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Maintenance Instructions KUBOTA TIPS
47
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-mixed solution
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.