[boutin73]

How would I go about checking the oil pressure on my Kohler K532? The manual says what the specs are, but I dont know how to check it. First I noticed that there is a low pressure light on the dash but there isnt any sensor on the motor. I assume that I will need to install one, but even then it will only tell me if it gets low. I also could only find a universal Kohler switch. Isthat what I would need?
Jeremy

 

[kbtoy]

There should be a port in the engine's oil pressure galley at the right rear corner of the block. See picture below. This is on a K482 in an 1886, but the location is the same on the K532.

As you can see I have installed a tee in this port and have the low oil pressure switch for the light, and a capillary line for a guage in the dash. IMHO this is the best way to go.

The generic Kohler low oil pressure switch will work fine as long as its 1/8" pipe thread. Most of the low oil pressure switches "close" or connect to ground at 5-6psi.

 

[boutin73]

Wow now thats some great advice KB, pics and all! Makes perfect sense when you actually get to see it. I will be setting mine up exactly the same way.
Thanks!
Jeremy

 

[THEPATRIOT]

What should these engines have for pressure?

 

[kbtoy]

Yeah, I had to put my slippers on to go out to the shed and take the picture last night, but it was the easiest way to share the info.

The service manual for the K482 and K532 state that they should maintain 40psi at idle. There is an adjustable oil pressure regulator at the right front lower corner of the block.

Both of mine easily maintain 40psi with cold oil, after mowing the lawn in the summer for 1 hour they will idle at 30-35psi. Seems like plenty.....

 

[ratboy]

Great info, good show KB.

 

[THEPATRIOT]

My K482 has 50,about 45-48 warmed up.The oil could use a change too,10W30 for these?

 

[boutin73]

KB the pressure switch I found said it "FITS MODELS CH11-14, CV11-15, CH18-25, CV18-22" but I am assuming a switch is a switch right? Same with the gauge. Shoulnt any gauge that registers from like 10 to 80 be good. I saw one at Tractor Supply for like $25 but it says for Ford, AC, ect on it. Just dont want to blow money if they wont work.

 

[kbtoy]

The Kohler CV or CH engines are mostly metric, therefore I'm not sure about the oil pressure switch threads. The older Kohlers need a switch with 1/8" pipe threads.

I might look for a generic switch at tractor supply where you found the gauge.

And yes any, gauge that reads between 0-80psi should be fine.

30 weight oil should be fine. I run 15w40 in the summer and 5w30 in the winter.

 

[boutin73]

Crap. They dont have any at TSC or online for that matter (the correct one) but Im thinking that if I put in a gauge I wont really need the low warning light. I just wanted to make everything work correctly, just being picky... I wonder though, I see an indent where the gauge should go, but will that just pop out or will I have to drill out a 2" hole?

 

[Sylvester Calzone]

where did you find the T's anything specific?

 

[boutin73]

You can get them at any hardware store. Nothing special. I had some fittings on hand anyways so I put in my gauge, the dash did pop out, but I didnt go with the tee because Im not sure what switch to get. If I really want to install one Im sure Sams will have one. You can just go to Home Depot or Lowes and they will have everything you need.

 

[Sylvester Calzone]

thank you boutin73.

 

[ed-nh]

My K482 has 50,about 45-48 warmed up.The oil could use a change too,10W30 for these?

The book says straight heavy 30 weight. I use Rotella 30 weight in all my old Bolens.

 

[ed-nh]

There should be a port in the engine's oil pressure galley at the right rear corner of the block. See picture below. This is on a K482 in an 1886, but the location is the same on the K532.

As you can see I have installed a tee in this port and have the low oil pressure switch for the light, and a capillary line for a guage in the dash. IMHO this is the best way to go.

The generic Kohler low oil pressure switch will work fine as long as its 1/8" pipe thread. Most of the low oil pressure switches "close" or connect to ground at 5-6psi.

So you added the gauge to the panel on your 1886? That sounds like a good idea having an oil gauge on it. Do you have a picture of how you set the gauge up on the panel?

 

[kbtoy]

I used a tee and fittings that are brass 1/8" pipe straight from the hardware store. Brass seals well and is tuff (can take a little vibration).

I'll offer 2 options for gauge placement in the dash or dash tower.

I think my grandfather put the oil pressure gauge in my HT-20 where the hour meter would have been. It looks like the hole was a little bigger than the gauge so he made a sheetmetal adapter ring.
I think this mounting location looks/works best.

Next is the gauge I put in the dash of my 1886. First I'll mention that I don't think its the stock dash that came with the tractor (throttle/choke control was modified from push pull to levers. But anyway, there was space for a gauge hole to the right of the amp meter.

Hopefully the pictures help.