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.

∙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.

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.

Cooling System - MTL

∙Fill the cooling system with a pre-mixedsolution 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 replacement (see follow- ing 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 the air filter too often can ac- tually reduce filter efficiency and increase the oppor- tunity 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.

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