Kohler Courage SH265 User manual

Owner'sManual
Horizontal CranksHaft
Courage
sH265
sH390
sH430

2
California
Proposition 65 Warning
Engine exhaust from this product
contains chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer, birth
defects, or other reproductive harm.
Congratulations on your purchase of a Kohler Engine. Every part, every component, every system on a
KOHLER engine is guided by our exclusive Performance Engineering philosophy:
• To operate on the leading edge of innovation
 • Topushtheboundariesofcleaner,moreecientengines
• To manufacture the highest performing, most reliable engines on the market
You can rest assured that your Kohler Engine will provide maximum power and reliability in all operating
conditions. Also, Kohler engines are backed by a worldwide network of over 10,000 distributors and dealers.
FormoreinformationonKohlerEnginesortondaKohlerServiceCenter,visitKohlerEngines.com.
To keep your engine in top operating condition, follow the maintenance procedures in this manual.

3
Table of Contents
Safety Precautions
For Your Safety!
These precautions should be followed at all times. Failure to follow these precautions could result in injury
to yourself and others.
To ensure safe operation 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.
Congratulations................................................. 2
Safety Precautions .........................................3-5
Symbols Associated with This Product .......... 5
Control and Service Point Locations............... 6
Oil Recommendations....................................... 7
Oil Type.......................................................... 7
Fuel Recommendations.................................... 7
General Recommendations........................... 7
Fuel Type....................................................... 7
Operating Instructions...................................... 8
Pre-Start Checklist......................................... 8
Cold Weather Starting Hints .......................... 8
Starting .......................................................... 8
Stopping ...................................................... 10
Operating.......................................................... 10
Angle of Operation ...................................... 10
Cooling ........................................................ 10
Maintenance Instructions ............................... 10
Maintenance Schedule ................................ 11
Check Oil Level................................................ 11
Oil Disposal ................................................ 12
Change Oil................................................... 12
Service Precleaner and
Air Cleaner Element ........................................ 13
Service Precleaner (If Equipped)................. 13
Service Paper Element................................ 14
Ignition System................................................ 14
Check Spark Plug............................................ 14
Fuel Tank Filter ................................................ 15
Fuel Valve ......................................................... 15
Spark Arrestor ................................................. 16
Clean Air Intake/Cooling Areas ...................... 16
Carburetor Troubleshooting and
Adjustments..................................................... 17
Troubleshooting ........................................... 17
Troubleshooting .............................................. 18
Storage ............................................................. 18
Transport .......................................................... 18
Major Repair..................................................... 19
Parts Ordering ................................................. 19
Specications .................................................. 19
Engine Warranty .............................................. 20
Emission Control System Warranty .........21-22

4
Safety Precautions (Continued)
Carbon Monoxide can cause severe
nausea, fainting or death.
Avoid inhaling exhaust fumes, and
never run the engine in a closed
buildingorconnedarea.
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 conned area.
WARNING
Explosive Fuel can cause res and
severe burns.
Donotllthefueltankwhilethe
engine is hot or running.
Explosive Fuel!
Gasoline is extremely ammable and
its vapors can explode if ignited. Store
gasoline only in approved containers, in
well ventilated, unoccupied buildings,
away from sparks or ames. Do not ll
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.
Hot Parts can cause severe burns.
Do not touch engine while operating
orjustaer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 aer it is
turned o. Never operate the engine with
heat shields or guards removed.

5
STOP
Safety Precautions (Continued)
Symbols Associated With This Product
Read
Manual
On
Off
Start
Stop
Choke
Slow
Fast
Fuel
Oil
Alert
Accidental Starts can cause severe
injury or death.
Disconnect and ground spark plug
leads before servicing.
WARNING
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 (-) baery cable
from baery.
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.
CAUTION
Electrical Shock can cause injury.
Do not touch wires while engine is
running.
Electrical Shock!
Never touch electrical wires or
components while the engine is running.
They can be sources of electrical shock.

