HUSTLER FasTrak 48 Operator's Manual page 38

Kawasaki engine
A
A. Air filter cover
Figure 4-11
Kawasaki FT engine
A
A. Air filter cover
Figure 4-12
Recommended Service Procedure
1. Release clamps and remove element. Clean the air
cleaner canister with a damp cloth.
2. Before installing a new element, inspect it by placing a
bright light inside and rotating the element slowly,
looking for any holes or tears in the paper. Also check
gaskets for cuts or tears. Do not attempt to use a
damaged element which will allow abrasive particles
to enter the engine.
REV K
Kohler engine
A
B
A. Air cleaner canister
3. Reinstall the top of the canister housing. Make sure it
seals all the way around the lower part of the housing,
then tighten the clamps. Figure 4-13
4. Never operate the machine without an air filter
installed.
Overservicing
Overservicing occurs when an air filter element is removed
for cleaning or replacement before it is necessary. Each time
the filter is removed a small amount of dirt and dust could
fall in the intake system. This accumulated dirt can cause a
dusted engine. It only takes a few grams of ingested dirt over
the normal service life of an engine to cause a dusted engine.
Do not clean the element, but replace with a new element
only. Cleaning used air filter elements, through improper
cleaning procedures, can get dust on the inside of the filter
causing dirt ingestion and engine failure.
It is important to note that whenever an air filter element is
cleaned by any method, the person or company performing
the cleaning assumes responsibility for the integrity of the
filter from then on. The warranty for air filters expires upon
cleaning or servicing in any manner because the condition of
the filter after servicing is completely out of the filter
manufacturer's control. Therefore, on a dust ingested engine
failure, there will be no warranty consideration if the air filter
element has been cleaned or serviced in any manner.
A partially dirty air filter element works better than a new
element. Therefore, a dirty filter element is not bad for the
engine unless it is excessively restricting the air flow and
engine performance is affected. The reason is simple. The
media in the filter must be porous to allow air to pass
through it. When dirty air passes through the filter, the dirt
4-6
B. Clamp
Figure 4-13
605596