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Using the proper type and weight of oil in the crankcase is extremely important. So is checking oil daily and changing oil regularly. Failure to use the correct oil, or using dirty oil, causes premature engine wear and failure.
Oil Type
Use high quality detergent oil of API (American Petroleum Institute) service class SG, SH, SJ or higher. Synthetic oils may be used. Select the viscosity based on the air temperature at the time of operation as shown in the following table.
Figure 2. Viscosity Grades Table.
*Use of synthetic oil having 5W-20 or 5W-30 rating is acceptable, up to 4°C (40°F).
**Synthetic oils will provide better starting in extreme cold below 23°C (-10°F).
NOTE: Using other than service class SG, SH, SJ or higher oil or extending oil change intervals longer than recommended can cause engine damage.
NOTE: Synthetic oils meeting the listed classifications may be used with oil changes performed at the recommended intervals. However to allow piston rings to properly seat, a new or rebuilt engine should be operated for at least 50 hours using standard petroleum based oil before switching to synthetic oil.
A logo or symbol on oil containers identifies the API service class and SAE viscosity grade. See Figure 3.
Figure 3. Oil Container Logo.
Refer to "Maintenance Instructions" beginning for detailed oil check, oil change, and oil filter change procedures.
Explosive Fuel!
Gasoline is extremely flammable and its vapors can explode if ignited. Store gasoline only in approved containers, in well ventilated, unoccupied buildings, away from sparks or flames. Do not fill the fuel tank while the engine is hot or running, since spilled fuel could ignite if it comes in contact with hot parts or sparks from ignition. Do not start the engine near spilled fuel. Never use gasoline as a cleaning agent.
General Recommendations
Purchase gasoline in small quantities and store in clean, approved containers. A container with a capacity of 2 gallons or less with a pouring spout is recommended. Such a container is easier to handle and helps eliminate spillage during refueling.
Do not use gasoline left over from the previous season, to minimize gum deposits in your fuel system and to ensure easy starting.
Do not add oil to the gasoline. Do not overfill the fuel tank. Leave room for the fuel to expand.
Fuel Type
For best results use only clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline with the pump sticker octane rating of 87 or higher. In countries using the Research method, it should be 90 octane minimum.
Unleaded gasoline is recommended as it leaves less combustion chamber deposits. Leaded gasoline may be used in areas where unleaded is not available and exhaust emissions are not regulated. Be aware however, that the cylinder heads may require more frequent service.
Gasoline/Alcohol blends
Gasohol (up to 10% ethyl alcohol, 90% unleaded gasoline by volume) is approved as a fuel for Kohler engines. Other gasoline/alcohol blends are not approved.
Gasoline/Ether blends
Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) and unleaded gasoline blends (up to a maximum of 15% MTBE by volume) are approved as a fuel for Kohler engines. Other gasoline/ether blends are not approved.
Coolant Recommendations
Use equal parts of ethylene glycol (anti-freeze) and water only. Distilled or deionized water is recommended, especially in areas where the water contains a high mineral content. Propylene glycol based anti-freeze is not recommended.
This mixture will provide protection from -37°C (-34°F) to 108°C (226°F). For protection and use outside the indicated temperature limits, follow the anti-freeze manufacturers instructions on the container, but do not exceed 70% anti-freeze.
DO NOT use anti-freeze with stop-leak additive(s), or put any other additives in the cooling system.
When ordering parts, or in any communication involving an engine, always give the Model, Specification, and Serial Numbers of the engine.
The engine identification numbers appear on a decal affixed to the engine blower housing. Include letter suffixes, if there are any.
Record your engine identification numbers on the identification label (Figure 4) for future reference.
Figure 4. Engine Identification Label.
The Emission Compliance Period referred to on the Emission Control or Air Index label indicates the number of operating hours for which the engine has been shown to meet Federal and CARB emission requirements. The following table provides the Engine Compliance Period (in hours) associated with the category descriptor found on the certification label.
EPA | Category C 250 Hours | Category B 500 Hours | Category A 1000 Hours |
CARB | Moderate 125 Hours | Intermediate 250 Hours | Extended 500 Hours |
Emission Compliance Period (Hours)
Refer to certification label for engine displacement.
Exhaust Emission Control System for models LV625, LV675, and LV680 is EM.
Model LV625 for example: L designates liquid cooled, V designates vertical crankshaft, and 625 is the model designation. A letter suffix designates a specific version as follows:
Suffix | Designates |
S | Electric Start |
Also read the operating instructions of the equipment this engine powers.
Pre-Start Checklist
Lethal Exhaust Gases! Engine exhaust gases contain poisonous carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, and can cause death if inhaled. Avoid inhaling exhaust fumes, and never run the engine in a closed building or confined area.