6
IMPORTANT ENGINE INFORMATION
THIS ENGINE MEETS U.S. EPA PH2, EC STAGE II
(SN:3) AND CA 2008 AND LATER EXH/EVP
EMISSION REGS FOR SI SORE. EVP CODE:XX
FAMILY
TYPE APP
DISPL. (CC)
SPEC. NO.
SERIAL NO.
BUILD DATE
EMISSION COMPLIANCE PERIOD:
EPA: CARB:
CERTIFIED ON:
REFER TO OWNER'S MANUAL FOR HP RATING,
SAFETY, MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS.
1-800-544-2444 kohlerengines.com
KOHLER CO. KOHLER, WISCONSIN, USA
CRAFTED IN CHINA
SAMPLE
Debris
Screen
Fuel Tank Cap
Air Cleaner
Fuel Tank
Choke
Control
Fuel
Shut-Off
Starter
Handle
Throttle
Control
On/Off Switch
(If Equipped)
Mufer
Shield
Mufer Spark Plug
Oil Drain
Plug
Dipstick
Figure 1. Control and Service Point Locations.
Refertocerticationlabelforenginedisplacement.
ExhaustEmissionControlSystemformodelsSH265,
SH390,SH430isEMforU.S.EPAandEurope.
TheEmissionCompliancePeriodreferredtoonthe
EmissionControlorAir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certicationlabel.
Emission Compliance Period (Hours)
Oil Fill Plug
Serial and
Data Label
Figure 2. Serial and Data Label (Example).
EPA Category C
Below 225 cc 125 hours
Above 225 cc 250 hours
Retractable
Starter Oil Drain
Plug

7
5W-30
RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
°F 020 32 40 60 80 100
°C -17
10
-12 -6 0 10 20 30 40
TEMPERATURE RANGE EXPECTED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
10W-30
Kohler 10W-30
Maximum
Fuel Level
Filler
Neck
Filler
Neck
Fuel Tank
Fuel Tank
Filter
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SJorhigher.Select
the viscosity based on the air temperature at the time
of operation as shown in the following table.
Figure 3. Oil Viscosity Grades Table.
Refer to Maintenance Instructions for detailed oil
check and oil change procedures.
Donotusegasolinele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overllthefueltank.Leaveroomforthefuelto
expand.SeeFigure4.
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 and reduces
harmful exhaust emissions. Leaded gasoline is not
recommended.
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includingE20
andE85arenottobeusedandarenotapproved.Any
failures resulting from use of these fuels will not be
warranted.
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engine.
Other gasoline/ether blends are not approved.
Figure 4. Maximum Fuel Level.
Fuel Recommendations
WARNING
Explosive Fuel can cause res
and severe burns.
Donotllthefueltankwhilethe
engine is hot or running.
Gasoline is extremely ammable and its vapors can explode
if ignited. Store gasoline only in approved containers, in
well ventilated, unoccupied buildings, away from sparks or
ames. Do not ll 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.

8
Figure 6. FAST Position of Throttle Control.
Starting
 1. Turnthefuelshut-ovalvetotheON position.
SeeFigure5.
Figure 5. ON Position of Fuel Shut-Off Valve.
 2. For a Cold Engine – Placethethrolecontrol
midway between the SLOW and FAST positions.
SeeFigure6.PlacethechokecontrolintotheON
position.SeeFigure7.
For a Warm Engine (normal operating
temperatures) –Placethethrolecontrolmidway
between the SLOW and FASTpositions.See
Figure6.Awarmengineusuallydoesnotrequire
the choke on.
ON
Fuel
Shut-Off
Valve
Throttle
Control
SLOW
FAST
Operating Instructions
Also read the operating instructions of the equipment this
engine powers.
Pre-Start Checklist
 • Checkoillevel.Addoiliflow.Donotoverll.
 • 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shilevermustbeexactlyinneutralto
prevent resistance which could keep the engine
from starting.
WARNING
Carbon Monoxide can cause severe
nausea, fainting or death.
Avoid inhaling exhaust fumes, and
never run the engine in a closed
buildingorconnedarea.
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 conned area.
Cold Weather Starting Hints
 1. Besuretousetheproperoilforthetemperature
expected. Refer to Oil Recommendations.
 2. Declutchallpossibleexternalloads.
 3. Usefreshwintergradefuel.NOTE:Wintergrade
gasoline has higher volatility to improve starting.
Donotusegasolineleoverfromsummer.
 4. Electric Start Models:Besurethebaeryisin
goodcondition.Awarmbaeryhasmuchmore
startingcapacitythanacoldbaery.

