Kohler K361 Owner's Manual page 8

BATTERY : Use
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vol t negative battery (- t erminal ground) wit h amp hour ra t i ng of at l east 32 for best
resul ts . When bat t ery is in good condition, each cell contributes approximately 1
. 95
to 2. 08 volts . I f
t he charge is low and less than 0.05 volt difference i s not ed between t he cells havi ng the hi ghest and
lowest readings, t he battery should be recharged . If t he di f f er ence i s more than . 05 volts, t his could
indicate a cracked plate or other damage which could call for replacemen t of the battery .
A regulator may be blamed for an underc harged or repeatedly discharged battery when the fault is
actually self-discharge caused by a build-up of corrosive acid across the top of the battery. Even a
light coating of this grayish-white substance can complete a ci r cui t to drain and exhaust the energy in
the battery--this can be especially bad when moisture i s present . Service as indicated in the following .
To maintain a battery in top condition , check and perform t he following services at f r equent in ter­
vals:
1 .
Regularly check l evel of electrolyte--add water as necessary to maintain level above plates
--do not overfill as this can cause poor performance or early failure due t o loss of electrolyte .
2. Keep terminals and top of battery clean . Wash with baking soda and rinse with clear water .
Do
not allow soda solution to enter cells as this will destroy the electrolyte.
starting motor
Precautions: In the event of a "false start" (engine gets up sufficient speed to disengage starter but
fa1ls to ontinue running), the engine must be completely stopped before another starting attempt is
made . If the flywheel is still rotating, the drive pinion and ring gear will clash and be damaged.
Limit cranking (continuous) to a period of 30 seconds to prevent overheating of the starter. If cranked
for 30 seconds, starter should not be operated again for 60 seconds to allow time for cooling.
Starting m ot or s do not require service at any specific intervals. They are pre-lubricated during
manufacture and brushes normally require attention only after extensive use--see trouble analysis below.
Connections to starting motor should be checked occasionally to make sure they are tight and that leads
are in good condition. The following precautions should be observed on electric start models to prevent
starter damage and/or depletion of battery energy.
Trouble Analysis: If starter fails to energize, first check wiring, starting switch or solenoid and
condition of battery. Clean or replace badly corroded or dirty contacts--replace wires if frayed or
cracked. Bypass start switch or solenoid with jumper wire--if starter cranks normally, replace defective
switch or solenoid. If starter turns too slowly and battery is in good condition, check for dirty
brushes or commutator. Further trouble analysis will require special test equipment available only at
authorized repair stations.
Alignment: Alignment of starter pinion to ring gear is established by the machined surface of starter
mounting flange on the side of the cylinder block and through special mounting bolts . To prevent mis­
alignment and gear damage, make sure the proper shoulder bolts are used and that they are securely
tightened at all times.
carburetor adiustments
Carburetors are calibrated in the factory and the main fuel system cannot be reset. If black exhaust
smoke is noted, check the air cleaner--an "overrich" mixture is usually caused by a poorly serviced,
clogged air cleaner element.
If idle readjustment becomes necessary, stop the engine, then turn the IDLE fuel adjusting screw,
all the way in until it bottoms lightly--don't force it closed as this will damage the needle valve.
For preliminary settulg, turn the IDLE 1-1/4 turn out . For final adjustments, start engine and allow it
to warm. The IDLE fuel can then be set by turning the adjustment in until the engine slows down. Now
turn the screw out--the engine will regain speed at first and then it will slow down- -note the positions
of screw at both settings , then set it about half way between the two.
governor adiustments
The governor functions to maintain engine speed under changing load conditions and also acts as a
speed limiting device . Governors are set in the factory and further adjustments should not be required
unless linkage works loose or becomes disconnected. Readjustment should be made if t he engine surges with
changing load or if speed drops considerably when a normal load is applied. Readjustment should be m ade
by a qualified person only .
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