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Maintenance Instructions CLEANING
69
Cylinder Head Cooling Fins
It is essential for performance and longevity of the
air-cooled engine to keep the cylinder head cooling
fins clean and free of obstruction. After every 8
hours of operation, check the performance of the
cooling system by starting the engine, holding a
hand adjacent to the cylinder head, and feeling the
cooling airflow. If there is little or no airflow, clean the
cooling fins as described below.
Every 100 hours, inspect and clean the cooling fins
(more often when operating in extremely dusty, dirty
conditions). Remove the two (2) cooling fin access
panels in the engine shroud and clean the cooling
fins and external surfaces using compressed air.
Make sure to reinstall the access panels before op-
erating the engine.
NOTE: If dirt is packed into the cooling fins it may
be necessary to remove the engine shroud in order
to thoroughly clean the cooling fins.
Engine Air Intake Screen
and Cooling Fin Access Panels
Cooling System Airflow
Engine Cooling System - MTL and MTLEFI
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.
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.
DANGER
Make sure to keep hands clear of exhaust
pipe, muffler, and moving parts when
checking airflow.
Kohler Engine
Shroud
Engine Cooling
Fin Access Panels
Engine Air
Intake Screen
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 de-
bris away from the engine and cooling
system.
Check Airflow
with Hand
Cylinder
Head