HP 18-26 manual Maintenance Schedule, Check Oil Level

WARNING: Hot Parts!

Engine components can get extremely hot from operation. To prevent severe burns, do not touch these areas while the engine is running–or immediately after it is turned off. Never operate the engine with heat shields or guards removed.

Engine Speed

NOTE: Do not tamper with the governor setting to increase the maximum engine speed. Overspeed is hazardous and will void the engine warranty. The maximum allowable high idle speed for these engines is 3750 RPM, no load.

Maintenance Instructions

Maintenance, repair, or replacement of the emission control devices and systems, which are being done at the customers expense, may be performed by any non-road engine repair establishment or individual. Warranty repairs must be performed by an authorized Kohler service outlet.

WARNING: Accidental Starts!

Disabling engine. Accidental starting can cause severe injury or death. Before working on the engine or equipment, disable the engine as follows: 1) Disconnect the spark plug lead(s). 2) Disconnect negative (-) battery cable from battery.

Maintenance Schedule

These required maintenance procedures should be performed at the frequency stated in the table. They should also be included as part of any seasonal tune-up.

Frequency	Maintenance Required
Daily or Before	•	Fill fuel tank.
	•	Check oil level.
Starting Engine	•	Check air cleaner for dirty1, loose, or damaged parts.
	• Check air intake and cooling areas, clean as necessary1.
Every 25 Hours	•	Service precleaner element1.
	• Replace air cleaner element1.
Every 100 Hours	• Change oil. (More frequently under severe conditions.)
	• Remove cooling shrouds and clean cooling areas1,3.
	• Check oil cooler fins, clean as necessary (if equipped).
Every 200 Hours	• Check spark plug condition and gap.
	•	Change oil filter.
Annually or	•	Have bendix starter drive serviced2.
Every 500 Hours	•	Have solenoid shift starter disassembled and cleaned2.
Every 1500 Hours	•	Replace fuel filter1 (CH26 engines).

1Perform these maintenance procedures more frequently under extremely dusty, dirty conditions.

2Have a Kohler Engine Service Dealer perform this service.

3Cleanout Kits 25 755 20 (black) or 25 755 21 (gold) allow cooling areas to be cleaned without removing shrouds.

Check Oil Level

The importance of checking and maintaining the proper oil level in the crankcase cannot be overemphasized. Check oil BEFORE EACH USE as follows:

1.Make sure the engine is stopped, level, and is cool so the oil has had time to drain into the sump.

2.To keep dirt, debris, etc., out of the engine, clean the area around the dipstick before removing it.

3.Remove the dipstick; wipe oil off. Reinsert the dipstick into the tube and press all the way down.

4.Remove the dipstick and check the oil level.

The oil level should be up to, but not over, the “F” mark on the dipstick. See Figure 7.

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