9
Figure 7. ON Position of Choke Control.
 3. Starttheengineasfollows:
For Retractable Start Engine – Turn the engine
  On/OswitchtotheON(SeeFigure8).
Figure 8. Engine On/Off Switch.
  SLOWLYpullthestarterhandleuntiljustpast
compression–STOP!Returnstarterhandle,pull
rmlywithasmooth,steadymotiontostart.Pull
the handle straight out to avoid excessive rope
wearfromthestarterropeguide(seeFigure9).
Figure 9. Operating the Retractable Starter.
NOTE: Extend the starting rope periodically and
checkitscondition.Iftheropeisfrayed,
have it replaced immediately by your Kohler
EngineServiceCenter.
ON
Choke Control
ON
On/Off
Switch
Starter
Handle
 4. GraduallyreturnthechokecontroltotheOFF
positionaertheenginestartsandwarmsup.See
Figure 10.
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.
OFF
Choke Lever
Figure 10. OFF Position of Choke Lever.
NOTE: The choke position for starting may vary
depending upon temperature and other
factors. Once engine is running and warm
turn choke to OFFposition.SeeFigure10.

10
STOP
Stopping
 1. Ifpossible,removetheload.
 2. MovethethrolecontroltotheSLOW or LOW
idle position. Allow the engine to run at idle for
30-60seconds.SeeFigure11.
Figure 11. SLOW Position of Throttle Control.
SLOW
FAST
Throttle
Control
 3. TurnkeyswitchorOn/OswitchtotheOFF
position.Movethroletothe STOP position if
equipped.SeeFigure12.
Figure 12. Engine On/Off Switch.
OFF
On/Off
Switch
 4. Closethefuelshut-ovalve.SeeFigure13.
Figure 13. OFF Position of Fuel Shut-Off Valve.
OFF
Fuel
Shut-Off
Valve
STOP
(If Equipped)
Operating
Angle of Operation
Continuousoperationatanglesupto25°with1/2full
fueltank.Beforeoperationcheckoilleveltoassure
crankcase oil level is correct. Refer to Check Oil Level.
Intermientoperation,uptooneminuteatanglesup
to30°with1/2fullfueltank.Checkoilleveltoassure
crankcase oil level is correct. Refer to Check Oil Level.
Refer to the operating instructions of the equipment
thisenginepowers.Becauseofequipmentdesignor
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insucient
lubrication.
Cooling
NOTE: Ifdebrisbuildsuponthedebrisscreen
or other cooling 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. Refer to Clean Air Intake/
Cooling Areas.
WARNING
Hot Parts can cause severe burns.
Do not touch engine while operating or
justaerstopping.
Engine components can get extremely hot from operation. To
prevent severe burns, do not touch these areas while the engine
is running, or immediately aer it is turned o. Never operate
the engine with heat shields or guards removed.
Engine Speed
NOTE: Donottamperwiththegovernorseing
to increase the maximum engine speed.
Overspeed is hazardous and will void the
engine warranty. The maximum allowable
high idle speed for these engines is
3850±100RPM,noload.
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EngineServiceCenter.

11
WARNING
Accidental Starts can cause severe
injury or death.
Disconnect and ground spark plug
leads before servicing.
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 (-) baery cable from baery.
Maintenance Schedule
These required maintenance procedures should be performed at the frequency stated in the table below. They
should also be included as part of any seasonal tune-up.
Frequency Maintenance Required
Daily or
Before Starting Engine
Check oil level.
Fill fuel tank.
Check air intake and cooling areas; clean as necessary.¹
Check fuel screen.
Check air cleaner and precleaner.
Check spark arrestor (if equipped) clean as necessary.¹
Yearly or Every 50 Hours Clean or replace precleaner.
Yearly or Every 100 Hours
Replace air cleaner element.
Change oil (after rst 5 hours then yearly or 100 hours).
Clean cooling areas.
Clean spark arrestor (if equipped).
Clean, set gap or replace spark plug.
Clean fuel valve cup.
Replace fuel lter (if equipped).
Yearly or Every 100 Hours
Check and adjust valve clearance when engine is cold.2
Service starter motor drive, if so equipped.2
De-carbon combustion chamber.2
Every 200 Hours or as Necessary Replace fuel line.
¹Perform these maintenance procedures more frequently under extremely dusty, dirty conditions.
²Have a Kohler Engine Service Center perform this service.
Check Oil Level
The importance of checking and maintaining
the proper oil level in the crankcase cannot be
overemphasized.CheckoilBEFORE 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. Cleantheareaaroundandbeneaththedipstickor
theoilllplugbeforeremovingit.Thiswillhelp
keepdirt,debris,andotherforeignmaeroutof
theengine.SeeFigure14.
NOTE: The engine may be equipped with two
dipsticksoranoilllplugandadipstick.
Thesecanbeplacedineitherhole.See
Figure14.
Oil Fill
plug
Oil Drain Plug
Dipstick
Oil Drain Plug
Figure 14. Location of Dipstick and Oil Fill Plug.

