Walker MT - Manual (Page 73)

Maintenance Instructions
CLEANING
69
GHS Blower
Normally, the GHS blower operates with no mainte-
nance or cleaning. However, when mowing grass
that is dirty and damp (especially springtime mow-
ing), a deposit of dirt may accumulate inside the
blower housing, causing wear and binding of the
blower wheel. When operating in these conditions,
inspect the blower frequently for dirt buildup.
NOTE: A visual clue of binding of the blower wheel
is the blower blade tips are polished from rubbing
on dirt.
When a dirt deposit is found, use a high pressure
washer or water spray to clean the inside of the
housing as follows:
1. Remove the GHS blower drive belt tension by
depressing the idler pulley on the tightener arm.
Roll the belt off the blower pulley. The belt
should be clear of the blower pulley, allowing
free movement of the blower wheel.
IMPORTANT: With the belt removed, the blow-
er wheel must spin freely. Any binding or drag-
ging of the wheel is an indication of dirt
buildup. This buildup must be cleaned to
avoid abrasive wear of the blower blades, ex-
cessive power loss and eventual loss of blower
performance (clogging).
2. Use a pressure washer or water spray, and di-
rect the spray inside the blower housing against
the blower blades. Water pressure will cause
the blower wheel to begin to spin and the com-
bination of spinning action and water will effec-
tively wash the inside of the housing. Spray
may be directed against the blower blades ver-
tically and horizontally to cause rotation in both
directions for thorough washing action. Wash
blower until the blower wheel spins freely in
both directions.
3. Reinstall the GHS blower drive belt by reversing
the removal procedure.
Collapse Blower Belt Tightener
to Remove GHS Blower Drive Belt
GHS Exhaust Screen
Refer to Cleaning the GHS Exhaust Screen in Op-
erating Instructions.
Hydrostatic Transmission Cooling Fins
Keeping the cooling fins on the hydrostatic transmis-
sions clean and free of obstruction is essential to
avoid overheating the transmission fluid and short-
ening transmission life. The cooling fins should be
checked every 100 hours; and cleaned if necessary.
To clean the fins, use compressed air and/or a pres-
sure washer. The cooling fins extend all the way
around the housing -- the fins underneath need to be
clean as well as the more visible fins above. Also,
pay close attention to the area under the drive pulley.
IMPORTANT: In case an oil leak develops on the
input shaft, the cooling fan blowing dusty air and oil
on the transmission will quickly pack the cooling
fins with oily dirt. If this condition occurs, replace
the seal immediately to avoid overheating and dam-
aging the transmission. The input shaft assembly
and seal are easily replaced without removing the
transmission from the machine.
DANGER
Before attempting to wash the blower,
stop the engine, remove the ignition key,
and disconnect the spark plug wires.
Blower
Pulley
Blower
Drive Pulley
Depress Idler Pulley
Down to Relax Belt
Belt Tightener
Idler Pulley
GHS Blower
Drive Belt