Chapter 2 Air Cleaners; General Information; Operation; Troubleshooting - Tecumseh TC 200 Technician's Handbook

CHAPTER 2 AIR CLEANERS

GENERAL INFORMATION

The air cleaner is designed to eliminate dust and dirt from the air supply. Most models of 2-cycle and 4-cycle engines
use an air cleaner except engines that run in clean environments like snow throwers or ice augers. On these applications,
a filter is not necessary and could collect snow or moisture and prevent proper engine operation. On most applications,
filtered air is necessary to assure abrasive particles are removed before entering the combustion chamber. Dirt allowed
into the engine will quickly wear the internal components and shorten the life of the engine.
Tecumseh engines use either a polyurethane or a paper type air filter system. A polyurethane pre-filter or a flocked
screen may be used in conjunction with the main filter. Extremely dirty operating conditions may require frequent filter
cleaning or replacement.

OPERATION

The outer cover holds the air filter element(s) and prevents debris from entering the filter box. The air supply is filtered
through the pre-filter if equipped, filter element (polyurethane or paper), and a flocked screen if equipped. Pre-filter
elements do not extend the recommended air filter service intervals listed under "Service". However; in extremely dirty
operating conditions a pre-filter element may increase the run time of the engine before the filter becomes restricted (not
to exceed the service recommendations), and service on the filter is necessary.

TROUBLESHOOTING

If the engine's performance is unsatisfactory (needs
Polyurethane Filter
excessive adjustments, starts smoking abnormally, loses
Air Cleaner Screen
power), the first component to be checked is the air cleaner.
A dirt restricted or an oil soaked filter element will cause
noticeable performance problems. A polyurethane element
may be cleaned following the service procedure listed
under "Service" in this chapter. A paper-type air filter should
only be replaced. Follow the procedure listed in the
service section in this chapter for replacement. Re-try the
engine after filter replacement or service. If the problem
after filter service, see Chapter 7 under "Troubleshooting"
2-1
for additional causes.

SERVICE

Cleaning and oiling the polyurethane element (diag. 2-1)
Cover
is recommended every three (3) months or every 25
operating hours. If the engine is used in extremely dusty
Air Cleaner
or dirty conditions, the filter may require service every
three hours or as often as necessary to maintain proper
Collar
engine
performance.
Polyurethane type filters require re-oiling after extended
storage due to oil migration out of the filter.
A paper type element (diag. 2-2) should be replaced once
extremely dusty conditions. Use only original factory
recommended replacement filters.
Clamp
NOTE: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLEAN OR OIL PAPER
FILTERS.
2-2
4