V-Belts; Transaxle Cooling; Transaxle Pump Fluid; Engine Lubrication - Poulan Pro PD185H42STA Owner's Manual

MAINTENANCE
• Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED bat-
tery cable and remove battery from tractor.
• 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 "REPLACING BA'I-I-ERY" in
the SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS section of this
manual).
V-BELTS
Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after 100 hours
of operation and replace if necessary. The belts are not
adjustable. Replace belts if they begin to slip from wear.
TRANSAXLECOOLING
The transmissionfan and coolingfins should be keptclean
to assure proper cooling.
Do not attempt to clean fan or transmission while engine
is runningor while the transmissionis hot.To prevent pos-
sible damage to seals, do not use high pressure water or
steam to clean transaxle.
• Inspectcoolingfan to be sure fan blades are intact and
clean.
• Inspectcooling fins for dirt, grass clippings and other
materials. To prevent damage to seals, do not use
compressedair or high pressure sprayerto clean cool-
ing fins.
TRANSAXLE PUMP FLUID
The transaxle was sealed at the factory and fluid mainte-
nance is not required for the life of the transaxle. Should
the transaxle ever leak or require servicing, contact your
nearest authorized service center/department.
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service
classification SF-SJ. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade
according to your expected operating temperature.
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
-20 0 30 60 80 100
-30 -20 -10 0 10 20 3_0 40
TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
FIG. 15
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.)
improve starting in cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils
will result in increased oil consumptionwhen used above
32°1=.Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid
possible engine damage from running low on oil.
Change the oil after every 50 hours of operation or at least
once a year if the tractor is not used for 50 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,
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Figs. 15 and 16)
Determine temperature range expected before oil change.
All oil must meet API service classification SF-SJ.
• 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 allowdirt
to enter the engine when changing oil.
• Remove yellow cap from end of drain valve and install
the drain tube onto the fitting.
OILDRAIN VALVE
CLOSED
AND
PosmoN
YELLOW CAP
TUBE
FIG. 16
• Unlock drain valve by pushing inward and turning
counterclockwise.
• To open, pull out on the drain valve.
• After oil has drained completely, close and lock the
drain valve by pushing inward and turning clockwise
until the pin is in the locked position as shown.
• Remove the drain tube and replace the cap onto tothe
bottom fitting of the drain valve.
• Refill engine with oilthrough oil fill dipsticktube. Pour
slowly. Do not overfill. For approximate capacity see
"PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this man-
ual.
• Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for checking level.
Be sure dipstickcap istightened securely for accurate
reading. Keep oil at "FULL"line on dipstick.
CLEAN AIR SCREEN
Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent
engine damage from overheating. Clean with a wire brush
or compressed air to remove dirt and stubborn dried gum
fibers,
AIR FILTER
Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter,
Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions.
See Engine Manual.
ENGINE OIL FILTER
Replace the engine oil filter every season or every other
oil change if the tractor is used more than 100 hours in
one year.
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