C23i
Maintenance Instructions
Kohler Tips
51
IMPORTANT TIPS FOR CARE OF THE
KOHLER ENGINE
Fuel System
● Fuel must be clean—free from water, dirt, and
or ganic material.
● Change the fuel filter on a regular basis and
when contamination is suspected or found in
the fuel.
● The fuel injection pump module is a sealed unit
and is not serviceable; opening the fuel pump
module will void the warranty. Additionally, the
fuel pump module and the fuel lines between it
and the injectors are pressurized. For service
of the pressurized fuel injection system includ-
ing the fuel pump module, fuel lines, and fuel
injectors, contact your Walker dealer or autho-
rized Kohler service dealer.
Starting/Stopping
● Start engine with the throttle advanced off idle
(1/4 to 1/2 throttle). This will aid starting, espe-
cially 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 water or 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 resulting in engine overheating.
● 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 horse-
power and move more cooling air through the
engine cool ing fins.
Air Cleaner System
● Use
only
Enginaire
TM
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 following instructions).
● Do frequently check the
Turbine Precleaner
(located in the end cap of the air cleaner
assembly) for free movement of the internal
fan. Shine light into end cap to verify move-
ment of fan with engine running.
●
DO NOT overservice or frequently “disturb”
the air filter.
A dirty air filter actually cleans
better than a new one. Changing and cleaning
the air filter too often can actually reduce filter
efficiency and increase the opportunity for
traces of dust to enter the engine.
● 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.