PREVENTION MAINTENANCE

CHECKLIST FOR
TRACTORS, TRUCKS, AND AUTOMOBILES
Farm Machinery Fact Sheet FM-21

By Dr. Von H. Jarrett, Extension Agricultural Engineer

Systematic sequence for inspectionGASOLINE AND DIESEL
(Check when done) UNDER THE HOOD
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Locate operator's manual for vehicle.

Fuel, oil, and exhaust leaksInspect.
Oil and fuel linesExamine for chafing and kinks.
Automatic transmissionInspect oil level; also, standard transmission.
Radiator core, water pump, cylinder head, block, heater, hoses and
connections. Inspect for leaks.
Power steering pump reservoirCheck fluid level, inspect for leaks, add if
required.
Inspect all belts, condition and adjustment.
Electrical connections and mounting bolts of starter, generator,
alternatorTighten.
Generator commutator and brushesInspect.
Alternator, generator and regulatorTest and adjust with voltmeter.
Steering gear housingInspect lubricant level.
Steering gear housing boltsTighten.
Clutch and/or brake master cylinder Inspect fluid leveladd?
BatteryRemove cables, clean terminals, reinstall cables, coat with petroleum
jelly.
____ POS ____ NEG Posts
BatteryTest cells specific gravity with hydrometer.
Cells ___1 ___2 ___3 ___4 ___5 ___6
BatteryExamine level of each cell, add distilled water if required.
RadiatorInspect coolant level and add water or antifreeze solution if
required.
Radiator coolantInspect for signs of oil or combustion leakage.
Cooling systemPressure test.
Engine oilInspect level. Change if at change period or add.
Air cleanerClean.
Air compressorAdjust, cut in ___psi; cut out ___psi; tighten mounting.

Gas only
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33.
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Crankcase breather and oil filler cap air cleanerClean and/or replace.
Fuel filterClean or replace (replace paper clement always).
Carburetor air cleanerClean or replace.
Spark plugsRemove, inspect, clean or replace and gap. Torque with new
gaskets.
DistributorInspect contacts for corrosion and cap for cracks. Inspect wiring
condition and points, inspect rotor for burning/cracks.
Cylinder compressionTest and record:
Dry 1 ___ 2 ___ 3 ___ 4 ___ 5 ___ 6 ___ 7 ___ 8
Wet 1 ___ 2 ___ 3 ___ 4 ___ 5 ___ 6 ___ 7 ___ 8
ManifoldsInspect for leaks, tighten nuts, with engine at normal operating
temperature.
Cylinder head boltsTorque.
Positive crankcase ventilator valveRemove, clean or replace.
ValvesRun engine at proper idle, inspect overhead system and, adjust valve
lash if required.
Valve cover gasketReplace.
CarburetorAdjust idle mixture and RPM.
Ignition timingSet with light.
Use tachometer and record top engine RPM.

Diesel only
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Radiator shuttersInspect to see they are open before starting engine and close
as air pressure builds up after starting engine.
Shutter-statLubricate.
With engine operating at proper temperatureTighten exhaust manifold and
exhaust pipe flange nuts. Tighten air inlet system hose clamps. Inspect for
leaks.
Air box drains and crankcase breather tubesWith engine running, see that
they are open.
Primary and/or secondary fuel filtersOpen petcock and drain water.
Fuel return lineDisconnect at tank or other convenient place. Run engine at
____ RPM. Fuel return should be approx. ____ quarts per minute. Observe fuel
for appearance of air bubbles or gases.
Primary fuel filterClean. Secondary fuel filterReplace if at change period.
Engine and oil cooler linesInspect for leaks.
High pressure lines and clampsInspect, tighten or replace.
Fuel jumper linesTighten if required.
ValvesInspect for proper clearance. (LASH.)
Injector nozzlesInspect and clean as required, set cracking pressure.
InjectorsCheck and adjust for proper height setting. Inspect overhead system
and adjust rack.
Air cleanersClean and refill reservoir with engine oil.
Emergency stop controlTest with engine off.
Throttle, accelerator, shut-off and choke controlsTest operations.
High idle speed settingTest and record
____ RPM. Low idle speed setting and record ____ RPM.

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Check on a dynamometer.
PTO RPM's ____ High Idle ____ Rated ____ Horsepower

WALK-AROUND
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Front sheet metal, paint and bumperInspect for appearance/accident.

