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 the warranty card and on KohlerEngines. com. Please review carefully as it provides your specific 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 Specification Serial Number Purchase Date 17 590 23 Rev. --

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. Explosive Fuel can cause fires and severe burns. Do not fill fuel tank while engine is hot or running. 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. Spilled fuel could ignite...

Fuel Tank Throttle Lever On/Off Switch (if equipped) Dipstick/Oil Fill Plug Retractable Starter Starter Handle Fuel Shut-Off (and Ignition, if equipped) Choke Lever Drain Plug See next page for exploded view of air cleaner systems. Visit KohlerEngines.com for service parts information and purchasing options.

Paper Element Foam Element Foam Filter Cover Foam Filter Support Plate Foam Filter Pre-Start Checklist 1. Check oil level. Add oil if low. Do not overfill. 2. Check fuel level. Add fuel if low. Check fuel system components and lines for leaks. 3. Check and clean cooling areas, air intake areas and external surfaces of engine (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). 6. If equipped with oil bath air cleaner, check oil level in oil reservoir cup; add oil...

4. Retractable Start: Slowly pull starter handle EN until just past compression-STOP! Return starter handle; firmly pull straight out to avoid excessive rope wear from starter rope guide. 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...

Carburetor Icing NOTE: Running engine with cover positioned for cold weather operation in normal conditions can damage engine. Carburetor icing can take place when certain combinations of temperature and humidity exist. Result of carburetor icing is rough running at idle or low speed as well as black or white smoke. To reduce likelihood of carburetor icing, air cleaner cover can be rotated to draw warmer air from muffler side. For cold weather operation, position air cleaner cover with snowflake decal out. For normal operation, position air cleaner cover with sun decal out. Maintenance Instructions...

Oil Recommendations We recommend use of Kohler oils for best performance. Other high-quality detergent oils (including synthetic) of API (American Petroleum Institute) service class SJ or higher are acceptable. Select viscosity based on air temperature at time of operation as shown in table below. 4. Fill crankcase with new oil to specified level on dipstick or filler neck threads for engine being serviced. See Check Oil Level. 5. Reinstall oil fill cap/dipstick and tighten securely. 6. Dispose of used oil in accordance with local ordinances. Oil Sentry™ (if equipped) This switch is designed to...

6:1 Reduction System (CH245, CH255, CH270) This reduction system uses an internal pinion and ring gear system, independent of, and separated from main crankcase lubrication. Check and maintain oil level using oil level/ drain plug hole in gear box case. Change reduction system oil at interval in maintenance schedule. Oil capacity of this gear box is 0.12 L (0.13 U.S. qt.). 1. Drain old oil out through oil level/drain plug, tip engine as required. 2. Engine must be level. Add new oil through oil fill plug hole on top until oil level is up to bottom of oil level/drain plug hole. Reinstall both plugs...

Spark Plugs 1. Remove screw and air cleaner cover. 2. Remove foam element from base. CAUTION Electrical Shock can cause injury. Do not touch wires while engine is running. 3. Wash foam element in warm water with detergent. Rinse and allow to air dry. 4. Lightly oil foam element with new engine oil; squeeze out excess oil. Clean out spark plug recess. Remove plug and replace. 5. Reinstall foam element into base. 1. Check gap using wire feeler gauge. Adjust gap, see specification table for adjustment. 6. Reinstall cover and secure with screw. Some engines are equipped with an oil bath air cleaner....

9. CH270 engines: Reinstall foam filter on oil reservoir cup. Place foam filter support plate on filter. Reinstall foam filter cover. Make sure O-ring is in place on top of filter cover. CH395/CH440 engines: Reinstall taller foam element first, then shorter foam element on oil reservoir cup. Place foam filter support plate on elements. Reinstall foam filter cover. Make sure O-ring is in place on top of filter cover. Position air cleaner cover for normal operation (sun decal out) or cold weather operation (snowflake decal out). Place latches under tabs on base; lift up bails to secure cover. Breather Tube...

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 Dirty No Improper Fuel Debris Incorrect Engine Dirty Air Fuel Fuel Line Screen Oil Level Overloaded Cleaner Hard Starting Stops Suddenly Faulty Spark Plug Lacks Power Operates Erratically High Fuel Consumption Engine Specifications Model Oil Capacity Spark Plug Maximum Angle of Operation (Refill) Gap (@ full oil level)* *Exceeding maximum angle of operation may cause engine...