6
Pre-Start Checklist
• Check oil level. Add oil if low. Do not overfill.
• Check coolant level. Add coolant if low.
• Check fuel level. Add fuel if low.
• Check radiator, cooling air intake areas and
external surfaces of engine. Make sure they are
clean and unobstructed.
• Check that the air cleaner components and all
shrouds, equipment covers, and guards are in
place and securely fastened.
• Check that any clutches or transmissions are
disengaged or placed in neutral. This is especially
important on equipment with hydrostatic drive. The
shift lever must be exactly in neutral to prevent
resistance which could keep the engine from
starting.
WARNING: Lethal Exhaust Gases!
Engine exhaust gases contain poisonous carbon
monoxide. Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless,
and can cause death if inhaled. Avoid inhaling exhaust
fumes, and never run the engine in a closed building or
confined area.
Cold Weather Starting Hints
1. The cooling system must be filled with coolant
capable of providing proper protection against
freezing at the lowest temperature expected (see
‘‘Coolant Recommendations’’ on page 5).
2. Be sure to use the proper oil for the temperature
expected. See Figure 2 on page 4.
3. Declutch all possible external loads.
4. A warm battery has much more starting capacity
than a cold battery.
5. Use fresh winter grade fuel. NOTE: Winter grade
gasoline has higher volatility to improve starting.
Do not use gasoline left over from summer.
Starting
1. Place the throttle control midway between the
“slow” and “fast” positions. Place the choke
control into the “on” position.
2. Start the engine by activating the key switch.
Release the switch as soon as the engine starts.
NOTE: Do not crank the engine continuously for
more than 10 seconds at a time. If the
engine does not start, allow a 60 second
cool down period between starting
attempts. Failure to follow these
guidelines can burn out the starter motor.
NOTE: Upon start-up, a metallic ticking may
occur. This is caused by hydraulic lifter
leakdown during storage. Run the engine
for 5 minutes. The noise will normally
cease in the first minute. If noise
continues, run the engine at mid-throttle
for 20 minutes. If noise persists, take the
engine to your local Kohler Service outlet.
If the starter does not turn the engine over, shut
off starter immediately. Do not make further
attempts to start the engine until the condition is
corrected. Do not jump start using another battery
(refer to “Battery” on page 7). See your Kohler
Engine Service Dealer for trouble analysis.
3. For a Cold Engine – Gradually return the choke
control to the “off” position after the engine starts
and warms up.
The engine/equipment may be operated during
the warm up period, but it may be necessary to
leave the choke partially on until the engine warms
up.
4. For a Warm Engine – Return choke to “off”
position as soon as engine starts.
Stopping
1. Remove the load by disengaging all PTO
attachments.
2. Position the throttle control somewhere between
half and full throttle; then stop the engine.
Operating Instructions
Also read the operating instructions of the equipment this engine powers.
