Kohler Vertical Crankshaft Engine CV493

Clean the area around the base of the spark plug

Blow out the cavity with compressed air

Spark Plug Inspection and Replacement

Remove the spark plug and check its condition

Is the spark plug worn or questionable for reuse?

Replace the spark plug if necessary

Check the spark plug gap using a wire feeler gauge

Check the level of electrolyte regularly

Add distilled water if necessary to maintain the recommended level

Ensure the battery is not overfilled

Ensure the following parts are clean

Wash the cables, terminals, and external surfaces with a baking soda and water solution

Rinse thoroughly with clear water

Ensure no baking soda solution enters the cells

Ensure the engine is warm from operation

Remove the oil drain plug and oil fill cap/dipstick

Allow ample time for complete drainage

Reinstall the drain plug and tighten to 13.6 N·m (10 ft. lb.) torque

Fill the crankcase with new oil to the 'F' mark on the dipstick

Ensure the engine is stopped, level, and cool

Clean the area around the oil fill cap/dipstick before removing it

Unthread and remove the oil fill cap/dipstick; wipe oil off

Reinsert the dipstick into the tube and rest the oil fill cap on the tube without threading

Remove the dipstick and check the oil level

Is the oil level up to, but not over the 'F' mark on the dipstick?

Add oil of the proper type if the level is low, up to the 'F' mark on the dipstick

Remove the starter from the engine and remove the dust cover.

Hold the drive pinion in a vice with soft jaws when removing and installing the stop nut.

Remove the stop nut, stop gear spacers, anti-drift spring, dust cover spacer, and drive pinion.

Clean the splines on drive shaft thoroughly with solvent and dry them thoroughly.

Apply a small amount of Kohler electric starter drive lubricant to the splines.

Apply a small amount of Loctite® No. 271 to the stop nut threads.

Install the drive pinion, dust cover spacer, anti-drift spring, stop gear spacer, and stop nut. Torque the stop nut to 17.0-19.2 N·m (150-170 in. lb.). Reinstall the dust cover.