kohler KT610, KT620, KT715, KT745 Owner's Manual

KT610-KT620, KT715-KT745
Owner's Manual

EN

ESS

FRC

IMPORTANT:
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 warranty card and on

KohlerEngines.com

.

Please review carefully as it provides your specifi c 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., then select Specs tab.
Kohler Engines has published CO2 values on KohlerEngines.com website.

Record engine information to reference when ordering parts or obtaining warranty coverage.

Engine Model
Specifi cation
Serial Number
Purchase Date

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KohlerEngines.com

.

Safety Precautions

WARNING: A hazard that could result in death, serious injury, or substantial property damage.

CAUTION: 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.

WARNING

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.

WARNING

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.

WARNING

Carbon
Monoxide can
cause severe
nausea, fainting
or death.

Avoid inhaling
exhaust fumes.
Never run
engine indoors
or in enclosed
spaces.

Engine exhaust gases
contain poisonous carbon
monoxide. Carbon
monoxide is odorless,
colorless, and can cause
death if inhaled.

CAUTION

Electrical Shock
can cause injury.

Do not touch
wires while
engine is
running.

WARNING

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: 1) Disconnect
spark plug lead(s). 2)
Disconnect negative (–)
battery cable from battery.

WARNING

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.

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals

including carbon monoxide and benzene, which are known
to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects
or other reproductive harm. For more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

2 32 590 23 Rev. BKohlerEngines.com

G

A

F

B

I

A

M

EN

A

J

K

E

L

L

C

D

G

F

A

B

A

P

L

Q

Q

K

A

H

C

Air Cleaner

Cover

B

Air Cleaner

Cover Lever

O

C Spark Plug D Oil Filter

E Fuel Filter F Oil Fill/Dipstick G Debris Screen H Oil Drain Plug

Low-Profi le Air

I

Cleaner (LPAC)

M

Performance

Air Cleaner

High

J LPAC Element K Precleaner L

N

High

Performance

Element

O

PRO

Performance

Air Cleaner

P

Air Cleaner

Base

PRO

Performance

Element

Q Bail

N

K

Visit KohlerEngines.com for service parts information and purchasing options.

Pre-Start Checklist

1. Check oil level. Add oil if low. Do not overfi ll.

2. Check fuel level. Add fuel if low. Check fuel
system components and lines for leaks.

(particularly after storage).

4. Check that air cleaner components and all
shrouds, equipment covers, and guards are
in place and securely fastened.

5. Check spark arrestor (if equipped).

3. Check and clean cooling areas, air intake
areas and external surfaces of engine

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KohlerEngines.com

3

Starting

WARNING

Carbon Monoxide can cause
severe nausea, fainting or death.

Avoid inhaling exhaust fumes.
Never run engine indoors or in
enclosed spaces.

Engine exhaust gases contain poisonous
carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is
odorless, colorless, and can cause death if
inhaled.

WARNING

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.

Standard Choke System

● Above 32°F (0°C)
Refer to operating instructions of equipment

this engine powers for specifi c starting
instructions.

● 32°F (0°C) and Below

1. Refer to operating instructions of equipment

this engine powers for specifi c starting
instructions.

2. Refer to Cold Weather Starting Hints within

this manual.

Smart-Choke

● Above 32°F (0°C)

1. This feature will automatically adjust engine

choke on start up with throttle in any position.

2. If engine does not start on fi rst attempt, wait

3-5 seconds and try again (if no start after
third attempt:

Engines before Serial No. 51119XXXXX wait

1 minute).

Engines after Serial No. 51118XXXXX turn

key OFF and wait 2 minutes.

3. If engine does not consistently start by fi fth

attempt, consult Kohler authorized dealer for
assistance.

● 32°F (0°C) and Below

1. This feature will automatically adjust engine

choke on start up with throttle in any position
(winter blend fuel is recommended).

TM

2. If engine does not start on fi rst attempt, wait
5-10 seconds and try again (if no start after
third attempt:

Engines before Serial No. 51119XXXXX wait

1 minute).

Engines after Serial No. 51118XXXXX turn

key OFF and wait 2 minutes.

3. If engine does not consistently start by fi fth
attempt, consult Kohler authorized dealer for
assistance.

eChoke

TM

● Above 32°F (0°C)

1. This feature will automatically make system
adjustments to engine on start up with
throttle in any position.

2. If engine does not start on fi rst attempt, wait
3-5 seconds and try again (if no start after
third attempt wait 1 minute).

3. If engine does not start consistently by fi fth
attempt, turn key to OFF, pause briefl y, and
make another attempt. If engine does not
start, consult Kohler authorized dealer for
assistance.

● 32°F (0°C) and Below

1. This feature will automatically make system
adjustments to engine on start up with
throttle in any position (winter blend fuel is
recommended).

2. If engine does not start on fi rst attempt, wait
3-5 seconds and try again (if no start after
third attempt wait 1 minute).

