Poulan PXT16542 User Manual - Page 15

MAINTENANCE V-BELTS Check V-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. 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. 11 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. TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Figs. 11 and 12) 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. OIL 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. CLEAN AIR SCREEN Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent engine damage from overheating. Clean with a wire brush or compressed air to remove dirt and stubborn dried gum fibers. AIR FILTER Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions. See Engine Manual. MUFFLER Inspect and replace corroded muffler and spark arrester (if equipped) as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage. SPARK PLUGS Replace spark plugs at the beginning of each mowing season or after every 100 hours of use, whichever comes first. Spark plug type and gap setting is shown in "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual. IN-LINE FUEL FILTER (See Fig. 13) The fuel filter should be replaced once each season. If fuel filter becomes clogged, obstructing fuel flow to carburetor, replacement is required. • With engine cool, remove filter and plug fuel line sections. • Place new fuel filter in position in fuel line with arrow pointing towards carburetor. • Be sure there are no fuel line leaks and clamps are properly positioned. • Immediately wipe up any spilled gasoline. CLAMP CLAMP FUEL FILTER 00667 CLOSED AND LOCKED POSITION CLEANING FIG. 13 • Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. of all foreign matter. • Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, YELLOW CAP DRAIN TUBE oil, etc. • Protect painted surfaces with automotive type wax. We do not recommend using a garden hose or pressure FIG. 12 washer to clean your tractor unless the engine and transmission are covered to keep water out. Water in engine or • Unlock drain valve by pushing inward and turning transmission will shorten the useful life of your tractor. Use counterclockwise. compressed air or a leaf blower to remove grass, leaves • To open, pull out on the drain valve. and trash from tractor and mower. 15