12
Figure 16. Dipstick Oil Level Check
 3. Checking oil level with a dipstick.Unscrewand
removethedipstick;wipeooil.Reinsertthe
dipstickintotheoillltubeandrestthedipstick
ontheoillltube.Turnitcounterclockwiseuntil
theoilllcapdropsdowntothelowestpointof
the thread leads. Do not thread the dipstick cap
ontothetube.SeeFigure16.
Checking oil level with an oil ll plug. Unscrew
andremovetheoilllplug.Thelevelshouldbe
uptobutnotover,thepointofoverowingthe
llerneck.SeeFigure17.
 4. Ifthelevelislow,addoilofthepropertype(refer
to Oil Type)andtothecorrectlevel.Alwayscheck
thelevelbeforeaddingmoreoil.SeeFigures16
and 17.
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 above or below
the correct level.
Oil Disposal
Protect and respect the environment. Dispose of oil
at your local recycling center or municipal collection
center in accordance with local ordinances.
Change Oil
For a new engine,changeoilaertherst5 hours of
operation.Thereaer,changeoilaerevery100 hours
of operation.
For an overhauled engine, use Kohler 10W-30 service
class,SJorhigheroilfortherst5 hours of operation.
Changetheoilaerthisinitialrun-inperiod.Rell
withserviceclassSJorhigheroilasspeciedintheOil
Viscosity Grades Table(Figure3).
Changetheoilwhiletheengineisstillwarm.The
oilwillowfreelyandcarryawaymoreimpurities.
Makesuretheengineislevelwhenlling,checking,or
changing the oil.
Changetheoilasfollows:
1. To keep dirt, debris, etc., out of the engine, clean
theareaaroundtheoilllplug/dipstickbefore
removing it.
 2. Removetheoildrainplugandthedipstick/oil
llplug.SeeFigure18.Allowampletimefor
complete drainage.
 3. Reinstallthedrainplugandtightento
17.6 N·m (13 . lb.).
 4. Fillthecrankcase,withnewoilofthepropertype,
uptothepointofoverowingthellerneck.
Refer to Oil Type. Always check the level before
adding more oil.
Figure 15. Location of Dipstick and Oil Fill plug.
Oil Fill
Plug
Dipstick Engine Oil
Figure 16. Dipstick Oil Level Check.
Figure 17. Oil Fill Plug Oil Check.
Dipstick
Oil Fill Plug
Low Oil
Level
Upper
Oil Level
Oil Fill Neck
(Bottom Edge)
Oil Fill Neck
(Bottom Edge)
Upper
Oil Level
Engine Oil
Engine Oil
Figure 18. Location of Dipstick and Oil Drain Plug.
Oil Fill
Plug
Dipstick
Engine Oil
Oil Drain
Plug
Oil Drain
Plug

