KOHLER RH Series Engines Owner’s Manual

RH255, RH265
Owner’s Manual

RH Series Engines

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 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…………………

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.

| 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.

| 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.

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.
NOTE: Do not crank engine continuously for more than 10 seconds. Allow a 60 second cool down period between starting attempts. Failure to follow these guidelines can burn out starter motor.
NOTE: If engine develops suffi cient speed to disengage starter but does not keep running (a false start), engine rotation must be allowed to come to a complete stop before attempting to restart engine. If starter is engaged while flywheel is rotating, starter pinion and flywheel ring gear may clash, resulting in damage to starter.

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

2. Start engine as follows: Cold engine: Place lever in choke position. Warm engine: Place lever in full throttle/FAST position.

3. Retractable Start: 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.
   Electric Start: Activate starter switch. Release switch as soon as engine starts. If starter does not turn engine over, shut off starter immediately. Do not make further attempts to start engine until condition is corrected. Do not jump start. See your Kohler authorized dealer for trouble analysis.

4. Gradually move lever to FAST 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 has higher volatility to improve starting.

Stopping

1. If possible, remove load by disengaging all PTO driven attachments.
2. Move lever to stop position.
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 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 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 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

| 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
After fi rst 5 Hours

• Change oil (NOT required if using KOHLER PRO 10W-50 full-synthetic oil).
  Every 100 Hours or Annually1

• Clean/replace foam element.

• Replace paper element.

• Change oil.

• Clean cooling areas.

• Clean spark arrestor (if equipped).

• Replace fuel fi lter (if equipped).
  Every 300 Hours2

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

1 Perform these procedures more frequently under severe, dusty, dirty conditions.
2 Option only if using KOHLER PRO oil.

Oil Recommendations

All-season KOHLER® PRO 10W-50 Synthetic Oil is the ideal oil for KOHLER engines. It is specifi cally formulated to extend the oil change interval to 300 Hours. Contact your Kohler authorized dealer for availability.
300-Hour oil change intervals are exclusive to and only authorized on KOHLER engines that utilize the KOHLER PRO 10W-50 Synthetic Oil. Alternative engine oils may be used with KOHLER engines but require 100-Hour oil 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 fill/dipstick areas of any debris.

1. Remove dipstick; wipe oil off .

2. Reinsert dipstick into tube; rest on oil fill neck; turn counterclockwise until cap drops down to lowest point of thread leads; do not thread cap onto tube.
   a. Remove dipstick; check oil level. Level should be at top of indicator on dipstick.
   or
   b. Remove oil fi ll plug. Level should be up to point of overfl owing fi ller neck.

3. If oil is low, add oil up to point of over flowing filler neck.

4. Reinstall dipstick or oil fi ll plug and tighten securely.

Change Oil
Change oil while engine is warm.

1. Clean area around oil fi ll cap/dipstick and drain plug.

2. Remove drain plug and oil fi ll cap/dipstick.
   Drain oil completely.

3. Reinstall drain plug. Torque to 13 ft. lb.(17.6 N·m).

4. Fill crankcase with new oil, up to point of overfl owing fi ller neck.

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

6. Dispose of used oil 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 fires and severe burns.
Do not fill 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 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 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 fi ller 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 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. Unhook cover latch and remove air cleaner cover.
Paper Element: Remove and replace paper element.
Foam Element: Remove foam element; replace or wash in warm water with detergent.
Rinse and allow to air dry.
Reinstall air cleaner cover and secure cover latch.

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 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 replacement parts for engine.
To fi nd 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. Disconnect negative (-) battery cable.
4. 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| Improper
Fuel| Dirt In
Fuel Line| Dirty
Debris Screen| Incorrect
Oil Level| Engine
Overloaded| Dirty Air
Cleaner| Faulty
Spark Plug
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---
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 Specifications

Model| Bore| Stroke| Displacement| Oil Capacity
(Refi ll)| Spark
Plug Gap| Maximum Angle
of Operation
**(@ full oil level)***
---|---|---|---|---|---|---
RH255
RH265| 2.7 in.
(68 mm)| 2.1 in.
(54 mm)| 12 cu. in.
(196 cc)| 0.63 qt.
(0.60 L)| 0.030 in.
(0.76 mm)| 25°

*Exceeding maximum angle of operation may cause engine damage from insufficient lubrication.
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 RH255, RH265 is EM for U.S. EPA, California, and Europe.
NOTE: Tampering with the engine and its emission control system voids the EPA Certificate of Conformity, ARB Executive Order, and EU type-approval.

KohlerEngines.com
18 590 23 Rev. A

References

• P65Warnings.ca.gov

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