42
•
Start the engine and run for about 5 minutes.
Stop the engine and check for leaks at the oil
filter and drain plug.
•
Wait 3 minutes and re-check the oil level. If
needed, add oil to bring the oil level up to the
"FULL" mark.
WARNING: Never overfill the engine
crankcase. The engine may overheat
and/or damage may result. 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.
Dispose of used oil in an environmentally
safe manner. If necessary, contact your
area EPA office for proper disposal
procedures and recycling center locations.
IMPORTANT:
The oil fill cap and dipstick must
always be installed securely in place when the
engine is running. Severe engine damage could
result from failure to do so.
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL
Before each use, the engine coolant level in the
overflow reservoir should be checked to ensure it is
within the operating range. Engine coolant absorbs
heat from the engine and transfers the heat to the
air flowing through the radiator. If the coolant level
becomes low, the engine may overheat, which
could cause severe damage to the engine.
Use a permanent type antifreeze containing corro-
sion and rust inhibitors. Dilute the antifreeze with
water at a 1:1 ratio to mix the coolant solution (50%
antifreeze : 50% water).
NOTE:
Distilled water is recommended for the cool-
ant solution IF your tap water has a high mineral
content. Minerals cause scaling in the engine and
the radiator coolant passages. System efficiency
will be greatly reduced over time and severe engine
damage may result.
•
Check the coolant level when the engine is cold
and the tractor is on a level surface.
•
Raise the tractor hood and check the coolant
level in the overflow reservoir on the
right
side
of the engine. Refer to Figure 53.
•
If the coolant level is below the "LOW" mark,
remove the cap from the reservoir and add
coolant solution to the "FULL" mark.
NOTE:
The cooling system is a closed type.
Normally, to prevent air from entering the system,
the radiator cap should not be removed.
If the overflow reservoir is empty, the radiator cap
should be removed and the coolant level in the radi-
ator checked before adding coolant to the reservoir.
If necessary, first refill the system through the radia-
tor filler neck as follows (Refer to Figure 49):
WARNING: It is dangerous to remove
the radiator cap when the system is
hot. Allow the system to cool before
removing the radiator cap.
•
Turn the radiator cap counterclockwise to the
first stop to release any pressure.
•
Push downward on the cap and turn counter-
clockwise until the cap stops then lift cap off.
•
Slowly pour coolant into the filler neck until the
level reaches the bottom of the filler neck
overflow flange.
•
Wait a few minutes to allow as much air as
possible to escape through the filler neck, then
reinstall the radiator cap.
•
Fill the overflow reservoir to the "FULL" mark.
•
Start the engine and allow it to run for a short
period. Stop the engine.
•
Recheck the coolant level in the overflow
reservoir and refill as needed. Reinstall the
reservoir cap.
INSPECTION OF COOLING SYSTEM HOSES
Check the cooling system hoses and fan belt for
any cracks or deterioration after every 100 hours of
operation. Check for loose hose connections.
Replace any damaged hoses and tighten any loose
connections. Replace a worn or damaged fan belt.
CHANGING THE ENGINE COOLANT
The engine coolant should be drained and replaced
with new coolant solution yearly.
The dry capacity of the cooling system is
approximately 5.3 Qts. Dilute the antifreeze with
water at a 1:1 ratio to mix the coolant solution (50%
antifreeze : 50% water).
Change the engine coolant as follows:
•
Drain the coolant when the engine is cold.
•
Place the tractor on a level surface and raise the
tractor hood.
•
Slide the overflow reservoir upward and off the res-
ervoir bracket to access the radiator drain plug.
•
Locate the radiator drain plug in the lower
right
rear corner of the radiator. See Figure 54.
Figure 54
RESERVOIR
BRACKET
RADIATOR
DRAIN PLUG
