Cleaning the Engine

  1. Park the machine safely. (See Parking Safely in SAFETY.)

Severe Duty Service

If engine has been operated in severe conditions, more frequent engine maintenance is required.

NOTE: Severe Duty Conditions:

  • Operating vehicle in dusty and/or muddy conditions - May result in plugged cooling fins. Inspect and/or clean engine-cooling system. See Cooling System Inspection and Cleaning.
  • Immersion in water - May result in water contaminating the oil. Inspect and/or change oil as required.
  • Extended engine idling - May result in spark plug fouling. Inspect and/or clean plugs as required.
  • Short trip cold weather operation - May result in spark plug fouling. Inspect and/or clean plugs as required.


Cooling System Inspection and Cleaning

NOTE: This is an air-cooled engine. Dirt, debris and mud can restrict cooling airflow into the engine. Restriction of cooling airflow may result in severe engine damage. Inspect and/or clean engine cooling system as required.

  1. Stop engine and inspect external parts of the engine for sign of debris/mud build up:

    MXAL47343
    MXAL47343-UN-16APR13

    Some parts removed for better view.

    • Inspect the cooling fins (A) inside the blower housing thru the holes/plugs.
    • Inspect rotating screen (B) and clean as needed.


  2. If signs of excessive mud or debris are apparent inside the blower housing, clean the cooling system:

    1. Stop engine before cleaning.

      IMPORTANT: Do not use water on a hot engine.

    2. Allow engine to cool approximately 20 minutes prior to cleaning with water.

    3. To access engine cooling fins, loosen and raise clamp (C), remove three bolts (D) and raise panel (E). Remove two screws (F) and panel (G).

    4. Light debris like grass and chaff build-up may be removed by compressed air and soft bristle brush.

      IMPORTANT: Do not use high-pressure water from a pressure washer. High-pressure water may result in damage to gaskets, wires and other engine components.

    5. Wash mud out of cooling fin areas with low pressure water (garden hose). A soft bristle brush may also be used.

    6. Run the engine at moderate speed and direct low pressure water into the intake screen and other openings around the blower housing until mud is flushed from the interior.

  3. Install all parts before running the engine.

BB87125,0000D8F-19-20130514