Poulan PD185H42STB User Manual - Page 17

MAINTENANCE • 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. • Reinstall battery (See "REPLACING BATTERY" in the SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS section of this manual). V-BELTS TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Figs. 15 and 16) Determine temperature range expected before oil change. All oil must meet API service classification SF-SJ. • 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. Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after 100 hours of operation and replace if necessary. The belts are not adjustable. Replace belts if they begin to slip from wear. TRANSAXLE COOLING The transmission fan and cooling fins should be kept clean to assure proper cooling. CLOSED AND LOCKED POSITION OIL DRAIN VALVE Do not attempt to clean fan or transmission while engine is running or while the transmission is hot. To prevent possible damage to seals, do not use high pressure water or steam to clean transaxle. • Inspect cooling fan to be sure fan blades are intact and clean. • Inspect cooling fins for dirt, grass clippings and other materials. To prevent damage to seals, do not use compressed air or high pressure sprayer to clean cooling fins. TRANSAXLE PUMP FLUID The transaxle was sealed at the factory and fluid maintenance is not required for the life of the transaxle. Should the transaxle ever leak or require servicing, contact your nearest authorized service center/department. ENGINE LUBRICATION Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SF-SJ. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperature. SAE VISCOSITY GRADES YELLOW CAP DRAIN TUBE FIG. 16 • 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. Be sure dipstick cap is tightened securely for accurate reading. Keep oil at "FULL" line on dipstick. F -20 5W-30 0 30 32 40 SAE 30 60 80 100 CLEAN AIR SCREEN Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent engine damage from overheating. Clean with a wire brush C -30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40 TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE or compressed air to remove dirt and stubborn dried gum fibers. FIG. 15 AIR FILTER 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 Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions. See Engine Manual. possible engine damage from running low on oil. ENGINE OIL FILTER Change the oil after every 50 hours of operation or at least once a year if the tractor is not used for 50 hours in one year. Replace the engine oil filter every season or every other oil change if the tractor is used more than 100 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. 17