Cold Weather Starting Hints - Kohler KT17 Owner's Manual

Operating Instructions
Also read the operating instructions of the equipment this engine powers.
Pre-Start Checklist
Check oil level. Add oil if low. Do not overfill.
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.
AA
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 .
2.
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4.
5.
Be sure to use the proper oil for the temperature
expected. See Figure 2 on page 4.
Declutch all possible external loads.
Set speed control at part throttle position.
A warm battery has much more starting capacity
that a cold battery.
Use fresh winter grade fuel. NOTE: Winter grade
gasoline has a higher volatility to improve
starting. Do not use gasoline left over from
summer.
Starting
1. On a Cold Engine - Place the throttle control
midway between the "slow" and "fast"
positions. Place the choke control into the "on"
position.
On a Warm Engine (Normal Operating
Temperatures) - Place the throttle control
midway between the "slow" and "fast"
positions. Place the choke control into the "off"
position.
2. Activate the starter switch. Release the switch as
soon as the engine starts.
NOTE:
NOTE:
NOTE:
After starting the engine, it may be
necessary to leave the choke partially
"on" for a few minutes before moving it
to the "off" position.
Do not crank the engine continuously for
more than IO 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.
If the engine develops sufficient speed to
disengage the starter but does not keep
running (a false start), the engine
rotation must be allowed to come to a
complete stop before attempting to
restart the engine. If the start is engaged
while the flywheel is rotating, the starter
pinion and flywheel ring gear may clash,
resulting in damage to the starter.
3 .
Stopping
On a Cold Engine - Gradually return the choke
control to the "off" position after the engine starts
and warms up.
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" below). See your Kohler Engine
Service Dealer for trouble analysis.
1. If possible, remove the load by disengaging all
PTO attachments.
2. Place the throttle control midway* between the
"stop" and "fast" positions. Allow the engine to
run for a minimum of 15 seconds; then stop the
engine.
*NOTE: Minimum engine speed of 2400 RPM.
Battery
A 12 volt battery is normally used. Refer to the
operating instructions of the equipment this engine
powers for specific battery requirements.
If the battery charge is not sufficient to crank the
engine, recharge the battery (see page 11).
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