CH18-CH23, CH620-CH740, CH750

CV18-CV23, CV620-CV740, CV750

Owner's Manual

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 you
specific rights and obligations.

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

Engine Model
Specification
Serial Number
Purchase Date

24 590 27 Rev. A 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 WARNING WARNING

Explosive Fuel Carbon Accidental
can cause fires Monoxide can Starts can cause
and severe cause severe severe injury or
burns. nausea, fainting death.
Do not fill fuel or death.
Disconnect and
tank while Avoid inhaling ground spark
engine is hot or exhaust fumes. plug lead(s)
running. before servicing.
Engine exhaust gases
Gasoline is extremely contain poisonous carbon Before working on engine or
flammable and its vapors monoxide. Carbon equipment, disable engine
can explode if ignited. monoxide is odorless, as follows: 1) Disconnect
Store gasoline only in colorless, and can cause spark plug lead(s). 2)
approved containers, in death if inhaled. Disconnect negative (–)
well ventilated, unoccupied battery cable from battery.
buildings, away from sparks
or flames. Spilled fuel
could ignite if it comes in
contact with hot parts or
sparks from ignition. Never
use gasoline as a cleaning
agent.

WARNING CAUTION WARNING

Rotating Parts Electrical Shock Hot Parts can
can cause can cause injury. cause severe
severe injury. burns.
Do not touch
Stay away while wires while Do not touch
engine is in engine is engine while
operation. running. operating or just
after stopping.
Keep hands, feet, hair,
and clothing away from all Never operate engine with
moving parts to prevent heat shields or guards
injury. Never operate engine removed.
with covers, shrouds, or
guards removed.

California Proposition 65 Warning

Engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known
to State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other
reproductive harm.

2 KohlerEngines.com 24 590 27 Rev. A

 O
K L
J Q

N
M T
S
U
P R
V
W

I A X
H

C D
E F G
A Dipstick B Oil Fill C Fuel Filter D Oil Filter
Dust Ejector
E Oil Cooler F Oil Drain Plug G Debris Screen H Valve
Heavy-Duty Air
I J End Cap K Element L Inner Element
Cleaner
Air Cleaner
M N Inlet Screen O Retaining Clip P Ejector Area
Housing
Air Cleaner Air Cleaner
Q R Rubber Seal S T Wing Nut
Knob Cover
Air Cleaner
U Element Cover V Precleaner W Paper Element X Base
Low-Profile Air
Y Z Oil Fill/Dipstick
Cleaner

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).
24 590 27 Rev. A KohlerEngines.com 3
 Starting Cold Weather Starting Hints
1. Use proper oil for temperature expected.
WARNING 2. Disengage all possible external loads.
Carbon Monoxide can cause 3. Use fresh winter grade fuel. Winter grade
severe nausea, fainting or death. fuel has higher volatility to improve starting.
Avoid inhaling exhaust fumes. Stopping
Engine exhaust gases contain poisonous 1. If possible, remove load by disengaging all
carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is PTO driven attachments.
odorless, colorless, and can cause death if
inhaled. 2. Position throttle control between half and full
throttle; stop engine.

Angle of Operation
WARNING
Refer to operating instructions of equipment
Rotating Parts can cause severe this engine powers. Do not operate this engine
injury. exceeding maximum angle of operation; see
Stay away while engine is in specification table. Engine damage could result
operation. from insufficient lubrication.
Keep hands, feet, hair, and clothing away Engine Speed
from all moving parts to prevent injury. Never
operate engine with covers, shrouds, or NOTE: Do not tamper with governor setting to
guards removed. increase maximum engine speed.
Overspeed is hazardous and will void
NOTE: Do not crank engine continuously for warranty.
more than 10 seconds. Allow a 60
second cool down period between
starting attempts. Failure to follow Cold Weather Operation
these guidelines can burn out starter Anti-icing kits can be installed to improve cold
motor. weather operation and are available through
NOTE: Upon start-up, a metallic ticking may your local Kohler authorized dealer.
occur. Run engine for 5 minutes. If
noise continues, run engine at mid High Altitude Operation
throttle for 20 minutes. If noise persists, This engine may require a high altitude
take engine to your local Kohler carburetor kit to ensure correct engine
authorized dealer. operation at altitudes above 4000 ft.
1. Place throttle control midway between slow (1219 meters). To obtain high altitude kit
and fast positions. Place choke control into information or to find a Kohler authorized dealer
ON position. visit KohlerEngines.com or call 1-800-544-2444
(U.S. and Canada).
2. Turn key switch to START position. Release
switch as soon as engine starts. If starter This engine should be operated in its original
does not turn engine over, shut off key switch configuration below 4000 ft. (1219 meters) as
immediately. Do not make further attempts to damage may occur if high altitude carburetor kit
start engine until condition is corrected. Do is installed and operated below 4000 ft. (1219
not jump start. See your Kohler authorized meters).
dealer for trouble analysis.
3. Cold engine: Gradually return choke control
to OFF position after engine starts and
warms up. Engine/equipment may be
operated during warm-up period, but it may
be necessary to leave choke partially on until
engine warms up.
Warm engine: return choke to OFF position
as soon as engine starts.

