Maintenance Instructions

CHECKING/SERVICING

6.Check blade balance by positioning the blade horizontally on a blade balancer or use a nail or shaft through the center hole. If either end of the blade rotates downward, grind (remove) metal on that end until the blade will balance. The blade is properly balanced when neither end drops. Balance of a blade is gener- ally maintained by removing an equal amount of material from each end of the blade when sharpening.

Blade Balancer

Blade Balanced on Magnetic

Wall-Mounted Balancer

7.Mount the blade with wing tips pointing up into the housing. Reinstall the blade, washer, lock

washer, and nut. Tighten the nut to 60 ft-lb (81.3 N·m).

NOTE: When reinstalling blades on GHS models, remember, the blades turn toward each other (counter-rotate) and the RH and LH blade cannot be switched. Check for proper blade rotation before installing blades on the deck. Refer to Blade Rotation for GHS Mower Deck illustration shown in Clogging Checklist in Operating Instructions for correct blade rotation.

Drive Belts

Raise the body and inspect the condition of the four (4) belts (3 belts on SD models) every 25 hours of operation - engine PTO drive, jackshaft drive, hydrostatic ground drive, and GHS blower drive. If the belts show signs of cracking or deteriorating, the belts should be replaced. Refer to REPLACING/ REPAIRING the Drive Belts in this section.

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 gearbox. 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 LUBRICATION for 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 Champion® type RC12YC [MT & MTEFI (or equivalent)] or RC14YC [MTL & MTLEFI (or equivalent)]. Check spark plug gap with a wire-type feeler gauge and set the gap at 0.030 in. (0.76 mm). Reinstall and tighten to between 18 and 22 ft-lb (24.4 to 29.8 N·m).

Ignition Wires

Good preventive maintenance calls for complete replacement of spark plug wires every two (2) years.

Fuel Lines and Clamps

NOTE: The MTEFI system is pressurized and should be serviced by a Walker dealer or Authorized Kohler engine service outlet.

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.

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