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3. Damaged filter, seals or canister.
4. Incorrect air filter element size.
5. Use of poorly designed aftermarket air filter elements.
Air cleaner servicing is an inexpensive maintenance check
that can prevent costly non-warrantable premature engine
damage.
Overservicing
Overservicing occurs when an air filter element is
removed for cleaning or replacement before it is necessary.
Each time the filter is removed a small amount of dirt and
dust could fall in the intake system. This accumulated dirt
can cause a dusted engine. It only takes a few grams of
ingested dirt over the normal service life of an engine to
cause a dusted engine.
An air cleaner element should only be changed when the
restriction indicator shows red. Do not clean element,
replace with a new element only. Cleaning used air filter
elements, through improper cleaning procedures, can get
dust on the inside of the filter causing dirt ingestion and
engine failure.
It is important to note that whenever an air filter element
is cleaned by any method, the person or company
performing the cleaning assumes responsibility for the
integrity of the filter from then on. The Donaldson
warranty for air filters expires upon cleaning or
servicing in any manner because the condition of the
filter after servicing is completely out of their control.
Therefore, on a dust ingested engine failure, there will be
no warranty consideration if the air filter element has
been cleaned or serviced in any manner.
A partially dirty air filter element works better than a new
element. Therefore, a dirty filter element is not bad for the
engine unless it is excessively restricting the air flow and
engine performance is affected. The reason is simple. The
media in the filter must be porous to allow air to pass
through it. When dirty air passes through the filter, the dirt
plugs some of the holes in the media and actually acts as
part of the filter media. When the next round of dirt enters,
the first dirt helps filter out even smaller particles making
the filter more efficient at stopping dirt from entering the
engine. This is referred to as barrier filtration.
Of course, at some point the filter media becomes too
clogged to allow air to pass. That is why it is so important
to monitor airflow restriction with a restriction indicator. A
restriction indicator takes the guesswork out of air cleaner
servicing and allows you to safely benefit from the filter’s
optimum performance.
The mowing conditions will determine the frequency of
air filter element changing. Generally, it’s time to service
the air filter element when the restriction indicator shows red
or when the engine begins to lose power.
Improper installation of an air filter element
Dust must not leak past the seals on each end of the air
filter element. The filter must be aligned within the canister
and properly seated for an effective seal so that no dirt can
enter the engine. Be sure to tighten the filter retaining nut
securely to insure a proper seal.
Damaged filter, seals or canister
Never bang or bump the filter element against the tire or
any solid object, as dust and dirt particles will be forced
through the media causing continual passing of dirt into the
engine. Visually inspect the outside of the air cleaner
canister periodically for external damage and replace if
necessary.
Incorrect air cleaner element
Use only the correct Donaldson air filter element, Hustler
part number 032029, which is designed to fit the canister
properly.
Hustler air filter elements have the correct media
composition, filter area, micron size and dimensions.
Always use genuine Hustler filters. Many aftermarket filters
have been found to be incompatible with Hustler’s canisters
and engines.
The air filter must remain intact to block passage of dirt
and foreign particles from entering the engine. Being
inclined to disbelieve the need for more expensive air filter
elements used on gasoline and diesel engines may cause
some individuals to opt for a less expensive part.
The filter element must be sufficient size and construction
to withstand stresses, caused by rapid cycling of the air
volume demanded by the engine, without cracking or tearing
under fatigue and pressure (especially diesel engines).
Therefore, Hustler Turf Equipment and the engine
manufacturers have carefully selected a reliable filter
designed to fit the needs of the engines. The filter specified
is a Donaldson filter, Hustler part number 032029.
Owners should be reminded that failure to use original
equipment replacement parts is an “alteration” and will not
be considered for warranty in the event of engine damage.
Recommended service procedure
1. Check dust cap. Dust or water should not be allowed
to build up closer than one inch from the baffle. The
Vacuator™ Valve should eliminate dust and water
from cup automatically, empty only as necessary.
Check to see if the Vacuator™ Valve is functioning
and in good condition. Replace if necessary. Do not
operate machine without the Vacuator™ Valve
installed.
728444 Rev. 11/02
5-14
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