Cold Weather Starting Hints - Kohler Triad OHC TH520 Owner's Manual

Also read the operating instructions of the equipment this engine powers.
Pre-Start Checklist
• Check oil level. Add oil if low. Do not overfill. On a
warm engine wait a few minutes for oil to drain
back to the crankcase before adding oil.
• Check fuel level. Add fuel if low.
• Check cooling air intake areas and external
surfaces of engine. Make sure they are clean and
unobstructed.
• Check that the air cleaner components and all
shrouds, equipment covers, and guards are in
place and securely fastened.
• Check that any clutches or transmissions are
disengaged or placed in neutral. This is especially
important on equipment with hydrostatic drive. The
shift lever must be exactly in neutral to prevent
resistance which could keep the engine from
starting.
WARNING: Lethal Exhaust Gases!
Engine exhaust gases contain poisonous carbon
monoxide. Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless,
and can cause death if inhaled. Avoid inhaling exhaust
fumes, and never run the engine in a closed building or
confined area.

Cold Weather Starting Hints

1. Be sure to use the proper oil for the temperature
expected. See Figure 2 on page 4.
2. Declutch all possible external loads.
3. A warm battery has much more starting capacity
than a cold battery.
4. Use fresh winter grade fuel. NOTE: Winter grade
gasoline has higher volatility to improve starting.
Do not use gasoline left over from summer.
Starting
1. For a Cold Engine – Place the throttle control
midway between the ''slow'' and ''fast'' positions.
Place the choke control into the ''on'' position.
For a Warm Engine (normal operating
temperatures) – Place the throttle control
midway between the ''slow'' and ''fast''
positions. Place the choke control into the ''on''
position.
6
Operating Instructions
2. Start the engine by activating the key switch.
Release the switch as soon as the engine starts.
NOTE: Do not crank the engine continuously for
NOTE: If the engine develops sufficient speed to
If the starter does not turn the engine over, shut
off starter immediately. Do not make further
attempts to start the engine until the condition is
corrected. Do not jump start using another battery
(refer to "Battery" page 7). See your Kohler Engine
Service Dealer for trouble analysis.
3. For a Cold Engine – Gradually return the choke
control to the "off" position after the engine starts
and warms up.
The engine/equipment may be operated during
the warm up period, but it may be necessary to
leave the choke partially on until the engine warms
up.
4. For a Warm Engine – Return choke to "off"
position as soon as engine starts.
Stopping
1. Remove the load by disengaging all PTO
attachments.
2a. For engines without a shutdown solenoid:
Move the throttle to the ''slow'' or ''low'' idle
position. Allow the engine to run at idle for 30-60
seconds; then stop the engine.
b. For engines equipped with a shutdown
solenoid: Position the throttle control somewhere
between half and full throttle; then stop the engine.
more than 10 seconds at a time. If the
engine does not start, allow a 60 second
cool down period between starting
attempts. Failure to follow these
guidelines can burn out the starter motor.
disengage the starter but does not keep
running (a false start), engine rotation
must be allowed to come to a complete
stop before attempting to restart the
engine. If the starter is engaged while the
flywheel is rotating, the starter pinion and
flywheel ring gear may clash resulting in
damage to the starter.