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10-25 109706 10/08
WARNING: Many engine failures can be attributed to improper air cleaner servicing. Ingested dust
and dirt will cause cylinder, piston and bearing damage in a few hours. “Dusted” engines will result
from:
1. Overservicing the air filter element.
2. Improper installation.
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.
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 per-
forming 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 consid-
eration 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.
The mowing conditions will determine the frequency of air filter element changing.
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.
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 can-
ister periodically for external damage and replace if necessary.
INCORRECT AIR CLEANER ELEMENT
Use only the correct Donaldson air filter element, Hustler part number 785261, 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 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.
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. Release clamps and remove element. Clean the canister with a damp cloth.
2. Before installing a new element, inspect it by placing a bright light inside and rotate the