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Kohler M20 Engine

The Kohler M20 is a 0.77 L 2-cylinder engine rated at 1800 rpm, producing up to 9.5 kW. It powers generator sets from Kohler, including the 5CKM. It holds 2.4 L (0.6 gal) of oil.

Also known as: Kohler M20

0.77 L
Displacement
2
Cylinders
1800 rpm
Rated speed
9 kW
Gross power

Engine specifications

Oil capacity2.4 L
Displacement0.77 L
Cylinders2
Rated speed1800 rpm
Gross power9 kW

Troubleshooting

1

Fault codes

CodeMeaning
nullDefective exhaust valve.

Fault codes and symptom→remedy steps extracted from this engine’s service/owner documentation; verify against the official manual before servicing.

Common problems

15
  • Will not start
    Cause: Out of fuel, Clogged fuel filter, Air cleaner clogged, Faulty spark plug, Shorted or open ignition coil, Faulty ground, Loose spark plug wire connection, Weak or dead battery, Choke adjustment wrong
    Fix: Replenish, Replace, Clean or replace, Replace or regap spark plugs, Replace, Clean and retighten, Reconnect and/or tighten, Recharge or replace, Adjust
  • Will not crank TP-5393
    Cause: Weak or dead battery, 15-amp controller fuse blown, Defective start switch, Remote start cable disconnected, Defective starter solenoid, Battery connections made in reverse
    Fix: Recharge or replace, Replace fuse, Replace, Reconnect, Replace, Correct
  • The generator set has automatically stopped.
    Cause: Low oil pressure, 3 1/2 psi –1 1/2 psi (24.1 kPa) or less.
    Fix: Eliminate the cause before restarting.
  • Stops suddenly
    Cause: Out of fuel, Air cleaner clogged, Faulty spark plug, Low oil pressure
    Fix: Replenish, Clean or replace element, Replace or regap spark plugs, Check oil level
  • Low oil pressure (LOP) shutdown
    Cause: Correct cause of shutdown
  • Hard starting
    Cause: Stale or bad fuel, Air cleaner clogged, Carburetor adjustment wrong, Faulty spark plug, Weak ignition coil
    Fix: Replace, Clean or replace element, Adjust, Replace or regap spark plugs, Replace
  • Will not carry load or runs rough
    Cause: Fuel line restriction; Vent in fuel tank cap obstructed (gasoline fuel); Dirty fuel filter (gasoline fuel only); Improper type of fuel; Defective fuel pump; Governor not properly adjusted or defective; Carburetor not adjusted or defective; Defective ignition module; Defective/misadjusted spark plug; Carburetor choke; Fuel leak; Valves not sealing; improper valve clearance; Excessive carbon buildup; Fuel vapor lock {hot engine only}
    Fix: Inspect fuel lines and tank.; Clean cap in solvent, blow dry; Replace fuel filter; Use specified type of fuel; Check fuel pump pressure is 2-3.5 psi (14-24 kPa); Check speed using tachometer or frequency meter.; NOTE: Hz x 120/ No. of rotor poles=rpm; (Example: 60 x 120/4=1800); Check and/or adjust; Test and/or replace; Regap or replace; Test and/or replace; Tighten fittings; Compression test; Adjust proper valve clearance; Clean cylinder head; Reroute fuel lines away from heat.
  • While the unit is cranking, is 12 vde present across P1-5(+) to P1-12(-)?
    Cause: No
    Fix: Replace control board
  • Unit is noisy
    Cause: Exhaust system leak; Broken or damaged vibromounts; Loose or vibrating sheet metal/housing; inadequate compartment clearances; Exhaust piping or air inlets/outlets not securely installed; No compartment sound insulation; Excessive vibration—engine/generator
    Fix: Check and replace as necessary; Check and replace as necessary; Retighten screws; Check clearances; Inspect for loose parts; Install fireproof insulation; Check rotor, crankshaft, bearing, etc. (Disassembly of engine and/or generator may be required)
  • Starter does not work properly
    Cause: Loose or corroded connections; Low battery output; Defective starter solenoid; Defective start/stop switch; Defective wiring; Defective starter
    Fix: Clean and tighten loose connections; Check electrolyte level and specific gravity (batteries with filler caps only); Check starter solenoid. Replace starter solenoid, as necessary; Replace switch; Check wiring; Replace starter
  • Press start switch (Local or remote) Does engine crank?
    Fix: No Is LED2 lit? Yes Is 15-amp controller fuse okay? No Replace circuit board (Defective board K3 normally open e Check condition/connections of K3 relay or K1 u Replace circuit board (Defective K3 relay)
  • Overheats
    Cause: Improper cooling; Air cleaner clogged; Carburetor adjusted too lean; Faulty spark plug(s)
    Fix: Check cooling system air flow; Clean or replace element; Adjust carburetor; Replace spark plug(s)
  • Operates erratically
    Cause: Air cleaner clogged; Stale or bad fuel; Governor not properly adjusted or defective (Engine not operating at rated RPM); Fuel line restriction; Faulty spark plug(s); Carburetor adjustment wrong
    Fix: Clean or replace element; Replace; Check engine speed using frequency meter or tachometer.; NOTE: For 60 Hz-1800 RPM; For 50 Hz-1500 RPM; Inspect fuel lines and tank. Check fuel pump pressure of 2-3.5 psi (14-24 kPa); Replace spark plug(s); Adjust carburetor
  • Low Oil Pressure Shutdown LOP
  • Lacks power
    Cause: Governor not properly adjusted or defective (Engine not operating at rated RPM); Air cleaner clogged; Improper cooling; Engine overloaded; Stale or bad fuel; Fuel line restriction; Dirty fuel filter (gasoline fuel only); Carburetor adjustment wrong; Choke misadjusted or defective; Carbon buildup; Faulty spark plug(s); Defective ignition module
    Fix: Check engine speed using frequency meter or tachometer.; NOTE: For 60 Hz-1800 RPM; For 50 Hz-1500 RPM; Clean or replace element; Check air flow cooling system; Reduce electrical load; Replace; Check fuel lines and tank; Replace fuel fitter; Adjust carburetor; Check and/or adjust; Clean cylinder heads; Replace spark plug(s); Test and/or replace coil

Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Kohler M20.

Service intervals

29
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Air cleanerClean50 hr6 moReplace if dirty
Battery electrolyte levelCheck50 hr6 mo
LP collection pipe (LP liquid units)Drain50 hr6 moDrain contaminants into suitable container
Lube oil filterReplace100 hr12 moReplace every time oil is changed
air cleanerCheck50 hr6 moReplace if dirty
collection pipe (LP liquid-fueled units)Drain50 hrIf equipped
lube filterReplace100 hr12 moFirst service — 5 kW; replace at every oil change; initial after first five hours
Battery specific gravityTest100 hr12 mo
Electrical connectionsInspect100 hr12 moCheck and tighten
LP liquid withdrawal fuel filterInspect100 hrInspected yearly or after every 100 hours
Mounting bolts and vibromountsInspect100 hr12 moCheck and tighten
Spark arrestorClean500 hr24 mo
battery specific gravityCheck100 hr12 mo
liquid withdrawal LP fuel filterInspect100 hr12 moYearly or every 100 hours
lube oilChange100 hr12 moFirst service — Change oil initially after first five hours of operation
spark plugsReplace100 hr12 moService or replace; check condition every 100 hours
Stepper motor/throttle shaft couplingInspect250 hrCheck for coupling wear
stepper motor/throttle shaft couplingCheck250 hrCheck for wear
CompressionCheck500 hr24 mo
Cylinder headsClean500 hr24 moService after each 500 hours; every 250 hours if using leaded fuel
Fuel filterReplace500 hr
Valve-tappet clearanceAdjust500 hr24 moAfter each 500 hours
compressionTest500 hr24 moCheck compression
cylinder headsOther500 hrService cylinder heads at authorized dealer; every 250 hours if leaded fuel used
cylinder headsReplace500 hr24 moService cylinder heads; 250 hours if leaded fuel
electrical connectionsCheck500 hr24 moCheck and tighten
generatorClean500 hr24 moBlow dust out of generator
mounting bolts and vibromountsCheck500 hr24 moCheck and tighten
valve-tappet clearanceCheck500 hr24 moPerformed at an authorized Kohler service dealer/distributor

