Poulan 428556 - Manual (Page 15)

15
MAINTENANCE
SNOW THROWER
Always observe safety rules when performing main te nance.
TIRES
•
Maintain proper air pressure in both tires (14–17 P.S.I.).
• Keep tires free of gasoline / oil, which can harm rubber.
NOTE: To seal tire punctures and prevent flat tires due to slow
leaks, tire sealant may be purchased from your local parts
dealer. Tire sealant also prevents tire dry rot and cor ro sion.
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 dealer. Using other than
OEM belts can cause personal injury / damage to the thrower.
AUGER GEAR CASE
•
The gear case was filled with lubricant to the proper level
at the factory. The only time the lubricant needs atten-
tion 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
classification SG–SL. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade
according to your expected operating temperature.
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.)
Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine and
after each five (5) hours of continuous use. Tighten oil fill
cap / dipstick securely each time you check the oil level.
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL
Determine temperature range anticipated before next oil
change. All oil must meet API service classification SG–SL.
• 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. Remove safety ignition key and disconnect spark plug
wire from spark plug. 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 fill cap/dipstick. Be careful not to allow dirt
to enter the engine.
8. Refill engine with oil through oil dipstick tube. Pour
slowly. Do not overfill. For approximate capacity see
“PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this man u al.
9. Use gauge on oil fill 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 muffler as it could cre ate a
fire 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 first. 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: Remove safety ignition key
and disconnect spark plug wire from
spark plug. Place wire where it can not
come in contact with spark plug.
• Keep finished surfaces/wheels free of gasoline, oil, etc.
• We do not recommend using a garden hose to clean
your snow thrower unless the electrical system, muffler
and carburetor are covered to keep water out. Water
in engine can result in shortened engine life.
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 25 hours of operation or at least once
a year if the snow thrower is not used for 25 hours in one year.