13
Figure 19. Dipstick Reinstallation.
Correct Incorrect
Gasket
(at)
Dipstick/
Oil Fill Plug
Gasket
(distorted)
Dipstick/
Oil Fill Plug
Oil Sentry™
SomeenginesareequippedwithanoptionalOil
Sentry™oillevelswitch.Iftheoilleveldropsbelow
anacceptablelevel,theOilSentry™willeithershuto
the engine or activate a warning signal, depending on
the application.
NOTE: ChecktheoillevelBEFORE EACH USE and
maintain to the correct level. This includes
enginesequippedwithOilSentry™.
Service Precleaner and Air Cleaner
Element
These engines are equipped with a replaceable, high
densitypaperaircleanerelement.Someengines
are also equipped with a foam precleaner which
surroundsthepaperelement.SeeFigure20.
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: Operating the engine with loose or damaged
aircleanercomponentscouldallowunltered
air into the engine causing premature wear
and failure.
Service Precleaner (if equipped)
Wash and dry the precleaner every 50 hours of
operation(moreoenunderextremelydustyordirty
conditions).
1. Remove the top wing nut and air cleaner cover.
SeeFigure20.
 2. Removethewingnutandspecialwasher.
 3. Removetheprecleanerfromthepaperelement.
 4. Washtheprecleanerinwarmwaterwith
detergent. Rinse the precleaner thoroughly until
alltracesofdetergentareeliminated.Squeezeout
excesswater(donotwring).Allowtheprecleaner
to air dry. Do not oil precleaner.
 5. Reinstalltheprecleaneroverthepaperelement.
 6. Slidetheprecleanerandpaperelementontothe
aircleanerstud.Securewithspecialwasherand
wingnut.SeeFigure20.
Figure 20. Air Cleaner Element and Precleaner.
Precleaner
Paper
Element
Air Cleaner
Stud
Wing Nut
Air
Cleaner
Cover
Wing Nut
Special Washer
Air Cleaner
Base
 5. Reinstallthedipstick/oilllplugandtighten
securely.SeeFigure19.
NOTE: Overtighteningthedipstick/oilllplug
will distort the gasket and may cause oil
weeping.
7. Reinstall the air cleaner cover and secure with
wing nut.

14
Service Paper Element
Every 100 hours or Yearly(whichevercomesrst)of
operation(moreoenunderextremelydustyordirty
conditions),replacethepaperelement.
1. Remove the top wing nut and air cleaner cover.
Remove the wing nut and special washer.
Separatetheprecleanerfromtheelementand
serviceasoutlinedabove.SeeFigures20.
 2. Do not wash the paper element or use
pressurized air, as this will damage the element.
Replace a dirty, bent, or damaged element with
a genuine Kohler element. Handle new elements
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.Checktheaircleanercover/housing
fordamageorimpropert.Replaceallbentor
damaged air cleaner components.
 4. Slidetheprecleanerandpaperelementontothe
aircleanerstud.Securewithspecialwasherand
wingnut.SeeFigure20.
 5. Reinstalltheaircleanercoverandsecurewith
wing nut.
Check Spark Plug
Yearly or every 100 hours of operation, remove the
spark plug, check condition, and reset the gap or
replace with a new plug as necessary. The original
sparkplugisaChampion®RC12YC,theKohler
equivalent is a Kohler Part No. 12 132 02-S. Equivalent
alternate brand plugs can also be used.
 1. Beforeremovingthesparkplug,cleanthearea
around the base of the plug to keep dirt and
debris out of the engine.
 2. Removetheplugandcheckitscondition.Replace
the plug if worn or reuse is questionable.
NOTE: Do not clean the spark plug in a machine
usingabrasivegrit.Somegritcould
remain in the spark plug and enter the
engine causing extensive wear and
damage.
 3. Checkthegapusingawirefeelergauge.Adjust
the gap to 0.76 mm (0.030 in.) by carefully
bendingthegroundelectrode.SeeFigure21.
 4. Reinstallthesparkplugintothecylinderhead.
Torque the spark plug to 20 N·m (14 . lb.).
Ground
Electrode
Spark Plug
0.76 mm
(0.030 in.) Gap
Wire Gauge
Figure 21. Servicing Spark Plug.
Ignition System
This engine is equipped with a dependable electronic
magneto ignition system. Other than periodically
checking/replacing the spark plug, no maintenance
or adjustments are necessary or possible with this
system.
Intheeventstartingproblemsshouldoccurwhichare
not corrected by replacing the spark plug, see your
KohlerEngineServiceCenterfortroubleanalysis.