3. If engine does not start consistently by fi fth
attempt, turn key to OFF, pause briefl y, and
make another attempt. If engine does not
start, consult Kohler authorized dealer for
assistance.

Cold Weather Starting Hints

1. Use proper oil for temperature expected.

2. Disengage all possible external loads.

3. Use fresh winter grade fuel. Winter grade
fuel has higher volatility to improve starting.

4. Make sure battery has a full charge.

Stopping

1. If possible, remove load by disengaging all
PTO driven attachments.

2. Position throttle control between half and full
throttle; stop engine.

3. Do not allow engine/application to be left
unattended with key ON (RUN position) for
long periods. If left in such a condition,
operator must turn key completely OFF
before attempting a restart to reset system.

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Angle of Operation

Refer to operating instructions of equipment this engine powers. Do not operate this engine
exceeding maximum angle of operation; see specifi cation table. Engine damage could result from
insuffi cient lubrication.

Engine Speed

NOTE: Do not tamper with governor setting to increase maximum engine speed. Overspeed is

hazardous and will void warranty.

High Altitude Operation

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 fi nd 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 confi guration below 4000 ft. (1219 meters).
Operating this engine with the wrong engine confi guration at a given altitude may increase its

emissions, decrease fuel effi ciency and performance, and result in damage to the engine.

Maintenance Instructions

EN

WARNING

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: 1) Disconnect spark plug
lead(s). 2) Disconnect negative (–) battery cable
from battery.

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 25 Hours¹

● Service/replace precleaner.

● Replace LPAC element (if not equipped with precleaner).
Every 50 Hours¹

● Replace LPAC element (if equipped with precleaner).

● Replace high performance air cleaner element (if not equipped with precleaner).
Every 75 Hours¹

● Replace high performance air cleaner element (if equipped with precleaner).

● Replace PRO performance air cleaner element (if not equipped with precleaner).
Every 100 Hours¹

● Replace PRO performance air cleaner element (if equipped with precleaner).

● Change oil and fi lter.

● Remove cooling shrouds and clean cooling areas.
Every 100 Hours

● Check that all fasteners are in place and components are properly secured.

● Replace fuel fi lter.
Every 300 Hours

3

● Change oil and fi lter (KOHLER PRO 10W-50 oil and KOHLER PRO fi lter only).
Every 500 Hours²

● Have valve lash checked/adjusted.
Every 500 Hours

● Replace spark plugs and set gap.
¹ Perform these procedures more frequently under severe, dusty, dirty conditions.
² Have a Kohler authorized dealer perform this service.

3

Option only if using KOHLER® PRO oil and PRO fi lter.

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KohlerEngines.com

5

Oil Recommendations

°F -20 0 20 32 40 60

50 80 100

°C -30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40

5W-30

10W-30

SAE 30

KOHLER PRO 10W-50

All-season KOHLER® PRO 10W-50 Synthetic
Oil is the ideal oil for KOHLER engines. It is
specifi cally formulated to extend the oil and oil
fi lter change interval to 300 Hours when paired
with a KOHLER PRO Extended Life Oil Filter.

300-Hour oil and oil fi lter change intervals are
exclusive to and only authorized on KOHLER
engines that utilize both the KOHLER PRO
10W-50 Synthetic Oil and KOHLER PRO
Extended Life Oil Filter. Alternative engine
oils and oil fi lters may be used with KOHLER
engines but require 100-Hour oil and oil fi lter
change intervals for proper maintenance. Oil
must be API (American Petroleum Institute)
service class SJ or higher. Select viscosity
based on air temperature at time of operation
as shown below.

Check Oil Level

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 fi ll/dipstick
areas of any debris.

1. Remove dipstick; wipe oil off .

2. Reinsert dipstick into tube; press completely
down.

3. Remove dipstick; check oil level. Level
should be at top of indicator on dipstick.

4. If oil is low on indicator, add oil up to top of
indicator mark.

5. Reinstall and secure dipstick.

Change Oil and Filter

Change oil while engine is warm.

1. Clean area around oil fi ll cap/dipstick.
Remove drain plug and oil fi ll cap/dipstick.
Allow oil to drain completely.

2. Clean area around oil fi lter. Place a container
under fi lter to catch any oil and remove fi lter.
Wipe off mounting surface. Reinstall drain
plug. Torque to 10 ft. lb. (13.6 N·m).

3. Place new fi lter in shallow pan with open end
up. Fill with new oil until oil reaches bottom of
threads. Allow 2 minutes for oil to be
absorbed by fi lter material.

4. Apply a thin fi lm of clean oil to rubber gasket
on new fi lter.

6 32 590 23 Rev. BKohlerEngines.com

5. Refer to instructions on oil fi lter for proper
installation.

6. Fill crankcase with new oil. Level should be
at top of indicator on dipstick.

7. Reinstall oil fi ll cap/dipstick and tighten
securely.

8. Start engine; check for oil leaks. Stop engine;
correct leaks. Recheck oil level.

9. Dispose of used oil and fi lter in accordance
with local ordinances.

Oil Sentry™ (if equipped)

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.

