Kohler CH-11-16 User manual

1
OWNER'SMANUAL
HORIZONTAL CRANKSHAFT
COMMAND CH11-16

2
Safety Precautions
To ensure 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.
Explosive Fuel can cause fires and
severe burns.
Do not fill the fuel tank while the
engine is hot or running.
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.
Rotating Parts can cause severe
injury.
Stay away while engine is in
operation.
WARNING
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.
Electrical Shock can cause injury.
Do not touch wires while engine is
running.
CAUTION
Electrical Shock!
Never touch electrical wires or
components while the engine is
running. They can be sources of
electrical shock.
Engine exhaust from this product
contains chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer,
birth defects, or other reproductive
harm.
California
Proposition 65 Warning

3
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.
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.
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:
• Efficient overhead valve design and full pressure lubrication provide maximum power, torque, and reliability
under all operating conditions.
• Dependable, maintenance free electronic ignition ensures fast, easy starts time after time.
• Kohler engines are easy to service.All routine service areas (like the dipstick and oil fill, oil filter, air cleaner,
spark plug, and carburetor) are easily and quickly accessible.
• Parts subject to the most wear and tear (like the cylinder liner and camshaft) are made from precision
formulated cast iron. Because the cylinder liner can be rebored, these engines can last even longer.
• 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.
Avoid inhaling exhaust fumes, and
never run the engine in a closed
building or confined area.

4
Air Cleaner
Fuel
Shut-Off
Retractable Starter
Throttle Lever
Oil Drain Plug
Oil Filter
Oil Sentry™
(Optional)
Choke Lever
Fuel Tank
Figure 1. Typical Command Horizontal Shaft Engine.
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.
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
followingtable.
NOTE: Synthetic oils meeting the listed classifications
may be used with oil changes performed at
the recommended intervals. However to allow
piston rings to properly seat, a new or rebuilt
engine should be operated for at least 50
hours using standard petroleum based oil
before switching to synthetic oil.
Alogo or symbol on oil containers identifies theAPI
service class and SAE viscosity grade. See Figure 3.
Figure 2. Viscosity Grades Table.
NOTE: Using other than service class SG, SH, SJ or
higher oil or extending oil change intervals
longer than recommended can cause engine
damage.
Figure 3. Oil Container Logo.
Refer to “Maintenance Instructions” beginning on
page 8 for detailed oil check, oil change, and oil
filter change procedures.
Muffler
Electric Starter
Oil Drain Plug Oil Drain Plug
Oil Fill/Dipstick
*Use of synthetic oil having 5W-20 or 5W-30 rating is acceptable,
up to 4°C (40°F).
**Synthetic oils will provide better starting in extreme cold below
23°C (-10°F).
*
**

5
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
ensure 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.
Engine Identification Numbers
When ordering parts, or in any communication
involving an engine, always give the Model,
Specification, and Serial Numbers of the engine.
Figure 4. Engine Identification Label.
The Emission Compliance Period referred to on the
Emission Control orAir 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.
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 (Figure 4) for future reference.
IMPORTANT ENGINE INFORMATION
THISENGINEMEETSU.S.EPA 2005, CA2006EXH/
EVPANDECSTAGE II (SN:4)EMISSIONREGSFOR
SISMALLOFF–ROADENGINES
KOHLER CO. KOHLER, WISCONSIN USA
EMISSION COMPLIANCE PERIOD:
EPA: CARB:
CERTIFIED ON:
REFER TO OWNER'S MANUAL FOR HP RATING,
SAFETY, MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS
FAMILY
TYPE APP
DISPL. (CC)
MODEL NO.
SPEC. NO.
SERIAL NO.
BUILD DATE
OEM PROD. NO.
1-800-544-2444 www.kohlerengines.com
N11236
Engines without fuel tank.
Engines with fuel tank supplied.
IMPORTANT ENGINE INFORMATION
THIS ENGINE MEETS U.S. EPAAND CA 2005
AND LATER AND EC STAGE II (SN:4) EMISSION
REGS FOR SI SMALL OFF–ROAD ENGINES
KOHLER CO. KOHLER, WISCONSIN USA
EMISSION COMPLIANCE PERIOD:
EPA: CARB:
CERTIFIED ON:
REFER TO OWNER'S MANUAL FOR HP RATING,
SAFETY, MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS
FAMILY
TYPE APP
DISPL. (CC)
MODEL NO.
SPEC. NO.
SERIAL NO.
BUILD DATE
OEM PROD. NO.
1-800-544-2444 www.kohlerengines.com
N11236