Cold Weather Starting Hints
Starting
Stopping
Battery
A 12 volt battery is normally used. Refer to the operating instructions of the equipment this engine powers for specific battery requirements.
If the battery charge is not sufficient to crank the engine, recharge the battery.
Operating
Angle of Operation
This engine will operate continuously at angles up to 20°. Check oil level to assure crankcase oil level is at the "FULL" mark on the dipstick.
Refer to the operating instructions of the equipment this engine powers. Because of equipment design or application, there may be more stringent restrictions regarding the angle of operation.
NOTE: Do not operate this engine continuously at angles exceeding 20° in any direction. Engine damage could result from insufficient lubrication.
Cooling
NOTE: If debris builds up on the air intake screen, radiator, or other cooling areas, stop the engine immediately and clean. Operating the engine with blocked or dirty air intake and cooling areas can cause extensive damage due to overheating. See ''Clean Air Intake/ Cooling Area''.
High Temperature Sensor
Some engines are equipped with a high temperature sensor mounted in the cooling system. If the safe operating temperature is exceeded, it will either shut off the engine or activate a warning signal, depending on the application.
If the warning light illuminates or engine kills indicating excessive operating temperatures:
Hot Parts! Engine components can get extremely hot from operation. To prevent severe burns, do not touch these areas while the engine is running, or immediately after it is turned off. Never operate the engine with heat shields or guards removed.
Engine Speed
NOTE:Do not tamper with the governor setting to increase the maximum engine speed. Overspeed is hazardous and will void the engine warranty. The maximum allowable high idle speed for these engines is 3750 RPM.
Maintenance, repair, or replacement of the emission control devices and systems, which are being done at the customers expense, may be performed by any non-road engine repair establishment or individual.
Warranty repairs must be performed by an authorized Kohler service outlet.
Accidental Starts!
Disabling engine. Accidental starting can cause severe injury or death. Before working on the engine or equipment, disable the engine as follows:
Maintenance Schedule
These required maintenance procedures should be performed at the frequency stated in the table. They should also be included as part of any seasonal tune-up.
Frequency | Maintenance Required |
Daily or Before Starting Engine |
|
Every 25 Hours |
|
Every 100 Hours |
|
Annually or Every 200 Hours |
|
Annually or Every 500 Hours |
|
Every 2 Years or Every 1000 Hours |
|
1Perform these maintenance procedures more frequently under extremely dusty, dirty conditions.
2Only required for Denso starters. Not necessary on Delco starters. Have a Kohler Engine Service Dealer perform this service.
Check Oil Level
The importance of checking and maintaining the proper oil level in the crankcase cannot be overemphasized. Check oil BEFORE EACH USE as follows:
Oil Sentry™
Some engines are equipped with an optional Oil Sentry™ oil pressure switch. If the oil pressure decreases below an acceptable level, the Oil Sentry™ will either shut off the engine or activate a warning signal, depending on the application.
NOTE: Make sure the oil level is checked BEFORE EACH USE and is maintained up to the "FULL" mark on the dipstick. This includes engines equipped with Oil Sentry™.
Change Oil and Filter
Change the oil and oil filter every 200 hours or annually, whichever comes first (more often under severe conditions). Refill with service class SG, SH, SJ or higher oil, as specified in the ''Viscosity Grades'' table (Figure 2). Always use a genuine Kohler oil filter, Part No. 52 050 02-S.
Change the oil while the engine is still warm. The oil will flow more freely and carry away more impurities. Make sure the engine is level when filling, checking, or changing the oil.
Change the oil and oil filter as follows (see Figure 7):
Figure 7. Oil Drain Plugs and Oil Filter.
Important service notes:
Maintenance
This engine is liquid-cooled, circulating a mixture of ethylene glycol and water for dependable operation. A pump is used to circulate the coolant through the system and radiator. A thermostat contained in the system assures automatic temperature control and rapid warm-up. Correct coolant level and cleaning any debris accumulation from the inlet screen and radiator surfaces are critical to insuring long life, proper system performance, and preventing overheating. Check the coolant level in the overflow reservoir, and clean away any debris accumulation daily or before each use. At the same time, inspect the hoses and all connections for signs of leakage.
Servicing
Engine coolant should be changed every 2 years or every 1000 hours, whichever comes first. When changing the engine coolant, the system should also be flushed to remove any contaminants left behind during draining. Following are recommended procedures for checking, draining, flushing, and filling the cooling system.
Checking Coolant Level
The coolant level should be checked at the overflow reservoir, located under the upper blower housing assembly.
Draining Cooling System
Flushing Cooling System
With system properly drained:
Filling Cooling System
Service Precleaner and Air Cleaner Element
This engine is equipped with a replaceable, high density paper air cleaner element surrounded by an oiled foam precleaner, located under the upper blower housing. See Figure 16.
