Poulan Pro PO14538LT LAWN TRACTOR - Manual (Page 16)

16
MAINTENANCE
Fig. 10
ENGINE
LUBRICATION (See Fig. 10)
Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service
classification SG-SL. 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
oil_visc_chart1_e
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.)
improve starting in cold weather, they 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 fill
cap/dipstick securely each time you check the oil level.
Fig. 11
OIL DRAIN HOLE
OIL DRAIN
EXTENSION
OIL
DRAIN
PLUG
AIR FILTER
Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter.
Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions. See
Engine Manual.
CLEAN AIR SCREEN
Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent
engine dam age from overheating. Clean with a wire brush
or com pressed air to re move dirt and stubborn dried gum
fibers.
MUFFLER
Inspect and replace corroded muffler and spark arrester
(if equipped) as it could create a fire hazard and/or dam-
age.
SPARK PLUGS
Replace spark plugs at the beginning of each mowing sea-
son or after every 100 hours of use, whichever comes first.
Spark plug type and gap setting is shown in "PROD UCT
SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual.
TRANSAXLE MAINTENANCE
Keep transaxle free from build-up of dirt and chaff which
can restrict cooling.
Do not attempt to clean transaxle while engine is running
or while the transaxle is hot. To prevent pos si ble damage
to seals, do not use high pressure water or steam to clean
transaxle.
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.
• Slide oil drain extension under oil drain hole (drain hole
may be flush with or protrude from engine block side wall).
• Make sure back face of oil drain extension is flush with
engine side wall.
• Make sure bottom lip of oil drain extension is lined up
with bottom of oil drain hole.
• Position a container to catch oil directly under front end
of oil drain extension.
• Slide a 1/2” (12 point) socket mounted on an extension
onto oil drain plug.
• Loosen plug while holding the oil drain extension firmly
in place.
• Drain oil into container.
•
After oil has drained completely, reinstall oil drain plug.
(Do not tighten more than 13 Ft. Lbs./18 Nm)
• Refill engine with oil through oil fill dipstick tube. Pour
slowly. Do not overfill. For approximate capacity see
“PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this man u al.
• 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. Tighten
cap onto the tube securely when finished.
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Fig. 10 & 11)
Determine temperature range expected before oil change.
All oil must meet API service classification SG-SL.
• Be sure tractor is on level surface.
• Oil will drain more freely when warm.
• Catch oil in a suitable container.
•
Remove oil fill cap/dipstick. Be careful not to allow dirt
to enter the engine when changing oil.
CAUTION: If engine has been operated
for an extended period of time immedi-
ately prior to draining oil, oil will be hot.