15
Fuel Tank Filter
Aserviceablefueltanklterislocatedunderthefuel
tankcap,inthellerneck.
Daily or as requiredcleanlterofanyaccumulation
as follows:
WARNING
Explosive Fuel can cause res
and severe burns.
Donotllthefueltankwhilethe
engine is hot or running.
 1. Removethefueltankcapandlter.SeeFigure22.
 2. Cleanthelterwithsolvent,replaceifdamaged.
 3. Wipethelterandinsertit.
4. Tighten the tank cap securely.
Fuel Tank
Cap
(Non Evap
Shown)
Fuel Tank
Fuel Tank
Filter
Filler Neck
Figure 22. Fuel Tank Filter.
Fuel Valve
Engines are equipped with a fuel valve and integral
screenlterlocatedattheinletofthecarburetor.It
controlsandltersfuelowfromthetanktothe
carburetor.
Every 100 hours of operation clean fuel valve cup of
anyaccumulateddebris.Ifthescreenbecomesclogged
or damaged replace it.
WARNING
Explosive Fuel can cause res
and severe burns.
Donotllthefueltankwhilethe
engine is hot or running.
 1. Stoptheengine.
 2. TurnthefuelvalvelevertotheOFF position.
3. Removethefuelvalvecup.SeeFigure23.
 4. Cleanthefuelvalvecupwithsolventandwipedry.
 5. ChecktheO-ring,replaceifdamaged.
 6. PlacetheO-ringonthefuelvalvecup.Rotatethe
fuelvalvecupuntilitisngertight.Turnwitha
wrench1/2to3/4fullturn.SeeFigure23.
7. Turn the fuel valve to the ON position and check
forleaks.Iffuelvalvecupleaksrepeatstep5and6.
8. Tighten the tank cap securely.
Fuel
Valve
O-ring
Fuel
Valve
Cup
Figure 23. Fuel Valve Cup and O-ring.

16
Figure 24. Spark Arrestor.
Screw
Spark Arrestor
(If Equipped)
Spark Arrestor
Engines are equipped with a spark arrestor for
operational and environmental safety.
Every 100 hours of operation, remove and clean or
replace the spark arrestor following the instructions
below.
WARNING
Hot Parts can cause severe burns.
Do not touch engine while operating or
justaerstopping.
1. Remove the securing hardware and the spark
arrestor.SeeFigure24.
 2. Cleanthecarbondepositsoutofthescreenusinga
wire brush.
 3. Checkthesparkarrestor,replaceifdamaged.
 4. Reinstallthesparkarrestor,securingwiththe
hardware previously removed.
Clean Air Intake/Cooling Areas
To ensure proper cooling, make sure the debris screen,
coolingns,andotherexternalsurfacesoftheengine
are kept clean at all times. Checkdaily.
Every 100 hoursofoperation(moreoenunder
extremelydusty,dirtyconditions),removetheblower
housingandothercoolingshrouds.Cleanthecooling
nsandexternalsurfacesasnecessary.Makesurethe
cooling shrouds are reinstalled.
NOTE: Operating the engine with a blocked debris
screen,dirtyorpluggedcoolingns,and/or
cooling shrouds removed, will cause engine
damage due to overheating.

17
Troubleshooting
Ifenginetroublesareexperiencedthatappeartobe
fuel system related, check the following areas before
adjusting the carburetor.
 • Makesurethefueltankislledwithclean,fresh
gasoline.
 • Makesurethefueltankcapventisnotblocked
and that it is operating properly.
 • Makesurethefuelshut-ovalveisfullyopen.
 • Makesureoilisatcorrectlevel.
 • Makesurefuelshut-ovalvestrainer,andin-line
fuellter(ifused)arecleanandunobstructed.
Cleanorreplaceasnecessary.
 • Makesurefuelisreachingthecarburetor.This
includes checking the fuel lines and components
for restrictions or problems. Replace as necessary.
 • MakesureOn-Oswitchisfunctioningproperly.
 • Makesuretheaircleanerelementiscleanandall
air cleaner components are fastened securely.
If,aercheckingtheitemslistedabove,theengineis
hard to start, runs roughly, or stalls at low idle speed,
it may be necessary to adjust or service the carburetor.
Carburetor Troubleshooting and
Adjustments
NOTE: Carburetoradjustmentsshouldbemadeonly
aertheengineisatoperatingtemperature.
The carburetor is designed to deliver the correct
fuel-to-air mixture to the engine under all operating
conditions. The idle mixture is set at the factory and
normally does not require adjustment.
NOTE: To ensure correct engine operation at
altitudesabove1525meters(5000.),itmay
be necessary to have an authorized Kohler
dealer install a special high-altitude jet kit in
thecarburetor.Ifahigh-altitudekithasbeen
installed, the engine must be reconverted to
the original jet size, before it is operated at
lower altitudes, or overheating and engine
damage can result.
Iftheengineishardtostart,runsroughly,orstallsat
low idle speed, it may be necessary to adjust or service
thecarburetor.Enginemustnotexceed3850±100
RPMifthehighspeedscrewisadjusted.SeeFigure25.
Figure 25. High Speed Screw.
Screw

