if unit has
been running.
1. Engine oil should be changed after the first five
hours of operation and every 25 hours there after.
2. Move the unit to a level and well ventilated area
and set the parking brake.
3. If the engine is cold, let the unit run for five
minutes.
4. When the engine is warm, stop the engine.
5. Clean the area around the dipstick and (drain
hose).
6. Put an open container that will hold one gallon of
oil under the drain hose.
7. Open the drain valve.
8. Allow the engine oil to drain completely into the
one gallon container. Remove container and
contents for future recycling as required.
9. Close the oil drain valve.
10.If used; remove the oil filter.
11.Clean the oil filter port and install a new oil filter
according to the instructions on the oil filter. Fill
with new oil to the "full" mark on the dipstick.
12.Start and run the engine for one minute. Stop the
engine and recheck the oil level and add as
necessary.
13.Check for leakage at the drain plug and oil filter if
used. Tighten the fittings as necessary if leakage
occurs.
14.Release the parking brake.
15.Return the unit into service.
5.4 CHECKING ENGINE COOLING
IMPORTANT:
To prevent severe damage to the
engine, proper cooling will need to be maintained.
1. Check the air intake screen on the engine each
day.
2. The air intake screen must be kept clean. Remove
any grass, dirt, or debris that may have
accumulated.
3. Check the engine cooling yearly.
5.5 CLEANING THE AIR CLEANER
1. Check the air cleaner element every day.
2. Clean the air cleaner precleaner every 25 hours.
See your engine manual for instructions.
3. Apply oil and reinstall over the paper air filter
element.
4. Wipe out the air cleaner cover to remove any dirt
build up in the cover.
5. Reinstall the cover over the air cleaner prior to
operating the engine. See your Engine Manual.
5.6 CHANGING THE AIR CLEANER
ELEMENT
Replace the air cleaner element when clogged or every
100 hours. Do not attempt to clean. See your Engine
Manual for instructions.
5.7 INSPECT MUFFLER/SPARK
ARRESTER
Inspect muffler and (if equipped) spark arrester.
Replace muffler if corroded, as it could create a fire
hazard and/or damage.
5.8 REPLACE SPARK PLUGS
Spark plug type and gap setting are shown in
Specifications
. See Engine Manual for detailed
instructions.
5.9 ENGINE REMOVAL
1. Remove the hood from the units engine.
2. Remove the negative cable from the battery.
3. Remove the main drive belt from the engine
sheave by releasing the idler tension spring.
4. Remove the jackshaft drive belt from the engine
sheave by releasing the tension spring from the
right side of the transaxle sub frame.
WARNING:
Do NOT touch parts which are
hot. Allow parts to cool before servicing.