Pre-Start Checklist
1. Check oil level. Add oil if low. Do not overfi ll.
2. Check fuel level. Add fuel if low. Check fuel
system components and lines for leaks.
3. Check and clean cooling areas, air intake
areas and external surfaces of engine
(particularly after storage).
4. Check that air cleaner components and all
shrouds, equipment covers, and guards are
in place and securely fastened.
5. Check spark arrestor (if equipped).
Starting
Carbon Monoxide can cause
severe nausea, fainting or death.
Avoid inhaling exhaust fumes.
Engine exhaust gases contain poisonous
carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is
odorless, colorless, and can cause death if
inhaled.
Rotating Parts can cause severe
injury.
Stay away while engine is in
operation.
Keep hands, feet, hair, and clothing away
from all moving parts to prevent injury. Never
operate engine with covers, shrouds, or
guards removed.
Standard Choke System
● Above 32°F (0°C)
Refer to operating instructions of equipment
this engine powers for specifi c starting
instructions.
● 32°F (0°C) and Below
1. Refer to operating instructions of equipment
this engine powers for specifi c starting
instructions.
2. Refer to Cold Weather Starting Hints within
this manual.
Smart-Choke
TM
● Above 32°F (0°C)
1. This feature will automatically adjust engine
choke on start up with throttle in any position.
2. If engine does not start on fi rst attempt, wait
3-5 seconds and try again (if no start after
third attempt wait 1 minute).
3. If engine does not consistently start by fi fth
attempt, consult Kohler authorized dealer for
assistance.
4
WARNING
WARNING
KohlerEngines.com
● 32°F (0°C) and Below
1. This feature will automatically adjust engine
choke on start up with throttle in any position
(winter blend fuel is recommended).
2. If engine does not start on fi rst attempt, wait
5-10 seconds and try again (if no start after
third attempt wait 1 minute).
3. If engine does not consistently start by fi fth
attempt, consult Kohler authorized dealer for
assistance.
eChoke
TM
● Above 32°F (0°C)
1. This feature will automatically make system
adjustments to engine on start up with
throttle in any position.
2. If engine does not start on fi rst attempt, wait
3-5 seconds and try again (if no start after
third attempt wait 1 minute).
3. If engine does not start consistently by fi fth
attempt, turn key to OFF, pause briefl y, and
make another attempt. If engine does not
start, consult Kohler authorized dealer for
assistance.
● 32°F (0°C) and Below
1. This feature will automatically make system
adjustments to engine on start up with
throttle in any position (winter blend fuel is
recommended).
2. If engine does not start on fi rst attempt, wait
3-5 seconds and try again (if no start after
third attempt wait 1 minute).
3. If engine does not start consistently by fi fth
attempt, turn key to OFF, pause briefl y, and
make another attempt. If engine does not
start, consult Kohler authorized dealer for
assistance.
Cold Weather Starting Hints
1. Use proper oil for temperature expected.
2. Disengage all possible external loads.
3. Use fresh winter grade fuel. Winter grade
fuel has higher volatility to improve starting.
4. Make sure battery has a full charge.
Stopping
1. If possible, remove load by disengaging all
PTO driven attachments.
2. Position throttle control between half and full
throttle; stop engine.
3. Do not allow engine/application to be left
unattended with key ON (RUN position) for
long periods. If left in such a condition,
operator must turn key completely OFF
before attempting a restart to reset system.
32 590 16 Rev. A