Allis-Chalmers 917-H - KT17 ENGINE MAINTENANCE; AIR CLEANER AND COOLING SYSTEM CARE; SPARK PLUGS AND CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENTS

ENGINE -KT17
AIR CLEANER
A clean air filter is important - only a short period of op¬
eration with unfiltered air can ruin an engine.
This engine is equipped with a dry type air cleaner element,
which should be checked every 50 operating hours and
replaced if dirty. It should be checked and replaced more
often under extremely dirty dusty conditions. Do not
wash element in any liquid or attempt to blow dirt off
with air hose as this will puncture filter element. When
replacing element, use only genuine element. Carefully
handle new element - do not use if gasket surfaces are
bent or twisted.
Wing nut must be finger tightened 1/2 to 1 full turn after
nut contacts cover. Do not overtighten.
COOLING SYSTEM
Before each start-up make sure the air intake screen is
clean and unobstructed - an obstructed screen can cause
overheating of engine. If debris builds up on the screen
while operating, stop the engine and brush off.
Every 50 operating hours remove shrouds and clean fins.
Do not operate engine with cooling shrouds removed -
this will cause overheating and engine damage. Air is
drawn into the blower housing by fins on the flywheel,
circulated past cooling fins on the block and head and is
discharged toward the power takeoff end of the engine.
Clean external surfaces of your engine occasionally as de¬
posits of dust and oil can contribute to improper cooling.
SPARKPLUGS
Incorrect spark plug, cracked porcelain, or improper spark
gap can cause the engine to misfire. Clean area around
plug before removing to prevent dirt from getting into
engine. Carefully note spark plug appearance - it can
indicate ignition trouble. If heavy black or blistered white
deposits are noted, see your Allis-Chalmers Dealer for
correction.
Every 100 hours remove plug, check condition and reset
gap or replace plug - see General Specifications. Do not
machine blast spark plugs. Spark plugs should be cleaned
by scraping or wire brushing and washing with a commer¬
cial solvent. Worn plugs should be replaced. Torque plugs
to 15 ft.-lbs. (20 N • m).
CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENTS
The KT17 engine is equipped with a side draft, adjustable
jet carburetor. It was properly set at factory and should
not have to be reset. If, however, one of the following
conditions is noted, adjust the carburetor immediately
as incorrect setting can lead to fouled spark plugs, over¬
heating, excessive valve wear or other problems.
If adjustment becomes necessary, stop the engine, then
turn the MAIN and IDLE fuel adjusting screws all the
way in, until they bottom lightly.
IMPORTANT: Do not force adjusting screws closed as
damage to needle valves will result. See Chart below for
Carburetor Adjusting Tips.
Condition
Possible Cause/Probable Remedy
1 . Black, sooty exhaust smoke, engine sluggish.
2. Engine misses and backfires at high speed.
3. Engine starts, sputters and dies under cold weather
starting.
4. Engine runs rough or stalls at idle speed.
1. Mixture too rich - adjust main fuel screw.
2. Mixture too lean - adjust main fuel screw.
3. Mixture too lean - turn main fuel screw 1/4 turn
counterclockwise.
4. Idle speed too slow or improper idle adjustment -
adjust idle speed screw, then idle fuel screw if need¬
ed.
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