How to Start a Kohler 3000 Series Log Splitter (in 5 steps) – Pain Free!

If you’re wanting to know how to start a Kohler 3000 series log splitter, or how to start a kohler log splitter of any kind, then this article is written specifically for you.

I will take you through the pre-start checklist, and explain the best method to start the engine. Stick around for tips at the bottom on how to start the Kohler 3000 engine when it’s cold.

Pre-Start Checklist – How to start a Kohler 3000 Series Engine

1. Check Oil – Make sure there is enough in there. If you do need to fill it up, ensure you don’t overfill it
2. Check Fuel level – If it is low, add fuel to the tank.
3. Check the system and lines for any fuel leaks
4. Check and clean air intake and any external surfaces of the engine.
5. If equipped with a spark arrestor – check it.

How to start a Kohler 3000 Series Log Splitter Engine

Retractible start

1. Engage Choke (located next to the throttle control on the engine)
2. Pull the starter handle slowly until just pass compression level (be sure that you pull straight out to avoid excessive wear and tear on the rope)
3. The engine should now be running, if it is not, attempt the second step again
4. Allow the engine to warm up a little once it is running
5. Slowly reduce the choke control until it is in the OFF position
6. If the engine stalls, it is possible it is not fully warm – repeat the steps to start it and engage the choke again for an extended period.

Electric Start

1. Engage Choke (located next to the throttle control on the engine)
2. Activate starter switch
3. Be sure to release the switch once the engine has started (you could cause damage if you keep the button depressed)
4. If the starter switch does not begin turing the engine over – there may be something wrong and it is recommended you take it to your dealership.
5. The engine should now be running, if it is not, attempt the second step again
6. Allow the engine to warm up a little once it is running
7. Slowly reduce the choke control until it is in the OFF position
8. If the engine stalls, it is possible it is not fully warm – repeat the steps to start it and engage the choke again for an extended period.

NOTES and Warnings when Starting your Kohler Engine:

• The position you place the choke in may vary depending on how cold the weather is to keep the engine running.
• Every now and then it is a good idea to extend or pull out the starter cord fully just to check it’s condition. If you see that it is fraying, you may need to have it replaced by your dealer
• If you are attempting to start the engine and it is not working for longer than 10 seconds, you need to stop, and wait at least 60 seconds for it to cool down. If you ignore this advice, you could burn out your starter motor.
• Do not attept to re-start the engine while the fly-wheel is still rotating. It could be dangerous to you, and it could damage the starter motor – this is for both pull start and electric start.

Tips to start the Kohler 3000 Log Splitter Engine in Cold Weather

If you speak to your dealership they should be able to point you in the direction of the correct type of oil to be used in the type of weather you are experiencing. The viscosity of the oil required will change – particularly if it is very cold, or very hot.

If you are struggling to start the Kohler engine in cold weather you could try to make sure that there is no possible external load that the engine is experiencing.

Finally, you could seek out some fresh Winter Grade fuel. This type of fuel has an increased volatility which means it should improve your engine starting efforts.

If the choke doesn’t seem to be effective in keeping the engine running, you may need to adjust the choke level.

A great place to get some further information about how to start a Kohler 3000 log splitter is on their website which contains the user manual.