Walker MBK23 Operator's Manual

Contents

39Maintenance Instructions KOHLER TIPSIMPORTANT TIPS FOR CARE OF THE KOHLERENGINEFuel System• Fuel must be clean - free from water, dirt, and or-ganic material.• Change fuel filter on a regular basis and when con-tamination is suspected or found in the fuel.• The fuel pump module is a sealed unit and is notserviceable; opening the fuel pump module will voidthe warranty. Additionally, the fuel pump module andthe fuel lines between it and the injectors are pres-surized. For service of the pressurized fuel systemincluding the fuel pump module, fuel lines, and fuelinjectors contact your Walker dealer or authorizedKohler service dealer.Starting/Stopping• Start engine with the throttle advanced off idle(1/4 to 1/2 throttle). This will aid starting, especiallyin cold weather.• Keep the battery fully charged.• Match crankcase oil viscosity to the ambient tem-perature, allowing the engine to crank faster and starteasier.• Allow engine to run at idle for a few seconds beforestopping engine to avoid run-on or backfiring.Cooling SystemCAUTIONDO NOT use a pressure washer to clean thecooling system on an air-cooled engine,mud may form under the cooling shroudon the cylinder head and cooling fan.• Keep engine air intake screen and cylinder headfins free of grass clippings, chaff, and dirt. Inspectintake screen and cooling fins for cleanliness and nodamage.• Periodically remove two access panels in the en-gine shroud to inspect and clean cylinder head coolingfins.• Check performance of the cooling system by start-ing the engine, holding a hand adjacent to the cylinderhead, and feeling the cooling airflow.DANGERMake sure to keep hands clear of exhaustpipe, muffler, and moving parts whenchecking airflow.• Operate the engine at full speed when mowing.This allows the engine to produce full horsepower andmove more cooling air through the engine cooling fins.Air Cleaner System• Use only Cummins/Fleetguard air cleanerelements. Aftermarket elements may not seal in theair cleaner housing, allowing dirt to enter the engine.Also, aftermarket filters often skimp on the filtrationmedia and require more frequent replacement (seefollowing instructions).• Use the air filter restriction gauge to indicate theneed to service the air filter.• DO NOT overservice or frequently “disturb” theair filter. A dirty air filter actually cleans better than anew one. Changing the air filter too often can actuallyreduce filter efficiency and increase the opportunityfor traces of dust to enter the engine. Wait until theelement really needs servicing as indicated by the airfilter restriction gauge.• When the air filter element is removed or replaced,make sure all dust is cleaned out of the air cleanerhousing and hose. Use a damp cloth and wipe theinterior of the canister and hose clean (a little dirt lefthere will be sucked into the engine and reduce enginelife). When the filter is reinstalled, make sure theelement is held tight and straight in the canister forproper 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 specified with theviscosity matching ambient temperatures for the en-gine operating conditions. This will aid starting incold weather and assure proper lubrication in hotweather.• Use only Kohler oil filters. Aftermarket filters maynot seal properly and/or have the incorrect pressurerelief valve for proper lubrication.