Engine Air Filter - HUSTLER Super Mini Z Owner's Manual

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Figure 4-13
after that. If tractor is being operated in extremely dirty
conditions, then it is recommended oil be changed more
frequently.
The oil drain and oil filter are located at the rear of the
engine. Fig. 4-11A & 4-11B

Engine air filter

Perform engine air filter maintenance per the Service
Interval chart on page 4-2.
A specially designed dry filter is standard equipment on
the Mini Z and Super Mini Z tractors and supplies clean
combustion air to the engine. Fig. 4-12
Recommended service procedure
Many engine failures can be attributed to improper air
cleaner servicing. Ingested dust and dirt will cause cylinder,
piston and bearing damage in a few hours. "Dusted"
engines will result from:
1. Overservicing the air filter element.
2. Improper installation.
3. Damaged filter, seals or canister.
4. Incorrect air filter element size.
5. Use of poorly designed aftermarket air filter elements.
Air cleaner servicing is an inexpensive maintenance
check that can prevent costly non-warrantable premature
engine damage.
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 element, 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 Donaldson
warranty for air filters expires upon cleaning or
302638 Rev 1/05
Indicator
4-11
servicing in any manner because the condition of the
filter after servicing is completely out of their 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
plugs some of the holes in the media and actually acts as
part of the filter media. When the next round of dirt enters,
the first dirt helps filter out even smaller particles making
the filter more efficient at stopping dirt from entering the
engine. This is referred to as barrier filtration.
Of course, at some point the filter media becomes too
clogged to allow air to pass.
The mowing conditions will determine the frequency of
air filter element changing.
Improper installation of an air filter element
Dust must not leak past the seals on each end of the air
filter element. The filter must be aligned within the canister
and properly seated for an effective seal so that no dirt can
enter the engine.
Damaged filter, seals or canister
Never bang or bump the filter element against the tire or
any solid object, as dust and dirt particles will be forced
through the media causing continual passing of dirt into the
engine. Visually inspect the outside of the air cleaner
canister periodically for external damage and replace if
necessary.
Incorrect air cleaner element
Use only the correct Donaldson air filter element, Hustler
part number 785261, which is designed to fit the canister
properly.
Hustler air filter elements have the correct media
composition, filter area, micron size and dimensions.
Always use genuine Hustler filters. Many aftermarket filters
have been found to be incompatible with Hustler's canisters
and engines.
The air filter must remain intact to block passage of dirt
and foreign particles from entering the engine. Being
inclined to disbelieve the need for more expensive air filter
elements used on gasoline engines may cause some
individuals to opt for a less expensive part.
The filter element must be sufficient size and
construction to withstand stresses, caused by rapid cycling
of the air volume demanded by the engine, without cracking
or tearing under fatigue and pressure (especially diesel
engines). Therefore, Hustler Turf Equipment and the engine
manufacturers have carefully selected a reliable filter
designed to fit the needs of the engines. The filter specified
is a Donaldson filter, Hustler part number 785261.
Owners should be reminded that failure to use original
equipment replacement parts is an "alteration" and will not
be considered for warranty in the event of engine damage.
Recommended service procedure
1. Release clamps and remove element. Clean the
canister with a damp cloth.