Poulan X1844A User Manual - Page 17

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause the battery to "leak" power. • Remove terminal guard. • Disconnect BLACK battery cable first, then RED bat- tery cable and remove battery from tractor. • Wash battery with solution of four tablespoons of baking soda to one gallon of water. Be careful not to get the soda solution into the cells. • 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 "INSTALL BATTERY" in the Assembly section of this manual). V-BELTS Check V-Belts for deterioration and wear after 100 hours and replace if necessary. The mower blade drive and motion drive 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. 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 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 the first two hours of operation and every 25 hours thereafter 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 continuous use. Tighten oil fill cap/dipstick securely each time you check the oil level. TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Fig. 18) Determine temperature range expected before oil change. All oil must meet API service classification SG. • 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 drain plug. • After oil has drained completely, replace oil drain plug and tighten securely. • Refill engine with oil through oil fill dipstick tube. Pour slowly. Do not overfill. For approximate capacity see "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual. • Use gauge on dipstick for checking level. Be sure dipstick cap is tightened securely for accurate reading. Keep oil at "FULL" line on dipstick. OIL DRAIN PLUG AIR SCREEN ENGINE OIL CAP/DIPSTICK FIG. 18 CLEAN AIR SCREEN (See Fig. 18) The 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. CLEAN ENGINE COOLING FINS (See Fig. 19) Remove any dust, dirt or oil from engine cooling fins to prevent engine damage from overheating. Air guide covers must be removed. Remove side panels and hood (See "TO REMOVE HOOD AND GRILL ASSEMBLY" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual). TOP AIR GUIDE COVER ENGINE COOLING FINS AIR GUIDE COVER (BOTH SIDES) 17 FIG. 19