OWNER'S MANUAL
OWNER'S MANUAL
COMMAND 20-25 HP
HORIZONTAL CRANKSHAFT
LP Gas Fueled or Dual-Fueled (LP Gas – Gasoline)
1
Safety Precautions
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
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
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.
WARNING
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: 1) Disconnect the spark plug
lead(s). 2) Disconnect negative (-)
battery cable from battery.
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 LP/gasoline fuel vapors are
present.
WARNING
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.
CAUTION
Electrical Shock can cause injury.
Do not touch wires while engine is
running.
WARNING
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.
2
Electrical Shock!
Never touch electrical wires or
components while the engine is
running. They can be sources of
electrical shock.
WARNING
Explosive Fuel can cause fires and
severe burns.
Stop engine before filling fuel tank.
Explosive Fuel!
LPG is extremely flammable and is
heavier than air and tends to settle in
low areas where a spark or flame
could ignite the gas. Do not start or
operate this engine in a poorly
ventilated area where leaking gas
could accumulate and endanger the
safety of persons in the area.
To insure personal safety, installation
and repair of LPG fuel supply
systems must be performed only by
qualified LPG system technicians.
Improperly installed and maintained
LPG equipment could cause fuel
supply system or other components
to malfunction, causing gas leaks.
Observe federal, state and local laws
governing LPG fuel, storage, and
systems.
– Continued in next column –
Safety Precautions (Cont.)
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.
WARNING
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.
WARNING
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 LP/gasoline fuel
vapors are present.
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:
• Efficient overhead valve design and full pressure lubrication provide maximum power, torque, and reliability under
all operating conditions.
• Dependable, maintenance free electronic ignition ensures fast, easy starts time after time.
• Kohler engines are easy to service. All routine service areas (like the dipstick and oil fill, air cleaner, spark plugs,
and carburetor) are easily and quickly accessible.
• Parts subject to the most wear and tear (like the cylinder liner* and camshaft) are made from precision formulated
cast iron. Because the cylinder liner* can be rebored, these engines can last even longer.
*CH25 engines have POWER-BORE™ Cylinders. These cylinders are plated with nickel-silicon to give increased
power, virtually permanent cylinder life, superior oil control, and reduced exhaust emissions. These cylinders
cannot be rebored.
• Every Kohler engine is backed by a worldwide network of over 10,000 distributors and dealers. Service support is
just a phone call away. Call 1-800-544-2444 (U.S. & Canada) for Sales & Service assistance.
To keep your engine in top operating condition, follow the maintenance procedures in this manual.
3
Vaporizer
Air Cleaner
Dipstick
Oil Filter
Figure 1. Typical Command Horizontal Shaft LP Gas Fueled Engine.
Oil Recommendations
Using the proper type and weight of oil in the crankcase
is extremely important. So is checking oil daily and
changing oil regularly. Using oil that is incorrect or dirty
can cause premature engine wear and failure.
Synthetic oil is recommended for use in LPG-fueled
engines because there is less oxidation or thickening,
and deposit accumulation on intake valves is
substantially reduced. Conventional petroleum-based oil
may be used, but valve service will be required every
500 hours to remove the accumulated deposits.
Dual-fueled engines can use conventional oil without
requiring special/additional valve service.
Electric Starter
NOTE: Using other than service class SG, SH, SJ or
higher oil or extending oil change intervals
longer than recommended can cause engine
damage.
A logo or symbol on oil containers identifies the API
service class and SAE viscosity grade. See Figure 3.
Oil Type
Use high quality, 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.
Figure 3. Oil Container Logo.
Oil Drain Plug
LPG Regulator
Use of synthetic oil is recommended.
Figure 2. Viscosity Grades Table.
4
Refer to “Maintenance Instructions” beginning on
page 8 for detailed oil check, oil change, and oil
filter change procedures.
LPG Engines
LPG Fuel Recommendations
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) from an appropriate LP
fuel tank (supplied separately) is required to operate
this engine.
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.
WARNING: Pressurized LPG!
