Kohler K341, K301, K241, K321 User Manual

OWNER’S

MANUAL

MODELS ’

K241/ K301

(10 hP)

(12 hp)

K321,& K341

(14 hp)

operating & maintenance

instructions

Congratulations -

life strength and on-the-job durability into each engine. . . you can count on. Here are some reasons why:

Kohler engines are easy to service. All routine service areas (like the points, condenser, air cleaner, spark plug, and carburetor) are easily and quickly accessible.

You have selected a fine four-cycle, single cylinder, air-cooled engine. Kohler designs long

making a Kohler engine dependable.. .dependability

(16 hP)

Parts subject to the most wear and tear (like the cylinders, crankshafts, and camshaft) are made from

precision formulated cast iron. Because the cast iron cylinders can be rebored, these engines can last even

longer.

Every Kohler engine is backed by a worldwide network of over 10,000 distributors and dealers. Service support is just a phone call away. Call I-800-544-2444 (U.S. & Canada) for Sales & Service assistance.

To keep your engine in top operating condition, follow the maintenance procedures in this manual.

Safety Precautions

To insure safe operations please read the following statements and understand their meaning.

Also refer to your equipment owner’s manual for other important safety information. This manual contains safety precautions which are explained below. Please read carefully.

WARNING

Warning is used to indicate the presence of a hazard that can cause severe personal injury, death, or substantial property damage if the warning is ignored.

CAUTION

Caution is used to indicate the presence of a hazard that will or can cause minor personal injury or property damage if the warning is ignored.

NOTE

Note is used to notify people of installation, operation, or maintenance information that is

important but not hazard-related.

For Your Safety!

These precautions should be followed at all times. Failure to follow these precautions could result

in injury to yourself and others.

1 A WARNING

Explosive Fuel can cause fires and severe burns.

Stop engine before filling fuel tank.

Explosive Fuel!

Gasoline is extreme/y fiammable and its vapors can explode if ignited. Store gasoline only in approved containers, in well ventilated, unoccupied buildings, away from sparks or flames. Do not fill the fuel tank while the engine is hot or running, since spilled fuel could ignite if it comes in contact

with hot parts or sparks from ignition. Do not starf the engine near spilled fuel. Never use gasoline as a cleaning agent.

A WARNING

Rotating Parts can cause severe injury.

Stay away while engine is in operation.

Rotating Parts!

Keep hands, feet, hair, and clothing away from all moving parts to prevent injury. Never operate the engine with covers, shrouds, or guards removed.

A CAUTION

I.--N..--. -..-v.. Wm.. ----- . . . . “‘J.

Do not touch wires while engine is

running.

A WARNING

Hot Parts can cause severe burns.

Do not touch engine while operating or just after stopping.

Hot Parts!

Engine components can get extreme/y hot from operation. To

prevent severe burns, do not touch

these areas while the engine-is

running-or immediately after it is

turned off Never operate the engine with heat shields or guards removed.

California

Proposition 65 Warning

Engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the

State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

Electrical Shock!

Never touch electrical wires or components while the engine is

running. They can be sources of

electrical shock.

Safety Precautions (Cont.)

A WARNING

3 @

0 :

( A WARNING

$5 St

Accidental Starts can cause severe injury or death.

Disconnect and ground spark plug lead before servicing.

kcidental Starts!

Before servicing the engine or equipment, always disconnect the spark plug lead to prevent the engine from starting accidentally.

Ground the lead to prevent sparks

that could cause fires. Make sure the equipment is in neutral.

Carbon Monoxide can cause severe nausea, fainting or death.

Do not operate engine in closed or

confined area.

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.

A WARNING

/ d!?

Explosive Gas can cause fires and

severe acid burns.

Charge battery only in a well

ventilated area. Keep sources of

ignition away.

Explosive Gas!

Batteries produce explosive hydrogen gas while being charged.

To prevent a fire or explosion,

charge batteries only in well

ventilated areas. Keep sparks, open flames, and other sources of ignition away from the battery at all

times. Keep batteries out of the

reach of children. Remove all

je we/r-y when servicing batteries.

Before disconnecting the negative

(-) ground cable, make sure all

switches are OFF. If ON, a spark

will occur at the ground cable

terminal which could cause an

explosion if hydrogen gas or

gasoline vapors are present.

