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Pre-Start Checklist
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.
NOTE: Do not crank engine continuously for more than 10 seconds. Allow a 60 second cool down period between starting attempts. Failure to follow these guidelines can burn out starter motor.
NOTE: Upon start-up, a metallic ticking may occur. Run engine for 5 minutes. If noise continues, run engine at mid throttle for 20 minutes. If noise persists, take engine to your local Kohler authorized dealer.
Refer to operating instructions of equipment this engine powers. Do not operate this engine exceeding maximum angle of operation; see specification table. Engine damage could result from insufficient lubrication.
NOTE: Do not tamper with governor setting to increase maximum engine speed. Overspeed is hazardous and will void warranty.
Anti-icing kits can be installed to improve cold weather operation and are available through your local Kohler authorized dealer.
If this engine is operated at an altitude of 4000 ft. (1219 meters) or above, a high altitude carburetor kit is required. To obtain high altitude carburetor kit information or to find a Kohler authorized dealer, visit KohlerEngines.com or call 1-800-544-2444 (U.S. and Canada).
This engine should be operated in its original configuration below 4000 ft. (1219 meters).
Operating this engine with the wrong engine configuration at a given altitude may increase its emissions, decrease fuel efficiency and performance, and result in damage to the engine.
Accidental Starts can cause severe injury or death. Disconnect and ground spark plug lead(s) before servicing.
Before working on engine or equipment, disable engine as follows:
Normal maintenance, replacement or repair of emission control devices and systems may be performed by any repair establishment or individual; however, warranty repairs must be performed by a Kohler authorized dealer found at KohlerEngines.com or 1-800-544-2444 (U.S. and Canada).
Maintenance Schedule
Every 200 Hours 1
Every 200 Hours
Every 250 Hours 1
Every 500 Hours 1
Every 500 Hours
Every 1000 Hours
1 Perform these procedures more frequently under severe, dusty, dirty conditions.
We recommend use of Kohler oils for best performance. Other high-quality detergent oils (including synthetic) of API (American Petroleum Institute) service class SJ or higher are acceptable. Select viscosity based on air temperature at time of operation as shown in table below.
NOTE: To prevent extensive engine wear or damage, never run engine with oil level below or above operating range indicator on dipstick.
Ensure engine is cool. Clean oil fill/dipstick areas of any debris.
Change oil while engine is warm.
This switch is designed to prevent engine from starting in a low oil or no oil condition. Oil Sentry ™ may not shut down a running engine before damage occurs. In some applications this switch may activate a warning signal. Read your equipment manuals for more information.
Explosive Fuel can cause fi res and severe burns.
Do not fi ll fuel tank while engine is hot or running.
Gasoline is extremely fl ammable and its vapors can explode if ignited. Store gasoline only in approved containers, in well ventilated, unoccupied buildings, away from sparks or fl ames. Spilled fuel could ignite if it comes in contact with hot parts or sparks from ignition. Never use gasoline as a cleaning agent.
NOTE: E15, E20 and E85 are NOT approved and should NOT be used; effects of old, stale or contaminated fuel are not warrantable.
Fuel must meet these requirements:
Low permeation fuel line must be installed on carbureted Kohler Co. engines to maintain EPA and CARB regulatory compliance.
Electrical Shock can cause injury. Do not touch wires while engine is running.
Clean out spark plug recess. Remove plug and replace.
NOTE: Operating engine with loose or damaged air cleaner components could cause premature wear and failure. Replace all bent or damaged components.
NOTE: Paper element cannot be blown out with compressed air.
Ensure both ends of breather tube are properly connected.
Hot Parts can cause severe burns. Do not touch engine while operating or just after stopping. Never operate engine with heat shields or guards removed.
NOTE: Operating engine with a restricted air intake screen or radiator, damaged/ broken fan assembly, or missing fan shroud will cause engine damage due to over heating.
Proper cooling is essential. To prevent over heating, clean screens, cooling fins, and other external surfaces of engine. Avoid spraying water at wiring harness or any electrical components. See Maintenance Schedule.
Hot liquid can cause severe burns. Do not loosen radiator cap while engine is operating or warm to touch. Liquid coolant can get extremely hot from operation. Turning radiator cap when engine is hot can allow steam and scalding liquid to blow out and burn you severely. Shut off machine. Only remove radiator cap when cool enough to touch with bare hands. Slowly loosen cap to fi rst stop to relieve pressure before removing completely.
