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Maintenance Instructions KOHLER TIPS
53
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.
• On the Model MTEFI, the fuel system is pressur-
ized. Do not attempt to service this fuel system. Con-
tact your Walker dealer or authorized Kohler service
dealer for work on the fuel system.
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 - MT, MTEFI
• 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.
Cooling System - MTL
• Fill the cooling system with a pre-mixed solution
of 50/50 antifreeze (ethylene glycol) and distilled
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 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.
DANGER
Make sure to keep hands clear of exhaust
pipe, muffler, and moving parts when
checking airflow.