Lesson

Applying Preventative Maintenance

Practices

Interest Approach

n  List the reasons why it is important to follow the preventative maintenance schedule.

Student Learning Objectives

n  Explain the importance of preventative maintenance on engines and equipment.

n  Explain the safety practices to follow when servicing equipment.

n  Identify common maintenance practices associated with major engine systems.

Terms

n  Compression gauge n  Flooding n  Preventative maintenance

Preventative Maintenance

n  Performing of practices to keep equipment in good working condition. ¡  Properly maintaining agricultural

equipment requires skill, practice, and quality management.

Preventative Maintenance Practices

n  Changing fluids n  Cleaning components n  Replacing filters

Safety Practices

n  Read and follow all instructions in the operator’s manual.

n  Know all the safety emblems and warning signs used for agricultural equipment.

n  Use protective eyewear, clothing, and footwear.

Safety Practices

n  Use jackstands, engine stands, and other supports.

n  Observe caution around fuels and flammable materials.

n  Operate internal combustion engines in well-ventilated areas.

n  Place machines in park and lower implements before working on them.

Safety Practices

n  Work in well-lighted and properly ventilated areas.

n  Regularly clean the floor and remove obstacles and fluids.

n  Handle batteries safely. n  Keep fire extinguishers and smoke

detectors in shop work areas.

Safety Practices

n  Use caution when working around high pressure.

n  Use protective hearing devices when working in loud areas.

n  Safely dispose of used fluids.

Nine Safety Colors

n  Red – danger n  Orange – warning n  Yellow – caution n  Blue – information n  Green – safety n  Black & yellow diagonal lines -

radioactivity

Nine Safety Colors

n  White – direction of traffic flows and segregate work areas.

n  White & black stripes – traffic markings.

n  Gray – floors or work areas in the shop.

Nine safety colors

Ignition System Checks

n  Inspect the spark plug. n  Inspect the spark plug wire. n  Check the spark output using a

spark tester. n  Check the flywheel.

Parts of a

spark plug

Fuel System Checks

n  Insure that there is gas in the gas tank.

n  Check the spark plug for gasoline. n  Check the flow of gas from the fuel

tank to the carburetor. n  Flooding – an excessive amount of

gasoline in the carburetor.

Parts of a Carburetor

Compression System Checks

n  Compression gage – determines compression pressure of the cylinder.

Liquid Cooling System Checks

n  Check the hoses and belts for leaks and cracks.

n  Maintain the proper coolant level. n  Keep the system clean. n  Use recommended coolant. n  Pressurize the system and check for

leaks. n  Check the specific gravity of the coolant. n  Check the condition of the fan.

Air Cooling System Checks

n  Remove dirt that can clog air passages

n  Make sure the precleaner is in place

n  Check the fan n  Makes sure all shrouds are in place

Lubrication System Checks

n  Check the engine oil level n  Change the oil and filters

Air Intake System Checks

n  Connect a vacuum gage to the intake manifold

n  Allow the engine to run for a few minutes n  Record the age reading with the engine

operating n  Compare the readings to the manufacturer’s

specifications n  Inspect the intake system for possible

restrictions and leaks

Review/Summary

n  Why is it important to practice preventative maintenance on engines and equipment?

n  What are the safety rules to follow when servicing agricultural equipment?

n  What are some common maintenance practices carried out on engine systems?