Maintenance – Poulan 187881 User Manual
Page 15
15
MAINTENANCE
V-BELTS
Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after every 50
hours of operation and replace if necessary. The belts
are not ad just able. Replace belts if they begin to slip from
wear. (See “TO REMOVE BELT COVER” in the Service
and Adjustments section of this manual).
The V-belts on your snow thrower are of special con struc tion
and should be replaced by original equipment man u fac tur er
(OEM) belts avail able from your nearest dealer. Using other
than OEM belts can cause personal injury or damage to
the snow thrower.
AUGER GEAR CASE
• The gear case was fi lled with lubricant to the proper
level at the factory. The only time the lubricant needs
attention is if service has been performed on the gear
case.
• If lubricant is required, use only Ronex ED #1 grease.
TRACTION DRIVE SYSTEM
DO NOT lubricate the drive components inside the snow
thrower. The sprockets, hex shafts, drive disc and friction
wheel require no lubrication. The bearings and bushings
are lifetime lubricated and require no maintenance.
CAUTION: Any lubricating of the above com po -
nents can cause contamination of the friction
wheel and damage to the drive system of your
snow thrower.
ENGINE
See engine manual.
LUBRICATION
Use only high quality detergent oil rated with API service
classifi cation SF-SJ. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade
according to your expected operating temperature.
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL
Determine temperature range anticipated before next oil
change. All oil must meet API service classifi cation SF-SJ.
• Be sure snow thrower is on level surface.
• Oil will drain more freely when warm.
• Catch oil in a suitable container.
NOTE: The left side wheel may be removed from snow
thrower for easier access to the oil drain plug and place-
ment of a suitable container. The unit tilted, resting on the
frame with the left wheel removed, will help drain any oil
trapped inside the engine. (See “TO REMOVE WHEELS”
in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual).
1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place
wire where it cannot come in contact with spark plug.
2. Clean area around drain plug.
3. Remove drain plug and drain oil in a suitable container.
4. Install drain plug and tighten securely.
5. Wipe off any spilled oil from snow thrower and engine.
6. Install left wheel (if removed for draining oil). Be sure to
install klick pin into proper hole in wheel axle (See “TO
REMOVE WHEELS” in the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual).
7. Remove oil fi ll cap/dipstick. Be careful not to allow dirt
to enter the engine.
8. Refi ll engine with oil through oil dipstick tube. Pour
slowly. Do not overfi ll. For approximate capacity see
“PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this man u al.
9. Use gauge on oil fi ll cap/dipstick for checking level. Be
sure dipstick cap is tightened securely for accurate
reading. Keep oil at “FULL” line on dipstick.
10. Wipe off any spilled oil.
MUFFLER
Inspect and replace corroded muffl er as it could cre ate a
fi re haz ard and/or dam age.
SPARK PLUG
Replace spark plug at the beginning of each season or after
every 100 hours of operation, whichever occurs fi rst. Spark
plug type and gap setting are shown in the “PROD UCT
SPEC I FI CA TIONS” section of this manual.
CLEANING
IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep snow thrower
housing free of any dirt or trash. Clean the outside of your
snow thrower after each use.
WARNING: Disconnect spark plug wire
from spark plug and place wire where it
can not come in contact with spark plug.
• Keep fi nished surfaces/wheels free of gasoline, oil, etc.
• We do not recommend using a garden hose to clean
your snow thrower unless the electrical system, muffl er
and carburetor are covered to keep water out. Water
in engine can result in shortened engine life.
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 every 50 hours of operation or at least
once a year if the snow thrower is not used for 50 hours
in one year.
Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine and
after each fi ve (5) hours of continuous use. Tighten oil fi ll
cap / dipstick securely each time you check the oil level.