Maintenance Instructions
CLEANING
42
Clean Cooling Fins and Fan
Air Cleaner System
The engine is equipped with a paper air cleaner ele-
ment with an oiled foam pre-cleaner which
surrounds the paper element. Clean and re-oil the
foam pre-cleaner every 25 hours; more often in
dusty/dirty conditions. Clean the paper element
every 100 hours and replace yearly (or when dirty or
damaged). Service the air filter as follows:
•
Remove air cleaner cover and remove foam pre-
cleaner by sliding it off the paper element.
•
Wash foam pre-cleaner in liquid detergent and
warm water.
•
Wrap foam pre-cleaner in cloth and squeeze dry
(do not wring).
•
Saturate foam in clean engine oil. Squeeze
foam to distribute and remove excess oil.
•
Remove the paper filter element by pulling it out
of the air cleaner body.
•
Clean the filter element using low pressure com-
pressed air [less than 100 PSI (689 kPa)]. Blow out
the filter from the interior of the element while turning
the element.
NOTE: Washing the element in water or cleaning
solution is not recommended. Replace the element
if it does not clean up with compressed air.
•
Use a bright light inside the element to inspect for
damage. Check the element very carefully for pin
holes or other damage that will allow dirt to leak
through the paper media. Replace element if nec-
essary.
•
Use a clean, damp cloth and wipe the interior of
the air cleaner body clean. Use special care to clean
both the inside and outside surfaces of the outlet
tube.
•
Install foam pre-cleaner over dry element and re-
assemble onto engine. Tighten knob mounting air
cleaner element securely, 1/2 to 1 turn after contact-
ing cover, but do not over-tighten. Make sure ele-
ment is sealed tightly against the element cover and
base plate. Reinstall air cleaner cover.
Air Cleaner Components
Grass Buildup in Mower Housing
CAUTION
Operating the engine with a blocked air in-
take screen, dirty or plugged cooling fins,
and/or cooling shrouds removed will
cause engine damage from overheating.
Clean these areas
of dirt and debris
DANGER
Before raising or removing the mower
deck for cleaning, stop the engine, remove
the ignition key, and disconnect the spark
plug wires.
Pre-Cleaner
and Cartridge
Cover
Plate
Body
Clips
Knob
Cartridge
Foam
Pre-Cleaner