6
Pre-Start Checklist
• Checkoillevel.Addoilif 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. Awarm 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.
Donotusegasoline left overfromsummer.
Starting
1. For a Cold Engine – Place the throttle control
midway between the “slow” and “fast” positions.
Place the choke control into the “on” position.
For a Warm Engine (normal operating
temperatures) – Place the throttle/choke control
midway between the “slow” and “fast”
positions. Place the choke into the “on” position.
SeeFigure5.
Choke
Off — On
Throttle
Fast
On
Figure 5. Throttle and Choke Positions for Starting
Engine.
2. Start the engine as follows:
For a Retractable Start Engine – SLOWLY pull
the starter handle until just past compression –
STOP! Return starter handle, pull firmly with a
smooth, steady motion to start. Pull the handle
straight out to avoid excessive rope wear from the
starterropeguide.
Extend the starting rope periodically and check its
condition. If the rope is frayed, have it replaced
immediately by your Kohler Engine Service
Dealer.
WARNING: Accidental Starts!
Before extending and checking the retractable starter
rope, remove the spark plug lead to prevent the engine
from starting accidentally. Make sure the equipment is
inneutral.
For an Electric Start Engine – Activate the
starter switch. Release the switch as soon as the
engine starts.
NOTE: Do not crank the engine continuously for
more than 10 seconds at a time. If the
engine does not start, allow a 60 second
cool down period between starting
attempts. Failure to follow these
guidelines can burn out the starter motor.
Operating Instructions
Also read the operating instructions of the equipment this engine powers.
Refertocertification label for engine displacement.
Exhaust Emission Control System for models
CH11,12.5,13,14,15,16 is EM.
EPA
CARB
CategoryC
250 Hours
Moderate
125 Hours
CategoryB
500 Hours
Intermediate
250 Hours
CategoryA
1000 Hours
Extended
500 Hours
Emission Compliance Period (Hours)

7
NOTE: Upon start-up, a metallic ticking may
occur. This is caused by hydraulic lifter
leakdownduringstorage. Run theengine
for 5 minutes. The noise will normally
cease in the first minute. If noise
continues, run the engine at mid-throttle
for 20 minutes. If noise persists, take the
enginetoyourlocalKohlerService outlet.
NOTE: If theengine develops sufficient speedto
disengage the starter but does not keep
running (a false start), engine rotation
must be allowed to come to a complete
stop before attempting to restart the
engine. If the starter is engaged while the
flywheel is rotating, the starter pinion and
flywheel ring gear may clash, resulting in
damage to the starter.
If the starter does not turn the engine over, shut
off starter immediately. Do not make further
attempts to start the engine until the condition is
corrected. Do not jump start using another battery
(refer to “Battery”). See your Kohler Engine
Service Dealer for trouble analysis.
3. For a Cold Engine – Gradually return the choke
control to the “off” position after the engine starts
and warms ups.
The engine/equipment may be operated during
the warm up period, but it may be necessary to
leave the choke partially on until the engine warms
up.
4. For a Warm Engine – Return choke to “off”
position as soon as engine starts.
Stopping
1. Remove the load by disengaging all PTO
attachments.
2a. For engines without a shutdown solenoid:
Move the throttle to the ‘‘slow’’ or ‘‘low’’ idle
position.Allow the engine to run at idle for 30-60
seconds; then stop the engine.
b. Forengines equipped witha shutdown
solenoid: Positionthethrottlecontrolsomewhere
betweenhalfandfullthrottle;thenstopthe engine.
Battery
A12 volt battery is normally used. Refer to the operating
instructionsoftheequipmentthis engine powers for
specificbatteryrequirements.
If the battery charge is not sufficient to crank the engine,
rechargethebattery(see page 12).
Operating
Angle of Operation
This engine will operate continuously at angles up to
25°. Check oil level to assure crankcase oil level is at
the “F” mark.
Refertotheoperatinginstructionsoftheequipmentthis
enginepowers.Because of equipment designor
application, there may be more stringent restrictions
regarding the angle of operation.
NOTE: Do not operate this engine continuously at
angles exceeding 25° in any direction. Engine
damage could result from insufficient
lubrication.
Cooling
NOTE: If debris builds up on the grass screen or other
cooling air intake areas, stop the engine
immediately and clean. Operating the engine
with blocked or dirty air intake and cooling
areas can cause extensive damage due to
overheating.
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.
Engine Speed
NOTE: Do not tamper with the governor setting to
increasethemaximumenginespeed.
Overspeedishazardous and willvoidthe
enginewarranty.
Maintenance Instructions
Maintenance, repair, or replacement of the emission control devices and systems, which are being done
at the customers expense, may be performed by any non-road engine repair establishment or individual.
Warranty repairs must be performed by an authorized Kohler service outlet.
WARNING: Accidental Starts!
Disabling engine. Accidental starting can cause severe injury or death. Beforeworking on theengineorequip-
ment, disable the engine as follows: 1) Disconnect the spark plug lead(s). 2) Disconnect negative (-) battery cable
from battery.

