Weed Eater WE12538M - Manual (Page 16)

16
MAINTENANCE
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Only use 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.
TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
-20 0 30 40 80 100
-30 -20 0 20 30 40
F
C
32
-10 10
60
5W-30
SAE 30
FIG. 10
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 25 hours of operation or at least
once a year if the tractor is not used for 25 hours in one
year.
Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine
and after each eight (8) hours of operation. Tighten oil fi ll
cap/dipstick securely each time you check the oil level.
V-BELTS
Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after 100 hours
of operation and replace if necessary. The belts are not
ad just able. Re place belts if they begin to slip from wear.
TRANSAXLE COOLING
Keep transaxle free from build-up of dirt and chaff which
can restrict cooling.
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Figs. 10 and 11)
Determine temperature range expected before oil change.
All oil must meet API service classifi cation SF-SJ.
• Be sure tractor is on level surface.
• Oil will drain more freely when warm.
• Catch oil in a suitable container.
• Remove oil fi ll cap/dipstick. Be careful not to allow dirt
to enter the engine when changing oil.
• Remove yellow cap from end of drain valve and install
the drain tube onto the fi tting.
CLOSED
AND
LOCKED
POSITION
YEL LOW
CAP
DRAIN
TUBE
OIL DRAIN VALVE
FIG. 11
• Unlock drain valve by pushing inward and turning
coun ter clock wise.
• To open, pull out on the drain valve.
• After oil has drained completely, close and lock the
drain valve by pushing inward and turning clockwise
until the pin is in the locked position as shown.
• Remove the drain tube and replace the cap onto to the
bottom fi tting of the drain valve.
• Refi ll engine with oil through oil fi ll dipstick tube. Pour
slowly. Do not overfi ll. For approximate capacity see
“PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this man-
u al.
• 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.
BATTERY
Your tractor has a battery charging system which is suf fi cient
for normal use. However, periodic charging of the battery
with an automotive charger will extend its life.
• Keep battery and terminals clean.
• Keep battery bolts tight.
• Keep small vent holes open.
• Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour.
NOTE: The original equipment battery on your tractor is
maintenance free. Do not attempt to open or remove caps
or covers. Adding or checking level of electrolyte is not
necessary.
TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS
Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause
the battery to “leak” power.
• Disconnect BLACK battery cable fi rst then RED bat-
tery cable and remove battery from tractor.
• Rinse the battery with plain water and dry.
• Clean terminals and battery cable ends with wire brush
until bright.
• Coat terminals with grease or petroleum jelly.
• Reinstall battery (See “REPLACING BATTERY” in
the SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS section of this
man u al).