Kohler KT17 User Manual

I /

OWNE

operating and maintenance

R S

MAN UAL

MODELS

(17 hP)

*with Full Pressure Lubrication

(19 hP)

instructions

Congratulations -

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

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

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

Kohler engines are easy to service. All routine service areas (like the dipstick, oil filter, breaker points, air

cleaner, spark plugs, and carburetor) are easily and quickly accessible.

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.

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

making a Kohler engine dependable.. .dependability

Safety Information

For Your Safety!

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

in iniurv to vourself and others,

A WARNING

Explosive Fuel can cause fires and

severe burns.

Stop engine before filling fuel tank.

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 start 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

Electrical Shock can cause injury.

ilr WARNING

Hot Parts can cause severe burns.

Do not touch engine while operating

or just after stopping.

Hot Parts!

Engine components can get extremely 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.

Do not touch wires while engine is running.

Electrical Shock!

Never touch electrical wires or components while the engine is running. They can be sources of electrical shock.

Safety Information (Cont.)

A WARNING

Accidental Starts can cause severe injury or death.

Disconnect and ground spark plug lead before servicing.

Accidental Starts!

Before servicing the engine or equipment, always disconnect the spark plug leads to prevent the

engine from starting accidentally Ground the leads to prevent sparks that could cause fires. Make sure the equipment is in neutral.

A WARNING

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.

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.

ii WARNING

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 a way from the battery at all

times. Keep batteries out of the

reach of children. Remove all

je welt-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.

381

Control Panel (Optional) /

Ignition Coil

Choke Control (Optional)

Throttle Control

, (Optional)

Dark

Blower Housing

Vluffler.

Oil Fill

Air Cleaner

Breaker Points

tarter Solenoid 3ptional)

Air Intake Screen

Figure 1. Typical KT 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 and filter regularly. Failure to use the correct oil, or using dirty oil, causes premature engine wear and failure.

Before each start, make sure the crankcase is filled with proper type and quantity of oil.

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.

cod

Fins

0i;Sump

Straight 30-weight (Kohler “Magnum”) oil is preferred. SAE IOW-30 oil is not recommended

above 32°F. 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.

Starter

‘ic

RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

I I

"F I -20 20 d2 do 60 80 100

'"C

I I

-30 -20 -10 0 IO 20 30 40

TEMPERATURE RANGE EXPECTED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE

I I I

I 1

Figure 2. Viscosity Grades Table.

Figure 3. Oil Container Logo.

Refer to “Maintenance Instructions” beginning on page 7 for detailed oil check, oil change, and oil filter change procedures.

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 starf 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:

I-800-544-2444

KOHLER CO. KOHLER, WI USA

Figure 4. Engine Identification Label.

_ ’

+ 11 hidden pages