Kohler — Battery Cleaning and Terminal Service
Maintenance · Engine starting battery
From a Kohler operator's manual covering: 12RES, 12TRES, 17RES, 18RES, 18TRES, 8.5/12 RES, 8.5RES. Check it applies to your exact model before use.
Applies to: Kohler 12RES, Kohler 12TRES, Kohler 17RES, Kohler 18RES, Kohler 18TRES, Kohler 8.5RES, Kohler CH640 engine, Kohler CH 740 engine, Kohler CH 980 engine
Before you start
- Battery electrolyte is a diluted sulfuric acid; wear splashproof safety goggles, rubber gloves, and boots.
- Remove the negative (--) lead first when disconnecting the battery.
Procedure
- Disconnect the cables from the battery.
- Scrub the terminals with a wire brush to remove corrosion.
- Clean the battery and cables with a solution of baking soda and water.
- Flush the battery and cables with clean water and wipe with a dry, lint-free cloth.
- Reconnect the battery cables and coat terminals with petroleum jelly, silicone grease, or other nonconductive grease.
Tools required
- Wire brush Amazon
Tool links are Amazon searches (affiliate links); manufacturer special tools may only be available from a dealer.
Full service-parts list: Kohler 12RES →, Kohler 12TRES →, Kohler 17RES →, Kohler 18RES →, Kohler 18TRES →, Kohler 8.5RES →
Source: Kohler operator's manual. Steps and values are as documented; always cross-check against the official manual and any later revisions for your exact serial number before servicing.