17
MAINTENANCE
V-BELTS
Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after 100 hours
and replace if necessary. The belts are not adjustable.
Re place belts if they begin to slip from wear.
TRANSAXLE COOLING
Keep transaxle free from build-up of dirt and chaff which
can restrict cooling.
FIG. 17
FIG. 16
CLOSED
AND
LOCKED
POSITION
DRAIN
TUBE
OIL DRAIN VALVE
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Figs. 16 and 17)
Determine temperature range expected before oil change.
All oil must meet API service classification SG-SL.
• Be sure tractor is on level surface.
• Oil will drain more freely when warm.
• Catch oil in a suitable container.
• Remove oil fill 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 fitting.
• Unlock drain valve by pushing inward and turning
coun ter clock wise.
• 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 fitting of the drain valve.
• Refill engine with oil through oil fill dipstick tube. Pour
slowly. Do not overfill. For approximate capacity see
“PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this man u al.
• Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for checking level. For
accurate reading, insert dipstick into the tube and push
down firmly into place before removing. Keep oil up to,
but not over, the “FULL” line on dipstick. Push dipstick
down firmly into the tube when finished.
YEL LOW CAP
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service
classification SG-SL. Select the oil’s SAE viscosity grade
according to your expected operating temperature.
Change the oil after every 50 hours of operation or at least
once a year if the tractor is not used for 50 hours in one
year.
Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine
and after each eight (8) hours of operation.
TEMPERATURE RANGEANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OILCHANGE
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
-20 0 30 40
80
100
-30
-20 0
20 30 40
F
C
32
-10
10
60
5W-30
10W30
oil_visc_chart4_e
• Clean terminals and battery cable ends with wire brush
until bright.
• Coat terminals with grease or petroleum jelly.
• Reinstall battery (See “REPLACING BATTERY” in the
Service and Adjustment sec tion of this manual).
AIR FILTER
Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter.
Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions. See
Engine Manual.
ENGINE OIL FILTER
Replace the engine oil filter every season or every other
oil change if the tractor is used more than 100 hours in
one year.
MUFFLER
Inspect and replace corroded muffler and spark arrester
(if equipped) as it could create a fire hazard and/or dam-
age.
SPARK PLUGS
Replace spark plugs at the beginning of each mowing sea-
son or after every 100 hours of use, whichever comes first.
Spark plug type and gap setting is shown in "PROD UCT
SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual.
CLEAN AIR SCREEN
Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent
engine dam age from overheating. Clean with a wire brush
or com pressed air to re move dirt and stubborn dried gum
fibers.
IN-LINE FUEL FILTER (See Fig. 18)
The fuel filter should be replaced once each season. If fuel
filter becomes clogged, ob struct ing fuel flow to car bu re tor,
re place ment is re quired.
• With engine cool, remove filter and plug fuel line sec-
tions.
• Place new fuel filter in position in fuel line with arrow
pointing towards carburetor.
• Be sure there are no fuel line leaks and clamps are
properly positioned.
• Immediately wipe up any spilled gasoline.
FIG. 18
FUEL FILTER
CLAMP
CLAMP