Poulan BLOWERS/THROWERS/961940007 User Manual - Page 15

MAINTENANCE SNOW THROWER Always observe safety rules when performing maintenance. Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine and after each five (5) hours of continuous use. Tighten oil fill cap / dipstick securely each time you check the oil level. TIRES TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL • Maintain proper air pressure in both tires (14-17 P.S.I. / 19-24.5 N-m). • Keep tires free of gasoline / oil, which can harm rubber. NOTE: To seal tire punctures and prevent flat tires due to slow leaks, tire sealant may be purchased from your local parts dealer. Tire sealant also prevents tire dry rot and corrosion. V-BELTS Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after every 50 hours of operation and replace if necessary. The belts are not adjustable. Replace belts if they begin to slip from wear. (See "TO REMOVE BELT COVER" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual). The V-belts on your snow thrower are of special construction and should be replaced by original equipment manufacturer (OEM) belts available from your dealer. Using other than OEM belts can cause personal injury / damage to the thrower. AUGER GEAR CASE • The gear case was filled with lubricant to the proper level at the factory. The only time the lubricant needs attention is if service has been performed on the gear case. • If lubricant is required, use only Ronex ED #1 grease. TRACTION DRIVE SYSTEM Determine temperature range anticipated before next oil change. All oil must meet API service classification SG-SL. • Be sure snow thrower is on level surface. • Oil will drain more freely when warm. • Catch oil in a suitable container. NOTE: The left side wheel may be removed from snow thrower for easier access to the oil drain plug and placement of a suitable container. The unit tilted, resting on the frame with the left wheel removed, will help drain any oil trapped inside the engine. (See "TO REMOVE WHEELS" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual). 1. Remove safety ignition key and disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug. Place wire where it cannot come in contact with spark plug. 2. Clean area around drain plug. 3. Remove drain plug and drain oil in a suitable container. 4. Install drain plug and tighten securely. 5. Wipe off any spilled oil from snow thrower and engine. 6. Install left wheel (if removed for draining oil). Be sure to install klick pin into proper hole in wheel axle (See "TO REMOVE WHEELS" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual). DO NOT lubricate the drive components inside the snow thrower. The sprockets, hex shafts, drive disc and friction wheel require no lubrication. The bearings and bushings are lifetime lubricated and require no maintenance. CAUTION: Any lubricating of the above components can cause contamination of the friction wheel and damage to the drive system of your snow thrower. 7. Remove oil fill cap/dipstick. Be careful not to allow dirt to enter the engine. 8. Refill engine with oil through oil dipstick tube. Pour slowly. Do not overfill. For approximate capacity see "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual. 9. Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for checking level. Be sure dipstick cap is tightened securely for accurate reading. Keep oil at "FULL" line on dipstick. 10. Wipe off any spilled oil. ENGINE See engine manual. LUBRICATION Use only high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SG-SL. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperature. MUFFLER Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage. SPARK PLUG Replace spark plug at the beginning of each season or after every 100 hours of operation, whichever occurs first. Spark plug type and gap setting are shown in the "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual. CLEANING IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep snow thrower housing free of any dirt or trash. Clean the outside of your snow thrower after each use. NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils • will result in increased oil consumption when used above • 32°F. Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage from running low on oil. Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or at least once a year if the snow thrower is not used for 25 hours in one year. 15 WARNING: Remove safety ignition key and disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug. Place wire where it cannot come in contact with spark plug. Keep finished surfaces/wheels free of gasoline, oil, etc. We do not recommend using a garden hose to clean your snow thrower unless the electrical system, muffler and carburetor are covered to keep water out. Water in engine can result in shortened engine life.