Kohler M12, M8, M16 Manual

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Congratulations  You have selected a fine four-cycle, single 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:
Kohler engines are easy to service. All routine service areas (like the dipstick and oil fill, air cleaner, spark
plug, and carburetor) are easily and quickly accessible.
Parts subject to the most wear and tear (like the cylinder, crankshaft, and camshaft) are made from
precision formulated cast iron. Because the cast iron cylinder can be rebored, these engines can last even
Dependable, maintenance-free electronic ignition system ensures fast, easy starts time after time.
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.
MAGNUM 8,12,16 HP
HORIZONTAL CRANKSHAFT
OWNER'S MANUAL
2
Electrical Shock!
Never touch electrical wires or
components while the engine is
running. They can be sources of
electrical shock.
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.
WARNING
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.
CAUTION
Electrical Shock can cause injury.
Do not touch wires while engine is
running.
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.
WARNINGWARNING
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.
Safety Precautions
To insure 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.
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Safety Precautions (Cont.)
Accidental Starts can cause severe
injury or death.
Disconnect and ground spark plug
lead before servicing.
WARNING
Carbon Monoxide can cause
severe nausea, fainting or death.
Do not operate engine in closed or
confined area.
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.
WARNING
Explosive Gas can cause fires and
severe acid burns.
Charge battery only in a well
ventilated area. Keep sources of
ignition away.
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.
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.
Figure 1. Typical Model M8 Engine.
Identification Plate
(Under Air Cleaner Cover)
Blower Housing
Fuel Tank
Throttle
Control
Retractable
Starter
Air Intake
Screen
Dipstick &
Oil Fill
Cooling
Fins
Spark
Plug
Muffler
Air
Cleaner
Oil Drain
Oil Sump
Electric Starter
Fuel Filter
Choke
Control
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Refer to Maintenance Instructions beginning on
page 7 for detailed oil check and oil change
procedures.
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.
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
insure 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 head will 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.
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. Failure to use the correct oil, or
using dirty oil, causes premature engine wear and
failure.
Before each start, make sure the crankcase is filled
with the proper type and quantity of oil.
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.
Figure 2. Viscosity Grades Table.
Straight 30-weight oil is preferred. SAE 10W-30 oil is
not recommended above 32°F. Using this oil
substantially increases oil consumption and combustion
chamber deposits.
NOTE: Using other than service class SG, SH, SJ or
higher oil or extending oil change intervals
longer than recommended can cause engine
damage which is not covered by the engine
warranty.
A logo or symbol on oil containers identifies the API
service class and SAE viscosity grade. See Figure 3.
*Use of synthetic oil having 5W-20 or 5W-30 rating is
acceptable, up to 40°F.
**Synthetic oils provide better starting in extreme cold
(below -10°F).
Figure 3. Oil Container Logo.
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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 level. Add fuel if low.
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.
Cold Weather Starting Hints
1. Be sure to use the proper oil for the temperature
expected. See Figure 2 on page 4.
2. Declutch all possible external loads.
3. A warm battery has much more starting capacity
than a cold battery.
4. Use fresh winter grade fuel. NOTE: Winter grade
gasoline has higher volatility to improve starting.
Do not use gasoline left over from summer.
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.
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.
Emission Compliance Period (Hours)
*Small Off-Road Engines
IMPORTANT ENGINE INFORMATION
THIS ENGINE MEETS U.S. EPA 2004 AND
CALIFORNIA 2006 AND LATER EMISSION
CONTROL REGULATIONS FOR SI SORE*
FAMILY
DISPL. (CC)
MODEL NO.
SPEC. NO.
SERIAL NO.
EMISSION COMPLIANCE PERIOD:
EPA: CARB:
KOHLER CO. KOHLER, WISCONSIN USA
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
N11236
EPA
CARB
Category C
250 hours
Moderate
125 hours
Category B
500 hours
Category A
1000 hours
Intermediate
250 hours
Extended
500 hours
Refer to certification label for engine displacement.
Exhaust Emission Control System for models M8, M12,
and M16 is EM.
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