Maintenance Instructions

CHECKING/SERVICING

Mower Deck Gearbox Oil Seals

The mower deck gearbox seals should be inspected every 25 hours for evidence of oil leaking; particularly the lower oil seal on the blade drive gear- box. This seal is protected by the trash guard on the blade hub and seal protector plate on the housing, but is still vulnerable to seal damage due to operating in an adverse environment. The mower blade must be removed for inspection of the seal, so it is recommended to inspect the gearbox seals when blades are removed for sharpening. If an oil leak is noted, the seal should be replaced and the gearbox assembly relubricated. Refer to Mower Deck Gearbox Lubrication in this section.

Spark Plugs

Every 200 hours of operation, remove the spark plugs, inspect, clean, and reset the gap (or replace with new plugs). Before removing the spark plugs, clean the area around the base of the plugs to keep dirt and debris out of the engine. Clean spark plugs with a wire brush. DO NOT use an abrasive grit type cleaner. If the electrodes are burned short or pitted, replace plugs with Championtype RC12YC (or equivalent). Check spark plug gap with a wire-type feeler gauge and set the gap at 0.030 in. (.76 mm). Reinstall and tighten to between 18 and 22 ft-lb (24.4 to 29.8 Nm).

Fuel Lines and Clamps

Every year, inspect the fuel supply line from the tank to engine for deterioration or damage. Also, inspect the fuel line clamps for tightness. Good preventive maintenance calls for complete replacement of fuel lines and clamps every two (2) years.

Engine Starter

Yearly or every 500 hours disassemble and clean the solenoid shift starter. Refer to the Kohler Service Manual for this procedure or contact an authorized Kohler engine dealer to perform this service.

Engine Valve Clearance

Yearly or every 500 hours, check and adjust the Kohler engine valve clearance. Refer to the Kohler Service Manual for specifications and procedure to check the valve clearance or contact an authorized Kohler engine dealer to perform this service.

Blade Brake Action

WARNING

It is important to check and maintain blade brake action for safe operation of the ma- chine.

Check the function of the cutter blade brake (and blower brake on GHS models) by engaging the blade clutch (PTO), operating the engine at full throt- tle, then disengaging the clutch and measuring how quickly the blades stop. Watch the rotation of the blade drive shaft and blower pulley as a visual indication that movement has stopped. If the brake is working properly, all rotation will stop five (5) seconds after disengagement of the clutch. If the brake system malfunctions - blades do not stop in five (5) seconds - adjust or repair the brake before operating the mower. Refer to ADJUSTMENTS of Blade Clutch (PTO) in this section.

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