Cleaning out under cooling tins / shroud on a PT425

[TinmanPT]

First things first, was Impulse, forgot pw, recovery process is a dead end... new username.

I've just passed 200 hours now on my PT425 and have never cleaned under the shroud / cooling tin. It seems that the machine runs hotter now with some engine run-on. I've blown out and power washed the machine but I'm thinking maybe I need to get in under there and see if it's plugged up.

Anyone have any tips on cleaning it up before I look to address it? I've tried searching the forums but the post that had some pictures had dead links.

Thanks

 

[BobRip]

I cut mine in half horizontally. I can now easily remove the top half and blow air into the area. You are talking about the plastic intake shroud around the cooling fan intake.? The centerline of the cut is the middle of the drive shaft. I used a dremel tool to do the cutting.

 

[TinmanPT]

Thanks for the info. I've got a dremel and a somewhat steady hand. I'll give it a shot.

 

[MuncyBob]

I use a leaf blower to clean out the engine bay after each grass cutting. Seems to keep the shroud fairly clear of debris, but for the best temp control I followed Kent's thread and installed the side fan on the mesh area of the engine lid/cover. Along with getting rid of the PT muffler and 90 degree manifold. Using my infrared temp probe the engine compartment temps are almost cut in half and I never have run on anymore.