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Maintenance Instructions KOHLER TIPS
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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
• For starting in cold weather [below 40° F (4° C)],
use the optional cold start lever to release the hydro-
static transmissions from the starter cranking load.
• 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.
• Use fast idle for 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 Kohler and Donaldson air cleaner ele-
ments. Aftermarket elements may not seal in the air
cleaner housing, allowing dirt to enter the engine. Al-
so, aftermarket filters often skimp on the filtration
media and require more frequent cleaning and re-
placement (see following instructions).
• Use the air flow restriction gauge to indicate the
need to service the primary air filter.
• Do frequently check the Turbine Precleaner for
free movement of the internal fan.
• DO NOT overservice or frequently “disturb” ei-
ther the primary or the secondary air filter. A dirty
air filter actually cleans better than a new one.
Changing and cleaning the air filter too often can ac-
tually reduce filter efficiency and increase the oppor-
tunity for traces of dust to enter the engine. For the
primary filter, wait until the element really needs ser-
vicing as indicated by the air flow restriction gauge.
The secondary air filter should be serviced yearly or
if there are indications that the primary filter has
failed.
• When the primary air filter element is removed or
replaced, 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 little dirt left here will be sucked into the engine
and reduce engine life). When the filter is rein-
stalled, 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.