63
Maintenance Instructions
CHECKING/SERVICING/
REPLACING/REPAIRING
Mower Deck Gearbox Oil Seals
The mower deck gearbox seals should be inspected
every 25 hours for evidence of oil leaking; particu-
larly the lower oil seal on the blade drive gear-
box. This seal is protected by the trash guard on the
blade hub and seal protector plate on the housing,
but is still vulnerable to seal damage due to operat-
ing in an adverse environment. The mower blade
must be removed for inspection of the seal, so it is
recommended to inspect the gearbox seals when
blades are removed for sharpening. If an oil leak
is noted, the seal should be replaced and the gear-
box assembly relubricated. Refer to Mower Deck
Gearbox Lubrication in this section.
Spark Plugs
Every 200 hours of operation, remove the spark
plugs, inspect, clean, and reset the gap (or replace
with new plugs). Before removing the spark plugs,
clean the area around the base of the plugs to keep
dirt and debris out of the engine. Clean spark plugs
with a wire brush. DO NOT use an abrasive grit type
cleaner. If the electrodes are burned short or pitted,
replace plugs with Champion
type RC12YC (or
equivalent). Check spark plug gap with a wire-type
feeler gauge and set the gap at 0.030 in. (.76 mm).
Reinstall and tighten to between 18 and 22 ft-lb
(24.4 to 29.8 N
⋅
m).
Fuel Lines and Clamps
Every year, inspect the fuel supply line from the tank
to engine for deterioration or damage. Also, inspect
the fuel line clamps for tightness. Good preventive
maintenance calls for complete replace-ment of fuel
lines and clamps every two (2) years.
Engine Starter
Yearly or every 500 hours disassemble and clean
the solenoid shift starter. Refer to the Kohler Service
Manual for this procedure or contact an authorized
Kohler engine dealer to perform this service.
Blade Brake Action
Check the function of the cutter blade brake (and
blower brake on GHS models) by engaging the blade
clutch (PTO), operating the engine at full throttle, then
disengaging the clutch and measuring how quickly
the blades stop. Watch the rotation of the blade drive
shaft and blower pulley as a visual indication that
movement has stopped. If the brake is working
properly, all rotation will stop five (5) seconds af-
ter disengagement of the clutch. If the brake sys-
tem malfunctions - blades do not stop in five (5)
seconds - adjust or repair the brake before operating
the mower. Refer to ADJUSTMENTS of Blade
Clutch (PTO) in this section.
REPLACING/REPAIRING
IMPORTANT: ALWAYS use genuine factory re-
placement parts. Substitute parts CAN result in
product malfunction and possible injury to the oper-
ator and/or others.
Drive Belts
There are four (4) individual belts on GHS models
or three (3) belts on SD models:
•
Jackshaft Drive Belt
•
Engine PTO Drive Belt (3 Groove Power Band)
•
GHS Blower Drive Belt (GHS Model Only)
•
Hydrostatic Ground Drive Belt
The belts may be removed and replaced using the
procedures described on the following pages.
WARNING
It is important to check and maintain blade
brake action for safe operation of the ma-
chine.
DANGER
To prevent accidental starting of the en-
gine when replacing parts or repairing the
machine, remove the key from the ignition
switch and disconnect the spark plug
wires.
