66
Maintenance Instructions
CHECKING/SERVICING
Spark Plug
Every year,
remove the spark plug, inspect, clean,
and reset the gap (or replace with a
new plug
).
Clean spark plug with a wire brush. If the electrodes
are burned short or pitted, replace the plug (refer to
Specifications
for the proper type of replacement
plug). Check the spark plug gap with a wire-type
feeler gauge and set the gap between 0.028 and
0.032 in. (0.7 and 0.8 mm). Reinstall and tighten to
17 lb
·
ft (23 N
·
m).
Ignition
The Kohler engine is equipped with an electronic
ignition. No breaker points, maintenance, or adjust
ments are necessary with this system. Contact an
authorized Kohler engine dealer in case of ignition
failure.
Ignition Wire
Good preventative maintenance calls for complete
re-
placement
of the spark plug wire
every two (2) years.
Fuel Lines and Clamps
NOTE:
The engine fuel injection system is pressur
ized and should be serviced by a Walker dealer or
authorized Kohler engine service outlet.
Every year,
inspect the fuel supply line from the
tank to engine for deterioration or damage. Also,
inspect the fuel line
clamps for tightness.
Good
preventive maintenance calls for complete
replace-
ment
of fuel lines and clamps
every two (2) years.
Engine Valve Clearance
Check and adjust the Kohler engine valve clearance
every 400 hours.
Refer to the Kohler Engine Own
er’s Manual and Workshop Manual for specifica
tions and procedure to check the valve clearance.
For engine servicing, contact an authorized Kohler
engine dealer or a trained engine technician.
IMPORTANT:
Always use the proper engine service
manual when working on the engine. Improper en-
gine maintenance or adjustments will adversely af-
fect engine operation, performance, and durability
and may
VOID
the warranty.
Transmission Control Setting
On a
yearly
interval or when an out-of-adjustment
condition is observed, check the transmission con
trol for proper function as follows:
Neutral-Park
With the mower parked on level ground, start and
run the engine, first at idle and then normal operat
ing speeds. With the FSC in the
NEUTRAL-PARK
position, there should be no movement of either
drive tire. If the tire(s) are “creeping” forward or re
verse, refer to
ADJUSTMENTS
for the
Neutral
Function Adjustment - Step 3
in this section.
Straight Ground Tracking
Check for straight ground track by driving on a
smooth, level surface with hands off the steering le
vers. Set the FSC at different speeds and observe
if the mower moves in a straight line (use a cement
joint or other line on the ground for reference). If the
machine is drifting to the right or left, refer to
ADJUSTMENTS
for
Straight Tracking Adjustment -
Step 5
in this section.
Blade Brake Action
WARNING
It is important to check and maintain blade
brake action for safe operation of the ma-
chine.
Check the function of the cutter blade brake and
blower brake by engaging the blade clutch (PTO),
operating the engine at full throttle, then disengag-
ing the clutch and measuring how quickly the blades
stop. Watch the rotation of the blade drive shaft and
blower pulley as a visual indication that movement
has stopped. If the brake is
working properly, all
rotation will stop five (5) seconds after disen
-
gagement
of the clutch. If the brake system mal
functions - blades do not stop in five (5) seconds -
adjust or repair the brake before operating the
mower. Refer to
ADJUSTMENTS
for
Blade Brake
Band Adjustment
in this section, or contact your au
thorized Walker dealer for this service.
