Walker MT owner manual Important Tips for Care of the Kohler Engine

Maintenance Instructions KOHLER TIPS

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.

DANGER

Make sure to keep hands clear of exhaust pipe, muffler, and moving parts when checking 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.

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