Cleaning the engine and deck – Cub Cadet LT1042 User Manual
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Paper Element (Twin Cylinder Engine)
The paper element should be replaced at least once a 
season, or every 100 hours of operation. Replace 
more frequently if the tractor is operated under 
extremely dusty conditions. To replace the paper 
element, proceed as follows:
•
Pivot the air cleaner cover upward and unhook the 
wire latch which secures the element in place. 
•
Remove the air cleaner element with precleaner.
•
Carefully remove the precleaner from the element 
and service as instructed earlier in this section.
IMPORTANT:
Do not wash the paper element or use
pressurized air, as this will damage the element.
Examine the element and discard if dirt and/or damage 
is present.
NOTE:
Handle new elements carefully; do not use if
the sealing surfaces are bent or damaged.
•
If any loose dirt or debris fell on the air cleaner base 
when the element was removed, carefully remove it 
and wipe the base clean. Be careful that none of it 
drops into the intake. 
•
Check the air cleaner base. Make sure it is secured 
and not damaged. Also check the air cleaner cover 
for damage or improper fit. Replace all damaged air 
cleaner components.
•
Install the precleaner over the new paper element 
and reinstall the element. 
•
Lower the wire latch to secure the element in place 
and pivot the air cleaner cover downward.
Spark Plug(s)
Once a season, or every 100 hours of operation, 
remove the spark plug(s), check condition, and reset 
the gap or replace with a new plug(s) as necessary. 
•
Lift the tractor’s hood and locate the spark plug wire 
on the front, right area of the engine.
•
Carefully pull the spark plug wire boot(s) off of the 
spark plug(s).
•
Before removing each spark plug, clean the area 
around the base of the plug to keep dirt and debris 
out of the engine.
•
Using a ratchet with a 5/8-inch spark plug socket, 
remove the spark plug and check its condition. 
•
Replace the plug if worn, dirty or damaged. Reuse 
only after resetting the gap as instructed.
NOTE:
Do not clean the spark plug with an abrasive
grit. Some grit could remain in the spark plug and enter
the engine causing extensive wear and damage.
•
Check the gap using a feeler gauge and adjust, if 
necessary, by carefully bending the ground 
electrode. See Figure 14. Set the spark plug gap to 
0.030 in. (.76 mm).
•
Reinstall the spark plug into the cylinder head. 
Torque the spark plug to 28/32 ft. lb. (38.0/43.4 
N·m).
•
Place the spark plug wire boot over the spark plug 
and press until you feel it “click” in place.
Figure 14
Fuel Filter
WARNING:
Do not replace the fuel filter
when engine is hot.
The engine is equipped with an inline fuel filter located 
on the left side of the engine.
Visually inspect the filter periodically for a build-up of 
residue inside the filter body, and for a dirty element 
which can be indicated by discoloration. Replace the 
fuel filter when dirty.
Cleaning the Engine And Deck
Any fuel or oil spilled on the machine should be wiped 
off promptly. 
Do NOT allow debris to accumulate around the cooling 
fins of the engine or on any other part of the machine, 
especially the belts and pulleys.
Smart Jet™
Your tractor’s deck is equipped with a water port on its 
surface as part of its deck wash system. 
Use the Smart Jet™ to rinse grass clippings from the 
deck’s underside and prevent the buildup of corrosive 
chemicals. Complete the following steps AFTER EACH 
MOWING:
1.
Drive the tractor to a level, clear spot on your lawn, 
near enough for your garden hose to reach.
IMPORTANT:
Make certain the tractor’s discharge chute
is directed AWAY from your house, garage, parked 
cars, etc. 
Feeler Gauge
Ground Electrode
Spark Plug
Gap