8
Maintenance Schedule
Theserequiredmaintenanceprocedures should be performed atthefrequencystatedin the table. They shouldalso
beincludedaspart of any seasonal tune-up.
4. Remove the dipstick and check the oil level.
Theoil level should be up to, but not over, the “F”
mark on the dipstick. See Figure 7.
Operating
Range
“F” Mark
¹Perform these maintenance procedures more frequently under extremely dusty, dirty conditions.
2Only required for Denso starters. Not necessary on Delco starters. Have a Kohler Engine Service Dealer perform
this service.
Check Oil Level
Theimportanceof checking and maintainingtheproper
oillevelinthe crankcase cannot be overemphasized.
CheckoilBEFORE EACH USE as follows:
1. Make sure the engine is stopped, level, and is cool
so the oil has had time to drain into the sump.
2. To keep dirt, grass clippings, etc., out of the
engine, clean the area around the oil fill cap/
dipstickbeforeremoving it.
3. Remove the oil fill cap/dipstick; wipe oil off.
For engines with a press-on style dipstick:
Reinsert the dipstick into the tube and press onto
the tube. See Figure 6.
For engines with a thread-on style dipstick:
Reinsert the dipstick into the tube and rest the oil
fill cap on the tube. Do not thread the cap onto the
tube. See Figure 6.
Figure 6. Dipstick Styles.
Daily or Before
Starting Engine
Maintenance RequiredFrequency • Fill fuel tank.
• Check oil level.
• Check air cleaner for dirty¹, loose, or damaged parts.
• Check air intake and cooling areas, clean as necessary¹.
• Service precleaner element¹.
Every 25 Hours
• Replace air cleaner element¹.
• Change oil.
• Remove cooling shrouds and clean cooling areas¹.
Every 100 Hours
• Change oil filter.
• Check spark plug condition and gap.
• Replace fuel filter.
Every 200 Hours
Annually or
Every 500 Hours • Have bendix starter drive serviced². • Have solenoid shift starter disassembled and cleaned2.
Every 50 Hours • Check gear reduction unit.
Press-On Thread-On
Figure 7. Oil Level Dipstick.
5. If the level is low, add oil of the proper type, up to
the “F” mark on the dipstick. (Refer to “Oil Type” on
page 4.)Always check the level with the dipstick
beforeaddingmore oil.
NOTE: To preventextensive enginewearor
damage,alwaysmaintainthe proper oil
levelinthe crankcase. Neveroperatethe
engine with the oil level below the “L”
mark or over the “F” mark on the dipstick.