Check the air cleaner and air intake screen daily or before starting the engine. Check for a buildup of dirt and debris around the air cleaner system. Keep these areas clean. Also check for loose or damaged components. Replace all bent or damaged air cleaner components. Do not operate the engine without the upper blower housing and screen assembly installed.
NOTE: Operating the engine with loose, damaged, or missing air intake components can allow unfiltered air into the engine, causing premature wear and failure.
Figure 16. Air Cleaner Assembly.
Service Precleaner
Wash and reoil the precleaner every 25 hours of operation (more often under extremely dusty or dirty conditions).
Service Paper Element
Every 100 hours of operation (more often under extremely dusty or dirty conditions), replace the paper element.
Clean Air Intake/Cooling Areas
To ensure proper air circulation, make sure the air intake screen, radiator, cooling fins, and other external surfaces of the engine are kept clean at all times.
Every 100 hours of operation (more often under extremely dusty, dirty conditions), remove the upper blower housing assembly. Clean the cooling fins of the radiator, external surfaces, and the air intake screen and blower housing assembly as necessary. The screen assembly may also be separated from the upper blower housing to permit more thorough cleaning if required. See Figures 18, 19, and 20. Make sure all parts are reinstalled before starting the engine. If the screen assembly was separated from the blower housing, push the upper retaining clips into the locked position.
Clean the cooling fins of the radiator with a soft brush or blow out using clean, compressed air. See Figure 22. Do not use a high pressure washer to clean, to avoid damaging the cooling fins.
NOTE: Operating the engine with a blocked air intake screen, dirty or plugged radiator cooling fins, and/or cooling shrouds removed, will cause engine damage due to overheating.
Figure 22. Clean Radiator Cooling Fins.
Ignition System
This engine is equipped with an electronic CD ignition system. Other than periodically checking/replacing the spark plugs, no maintenance or adjustments are necessary or possible with this system.
In the event starting problems should occur which are not corrected by replacing the spark plugs, see your Kohler Engine Service Dealer for trouble analysis.
Check Spark Plugs
Annually or every 200 hours of operation (whichever comes first), remove the spark plugs, check condition, and reset the gap or replace with new plugs as necessary. Every 500 hours of operation replace the spark plugs. The standard spark plug is a Champion® RC14YC (Kohler Part No. 66 132 01-S). Equivalent alternate brand plugs can also be used.
Battery Charging
Explosive Gas!
Batteries produce explosive hydrogen gas while being charged. To prevent a fire or explosion, charge batteries only in well ventilated areas. Keep sparks, open flames, and other sources of ignition away from the battery at all times. Keep batteries out of the reach of children. Remove all jewelry when servicing batteries.
Before disconnecting the negative (-) ground cable, make sure all switches are OFF. If ON, a spark will occur at the ground cable terminal which could cause an explosion if hydrogen gas or gasoline vapors are present.
NOTE: Do not apply 12 volt DC to kill terminal of ignition module.
Fuel Filter
Most engines are equipped with an in-line fuel filter. Periodically inspect the filter and replace every 200 operating hours. Use a genuine Kohler filter, Part No. 24 050 02-S.
In compliance with the government emission standards, the carburetor is calibrated to deliver the correct fuel-to-air mixture to the engine under all operating conditions. The carburetor cannot be adjusted, except for low idle speed (RPM). Carburetor servicing is to be performed by an authorized Kohler Engine Service Dealer only. See Figure 24.
Figure 24. Carburetor.
Troubleshooting
If engine troubles are experienced that appear to be fuel system related, check the following areas before adjusting the carburetor.
If, after checking the items listed above, the engine is hard to start, runs roughly, or stalls at low idle speed, it may be necessary to adjust or service the carburetor.
Adjust Carburetor
Start the engine and run at half throttle for 5 to 10 minutes to warm up. The engine must be warm before making final settings.
Low idle speed (RPM) setting:
When troubles occur, be sure to check the simple causes which, at first, may seem too obvious to be considered. For example, a starting problem could be caused by an empty fuel tank. Some common causes of engine troubles are listed in the following table.
Do not attempt to service or replace major engine components, or any items that require special timing or adjustment procedures. Have your Kohler Engine Service Dealer do this work.
Problem\Possible Cause | No Fuel | Improper Fuel | Dirt In Fuel Line | Dirty Air Intake Screen or Radiator | 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 Misfires | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | |||
Backfires | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | |||
Overheats | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ||
High Fuel Consumption | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
If the engine will be out of service for two months or more, use the following storage procedure:
The engine Specification, Model, and Serial Numbers are required when ordering replacement parts from your Kohler Engine Service Dealer. These numbers are found on the identification plate which is affixed to the engine shrouding. Include letter suffixes if there are any. See "Engine Identification Numbers".
