Cub Cadet 5254 Series - Manual (Page 44)

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SERVICING THE FOAM PRECLEANER
Wash the foam precleaner every 25 hours of
operation. Wash more often when operating under
extremely dusty conditions. Replace the precleaner
if torn or otherwise damaged.
Referring to Figure 57, wash the precleaner as
follows:
• Remove the knob and lift off the air cleaner
cover and the washer.
• Remove the foam precleaner by carefully
slipping it up off the paper element.
• Wash the precleaner in warm water with
detergent. Rinse the precleaner thoroughly to
remove all traces of the detergent. Squeeze out
(do not wring) excess water in a dry cloth. Allow
the precleaner to air dry.
• Carefully slip the precleaner fully onto the
paper element.
• Reinstall the air cleaner cover, washer, and
knob.
IMPORTANT: Do not apply oil to the foam
precleaner element.
SERVICING THE PAPER ELEMENT
Replace the paper air cleaner element every 300
hours or yearly, whichever comes first. Replace the
element more often if operating the tractor under
extremely dusty conditions. Refer to Figure 57.
• Remove the knob and lift off the air cleaner
cover and the washer.
• Remove the wing nut and lift out the paper air
cleaner element.
• Remove the foam precleaner by carefully
slipping it off the paper element.
• Check the paper element for excessive dirt,
paper tears, or damage to the seal on the bot-
tom of the element. Replace a dirty or damaged
paper element. Do not use pressurized air to
clean the paper element.
• When servicing the air cleaner, also inspect the
air cleaner base and the base seal for any type
of damage. Replace if damaged.
• Slip the precleaner fully onto the paper ele-
ment and reinstall the paper element onto the
air cleaner base. Secure with the wing nut.
• Reinstall the air cleaner cover, washer, and
knob.
IMPORTANT: Properly cleaned and installed
air cleaner elements significantly contribute to
prolonging engine life.
SERVICING THE SPARK PLUGS
WARNING: To avoid possible injury, be
sure the engine is off and has cooled
before making any adjustments or
repairs.
Check the spark plugs after every 100 hours of
operation. Replace with new plugs if necessary.
See your authorized dealer for the correct
replacement plugs.
• Disconnect the spark plug wires and remove all
dirt from around the spark plug before
removing.
• Use a spark plug wrench to remove the spark
plugs.
• Clean carbon deposits from the electrodes
using a soft wire brush.
• Inspect for cracked porcelain or other wear and
damage. Replace with a new spark plug if
necessary.
• Check the gap of the spark plugs. The gap
must be .030 inch. Reset if necessary,
• Reinstall the spark plugs in the engine and
torque to 18 ft-lbs. Connect the spark plug
wires.
CHANGING THE FUEL FILTER
WARNING: Do not replace the fuel filter
when tractor is hot. Allow the tractor to
cool before separating the fuel lines.
The tractor is equipped with an in-line fuel filter. The
fuel filter can be accessed from underneath the
tractor along the left side of the tractor frame, just
forward of the fuel tank.
The fuel filter cannot be disassembled. Conse-
quently you must visually inspect the filter
periodically. Inspect 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.