Hustler Turf ATZ - Manual (Page 23)

Engine air filter
Perform engine air filter maintenance per the Service Interval chart
shown elsewhere in this manual.
A specially designed dry filter is standard equipment on these tractors
and supplies clean combustion air to the engine. Some examples of the air
filter are shown in Fig. 4-6 & 4-7.
Recommended service procedure
1. Release clamps and remove element. Clean the canister with a damp
cloth.
2. Before installing a new element, inspect it by placing a bright light
inside and rotate 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 damaged element which will allow abrasive particles to enter
the engine.
3. Reinstall the dust cup. Make sure it seals all the way around the air
cleaner body, then tighten the clamps.
4. Check all fittings and clamps periodically for tightness 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 a machine without an air filter installed.
Safety filter
Some Hustler tractors are equipped with a safety filter. The filter
element slides over the safety filter.
NOTE: The safety filter does not require servicing unless it becomes
contaminated with dirt or moisture. Fig. 4-8
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 warranty for
air filters expires upon cleaning or 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.
Figure 4-7
Canister
Pre-cleaner
Figure 4-6
Pre-cleaner
Canister
Figure 4-8
Safety filter
601656_0308 22
Figure 4-5
Priming bulb