Advertisement
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
See Figure 1.
Congratulations – You have selected a fine four-cycle, twin cylinder, air-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.
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. Select the viscosity based on the air temperature at the time of operation as shown in the following table (see Figure 2).
Figure 2. Viscosity Grades Table.
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.
Refer to "Maintenance Instructions" 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.
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 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.
For best results use only clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline with a 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 and reduces harmful exhaust emissions. Leaded gasoline is not recommended and must not be used in OHC engines.
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.
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 shrouding. Include letter suffixes, if there are any.
Record your engine identification numbers on the identification label (Figure 4) for future reference.
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.
Emission Compliance Period (Hours) | |||
EPA | Category C 250 Hours | Category B 500 Hours | Category A 1000 Hours |
CARB | Moderate 125 Hours | Intermediate 250 Hours | Extended 500 Hours |
Refer to certification label for engine displacement.
Exhaust Emission Control System for models TH520, TH575, TH650 is EM.
Also read the operating instructions of the equipment this engine powers.
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.
If the starter does not turn the engine over, shut off starter immediately. Do not make further attempts to start the engine until the condition is corrected. Do not jump start using another battery (refer to "Battery" section). See your Kohler Engine Service Dealer for trouble analysis.
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 (see "Battery Charging").
This engine will operate continuously at angles up to 15°; 25° intermittently. Check oil level to assure crankcase oil level is at the "F" 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 15° in any direction. Engine damage could result from insufficient lubrication.
NOTE: If debris builds up on the grass screen or other cooling air intake 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".
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.
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 speed for these engines is 3960 RPM, no load.
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:
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 |
|
Every 200 Hours |
|
Every 400 Hours |
|
Every 500 Hours |
|
Annually or Every 500 Hours |
|
1 Perform these maintenance procedures more frequently under extremely dusty, dirty conditions.
2 Have a Kohler Engine Service Dealer perform this service.
3 Cleanout kits 25 755 20-S (black) or 25 755 21-S (gold) allow cooling areas to be cleaned without removing shrouds.
The importance of checking and maintaining the proper oil level in the crankcase cannot be overemphasized. Check oil BEFORE EACH USE as follows:
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.
If the Oil Sentry switch is removed, torque the switch to a maximum of 3.4 N·m (30 in. lb.) upon reinstallation.
NOTE: Make sure the oil level is checked BEFORE EACH USE and is maintained up to the "F" mark on the dipstick. This includes engines equipped with Oil Sentry.
The use of Kohler genuine replacement oil filters and Kohler Lubricating Oil is recommended for efficient operation and long life. Command 10W30 oil has Part No. 25 357 06-S (qt.).
Change oil after every 100 hours of operation. Refill with service class SG, SH, SJ or higher oil as specified in the ''Viscosity Grades'' table (Figure 2).
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, and changing the oil.
Change the oil as follows (see Figure 6):
Replace the oil filter at least every other oil change (every 200 hours of operation). Always use a genuine Kohler oil filter. Use chart below to determine part number to order.
Oil Filter Part No. | Length |
12 050 01-S | 2-1/2" |
28 050 01-S | 2-1/4" |
277233-S | 5" |
Replace the oil filter as follows:
This engine is equipped with a replaceable, high density paper air cleaner element. Most engines are also equipped with an oiled, foam precleaner which surrounds the paper element. See Figures 7, 8, 9, and 10.
Check the air cleaner daily or before starting the engine. Check for a buildup of dirt and debris around the air cleaner system. Keep this area clean. Also check for loose or damaged components. Replace all bent or damaged air cleaner components.
NOTE: Operating the engine with loose or damaged air cleaner components could allow unfiltered air into the engine causing premature wear and failure.
If so equipped, wash and reoil the precleaner every 25 hours of operation (more often under extremely dusty or dirty conditions).
Standard | Top Tank |
28 083 02-S | 28 083 06-S |
Every 100 hours of operation (more often under extremely dusty or dirty conditions) replace the paper element.
Standard | Top Tank |
28 083 03-S | 28 083 04-S |
To ensure proper cooling, make sure the grass screen, 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 blower housing* and other cooling shrouds. Clean the cooling fins and external surfaces as necessary. Make sure the cooling shrouds are reinstalled.
NOTE: Operating the engine with a blocked grass screen, dirty or plugged cooling fins, and/or cooling shrouds removed, will cause engine damage due to overheating.
*Cleanout kits 25 755 20-S (black) or 25 755 21-S (gold) allow inspection and cleanout of the cooling fins, without removing the blower housing.
This engine is equipped with an electronic CD ignition system. Other than periodically checking/replacing the spark plugs, no maintenance, timing, 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.
Every 200 hours of operation, remove the spark plugs, check condition, and reset the gap or replace with new plugs as necessary. Use Champion type RC12YC (or equivalent) spark plugs, Kohler Part No. 12 132 02-S.
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.
Some 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. 25 050 22-S.
If engine troubles are experienced that appear to be fuel system related, check the following troubleshooting hints.
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.
NOTE: Carburetor adjustments should be made only after the engine has warmed up.
The carburetor is designed to deliver the correct fuel-to-air mixture to the engine. Fuel mixture settings are set at the factory and are not adjustable.
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.
Possible Cause | ||||||||
Problem | No Fuel | Improper Fuel | Dirt In Fuel Line/System | Dirty Grass 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 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 Model, Specification, 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 "Product 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.
Model TH520S for example: T designates Triad engine, H designates horizontal crankshaft, and 520 designates the approximate displacement. A letter suffix designates a specific version as follows:
Suffix | Designates |
S | Electric Start |
GS | Generator Application/Electric Start |
ST | Electric Start/Retractable Start |
Model: | TH520 | TH575 | TH650 | |
Bore: | mm (in.) | 73 (2.87) | 75 (2.95) | 80 (3.15) |
Stroke: | mm (in.) | 62 (2.44) | 65 (2.56) | 65 (2.56) |
Displacement: | cm 3 (in. 3 ) | 520 (31.7) | 574 (35.0) | 653 (39.8) |
Power (@3600 RPM): | kW (HP) | 11.9 (16*) | 13.4 (18*) | 14.9 (20*) |
Max. Torque: | N·m (ft. lb.) @RPM | 35.5 (26.2) @2400 | 40.5 (29.9) @2400 | 45.15 (33.3) @1800 |
Compression Ratio: | 7.8:1 | 8.4:1 | 8.8:1 | |
Weight: | kg (lb.) | 41 (90) | 41 (90) | 41 (90) |
Oil Capacity (w/filter): | L (U.S. qts) | 1.4 (1.5) | 1.4 (1.5) | 1.4 (1.5) |
Exhaust Emission Control System for models TH520, TH575, TH650 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.
Our obligation under this warranty is expressly limited, at our option, to the replacement or repair at Kohler Co., Kohler, Wisconsin 53044, or at a service facility designated by us of such parts as inspection shall disclose to have been defective.
TO OBTAIN WARRANTY SERVICE:
Purchaser must bring the engine to an authorized Kohler service facility. To locate the nearest facility, visit our website, www.kohlerengines.com, and click on SALES AND SERVICES to use the locator function, consult your Yellow Pages or telephone 1-800-544-2444.
If you have any questions regarding warranty rights and responsibilities, you should contact Kohler Co. at 1-920-457-4441 and ask for an Engine Service representative.
FOR SALES AND SERVICE INFORMATION IN U.S. AND CANADA, CALL 1-800-544-2444
ENGINE DIVISION, KOHLER CO., KOHLER, WISCONSIN 53044
Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.
Advertisement
Need help?
Do you have a question about the Triad OHC TH520 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers