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Maintenance Instructions KOHLER TIPS
42
IMPORTANT TIPS FOR CARE OF THE KOHLER
ENGINE
Fuel System
• Fuel must be clean - free from water, dirt, and or-
ganic material.
• Change fuel filter on a regular basis and when
contamination is suspected or found in the fuel.
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
• 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.
• Operate the engine at full speed when mowing.
This allows the engine to produce full horsepower
and move more cooling air through the engine cool-
ing fins.
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 cleaning and replace-
ment (see following instructions).
• Use the air flow 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 flow 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.
DANGER
Make sure to keep hands clear of exhaust
pipe, muffler, and moving parts when
checking airflow.