John Deere Tractor 5203

Adjust spring tension by loosening or tightening lock nut (A) until throttle lever movement is smooth throughout range of travel with only slight drag.

Drain water and sediment from fuel tank and fuel filter

Check transmission-hydraulic system oil level

Remove dipstick (A) and wipe it clean. Insert dipstick fully. Is oil level between full mark and end of dipstick?

Add oil if level is low. (See AntiChatter Transmission/Hydraulic Oil in Fuels, Lubricants and Coolant section.)

Park tractor so that oil fill mark (A) on MFWD hub is level with the ground. Remove filler plug (B). Is oil level even with bottom of the filler plug hole?

Remove plug (C) to check oil level in axle housing. Is oil level even with bottom of hole?

If level is low, add John Deere HY-GARDR Gear Lubricant or its equivalent. (See Fuels, Lubricants and Coolant section.)

Is the battery clean and in good condition?

DO NOT operate engine when oil level is below low mark on dipstick.

If level is low, add oil through oil filler hole until even with upper mark. DO NOT over fill.

Check coolant level in coolant tank

If engine is cool and level is below 'LOW' add coolant to recovery tank to bring to 'LOW'.

Drain water and sediment from fuel tank

Drain water and sediment from fuel filter

Remove oil drain plug (A) and drain oil

Replace engine oil filter (B) while changing oil. Apply a film of oil on the new oil filter gasket and install new filter. Hand tighten plus 1/2 turn

Add seasonal viscosity grade oil. (See Fuels, Lubricants and Coolant section.)

Replace transmission-hydraulic filter

Remove filter (A). Apply a film of oil to new gasket and install new filter. Hand tighten plus 1/2 turn

Run engine several seconds and recheck transmission-hydraulic oil level

Drain coolant from radiator and engine block

Remove thermostat cover and thermostat, install cover without thermostat

Flush system with water, run engine for 10 minutes, then drain water

Flush system with radiator cleaner, follow cleaner instructions, then drain system

Flush system with water again, run engine for 10 minutes, then drain water

Remove thermostat cover, clean gasket material, apply gasket sealant to new gasket, install thermostat and cover

Fill system with mixture of antifreeze, soft water, and coolant conditioner

Check coolant level, fill radiator to top of filler neck, fill recovery tank to 'LOW' mark

Run engine until operating temperature is reached, let engine cool, recheck coolant level