KOHLER CV173 Command Pro Engine Owner’s Manual

June 3, 2024
Kohler

KOHLER CV173 Command Pro Engine Owner’s Manual
KOHLER CV173 Command Pro Engine

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 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

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 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 if it comes in contact with hot parts or sparks from ignition. Never use gasoline as a cleaning agent.
|   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
---|---
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
---|---
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.

|   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.
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.

Overview

A| Starter Handle| B| Fuel Cap| C| Oil Fill Cap/ Dipstick| D| Oil Filter
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---
E| Clean Oil Change Screw| F| Oil Drain Plug| G| Fuel Tank| H| Air Cleaner
I| Spark Plug| J| Air Cleaner Cover| K| Bail| L| Precleaner
M| Paper Element| N| Air Cleaner Base|

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.
  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).

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.

NOTE: Choke position for starting may vary depending upon temperature and other factors. Once engine is running and warm, turn choke to OFF position.
NOTE: Extend starter cord periodically to check its condition. If cord is frayed have it replaced immediately by a  Kohler authorized dealer.

  1. Turn fuel shut-off valve to ON position (if equipped).

  2. Turn engine on/off switch to ON position (if equipped).

  3. Start engine as follows: Cold engine: Place throttle control to FAST position. Pull choke control into CHOKE/ON position.
    Warm engine: Place throttle control to RUN/ FAST position.

  4. Slowly pull starter handle until just past compression-STOP! Return starter handle; fi rmly pull straight out to avoid excessive rope wear from starter rope guide.

  5. 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.

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 is formulated to improve starting.

Stopping

  1. If possible, remove load by disengaging all PTO driven attachments.
  2. If equipped, move throttle control to slow or idle position; stop engine.
  3. If equipped, close fuel shut-off valve.

Angle of Operation

Refer to operating instructions of equipment this engine powers. Do not operate this engine exceeding maximum angle of operation; see
specification table. Engine damage could result from insufficient 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 find 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 configuration below 4000 ft. (1219 meters).

Operating this engine with the wrong engine configuration at a given altitude may increase its emissions, decrease fuel efficiency and performance, and result in damage to the engine.

Maintenance Instructions

|   WARNING| Before working on engine or equipment, disable engine as follows: 1) Disconnect spark plug lead(s). 2) Disconnect negative (–) battery cable from battery.
---|---|---
Accidental Starts can cause severe injury or death.
Disconnect and ground spark 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

Before Every Use

  • Check oil level. Add oil if low. Do not overfi ll.
  • Check air cleaner for dirty, loose, or damaged parts.
  • Check precleaner for dirty or torn material.

After first 8 Hours

  • Change oil (NOT required if using KOHLER PRO 10W-50 full synthetic oil).

Every 50 Hours or Annually1 (whichever comes fi rst)

  • Service/replace precleaner.

Every 100 Hours or Annually1 (whichever comes first)

  • Change oil and oil filter.
  • Clean cooling areas.
  • Replace fuel fi lter (if equipped).
  • Clean spark arrestor (if equipped).

Every 300 Hours1

  • Replace air cleaner element and precleaner.

Every 300 Hours2

  • Check and replace guide plate, if needed.
  • Check and adjust valve clearance when engine is cold.

Every 300 Hours3

  • Change oil and filter (KOHLER PRO 10W-50 oil and KOHLER PRO filter only).

Every 500 Hours or Annually1 (whichever comes fi rst)

  • Replace spark plug 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 filter

Oil Recommendations

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

300-Hour oil and oil filter change intervals areexclusive 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 filters may be used with KOHLER engines but require 100-Hour oil and oil filter 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.

Oil Recommendations

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 and level. Clean oil fi ll cap/dipstick areas of any debris.

  1. Remove dipstick; wipe oil off .
  2. Reinsert dipstick into tube; press completely down and turn 1/4 turn.
  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 and drain plug. Remove drain plug and oil fi ll cap/ dipstick; drain oil into appropriate container.

  2. Clean area around oil fi lter. Remove clean oil change screw; then slowly remove fi lter; wipe off mounting surface.

  3. Apply thread sealant around three full threads of drain plug; reinstall drain plug.
    Torque to 120 in. lb. (13.6 N·m).

  4. Reinstall clean oil change screw. Torque to 130 in. lb. (14.7 N·m).

  5. Apply a thin film of clean oil to rubber gasket on new filter.

  6. Refer to instructions on oil filter for proper installation.

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

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

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

  10. Dispose of used oil and filter in accordance with local ordinances.

Fuel Recommendations

|   WARNING
---|---
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 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 and should NOT be used; effects of old, stale or contaminated fuel are not warrantable.

Fuel must meet these requirements:

  • Clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline.
  • Octane rating of 87 (R+M)/2 or higher.
  • Research Octane Number (RON) 90 octane minimum.
  • Gasoline up to 10% ethyl alcohol, 90% unleaded is acceptable.
  • Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) and unleaded gasoline blend (max 15% MTBE by volume) are approved.
  • Do not add oil to gasoline.
  • Do not overfi ll fuel tank.
  • Do not use gasoline older than 30 days

Add Fuel

|   WARNING
---|---
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 if it comes in contact with hot parts or sparks from ignition. Never use gasoline as a cleaning agent.

Ensure engine is cool.

  1. Clean area around fuel cap.

  2. Remove fuel cap. Fill to base of filler neck.
    Do not overfill fuel tank. Leave room for fuel to expand.

  3. Reinstall fuel cap and tighten securely.

Fuel Line

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

Spark Plugs

|   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 specification 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.
Move bails on air cleaner cover down; remove latches from under tabs on base; remove cover.

Precleaner:

  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. Separate precleaner from element; service precleaner and replace paper element.
  2. Install new paper element on base; install precleaner over paper element.

Reinstall air cleaner cover and place latches under tabs on base; lift up bails to secure cover

Breather Tube

Ensure both ends of breather tube are properly connected.

Air Cooling

|   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 fins, 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 replacement parts for engine.
To find a Kohler authorized dealer visit KohlerEngines.com or call 1-800-544-2444 (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 (failures 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. Store engine in a clean, dry place.

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
Problem No Fuel
Incorrect Oil Level Engine Overloaded
Will Not Start
Hard Starting  
Stops Suddenly
Lacks Power  
Operates Erratically  
Knocks or Pings  
Skips or Misfires  
Backfires  
Overheats  
High Fuel Consumption  

Engine Specifications

Model| Bore| Stroke| Displacement| Oil Capacity (Refill)| Spark Plug Gap| Maximum Angle of Operation **(@ full oil level)***
CV173| 2.75 in. (70 mm)| 1.80 in. (45 mm)| 10.6 cu. in. (173 cc)| 24 oz.

(0.70 L)

| 0.030 in. (0.76 mm)| 25°
CV200| 2.87 in. (73 mm)| 1.89 in. (48 mm)| 12.2 cu. in. (200 cc)
CV224| 2.11 in. (53.5 mm)| 13.7 cu. in. (224 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.
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 CV173, CV200, and CV224 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.

KohlerEngines.com

References

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