On May 23, 8:25*pm, "Dave" wrote:
Yeah, but.... * Hold a new filter up to a light and you can see light
thru the filter, similar to a lamp shade. *That same filter after
being blown out 2-3x and as clean as you can get it, will not let any
light thru. This tells me dust is imbedded in the pores of the
filter. *Obviously air is getting thru it somehow, but if the airflow
is impeded, is it pulling unfiltered air from around the edges? *And
if the air/fuel ratio is out of whack, is there unburned fuel deposit
buildup happening in *the engine? * I don't know the answer to these
questions and that's why I asked.

OK, if the air filter is extremely clogged, that could reduce airflow
through the engine, causing the engine to run a bit rich. *In a car or
motorcycle, this can reduce fuel economy. *For example, a car that gets
25MPG highway might get 23MPG highway with a clogged air filter. *The effect
on a lawn tractor? *Probably similar, but a lot harder to measure. *I mean,
there's no odometer on a lawn tractor. *So how do you really keep track of
how much fuel you are wasting with a clogged air filter?

There will always be some small amount of air that gets pulled around the
edges of the air filter. *Even a brand new air filter. *The air filter isn't
meant to stop ALL dust from getting into the engine. *It just isn't that
critical. *With no dust in the engine, the engine would still wear out
eventually. *And with a little dust in the engine, the engine will still
likely last longer than you need it to, if you don't abuse it. *(in
particular, don't neglect to change the oil regularly)

There is no specific answer to your question, simply stated how often do I
need to change the air filter? *What it boils down to is a judgement call.
I'd suggest that you change the filter once a year. *Change it more often IF
you happen to damage it while blowing it out. *Keep a spare on hand just in
case, as when you find you need one, it might not be a convenient time to go
out and get one.

Also pay attention to how the tractor is performing. *Maybe you don't have
an odometer to measure fuel economy, but you will spot other problems if the
fuel/air mixture is too rich. *For example, if you hit really tall grass
with a new air filter, does the engine bog down / lug? *After you blow out
the air filter a few times, hit a similar patch of really tall grass, does
the engine STALL now? *That could be a clue that your engine is not
producing as much torque as it should. *Possibly time to change the air
filter? *Although that could be caused by other things, also. *Also, if you
normally mow the whole property on a single tank of fuel, but after blowing
out the air filter a few times you find that you need to refuel when the
mowing is almost done? *That could be another clue that the air filter is
due to be changed.

Just use common sense. *It's an internal combustion engine. *You don't need
to be a rocket scientist to operate and maintain it. * *-Dave

JUst put a condom on it and that will keep it from getting dirty.