Poulan PB1842LT User Manual - Page 17

MAINTENANCE • Slide blade on to an unthreaded portion of the steel bolt or pin and hold the bolt or pin parallel with the ground. If blade is balanced, it should remain in a horizontal position. If either end of the blade moves downward, sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced. CENTER HOLE 5/8" BOLT OR PIN BLADE FIG. 9 BATTERY Your tractor has a battery charging system which is sufficient for normal use. However, periodic charging of the battery with an automotive charger will extend its life. • Keep battery and terminals clean. SAE VISCOSITY GRADES 5W-30 SAE 30 F -20 0 30 32 40 60 80 100 C -30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40 TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE oil_visc_chart1_e FIG. 10 NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather, they 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 tractor is not used for 25 hours in one year. Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine and after each eight (8) hours of operation. Tighten oil fill cap/dipstick securely each time you check the oil level. • Keep battery bolts tight. • Keep small vent holes open. • Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour. NOTE: The original equipment battery on your tractor is maintenance free. Do not attempt to open or remove caps or covers. Adding or checking level of electrolyte is not necessary. TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause the battery to "leak" power. TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Figs. 10 and 11) 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. • Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED battery cable and remove battery from tractor. • Rinse the battery with plain water and dry. • Clean terminals and battery cable ends with wire brush until bright. • Coat terminals with grease or petroleum jelly. CLOSED AND LOCKED POSITION OIL DRAIN VALVE • Reinstall battery (See "REPLACING BATTERY" in the Service and Adjustment section of this manual). YELLOW CAP DRAIN TUBE V-BELTS CheckV-belts for deterioration and wear after 100 hours and replace if necessary. The belts are not adjustable. Replace belts if they begin to slip from wear. • TRANSAXLE COOLING Keep transaxle free from build-up of dirt and chaff which • can restrict cooling. • 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. • 17 FIG. 11 Unlock drain valve by pushing inward and turning counterclockwise. 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 manual. 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.