Fuel tanks are filled under pressure and should be
handled with care. To prevent tank damage which could
endanger the safety of the operator or persons in the
area, do not drop or drag tanks on any surface. Use a
hand truck when moving, or tilt the tank on its footring in
a position slightly off vertical and roll it.
Avoid personal contact with LPG fuel to prevent
frostbite. See a physician if frostbite occurs.
WARNING: Explosive Fuel!
LPG is extremely flammable, is heavier than air and
tends to settle in low areas where a spark or flame
could ignite the gas. Do not start or operate this engine
in a poorly ventilated area where leaking gas could
accumulate and endanger the safety of persons in the
area.
LPG fuel consists primarily of propane, although the fuel
supplier may sometimes mix other gases with propane.
Fuel tanks must be filled only by persons qualified in the
handling of LPG. Tanks are filled by weight and should
not be overfilled (never to more than 80 percent of total
capacity). An air space must be present in the tank to
allow fuel to expand.
Do not use gasoline left over from 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 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. 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.
Tanks must be removed from equipment before filling.
Dual-Fuel Engines
Dual-fuel engines are designed to operate on either
LPG or gasoline. For LPG operation, the above
information and warnings apply. For gasoline operation,
the following information and warnings apply.
Fuel Recommendations
WARNING: 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.
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.
Model Designation
Model CH20S for example: C designates Command
engine, H designates horizontal crankshaft, and 20
designates horsepower. A letter suffix designates a
specific version as follows:
Suffix Designates
S Electric Start
5
Engine Identification Numbers
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 below (Figure 4) for future reference.
Operating Instructions
Also read the operating instructions of the equipment
this engine powers.
Pre-Start Checklist
• Check oil level. Add oil if low. Do not overfill.
• Check fuel gauge on LPG tank. Tanks should be
filled to a specific weight. To insure safety and
proper fuel system operation, tanks must not be
overfilled.
IMPORTANT ENGINE INFORMATION
THIS ENGINE MEETS U.S. EPA 2005 AND
CALIFORNIA 2006 EMISSION REGS FOR SI
SMALL OFF-ROAD ENGINES
FAMILY
DISPL. (CC)
MODEL NO.
N11236
SPEC. NO.
SERIAL NO.
OEM PROD. NO.
EMISSION COMPLIANCE PERIOD:
EPA: CARB:
THIS ENGINE IS CERTIFIED TO OPERATE
ON:
REFER TO OWNER'S MANUAL FOR SAFETY,
MAINTENANCE SPECS AND ADJUSTMENTS.
FOR SALES/SERVICE IN US/CANADA, CALL:
1-800-544-2444
www.kohlerengines.com
KOHLER CO. KOHLER, WISCONSIN USA
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 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)
• Check fuel lines, regulator, and other system
components for leaks. Do not start engine until
leaks are eliminated.
• Check cooling air intake areas and external
surfaces of engine. Make sure they are clean and
unobstructed.
• Check that the air cleaner components and all
shrouds, equipment covers, and guards are in
place and securely fastened.
• Check that any clutches or transmissions are
disengaged or placed in neutral. This is especially
important on equipment with hydrostatic drive. The
shift lever must be exactly in neutral to prevent
resistance which could keep the engine from
starting.
WARNING: 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.
Although LPG burns more efficiently and emits less
carbon monoxide than gasoline, some carbon
monoxide is produced. Avoid inhaling exhaust gases,
especially over prolonged periods of time. Do not allow
engine to run unattended.
CARB
Moderate
125 hours
Intermediate
250 hours
Refer to certification label for engine displacement.
Exhaust Emission Control System for models
CH20 LP, CH25 LP, and CH25 Dual Fuel (open loop),
is EM. Exhaust Emission Control System for model
CH25 Dual Fuel (closed loop) is EM, O2S, ECM.
6
Extended
500 hours
Cold Weather Starting Hints
1. Be sure to use the proper oil for the temperature
expected. See Figure 2 on page 4.
2. Disengage all possible external loads.
3. Be sure the battery is in good condition. A warm
battery has much more starting capacity than a
cold battery.
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