40
ENGINE MAINTENANCE
WARNING: Use care when servicing
any component in the engine area. If
the engine has recently been operated,
components will be hot and could
cause burns. Allow the engine to cool
before servicing.
WARNING: Before servicing the engine,
place the tractor on a level surface,
stop the engine, engage the parking
brake, and remove the key from the
ignition switch.
CLEANING THE ENGINE
This tractor has a liquid-cooled engine. Air must be
able to circulate freely through the fins of the radia-
tor. Keep this area free of accumulated dirt and
debris to prevent engine overheating, which could
possibly cause extensive engine damage.
WARNING: Keep the muffler area clean.
Before running the engine, remove all
combustible debris from the muffler area.
CLEANING THE RADIATOR SCREEN/RADIATOR
To remove the radiator screen, lift the hood and care-
fully lift screen by the center tab. Flush the screen
with water to clean its surface. See Figure 49.
Figure 49
Check the radiator for any accumulation of debris
lodged between cooling fins. Blow the debris out
using compressed air directed from the fan shroud
side of the radiator.
Reinsert the screen, making sure that it is in the
slots of the radiator frame.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
Before each use, the oil level in the engine
crankcase should be checked to see that it is filled
to the correct level. During the "break in" period for
the engine, closely monitor the engine oil level. The
oil level should be checked hourly during the first 5
hours of operation.
•
Check the oil level only while the engine is
stopped and the tractor is level. Clean the area
around the oil level dipstick to prevent debris
from entering the crankcase. See Figure 50.
•
If recently operated, allow the engine to cool
and the oil to drain back into the oil pan.
•
To check the oil level, release the dipstick
handle from the retaining clip, then withdraw
the dipstick and wipe it clean. Reinsert the
dipstick all the way into the tube before
withdrawing it for a true reading.
Figure 50
•
Always keep the oil level between the full and
the add marks on the dipstick. See Figure 50.
•
Reinsert the dipstick into the dipstick tube and
push firmly into the tube. Clip the dipstick
handle into the retaining clip.
ADDING ENGINE OIL
WARNING: Never overfill the engine
crankcase. The engine may overheat
and/or damage may result if the
crankcase is below the “ADD” mark or
over the “FULL” mark on the dipstick.
For best results, fill to the “FULL” mark
on the dipstick as opposed to adding a
given quantity of oil. Always check the
level on the dipstick before adding
more oil.
Refer to the LUBRICATION TABLE in the
MAINTE-
NANCE SECTION
of this manual to determine the
proper type of oil to add to the crankcase for the
conditions under which the engine will be operated.
•
Place the tractor on a level surface and engage
the parking brake. Stop the tractor engine and
remove the ignition key.
RADIATOR
SCREEN
RADIATOR
CAP
RADIATOR
DIPSTICK
RETAINING
CLIP
DIPSTICK
TUBE
Operating
Range
Full
Add
Mark
Mark
