Maintenance Instructions
KOHLER TIPS
58
IMPORTANT TIPS FOR CARE OF THE KOHLER
ENGINE
Fuel System
● Fuel must be clean - free from water, dirt, and
organic material.
● Change fuel filter on a regular basis and when
contamination is suspected or found in the fuel.
● The fuel injection system is pressurized. Do not
attempt to service this fuel system. Contact your
Walker dealer or authorized Kohler service dealer
for work on the fuel system.
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
If a pressure washer is used on the ex-
posed working parts, avoid water on the
electrical parts and the engine cooling
system.
● Fill the cooling system with a
pre-mixed
solu-
tion of 50/50 antifreeze (ethylene glycol) and dis-
tilled water.
IMPORTANT:
Solution must be pre-mixed before
putting it in the engine (adding pure antifreeze into
the radiator may cause damage to the engine by
causing overheating).
● Maintain
proper fluid levels
in the radiator and
overflow tank.
● Operate the engine at full speed when mowing.
This will allow the engine to produce full horsepower
and move more cooling air through the radiator.
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 filter 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 and cleaning the air filter too
often can actually reduce filter efficiency and in-
crease the opportunity for traces of dust to enter the
engine. Wait until the element really needs servicing
as indicated by the air filter 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.