18
Troubleshooting
Whentroublesoccur,besuretocheckthesimplecauseswhich,atrst,mayseemtooobvioustobeconsidered.
Forexample,astartingproblemcouldbecausedbyanemptyfueltank.Somecommoncausesofenginetroubles
are listed in the table below.
Donotaempttoserviceorreplacemajorenginecomponents,oranyitemsthatrequirespecialtimingor
adjustmentprocedures.HavethisworkdonebyaKohlerEngineServiceCenter.
Storage
Iftheenginewillbeoutofservicefortwomonthsor
more, use the following storage procedure:
 1. Cleantheexteriorsurfacesoftheengine.
 2. Changetheoilwhiletheengineisstillwarmfrom
operation. Refer to Change Oil.
 3. Thefuelsystemmustbecompletelyemptied,
or the gasoline must be treated with a stabilizer
topreventdeterioration.Ifyouchooseto
use a stabilizer, follow the manufacturers
recommendations, and add the correct amount
for the capacity of the fuel system. Fill the fuel
tank with clean, fresh gasoline. Run the engine
for5minutestogetstabilizedfuelintothe
carburetor.
To empty the system, run the engine until the
tank and system are empty.
 4. Removethesparkplug.Addonetablespoonof
engineoilintothesparkplughole.Installthe
plug,butdonotconnectthepluglead.Crankthe
engine two or three revolutions.
 5. Removethesparkplug.Coverthesparkplug
hole with your thumb, and turn the engine over
untilthepistonisatthetopofitsstroke.(Pressure
againstthethumbisgreatest.)Reinstalltheplug,
but do not connect the plug lead.
 6. Storetheengineinaclean,dryplace.
Transport
1. Turn the fuel valve to the OFF position.
 2. Tightenthefuelcap.
 3. Readandfollowthetransportguidelines
provided by equipment manufacturer.
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 Misres
Backres
Overheats
High Fuel
Consumption

19
Major Repair
MajorrepairinformationisavailableinKohlerEngine
ServiceManuals.Thistypeofrepairgenerallyrequires
the services of a trained mechanic and the use of
specialtoolsandequipment.KohlerEngineService
Centershavethefacilities,training,andgenuine
Kohler replacement parts necessary to perform this
service.
For the nearest sales and service location:
• Visit our Web site: KohlerEngines.com
• Call1-800-544-2444(U.S.andCanada)
• Look in your local telephone directory under
Engines-Gasoline
Parts Ordering
Theenginemodel,specication,andserialnumbers
are required when ordering replacement parts from
yourKohlerEngineServiceCenter.Thesenumbersare
foundontheidenticationplatewhichisaxedtothe
engineshrouding.Includeleersuxesifthereare
any.SeeSerialDataLabelonPage6.
Always insist on genuine Kohler parts. All genuine
Kohlerpartsmeetstrictstandardsfort,reliability,
and performance.
Specications
Model: SH265 SH390** SH430**
Bore: mm
(in.)
68
(2.7)
77
(3.0)
88
(3.5)
Stroke: mm
(in.)
54
(2.1)
58
(2.3)
64
(2.5)
Displacement: cm3
(in.3)
196
(12.0)
270
(16.5)
389
(23.7)
*Gross Power (@ 3600 RPM): kW
(HP)
4.9
(6.5)
6.8
(9.0)
9.8
(13.0)
*Net Power (@ 3600 RPM): kW
(HP)
4.1
(5.5)
6.0
(8.0)
8.2
(11.0)
Max. Torque (@ 2500 RPM): N·m
(ft. lb.)
12.4
(9.1)
17.7
(13.1)
25.1
(18.5)
Compression Ratio: 8.5:1 8.2:1 8:1
Weight (Recoil Start): kg
(lbs.)
15.5
(34.2)
25.0
(55.0)
31.0
(68.3)
Oil Capacity: L
(U.S. qt.)
0.6
(0.63)
1.1
(1.2)
Fuel Tank Capacity: L
(U.S. qt.)
3.6
(3.8)
6.0
(6.3)
6.5
(6.9)
Exhaust Emission Control System: EM for U.S. EPA and Europe
*HorsepowerratingsexceedSocietyofAutomotiveEngineersSmallEngineTestCodeJ1940.Actualengine
horsepowerislowerandaectedby,butnotlimitedto,accessories(aircleaner,exhaust,charging,cooling,fuel
pump,etc.),application,enginespeedandambientoperatingconditions(temperature,humidity,andaltitude).
Kohlerreservestherighttochangeproductspecications,designs,andequipmentwithoutnoticeandwithout
incurring obligation.
**DataformodelsSH390andSH430isbasedonpreliminaryinformation.

