cap and remove the cap and begin filling. When finished, screw the cap on
securely and wipe up any spilled gasoline.
Use regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher.
IMPORTANT: Never use methanol, gasoline containing methanol, or
gasohol containing more than 10% ethanol because the fuel system could be
damaged. Do not mix oil with gasoline.
Using a fuel stabilizer/conditioner in the tractor can provide benefits
such as:
1. Keeps gasoline fresh during storage of 90 days or less. For longer
storage, drain the fuel tanks.
2. Cleans the engine during operation.
3. Eliminates gum-like varnish buildup in the fuel system.
IMPORTANT: Do not use fuel additives containing methanol or
ethanol.
Add the correct amount of gas stabilizer/conditioner to the gas. Follow
the gas stabilizer/conditioner manufacturer’s directions for best results.
The fuel filter (Fig. 9-13A, 9-13B & 9-13C) is installed in the fuel line
between fuel tanks and engine fuel pump on the rear left side of the engine.
Replace filter annually or after every 100 hours of operation, whichever
occurs first. For fuel filter removal refer to the engine owner’s manual
When replacing the fuel filter, check the fuel line hoses and fuel shut-
off valve grommet for any cracks or leaks. Replace as needed.
Fuel Shut-off Valves
On early units a fuel shut-off valve is located on the outlet port of each
fuel tank. (Fig. 9-14) Close these valves (turn clockwise) to prevent fuel
flow to the engine. To drain a fuel tank equipped with this fuel shut-off
valve use the following method:
1. Park the unit on a flat surface. Stop the engine and remove the
ignition key. Make sure deck clutch switch is in the down (OFF)
position. Place control levers in the park brake position.
Disconnect negative battery cable.
2. Close the fuel shut-off valve on both of the fuel tanks.
3. Trace the fuel line from the shut-off valve to the tee. Loosen the
hose clamp and remove the fuel line from the tee.
4. Place the end of the fuel line in a clean certified fuel container and
open the fuel shut-off valve to drain the fuel from the fuel tank.
5. When fuel tank is drained re-route the fuel line to the tee and attach
to the tee. Clamp fuel line to tee.
6. Fill fuel tank with proper grade of gasoline and open shut-off valves.
Current production units have a fuel shut-off valve (Hustler p/n
745059) located behind the seat to the right side of the operator. (Fig. 9-15)
Close this valve (center position) to prevent fuel flow to the engine. The
valve’s two other positions are front and rear. To drain a fuel tank equipped
with this fuel shut-off valve kit use the following method:
1. Park the unit on a flat surface. Stop the engine and remove the
ignition key. Make sure deck clutch switch is in the down (OFF)
position. Place control levers in the park brake position.
Disconnect negative battery cable.
2. Turn the fuel valve to the closed position (middle position). Fig. 9-
15
3. Disconnect the tank to fuel valve line from the valve and clamp or
cap the end of it.
4. Route the fuel line until it is lower than the fuel tank fitting.
5. Place the end of the fuel line in a clean certified fuel container and
unclamp or uncap the line to permit the fuel to drain from the fuel
tank.
6. When fuel tank is drained re-route the fuel line to the shut-off valve
and attach it to the tee. Clamp fuel line to shut-off valve.
7. Fill fuel tank with proper grade of gasoline and open shut-off valve
(front or rear position).
Figure 9-9
1-1/2”
1-7/8”
Full mark
Dipstick
396242
Acceptable
operating
range
Figure 9-11
Bypass valve rod
(Right rod shown)
Bypass valve rod shown in closed position
Slot
Figure 9-12
Fuel tank
Figure 9-10
Bypass valve rod
(Right rod shown)
Bypass valve rod shown in open position
Slot
