Poulan PO14538LT User Manual - Page 16

MAINTENANCE V-BELTS 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 MAINTENANCE Keep transaxle free from build-up of dirt and chaff which can restrict cooling. Do not attempt to clean transaxle while engine is running or while the transaxle is hot. To prevent possible damage to seals, do not use high pressure water or steam to clean transaxle. 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. 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 Fig. 15 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/0°C. 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. TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Fig. 16) Determine temperature range expected before oil change. All oil must meet API service classification SG-SL. • Ensure 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. CAUTION: If engine has been operated for an extended period of time immediately prior to draining oil, oil will be hot. OIL DRAIN HOLE OIL DRAIN PLUG OIL DRAIN EXTENSION Fig. 16 • Slide oil drain extension under oil drain hole (drain hole may be flush with or protrude from engine block side wall). • Ensure back face of oil drain extension is flush with engine side wall. • Ensure bottom lip of oil drain extension is lined up with bottom of oil drain hole. • Position a container to catch oil directly under front end of oil drain extension. • Slide a 1/2" (12 point) socket mounted on an extension onto oil drain plug. • Loosen plug while holding the oil drain extension firmly in place. • Drain oil into container. • After oil has drained completely, reinstall oil drain plug. (Do not tighten more than 13 Ft. Lbs./18 Nm.) • 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. Ensure dipstick cap is tightened securely for accurate reading. Keep oil at "FULL" line on dipstick. Tighten cap onto the tube securely when finished. 16