4 KohlerEngines.com 24 590 27 Rev. A

 Maintenance Instructions

WARNING
Before working on engine or equipment, disable
Accidental Starts can cause engine as follows: 1) Disconnect spark plug
severe injury or death. lead(s). 2) Disconnect negative (–) battery cable
Disconnect and ground spark from battery.
plug lead(s) before servicing.
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
Weekly
● Check heavy-duty air cleaner element.
Every 25 Hours or Annually1
● Service/replace low-profile precleaner.
Every 100 Hours or Annually1
● Replace low-profile air cleaner element.
● Change oil.
● Remove cooling shrouds and clean cooling areas.
● Check oil cooler fins, clean as necessary (if equipped).
Every 200 Hours
● Change oil filter.
● Replace fuel filter.
Every 250 Hours1
● Replace heavy-duty air cleaner element and check inner element.
Every 500 Hours1
● Replace heavy-duty air cleaner inner element.
● Replace spark plugs and set gap.
Every 500 Hours2
● Have crankshaft spline lubricated.
1
Perform these procedures more frequently under severe, dusty, dirty conditions.
2
Have a Kohler authorized dealer perform this service.

Oil Recommendations Check Oil Level

We recommend use of Kohler oils for best NOTE: To prevent extensive engine wear or
performance. Other high-quality detergent damage, never run engine with oil level
oils (including synthetic) of API (American below or above operating range
Petroleum Institute) service class SJ or higher indicator on dipstick.
are acceptable. Select viscosity based on air
temperature at time of operation as shown in Ensure engine is cool. Clean oil fill/dipstick
table below. areas of any debris.
1. Remove dipstick; wipe oil off.
10W-30 a. Press-in cap: reinsert dipstick into tube;
press completely down.
SAE 30 or
5W-30 b. Thread-on cap: reinsert dipstick into
tube; rest cap on tube, do not thread cap
°F -20 0 20 32 40 50 60 80 100
onto tube.
°C -30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40
2. Remove dipstick; check oil level. Level
should be at top of indicator on dipstick.
3. If oil is low on indicator, add oil up to top of
indicator mark.
4. Reinstall dipstick and tighten securely.
24 590 27 Rev. A KohlerEngines.com 5
 Change Oil and Filter Fuel Recommendations
Change oil while engine is warm.
1. Clean area around oil fill cap/dipstick, drain WARNING
plug/oil drain valve.
Explosive Fuel can cause fires
a. Remove drain plug and oil fill cap/ and severe burns.
dipstick. Allow oil to drain completely.
Do not fill fuel tank while engine is
or hot or running.
b. Open oil drain valve cap; if needed,
attach a length of 1/2 in. I.D. hose to Gasoline is extremely flammable and
direct oil into appropriate container; twist its vapors can explode if ignited. Store
valve drain body counterclockwise and gasoline only in approved containers, in
pull. Remove dipstick. Allow oil to drain well ventilated, unoccupied buildings, away
completely. from sparks or flames. Spilled fuel could
ignite if it comes in contact with hot parts or
2. Clean area around oil filter. Place a container sparks from ignition. Never use gasoline as a
under filter to catch any oil and remove filter. cleaning agent.
Wipe off mounting surface.
NOTE: E15, E20 and E85 are NOT approved
a. Reinstall drain plug. Torque to 10 ft. lb. and should NOT be used; effects of
(13.6 N·m). old, stale or contaminated fuel are not
or warrantable.
b. Close oil drain valve body, remove hose Fuel must meet these requirements:
(if used), and replace cap. ● Clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline.
3. Place new filter in shallow pan with open end ● Octane rating of 87 (R+M)/2 or higher.
up. Fill with new oil until oil reaches bottom
of threads. Allow 2 minutes for oil to be ● Research Octane Number (RON) 90 octane
absorbed by filter material. minimum.
4. Apply a thin film of clean oil to rubber gasket ● Gasoline up to 10% ethyl alcohol, 90%
on new filter. unleaded is acceptable.
5. Refer to instructions on oil filter for proper ● Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) and
installation. unleaded gasoline blend (max 15% MTBE by
volume) are approved.
6. Fill crankcase with new oil. Level should be
at top of indicator on dipstick. ● Do not add oil to gasoline.
7. Reinstall oil fill cap/dipstick and tighten ● Do not overfill fuel tank.
securely. ● Do not use gasoline older than 30 days.
8. Start engine; check for oil leaks. Stop engine;
correct leaks. Recheck oil level. Fuel Line
9. Dispose of used oil and filter in accordance Low permeation fuel line must be installed on
with local ordinances. carbureted Kohler Co. engines to maintain EPA
and CARB regulatory compliance.
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.