Air Filter

Ignition Coil

Blowe

,HOUSI

Spark Plug

Cooling Shrouds

Carbur

‘etor

Air lnta

Screen

*NOTE: Dipstick or oil fill plug is optional and may vary depending on engine specification.

Figure 1. Typical Command Horizontal Shaft Engine.

Oil Recommendations

Using the proper type and weight of oil in the crankcase is extremely important. So is checking oil daily and changing oil regularly. Failure to use the correct oil, or using dirty oil, causes premature engine

wear and failure.

Oil Type

Use high quality detergent oil of API (American

Petroleum Institute) service class SG or SH. Select

the viscosity based on the air temperature at the time of operation as shown in the following table.

RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

Oil Drain

Oil Pan

Straight 30-weight oil is preferred. SAE IOW-30 oil is not recommended above 32OF. Using this oil substantially increases oil consumption and combustion chamber deposits.

NOTE: Using other than service class SG or SH oil or

extending oil change intervals longer than recommended can cause engine damage.

A logo or symbol on oil containers identifies the API service class and SAE viscosity grade. See Figure 3.

1 "F -i'O 1 $0 3i 4b 60 8:O

I $30

l---l ~

-20 -10

TEMPERATURE RANGE EXPECTED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE

Figure 2. Viscosity Grades Table.

$0;

lb0 I

4 I

Fuel Recommendations

WARNING: Explosive Fuel!

Gasoline is extremely flammable and its vapors can explode if ignited. Store gasoline only in approved containers, in well ventilated, unoccupied buildings, away from sparks or flames. Do not fill the fuel tank

while the engine is hot or running, since spilled fuel could ignite if it comes in contact with hot parts or sparks from ignition. Do not starl the engine near spilled fuel. Never use gasoline as a cleaning agent.

Gasoline/Alcohol blends

Gasohol (up to 10% ethyl alcohol, 90% unleaded gasoline by volume) is approved as a fuel for Kohler engines. Other gasoline/alcohol blends are not approved.

Gasoline/Ether blends

Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) and unleaded gasoline blends (up to a maximum of 15% MTBE by volume) are approved as a fuel for Kohler engines. Other gasoline/ether blends are not approved.

General Recommendations

Purchase gasoline in small quantities and store in

clean, approved containers. A container with a capacity of 2 gallons or less with a pouring spout is recommended. Such a container is easier to handle and helps eliminate spillage during refueling.

Do not use gasoline left over from the previous season, to minimize gum deposits in your fuel system and to insure easy starting.

Do not add oil to the gasoline.

Do not overfill the fuel tank. Leave room for the fuel to expand.

Fuel Type

For best results use only clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline with a pump sticker octane rating of 87 or higher. In countries using the Research method, it should be 90 octane minimum.

Unleaded gasoline is recommended as it leaves less combustion chamber deposits. Leaded gasoline may be used in areas where unleaded is not available and exhaust emissions are not regulated. Be aware however, that the cylinder head will require more frequent service.

Engine Identification Numbers

When ordering parts, or in any communication involving an engine, always give the Model, Specification, and Serial Numbers of the engine.

The engine identification numbers appear on decal (or decals) affixed to the engine shrouding. Include letter suffixes, if there are any.

Record your engine identification numbers on the identification label below (Figure 4) for future reference.

MODEL NO. SPEC. NO. DISPL (CC) SERIAL NO.

REFER TO OWNER’S MANUAL FOR SAFETY, MAINTENANCE SPECS AND ADJUSTMENTS. FOR SALES AND SERVICE IN US/CANADA CALL:

KOHLER CO. KOHLER, WI USA

. ,

Figure 4. Engine Identification Label.

I-800-544-2444

Operating Instructions

Also read the operating instructions of the equipment this engine powers.

Pre-Start Checklist

l Check oil level. Add oil if low. Do not overfill.

l Check fuel level. Add fuel if low.

l Check cooling air intake areas and external

surfaces of engine. Make sure they are clean and unobstructed.

l Check that the air cleaner components and all

shrouds, equipment covers, and guards are in place and securely fastened.

l 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.

+ 11 hidden pages