NOTE: Do not operate engine without fan and cooling system functioning properly, or engine damage will occur.
This engine is liquid-cooled, circulating a mixture of ethylene glycol and water for dependable operation. Maintaining correct coolant level and cleaning any debris accumulation from inlet screen and radiator surfaces are critical to ensuring long life, proper system performance, and preventing overheating. A drive belt is designed and constructed for this application. Do not use a substitute belt. If belt is cracked, damaged, or adequate tension does not exist, have necessary servicing performed by a Kohler authorized dealer.
We recommend that you use a Kohler authorized dealer for all maintenance, service, and replacement parts for engine. To find a Kohler authorized dealer visit KohlerEngines.com or call 1-800-544-2444 (U.S. and Canada).
If engine will be out of service for 2 months or more follow procedure below.
Do not attempt to service or replace major engine components, or any items that require special timing or adjustment procedures. This work should be performed by a Kohler authorized dealer.
Possible Cause | ||||||||
Problem | No Fuel | Improper Fuel | Dirt In Fuel Line | Dirty Debris Screen | Incorrect Oil Level | Engine Overloaded | Dirty Air Cleaner | Faulty Spark Plug |
Will Not Start | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | |
Hard Starting | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ||
Stops Suddenly | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | |
Lacks Power | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | |
Operates Erratically | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ||
Knocks or Pings | ● | ● | ● | ● | ||||
Skips or Misfi res | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | |||
Backfi res | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | |||
Overheats | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ||
High Fuel Consumption | ● | ● | ● |
Engine Specifications
Model | Bore | Stroke | Displacement | Oil Capacity (Refill) | Spark Plug Gap | Maximum Angle of Operation (@ full oil level)* |
LH640 | 3.03 in. (77 mm) | 2.6 in. (67 mm) | 38.1 cu. in. (624 cc) | 1.7-1.9 U.S. qt. | 0.03 in. | 20° |
LH685/LH690 3.15 in. | (80 mm) | 41.1 cu. in. (674 cc) | (1.6-1.8 L) | (0.76 mm) |
*Exceeding maximum angle of operation may cause engine damage from insufficient lubrication.
Additional specification information can be found in service manual at KohlerEngines.com.
Exhaust Emission Control System for models LH640, LH685, and LH690 is EM for U.S. EPA, California, and Europe.
Any and all horsepower (hp) references by Kohler are Certified Power Ratings and per SAE J1940 & J1995 hp standards. Details on Certified Power Ratings can be found at KohlerEngines.com.
A hazard that could result in death, serious injury, or substantial property damage.
A hazard that could result in minor personal injury or property damage.
NOTE: is used to notify people of important installation, operation, or maintenance information.
Explosive Fuel can cause fi res and severe burns.
Do not fi ll fuel tank while engine is hot or running.
Gasoline is extremely fl ammable and its vapors can explode if ignited. Store gasoline only in approved containers, in well ventilated, unoccupied buildings, away from sparks or fl ames. Spilled fuel could ignite if it comes in contact with hot parts or sparks from ignition. Never use gasoline as a cleaning agent.
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.
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.
Hot liquid can cause severe burns. Do not loosen radiator cap while engine is operating or warm to touch.
Liquid coolant can get extremely hot from operation. Turning radiator cap when engine is hot can allow steam and scalding liquid to blow out and burn you severely. Shut off machine. Only remove radiator cap when cool enough to touch with bare hands. Slowly loosen cap to fi rst stop to relieve pressure before removing completely.
Accidental Starts can cause severe injury or death. Disconnect and ground spark plug lead(s) before servicing. Before working on engine or equipment, disable engine as follows:
Hot Parts can cause severe burns. Do not touch engine while operating or just after stopping. Never operate engine with heat shields or guards removed.
Electrical Shock can cause injury. Do not touch wires while engine is running.
California Proposition 65 Warning
Engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
California Proposition 65 Warning
This product contains chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
Read all safety precautions and instructions carefully before operating equipment. Refer to operating instruction of equipment that this engine powers.
Ensure engine is stopped and level before performing any maintenance or service.
Warranty coverage as outlined in the warranty card and on
KohlerEngines.com. Please review carefully as it provides you specific rights and obligations.
To maintain compliance with applicable emission regulations, exhaust system backpressure may not exceed limits which can be found on KohlerEngines.com. Search by Model No., select Read More, then select Specs tab.
Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.
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