6 KohlerEngines.com 24 590 27 Rev. A

 Spark Plugs 4. Check all parts for wear, cracks, or damage,
and that ejector area is clean.
5. Install new element(s).
CAUTION 6. Reinstall end cap(s) with dust ejector valve/
Electrical Shock can cause injury. screen down; secure with retaining clips.

Do not touch wires while engine Breather Tube

is running.
Ensure both ends of breather tube are properly
Clean out spark plug recess. Remove plug and connected.
replace.
1. Check gap using wire feeler gauge. Adjust Oil Cooler (if equipped)
gap, see specification table for adjustment. 1. Clean fins with a brush or compressed air.
2. Install plug into cylinder head. 2. Remove two screws securing oil cooler, and
3. Torque plug to 20 ft. lb. (27 N·m). tilt to clean back side.
3. Reinstall oil cooler.
Air Cleaner
NOTE: Operating engine with loose or Air Cooling
damaged air cleaner components
could cause premature wear and
failure. Replace all bent or damaged WARNING
components.
Hot Parts can cause severe
NOTE: Paper element cannot be blown out burns.
with compressed air.
Do not touch engine while
Low-Profile/Commercial Mower operating or just after stopping.
Loosen knob and remove air cleaner cover.
Never operate engine with heat shields or
Precleaner: guards removed.
1. Remove precleaner from paper element. Proper cooling is essential. To prevent over
2. Replace or wash precleaner in warm water heating, clean screens, cooling fins, and other
with detergent. Rinse and allow to air dry. external surfaces of engine. Avoid spraying
water at wiring harness or any electrical
3. Saturate precleaner with new engine oil; components. See Maintenance Schedule.
squeeze out excess oil.
4. Reinstall precleaner over paper element. Repairs/Service Parts
Paper Element: We recommend that you use a Kohler
authorized dealer for all maintenance,
1. Clean area around element. Remove wing service, and replacement parts for engine.
nut, element cover, and paper element with To find a Kohler authorized dealer visit
precleaner. KohlerEngines.com or call 1-800-544-2444
2. Separate precleaner from element; service (U.S. and Canada).
precleaner and replace paper element.
Storage
3. Check condition of rubber seal and replace if
necessary. If engine will be out of service for 2 months or
more follow procedure below.
4. Install new paper element on base; install
precleaner over paper element; reinstall 1. Add Kohler PRO Series fuel treatment or
element cover and secure with wing nut. equivalent to fuel tank. Run engine 2-3
minutes to get stabilized fuel into fuel system
Reinstall air cleaner cover and secure with (failures due to untreated fuel are not
knob. warrantable).
Heavy-Duty 2. Change oil while engine is still warm from
1. Unhook retaining clips and remove end operation. Remove spark plug(s) and pour
cap(s). about 1 oz. of engine oil into cylinder(s).
Replace spark plug(s) and crank engine
2. Check and clean inlet screen (if equipped). slowly to distribute oil.
3. Pull air cleaner element out of housing and 3. Disconnect negative (-) battery cable.
replace. Check condition of inner element;
replace when dirty. 4. Store engine in a clean, dry place.

24 590 27 Rev. A KohlerEngines.com 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 Dirty Faulty
Problem No Improper Fuel Debris Incorrect Engine Dirty Air Spark
Fuel Fuel Line Screen Oil Level Overloaded Cleaner Plug
Will Not Start ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Hard Starting ● ● ● ● ● ●
Stops Suddenly ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Lacks Power ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Operates Erratically ● ● ● ● ● ●
Knocks or Pings ● ● ● ●
Skips or Misfires ● ● ● ● ●
Backfires ● ● ● ● ●
Overheats ● ● ● ● ● ●
High Fuel ● ● ●
Consumption

Engine Specifications

Maximum Angle
Oil Capacity Spark
Model Bore Stroke Displacement of Operation
(Refill) Plug Gap (@ full oil level)*

CH18/CH620
CV18/CV620 3.03 in. 38.1 cu. in.
CH20/CH640 (77 mm) (624 cc)
CV20/CV640
CH23/CH680
CH670 3.2 in. 2.6 in. 41 cu. in.
CV23/CV680 (80 mm) (67 mm) (674 cc) 1.7-1.9 U.S. qt. 0.03 in.
CV670 25°
(1.6-1.8 L) (0.76 mm)
CH730
CV730 44.2 cu. in.
CH740 3.27 in. (725 cc)
CV740 (83 mm)
CH750 2.72 in. 45.6 cu. in.
CV750 (69 mm) (747 cc)

*Exceeding maximum angle of operation may cause engine damage from insufficient lubrication.
Additional specification information can be found in service manual at KohlerEngines.com.
Exhaust Emission Control System for models CH18-CH23, CV18-CV23, CH620-CH740, CV620-
CV740, CH750, and CV750 is EM for U.S. EPA, California, and Europe.
Any and all horsepower (hp) references by Kohler are Certified Power Ratings and per SAE J1940
& J1995 hp standards. Details on Certified Power Ratings can be found at KohlerEngines.com.

© 2011 by Kohler Co. All rights reserved.

KohlerEngines.com 24 590 27 Rev. A