Always insist on genuine Kohler parts. All genuine Kohler parts meet strict standards for fit, reliability, and performance.
Major repair information is available in Kohler Engine Service Manuals. However, major repair generally requires the attention of a trained mechanic and the use of special tools and equipment. Your Kohler Engine Service Dealer has the facilities, training, and genuine Kohler replacement parts necessary to perform this service. For Sales & Service assistance call 1-800-544-2444 (U.S. & Canada) or contact your Kohler Engine Dealer or Service Distributor, they're in the Yellow Pages under Engines-Gasoline.
Exhaust Emission Control System for models LV625, LV675, and LV680 is EM.
*Horsepower ratings exceed Society of Automotive Engineers Small Engine Test Code J1940. Actual engine horsepower is lower and affected by, but not limited to, accessories (air cleaner, exhaust, charging, cooling, fuel pump, etc.), application, engine speed and ambient operating conditions (temperature, humidity, and altitude). Kohler reserves the right to change product specifications, designs and equipment without notice and without incurring obligation.
To ensure safe operations please read the following statements and understand their meaning. Also refer to your equipment owner's manual for other important safety information. This manual contains safety precautions which are explained below. Please read carefully.
Warning is used to indicate the presence of a hazard that can cause severe personal injury, death, or substantial property damage if the warning is ignored.
Caution is used to indicate the presence of a hazard that will or can cause minor personal injury or property damage if the caution is ignored.
NOTE
Note is used to notify people of installation, operation, or maintenance information that is important but not hazard-related.
For Your Safety!
These precautions should be followed at all times. Failure to follow these precautions could result in injury to yourself and others.
Explosive Fuel can cause fires and severe burns.
Stop engine before filling fuel tank.
Explosive Fuel!
Gasoline is extremely flammable and its vapors can explode if ignited. Store gasoline only in approved containers, in well ventilated, unoccupied buildings, away from sparks or flames. Do not fill the fuel tank while the engine is hot or running, since spilled fuel could ignite if it comes in contact with hot parts or sparks from ignition. Do not start the engine near spilled fuel. Never use gasoline as a cleaning agent.
Hot liquid can cause severe burns.
Do not loosen radiator cap while engine is operating or warm to the touch.
Hot Liquid!
The liquid coolant can get extremely hot from operation. Turning the radiator cap when the 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 first stop to relieve pressure before removing completely.
Hot Parts can cause severe burns.
Do not touch engine while operating or just after stopping.
Hot Parts!
Engine components can get extremely hot from operation. To prevent severe burns, do not touch these areas while the engine is running, or immediately after it is turned off. Never operate the engine with heat shields or guards removed.
California Proposition 65 Warning
Engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
Accidental Starts can cause severe injury or death.
Disconnect and ground spark plug leads before servicing.
Accidental Starts! Disabling engine. Accidental starting can cause severe injury or death. Before working on the engine or equipment, disable the engine as follows:
Electrical Shock can cause injury.
Do not touch wires while engine is running.
Electrical Shock!
Never touch electrical wires or components while the engine is running. They can be sources of electrical shock.
Carbon Monoxide can cause severe nausea, fainting or death.
Do not operate engine in closed or confined area.
Lethal Exhaust Gases!
Engine exhaust gases contain poisonous carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, and can cause death if inhaled. Avoid inhaling exhaust fumes, and never run the engine in a closed building or confined area.
Rotating Parts can cause severe injury.
Stay away while engine is in operation.
Rotating Parts!
Keep hands, feet, hair, and clothing away from all moving parts to prevent injury. Never operate the engine with covers, shrouds, or guards removed.
Explosive Gas can cause fires and severe acid burns.
Charge battery only in a well ventilated area. Keep sources of ignition away.
Explosive Gas!
Batteries produce explosive hydrogen gas while being charged. To prevent a fire or explosion, charge batteries only in well ventilated areas. Keep sparks, open flames, and other sources of ignition away from the battery at all times. Keep batteries out of the reach of children. Remove all jewelry when servicing batteries.
Before disconnecting the negative (-) ground cable, make sure all switches are OFF. If ON, a spark will occur at the ground cable terminal which could cause an explosion if hydrogen gas or gasoline vapors are present.
Congratulations – You have selected a fine four-cycle, twin cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. Kohler designs long life strength and on-the-job durability into each engine...making a Kohler engine dependable...dependability you can count on. Here are some reasons why:
To keep your engine in top operating condition, follow the maintenance procedures in this manual.
Figure 1. Typical Kohler Aegis® Vertical Shaft Engine.
Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.
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