Front lights and directional signalsInspect.
Left front tireInspect for cuts or unusual wear, torque wheel nuts.
Left-hand side of cabInspect for appearance and condition.
Left-side door hinges and latchLubricate, adjust if necessary. Window
regulators and ventsTest operation.
Fuel tank mountingsTighten if required.
BatteryExamine box cover clamps; inspect level of each cell.
Left-side of body and frameInspect for appearance and condition.
Left-rear tiresExamine for cuts or signs of unusual wear. Torque wheel and
axle flange nuts.
Fifth-wheel mountingsTighten if required.
Rear of vehicleInspect for appearance and condition.
Cab sheet metalInspect for appearance and condition.
Right rear tiresExamine for cuts or signs of unusual wear. Torque wheel and
axle flange nuts.
Right side of body and frameInspect for appearance and condition.
Right side door hinges and latchLubricate, adjust if necessary. Window
regulators and ventstest operation.
Right front tireExamine for cuts or unusual wear. Torque wheel nuts.
Front ball jointsInspect on both wheels for excessive looseness.
Front kingpins and bearingsInspect on both wheels for looseness.
Front brake linings, anchors, locks, wheel cylinders and drumsInspect, blow
out drums and shoes. Lubricate shoe anchors and camswedge-type brakes,
clean and lubricate actuating components.
Front wheel bearingsClean, repack and adjust for both front wheels. Replace
grease retainer.
Rear brake linings, anchors, locks, wheel cylinders and drumsInspect. Blow
out drums and shoes, lubricate shoe anchors and cams; wedge-type
brakesclean and lubricate actuating components. Adjust as required.
Wedge-type brake systemsRemove brake drums, clean and lubricate
adjusting components.
Rear wheel bearingsClean, repack and adjust. Replace grease retainer.
Front wheel caster and camberInspect to see that it is within specifications.
Toe-inAdjust as required.

UNDER VEHICLE
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ChassisLubricate according to correct lubricating chart.

Front tiresExamine for cuts or unusual wear.
Front springsInspect for shackle looseness and wear. Inspect leaves for
breakage and misalignment.
Pitman and steering arms, drag link and tie rodInspect.
Power steering cylinderInspect for leaks.

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28.
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Propeller shaftInspect, including all brackets, flanges, hangers and center

bearings.
Rear springsInspect for loose or worn shackles, broken or misaligned leaves.
Engine oilReplace oil, filter element and gasket at change period.
Engine pan gasket, front and rear crankshaft sealsInspect.
Engine mountsInspect for deterioration or looseness.
Clutch controlsExamine for any abnormal condition. Inspect clearance and
adjustment.
Front U-boltsTighten to specifications.
TransmissionInspect for leaks. Inspect the lubricant level. Add?
Automatic transmission cooler linesInspect for leakage.
Automatic transmission linkageAdjust.
Transmission support and strut rodAdjust if required.
Driveline-type parking brakeInspect lining condition and adjust.
Auxiliary or transfer caseInspect for leaks. See that breathers are not
restricted. Tighten rear bearing retainer bolts.
Transmission; auxiliary or transfer case linkage pivot pointsLubricate.
Center bearing, brackets, U-joints and flangesTighten as required.
Rear axleInspect lubricant level, add if required. Clean breather.
Rear axle differential housingInspect for lubricant leakage and pinion
bearings for looseness. See that axle breather is free of dirt.
Rear tiresExamine for cuts and unusual wear.
Rear axle carrier housing and pinion cage boltsTighten.
Rear U-boltsTighten to specifications.
Air brake valve clevis pinLubricate.
Brake hoses, lines, valves, chambers, etc.Inspect for leaks. Examine cross
shaft, cables, linkage for abnormal wear.
Air tanksDrain.
Frames and crossmembersExamine.
Exhaust pipe, muffler, tailpipe and hanger bracketsInspect.
Cab hold-down-bolt insulatorsInspect, tighten bolts if required.
Body mountsTighten if required.

CAB/DRIVER ITEMS
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Cab interiorInspect for appearance and condition.

Seat adjustmentOperate. Inspect seat cushions.
Window regulators and wing ventsOperate.
MirrorsInspect for cracks, discoloration and tightness.
All lights, horn, tell-tale lights and dash instrumentsTest.
WipersInspect for correct operation and wear. Adjust, repair or replace as
necessary.
WashersOperate.
Radio; heater and directional signalsOperate.
Steering wheelInspect steering gear play.
Service brake pedalTest for action and adequate reserve.
Parking brakeTest for action and adequate reserve.
Transmission leverShift through all gear positions.
Clutch pedalTest for action and adequate free play.
Fire extinguisherInspect for leakage and secure mounting.

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Fire extinguisherRefill or recharge if needed.

ToolsSee that those regularly assigned are in the vehicle.
Engine emergency stopTest with engine off.
Throttle and accelerator controlsTest for binding.
ChokeTest for binding.
Seat beltsSecurely anchored and in good condition.

Utah State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution.

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Robert L. Gilliland, Vice President and Director, Cooperative Extension Service, Utah State
University, Logan, Utah. (EP/2-95/DF)