Owner`s manual

39
Maintenance Instructions KOHLER TIPS
IMPORTANT TIPS FOR CARE OF THE KOHLER
ENGINE - MODEL MBK
Fuel System
• Fuel must be clean - free from water, dirt, and or-
ganic material.
• Change fuel lter on a regular basis and when con-
tamination is suspected or found in the fuel.
Starting/Stopping
• 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.
· Allow engine to run at idle for a few seconds be fore
stopping engine to avoid run-on or backring.
Cooling System
CAUTION
DO NOT use a pressure washer to clean the
cooling system on an air-cooled engine,
mud may form under the cooling shroud
on the cylinder head and cooling fan.
• Keep engine air intake screen and cylinder head
ns free of grass clippings, chaff, and dirt. Inspect
intake screen and cooling ns for cleanliness and no
damage.
• Periodically remove two access panels in the en-
gine shroud to inspect and clean cylinder head cool ing
ns.
• Check performance of the cooling system by start-
ing the engine, holding a hand adjacent to the cylinder
head, and feeling the cooling airow.
DANGER
Make sure to keep hands clear of exhaust
pipe, mufer, and moving parts when
checking airow.
• 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 ns.
Air Cleaner System
• Use only Cummins/Fleetguard air cleaner
elements. Aftermarket elements may not seal in the
air cleaner housing, allowing dirt to enter the engine.
Also, aftermarket lters often skimp on the ltration
media and require more frequent replacement (see
following instructions).
• Use the air ow restriction gauge to indicate the
need to service the air lter.
• DO NOT overservice or frequently “disturb” the
air lter. A dirty air lter actually cleans better than a
new one. Changing the air lter too often can ac tually
reduce lter efciency 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
ow restriction gauge.
• When the air lter 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 lter 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.
Oil
• Use only multi-viscosity oils as specied 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 lters. Aftermarket lters may
not seal properly and/or have the incorrect pressure
relief valve for proper lubrication.