20
COURAGE®ENGINE LIMITED WARRANTY
KohlerCo.warrantstotheoriginalretailconsumerthateachnewCOURAGE®enginesoldbyKohlerCo.willbefreefrommanufacturing
defectsinmaterialsorworkmanshipinnormalresidentialhomeownerserviceforaperiodoftwo(2)yearsfromdateofpurchase,
provideditisoperatedandmaintainedinaccordancewithKohlerCo.’sinstructionsandmanuals.IfusedcommerciallytheCOURAGE®
engineiscoveredbya90-day1limited warranty.
The warranty period begins on the date of purchase by the original retail consumer or commercial end user. “Residential homeowner
service”meansresidentialusebyaretailconsumer.“Commercialuse”meansallotheruses,includinguseforcommercial,orrental
purposes.Onceincommercialuse,theenginewillthereaerbeconsideredacommercialuseengineforthepurposesofthiswarranty.
Ourobligationunderthiswarrantyisexpresslylimited,atouroption,tothereplacementorrepairatKohlerCo.,Kohler,Wisconsin53044,
or at a service facility designated by us of such parts as inspection shall disclose to have been defective.
EXCLUSIONS:
Muersonenginesusedcommercially(non-residential)arewarrantedfor90daysfromdateofpurchase.Thiswarrantydoesnotapply
to defects caused by casualty or unreasonable use, including faulty repairs by others and failure to provide reasonable and necessary
maintenance.
The following items are not covered by this warranty: Engine accessories such as fuel tanks, clutches, transmissions, power-drive
assemblies,andbaeries,unlesssuppliedorinstalledbyKohlerCo.Thesearesubjecttothewarranties,ifany,oftheirmanufacturers.
KohlerCo.AND/ORTHESELLERSHALLNOTBELIABLEFORSPECIAL,INDIRECT,INCIDENTAL,ORCONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGESOFANYKIND,includingbutnotlimitedtolaborcostsortransportationchargesinconnectionwiththerepairorreplacement
of defective parts.
IMPLIEDORSTATUTORYWARRANTIES,INCLUDINGWARRANTIESOFMERCHANTABILITYORFITNESSFORAPARTICULAR
PURPOSE,AREEXPRESSLYLIMITEDTOTHEDURATIONOFTHISWRITTENWARRANTY.Wemakenootherexpresswarranty,noris
any one authorized to make any on our behalf.
Somestatesdonotallowlimitationsonhowlonganimpliedwarrantylasts,ortheexclusionorlimitationofincidentalorconsequential
damages,sotheabovelimitationorexclusionmaynotapplytoyou.Thiswarrantygivesyouspeciclegalrights,andyoumayalsohave
other rights which vary from state to state.
TOOBTAINWARRANTYSERVICE:
Purchaser must bring the engine to an authorized Kohler service facility. To locate the nearest facility, visit our Web site,
www.KohlerEngines.com,consultyourlocaltelephonedirectory,ortelephone1-800-544-2444.
 ENGINEDIVISION,KOHLERCO.,KOHLER,WISCONSIN53044
1WiththeexceptionofcountriesgovernedbytheEuropeanUnion(EU),whereaone(1)yearwarrantyisrequiredforcommercial/
professional use.