Walker MT, MTL, MTEFI, MTLEFI Owner's Manual

Also see for MT, MTL, MTEFI, MTLEFI: Detailed instructions Owner's manual Owner's manual

Contents

Maintenance Instructions KOHLER TIPS56IMPORTANT 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 whencontamination 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 servicedealer 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, especiallyin cold weather.• Keep the battery fully charged.• Match crankcase oil viscosity to the ambient tem-perature, allowing the engine to crank faster andstart easier.• Use fast idle for stopping engine to avoid run-onor backfiring.Cooling System - MT, MTEFI• 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 cool-ing fins.• Check performance of the cooling system bystarting the engine, holding a hand adjacent to thecylinder head, and feeling the cooling airflow.• Operate the engine at full speed when mowing.This allows the engine to produce full horsepowerand move more cooling air through the engine cool-ing fins.Cooling System - MTL• Fill the cooling system with a pre-mixed solutionof 50/50 antifreeze (ethylene glycol) and distilledwater.IMPORTANT: Solution must be pre-mixed beforeputting it in the engine (adding pure antifreeze intothe radiator may cause damage to the engine bycausing overheating).• Maintain proper fluid levels in the radiator andoverflow tank.• Operate the engine at full speed when mowing.This will allow the engine to produce full horsepowerand 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 cleanerhousing, allowing dirt to enter the engine. Also, af-termarket filters often skimp on the filtration mediaand require more frequent cleaning and replace-ment (see following instructions).• Use the air flow restriction gauge to indicate theneed to service the air filter.• Do frequently check the Turbine Precleaner forfree movement of the internal fan.• DO NOT overservice or frequently “disturb” theair filter. A dirty air filter actually cleans better thana new one. Changing and cleaning the air filter toooften can actually reduce filter efficiency and in-crease the opportunity for traces of dust to enter theengine. Wait until the element really needs servicingas 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 aircleaner housing and hose. Use a damp cloth andwipe the interior of the canister and hose clean (a lit-tle dirt left here will be sucked into the engine andreduce engine life). When the filter is reinstalled,make sure the element is held tight and straight inthe canister for proper seating and sealing.• Periodically check the air intake hose for cuts,nicks, etc., and the hose clamps for tightness.DANGERMake sure to keep hands clear of exhaustpipe, muffler, and moving parts whenchecking airflow.