Maintenance Instructions
KOHLER TIPS
44
IMPORTANT TIPS FOR CARE OF THE KOHLER
ENGINE
Fuel System
•
Fuel must be clean - free from water, dirt, and or-
ganic material.
•
Change fuel filter on a regular basis and when
contamination is suspected or found in the fuel.
Starting/Stopping
•
Start engine with the throttle advanced off idle
(1/4 to 1/2 throttle). This will aid starting, especially
in cold weather.
•
Keep the battery fully charged.
•
Match crankcase oil viscosity to the ambient tem-
perature, allowing the engine to crank faster and
start easier.
•
Allow engine to run at idle for a few seconds be-
fore stopping engine to avoid run-on or backfiring.
Cooling System
CAUTION
DO NOT use a pressure washer to clean the
cooling system on an air-cooled engine,
mud may form under the cooling shroud
on the cylinder head and cooling fan.
•
Keep engine air intake screen and cylinder head
fins free of grass clippings, chaff, and dirt. Inspect
intake screen and cooling fins for cleanliness and no
damage.
•
Periodically remove two access panels in the en-
gine shroud to inspect and clean cylinder head cool-
ing fins.
•
Check performance of the cooling system by
starting the engine, holding a hand adjacent to the
cylinder head, and feeling the cooling airflow.
DANGER
Make sure to keep hands clear of exhaust
pipe, muffler, and moving parts when
checking airflow.
•
Operate the engine at full speed when mowing.
This allows the engine to produce full horsepower
and move more cooling air through the engine cool-
ing fins.
Air Cleaner System
•
Use
only
Donaldson air cleaner elements. After-
market elements may not seal in the air cleaner
housing, allowing dirt to enter the engine. Also, af-
termarket filters often skimp on the filtration media
and require more frequent replace ment (see follow-
ing instructions).
•
Use the air flow restriction gauge to indicate the
need to service the air filter.
•
Do frequently check the
Turbine Precleaner
for
free movement of the internal fan.
•
DO NOT overservice
or frequently “disturb” the
air filter.
A dirty air filter actually cleans better than
a new one. Changing the air filter too often can
actually reduce filter efficiency and in crease the op-
portunity for traces of dust to enter the engine. Wait
until the element really needs servicing as indicated
by the air flow restriction gauge.
•
When the air filter element is removed or re placed,
make sure all
dust is cleaned out
of the
air cleaner
housing and hose.
Use a damp cloth and wipe the
interior of the canister and hose clean (a lit tle dirt left
here will be sucked into the engine and reduce engine
life). When the filter is reinstalled, make sure the
element is held tight and straight
in the canister for
proper seating and sealing.
•
Periodically check the air intake hose for cuts,
nicks, etc., and the hose clamps for tightness.
Oil
•
Use only multi-viscosity oils as specified with the
viscosity matching ambient temperatures for the en-
gine operating conditions. This will
aid starting
in
cold weather and assure proper lubrication in hot
weather.
•
Use only Kohler oil filters.
Aftermarket filters
may not seal properly
and/or have the incorrect
pressure relief valve for proper lubrication.