9
Oil Sentry™
Some engines are equipped with an optional Oil
Sentry™oil pressure switch. If the oil pressure
decreases below an acceptable level, the Oil Sentry™
will either shut off the engine or activate a warning
signal, depending on the application.
NOTE: MakesuretheoillevelischeckedBEFORE
EACH USE and is maintained up to the “F”
mark on the dipstick. This includes engines
equipped with Oil Sentry™.
Change Oil and Oil Filter
Change Oil
Change oil after every 100 hours of operation. Refill
with service class SG, SH, SJ or higher oil as specified
in the “Viscosity Grades” table (Figure 2) on page 4.
Change the oil while the engine is still warm. The oil
will flow more freely and carry away more impurities.
Make sure the engine is level when filling, checking, or
changingtheoil.
Changetheoilasfollows(seeFigure8):
1. To keep dirt, grass clippings, etc., out of the
engine, clean the area around the oil fill cap/
disptick before removing it.
2. Remove the oil drain plug and oil fill cap/dipstick.
Be sure to allow ample time for complete
drainage.
3. Reinstall the drain plug. Make sure it is tightened
to 13.6 N·m (10 ft. lb.) torque.
4. Fill the crankcase, with new oil, of the proper type,
to the “F” mark on the dipstick. Refer to “Oil Type”
on page 4.Always check the level with the dipstick
before adding more oil.
5. Reinstall the oil fill cap or plug and tighten
securely.
NOTE: To prevent extensive engine wear or
damage, always maintain the proper oil
level in the crankcase. Never operate the
engine with the oil level below the “L”
mark or over the “F” mark on the dipstick.
Oil
Sentry™
(Optional)
Oil Filter
Figure 8. Oil Filter and Optional Oil Sentry™
Switch.
Change Oil Filter
Replace the oil filter at least every other oil change
(every 200 hours of operation).Always use a genuine
Kohleroil filter. Use chart below todetermine part
numberto order.
Replace the oil filter as follows:
1. Drain the oil from the engine crankcase.
2. Allow the oil filter to drain.
3. Before removing the oil filter, clean the area
around the oil filter to keep dirt and debris out of
theengine.Removetheold filter.Wipeoffthe
surfacewheretheoilfiltermounts.
4. Place a new replacement filter in a shallow pan
with the open end up. Pour new oil of the proper
type in through the threaded center hole. Stop
pouringwhentheoil reaches the bottom of the
threads.Allow a minute or two for the oil to be
absorbedbythefiltermaterial.
5. Apply a thin film of clean oil to the rubber gasket
on the new filter.
6. Install the replacement oil filter to the filter adapter.
Turn the oil filter clockwise until the rubber gasket
contacts the filter adapter, then tighten the filter an
additional 3/4 to 1 turn.
7. Reinstall the drain plug.
8. Fill the crankcase with new oil of the proper type to
the ‘‘F’’ mark on the dipstick.
Oil Filter Part No.
1205001-S
5205002-S
Length
2-1/2"
3-3/8"

10
9. Start the engine and check for oil leaks. Correct
any leaks before placing the engine into service.
Check oil level to be sure it is up to but not over
the “F” mark.
Service Precleaner and Air Cleaner Element
Thisengineisequipped with a replaceable, high
densitypaperaircleanerelement.Mostengines are
alsoequippedwith an oiled, foamprecleanerwhich
surroundsthepaperelement.SeeFigures 9 and 10.
Figure 9. Air Cleaner Housing Components.
Air Cleaner Base
Element Cover Nut
Foam Precleaner
Paper
Element
Element
Cover
Figure 10. Air Cleaner Elements.
Check the air cleaner daily or before starting the
engine. Check for a buildup of dirt and debris around
the air cleaner system. Keep this area clean.Also
check for loose or damaged components. Replace all
bent or damaged air cleaner components.
NOTE: Operatingtheengine with loose or damagedair
cleanercomponentscould allow unfilteredair
intotheengine causing premature wearand
failure.
Service Precleaner
Wash and reoil the precleaner every 25 hours of
operation, (more often under extremely dusty or dirty
conditions).
1. Loosentheair cleaner coverknobandremove the
cover.
Air Cleaner
Cover
Knob
2. Removethe precleaner fromthepaper element.
3. Washtheprecleanerin warm water with detergent.
Rinsetheprecleanerthoroughlyuntilall traces of
detergentareeliminated.Squeezeoutexcess
water(donotwring).Allowprecleanertoairdry.
4. Saturatetheprecleanerwith new engine oil.
Squeeze out all excess oil.
5. Reinstalltheprecleaner over thepaperelement.
6. Reinstall the air cleaner cover and tighten the
knob securely.
7. Whenprecleanerreplacement is necessary order
Part No. 52 083 01-S.
Service Paper Element
Every 100 hours of operation (more often under
extremely dusty or dirty conditions), replace the paper
element.
1. Loosen the air cleaner cover knob and remove the
cover.Removethe wing nutandthenremove theair
cleanerelementwith precleaner.Removethe
precleanerfromthe element and serviceas
necessary.
2. Donotwashthepaper element or use
pressurized air, as this will damage the element.
Replace a dirty, bent, or damaged element with a
genuineKohlerelement. Handle newelements
carefully; do not use if the sealing surfaces are
bent or damaged.
3. When servicing the air cleaner, check the air
cleaner base. Make sure it is secured and not
bent or damaged. Also check the element cover
for damage or improper fit. Replace all damaged
air cleaner components.
4. Reinstall all components as described above.
5. Whenaircleanerelementreplacement is
necessaryorder Part No. 47 083 01-S.
Clean Air Intake/Cooling Areas
Toensure proper cooling, make sure the grass screen,
coolingfins,andotherexternal surfaces of the engine
are kept clean at all times.
Every100 hours ofoperation (moreoftenunder
extremelydusty, dirty conditions), removetheblower
housingandothercooling shrouds. Clean the cooling
fins and external surfaces as necessary. Make sure the
coolingshroudsare reinstalled.