Sears 917.257462 - Manual (Page 16)

MAINTENANCE
TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS -
Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause
the battery to "leak" power.
•
Remove terminal guard.
• Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED bat­
tery cable and remove battery from tractor.
• Wash battery with solution of four tablespoons of
baking soda to one gallon of water. Be careful not to get
the soda solution into the cells.
• 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 "INSTALL BATTERY" in the
Assembly section of this manual).
V- BELTS
Check V-Belts for deterioration and wear after 100 hours.
Replace if necessary. The belts are not adjustable. 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.
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Change the oil after the first two hours of operation and
every 25 hours thereafter 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 continuous use. Add SAE
30W motor oil or equalivent. Tighten oil fill cap/dipstick
securely each time you check the oil level. SAE 5W-30
motor oil may be used to make starting easier in areas
where temperature is consistently 32° F or lower.
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Fig. 16 and 17)-
Determine temperature range expected before oil change.
All oil must meet API service classification SG.
• Be sure vehicle is on level surface.
• Oil will drain more freely when warm.
• Catch oil in a suitable container.
• Remove oil fill dipstick. Be careful not to allow dirt to
enter the engine when changing oil.
• Remove drain plug.
• After oil has drained completely, replace oil drain plug
and tighten securely.
• Refill engine with oil through oil fill dipstick tube. Pour
slowly. Do not overfill. For approximate capacity see
Product Specifications on page 3 of this manual.
• Use gauge on oil fill dipstick for checking level. Be
sure dipstick cap is tightened securely for accurate
reading. Keep oil at "FULL" line on dipstick.
RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
1—I—I—I—I—I—I—H
I I I I I
30 or low 30
-
20
°
32° 60° 80° 100°
FIG. 16
AIR FILTER (See Fig. 18)
Your engine will not run properly and may be damaged by
using a dirty air filter. Remove cartridge every 25 hours and
tap gently to clean. Replace paper cartridge once a year or
after every 100 hours of operation, more often if used in
very dusty, dirty conditions.
• Remove knob and cover.
• Remove cartridge nut and clean or replace cartridge.
• Reassemble and tighten securely.
NOTE: Do not attempt to clean or oil the paper cartridge.
16