Maintenance Instructions
CLEANING
69
Engine Cooling System
Radiator Screen and Cooling Fins
To prevent the engine from overheating and possi-
ble engine damage, clean grass clippings, chaff,
and dirt from the fine mesh radiator intake screen
daily.
In certain mowing conditions (dry grass,
leaves, tree “cotton”, etc.), it may be necessary to
check and clean the screen several times during use
to prevent engine overheating.
1. Remove the screen. To clean the screen, wash
with soapy water or blow out with compressed
air.
Removable Radiator Screen
2. Inspect the radiator cooling fins for material
lodged in this area which would restrict cooling
airflow. Use pressurized air or water to clean.
DO NOT use any tool, like a screwdriver or
knife,
to clean material out of the fins as this
may damage the cooling fins.
DO NOT
use cold
water on a hot radiator.
NOTE:
Directing pressurized air or water from
the fan side of the radiator outward is recom-
mended to dislodge material packed on the out-
side of the cooling fins.
DO NOT
use cold water
on a hot radiator.
WARNING
Radiator and engine parts can become ex-
tremely hot during operation. Wear gloves
and avoid touching hot parts while clean-
ing the radiator screen and cleaning debris
away from the engine and cooling system.
Flushing Radiator and Changing Coolant
Change engine coolant
every year.
Drain the cool-
ant from the engine and radiator:
1. Remove the radiator cap.
2. Open the drain cocks on the engine block and
radiator (see the Kohler Owner’s Manual for lo-
cation of the drain cocks). Also, drain the cool-
ant recovery tank.
3. If there is any
indication of deposits
or scaling
inside the radiator, use a commercial scale re-
mover and
flush the cooling system
thor-
oughly before adding fresh coolant.
Use a pre-mixed 50/50 solution of antifreeze (ethyl-
ene glycol) and distilled water to refill the cooling
system.
IMPORTANT:
The solution of antifreeze and water
must be thoroughly pre-mixed before putting it in the
engine. Adding pure antifreeze into the radiator may
cause damage to the engine from overheating.
IMPORTANT:
Maintain
proper coolant level
in the
radiator and coolant recovery tank. The coolant
level should be maintained between
FULL
and
LOW
marks on the coolant recovery tank.
Recheck
the
coolant level after the first time the engine has been
operated after filling the coolant system (it would be
normal to add a little coolant after initial operation).
Grass Buildup in Mower Deck Housing
DANGER
Before raising or removing the mower
deck for cleaning, stop the engine, re move
the ignition key, and disconnect the spark
plug wires.
1.
Raise
the deck lock lever handle on each side
of the carrier frame
and pull out
to release car-
rier frame for tilting action.