Fuel Recommendations

WARNING

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

Fuel must meet these requirements:

● Clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline.

● Octane rating of 87 (R+M)/2 or higher.

● Research Octane Number (RON) 90 octane

● Gasoline up to 10% ethyl alcohol, 90%

● Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) and

● Do not add oil to gasoline.

● Do not overfi ll fuel tank.

● Do not use gasoline older than 30 days.

Low permeation fuel line must be installed on
carbureted Kohler Co. engines to maintain EPA
and CARB regulatory compliance.

and should NOT be used; eff ects of
old, stale or contaminated fuel are not
warrantable.

minimum.

unleaded is acceptable.

unleaded gasoline blend (max 15% MTBE by
volume) are approved.

Fuel Line

Spark Plugs

Air Cooling

EN

CAUTION

Electrical Shock can cause injury.
Do not touch wires while engine

is running.

Clean out spark plug recess. Remove plug and
replace.

1. Check gap using wire feeler gauge. Adjust
gap, see specifi cation table for adjustment.

2. Install plug into cylinder head.

3. Torque plug to 20 ft. lb. (27 N·m).

Air Cleaner

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.

Rotate air cleaner cover levers outward to
unlock cover; remove air cleaner cover.

or

Move bails on air cleaner cover up; remove
latches from cover; remove cover.

Precleaner (if equipped):

1. Remove precleaner from paper element.

2. Replace or wash precleaner in warm water
with detergent. Rinse and allow to air dry.

3. Lightly oil precleaner with new engine oil;
squeeze out excess oil.

4. Reinstall precleaner over paper element.

Paper Element:

1. Remove element from base; service
precleaner. Discard element.

2. Install precleaner over new paper element
and install on base.

Position air cleaner cover with levers outward
over air cleaner; turn levers inward to lock.

or

Reinstall cover; place latches onto cover; pull
down bails to secure cover.

WARNING

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.

Proper cooling is essential. To prevent over
heating, clean screens, cooling fi ns, and other
external surfaces of engine. Avoid spraying
water at wiring harness or any electrical
components. See Maintenance Schedule.

Repairs/Service Parts

We recommend that you use a Kohler
authorized dealer for all maintenance, service,
and engine parts. To fi nd a Kohler authorized
dealer visit KohlerEngines.com or call 1-800­544-2444 (U.S. and Canada).

Storage

If engine will be out of service for 2 months or
more follow procedure below.

1. Add KOHLER PRO Series fuel treatment or
equivalent to fuel tank. Run engine 2-3
minutes to get stabilized fuel into fuel system
(failure due to untreated fuel are not
warrantable).

2. Change oil while engine is still warm from
operation (NOT required if using KOHLER
PRO 10W-50 full-synthetic oil). Remove
spark plug(s) and pour about 1 oz. of engine
oil into cylinder(s). Replace spark plug(s) and
crank engine slowly to distribute oil.

3. Disconnect negative (–) battery cable.

4. Store engine in a clean, dry place.

Breather Tube

Ensure both ends of breather tube are properly
connected.

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7

Troubleshooting

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

Dirt In

No

Problem

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 Specifi cations

Model Bore Stroke Displacement

KT610
KT620
KT715
KT725
KT730
KT735
KT740**

KT745

3.27 in.

(83 mm)

(61 mm)

(67 mm)

(69 mm)

Improper

Fuel

2.4 in.

2.6 in.

2.7 in.

Fuel

●●● ● ● ● ●

● ●●●●●●

Fuel
Line

●● ●●●●

●●●● ● ● ●

●●● ● ● ●

●● ● ●

●●● ● ●

●● ● ● ●

●●●● ● ●

40.3 cu. in.
(660 cc)

44.2 cu. in.
(725 cc)

45.6 cu. in.
(747 cc)

Dirty

Debris

Incorrect

Screen

Oil Level

Oil Capacity

(Refi ll)

2.0 U.S. qt.
(1.9 L)

Engine

Overloaded

Spark

Plug Gap

0.030 in.

(0.76 mm)

Dirty Air
Cleaner

●●●

Maximum Angle

of Operation

(@ full oil level)*

Faulty
Spark

Plug

25°

*Exceeding maximum angle of operation may cause engine damage from insuffi cient lubrication.
**KT740 engines with PRO Performance Air Cleaner have 45.6 cu. in. (747 cc) Displacement.
Additional specifi cation information can be found in service manual at KohlerEngines.com.
Any and all horsepower (hp) references by Kohler are Certifi ed Power Ratings and per SAE J1940

& J1995 hp standards. Details on Certifi ed Power Ratings can be found at KohlerEngines.com.

Emission Control System

Exhaust Emission Control System for models KT610-KT620, KT715-KT745 is EM for U.S. EPA,
California, and Europe.

NOTE: Tampering with the engine and its emission control system voids the EPA Certifi cate of

Conformity, ARB Executive Order, and EU type-approval.

8 32 590 23 Rev. BKohlerEngines.com