Recommended Service Procedure
1. Release clamps and remove element. Clean the air
CZ
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 dam-
aged element which will allow abrasive particles to
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enter the engine.
3. Reinstall the dust cap. Make sure it seals all the way
around the air cleaner canister, then tighten the
clamps. Figure 4-12
4. Check all fittings and clamps periodically for tightness
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and inspect hoses for holes or cracks.
5. Periodically check the intake hose for signs of
ingested dust. Locate and repair the source of
ingested dirt.
6. Never operate the machine without an air filter
installed.
EN
Overservicing
Kawasaki engine shown
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FR
IT
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A. Air cleaner canister
B. Dust cap
PT
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
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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
REV C
A
C
C. Clamp
Figure 4-12
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 manufac-
turer'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
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.
B
Air Restriction Indicator
Some mowers have engines with an air restriction indica-
tor installed in the air cleaner. Figure 4-13
A. Reset button
Replace the element when the restriction indicator reaches
the change filter red line. Check the indicator daily and
4-6
B
A
B. Indicator
Figure 4-13
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