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Service specifications

60
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
GapElectronic governor magnetic pickup air gap0.040in. (1.02 mm) +/- 0.005 in. (0.127 mm)
GapGovernor magnetic pickup air gap0.040 (0.005)in. (1.02 mm, 0.127 mm)
GapIgnition module to magnet air gap0.008-0.012in.
GapMagnetic pickup air gap0.040 in. (1.02 mm) + 0.005 in. (0.127 mm)in. (mm)
GapSpark plug gap (LP gas)0.018 in. (0.46 mm)in. (mm)
GapSpark plug gap (gasoline)0.025 in. (0.64 mm)in. (mm)
GapSpark plug gap - LP gas0.018in. (0.46 mm)
GapSpark plug gap - gasoline0.025in. (0.64 mm)
OtherAir requirements - combustion20cfm (0.6 m3/min)
OtherAir requirements - cooling340cfm (9.6 m3/min)
OtherBattery charging system rated output0-15amps (regulated)
OtherBattery specific gravity (charge required below)1.215specific gravityat 80°F (26.7°C) electrolyte temperature
OtherBattery specific gravity (fully charged)1.260specific gravityat 80°F (26.7°C) electrolyte temperature
OtherCarburetor idle fuel needle preliminary setting1 1/2turns
OtherCarburetor main fuel needle preliminary setting2 1/4turns
OtherCharge battery if specific gravity below1.215specific gravityat 80 deg F (26.7 deg C)
OtherChoke adjustment above 10 deg F (-12.2 deg C), scribe-to-casting mark distance5/16in. (8 mm)
OtherChoke adjustment distance (above 10°F)5/16 in. (8 mm)in. (mm)
OtherChoke plate positionwithin 5 to 10 degrees of full opendegreesat approximately 70°F (21°C)
OtherChoke plate position at approx. 70 deg F (21 deg C)5 to 10 degrees of full opendegreesapprox. 70 deg F (21 deg C)
OtherCranking current at 70 deg F (21 deg C)100amps70 deg F (21 deg C)
OtherDerating - altitude above sea levelapproximately 4.0% per 1000 ft. (300 m)%
OtherFree air opening85sq. in. (548 sq. cm)
OtherFully charged battery specific gravity1.260specific gravityat 80 deg F (26.7 deg C)
OtherGasoline carburetor idle fuel needle preliminary setting1 1/2turns out
OtherGasoline carburetor main fuel needle preliminary setting2 1/4turns out
OtherLP carburetor idle fuel screw setting1/4turn out
OtherLP carburetor main fuel valve preliminary setting1turn out (360 deg)
OtherLP idle fuel screw preliminary setting1/4turn
OtherLP main fuel valve preliminary setting1turn
OtherMaximum difference between cell specific gravities0.01specific gravity
OtherMinimum recommended clearance for vibration and cooling (front, side, top, rear)0.6in. (15.2 mm)
OtherStator output voltage B1-B2 (separately excited)12-15vacduring cranking
PressureEngine oil pressure30-40psi (207-276 kPa)
PressureEngine oil pressure30-40 psi (207-276 kPa)psi (kPa)
PressureFuel pump pressure (gasoline models only)2-3.5psi (14-24 kPa)
PressureFuel pump pressure (gasoline models)2-3.5psi (14-24 kPa)
PressureLP liquid withdrawal inlet pressure50psi
PressureLP liquid withdrawal leak test pressurenot less than 90psi (621 kPa)
PressureLP primary regulator outlet7-11in. water column (4-6 oz)
PressureLP vapor gas inlet pressure7-11in. water column (4-6 oz. per sq. in.)
PressureLP vapor system leak test pressure6-8 oz per sq. in. (10-14 in. water column)oz/in2
PressureLow oil pressure shutdown3 1/2 psi - 1 1/2 psi (24.1 kPa)psi (kPa)
PressureLow oil pressure shutdown threshold3 1/2 psi +1 1/2psi (24.1 kPa)
PressureLow oil pressure switch contact closingapprox. 3.5psi (24 kPa)
PressureLow oil pressure switch contacts close3.5 (approx.)psi (24 kPa)
ResistanceAnti-icing plate (thermistor)approx. 10ohms
ResistanceAntidieseling solenoidapprox. 22ohmsat 75° F (24° C)
ResistanceBattery charge required below specific gravity1.215specific gravityelectrolyte temperature 80 F (26.7 C)
ResistanceBattery fully charged specific gravity1.260specific gravityelectrolyte temperature 80 F (26.7 C)
ResistanceCarburetor electric chokeapprox. 18ohmsat 75° F (24° C)
ResistanceHigh tension leads22,000-42,000ohms max. per lead
ResistanceHigh tension leads22,000-42,000 max. per leadohms
ResistanceIgnition primary resistance1.0-1.5ohms
ResistanceK1 relay coilapprox. 160ohmsohmmeter on R x 10 scale
ResistanceK2 relay coilapprox. 160ohmsohmmeter on R x 10 scale
ResistanceK3 relay coilapprox. 400ohmsohmmeter on R x 10 scale
ResistanceK4 relay coilapprox. 125ohmsohmmeter on R x 10 scale
ResistanceK5 relay coilapprox. 510ohmsohmmeter on R x 10 scale
ResistanceRotor resistance3.5-5.5ohms

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Recommended fluids

FluidGradeStandardAmbientCapacityNotes
Engine oil10W-30API SF or SGMulti-viscosity oil above 32 F (0 C) increases oil consumption and combustion deposits.
Engine oil5W-20, 5W-30API SF or SG
Engine oilSAE 30 straight-weight preferred (also 10W-30, 5W-20, 5W-30 per temperature chart)API service class SF or SG1.5 qts (L) with filterDo not use synthetic oils during first five hours; do not mix brands; multi-viscosity oil above 32 deg F (0 deg C) increases oil consumption
Engine oilSAE 30 straight weight preferred; 5W-20/5W-30 multi-viscosity permittedAPI Service Class SF-30°C to 40°CDo not use synthetic oils during first five hours; multi-viscosity increases oil consumption above 32°F (0°C)
Engine oilSAE 30 (straight weight preferred)API SF or SGabove 0°C1.5 qtBase oil type selection on air temperature at time of operation. Do not use synthetic oils during first five hours. Do not mix different brands of oils.
FuelLP Gas (vapor or liquid withdrawal)NFPA58 Section 3-6.4LP vapor inlet pressure 4-6 oz. (7-11 in. water column); LP liquid withdrawal 50 psi
FuelLP vapor gas inlet pressure 7-11 in. water column, 4-6 oz per sq. in.LP liquid withdrawal inlet pressure 50 psiLiquid withdrawal fuel must be blended for season and geographic location
FuelLP vapor or LP liquid withdrawal gas blended for the season and geographic location
FuelRegular grade unleaded gasoline, pump octane 87 or higher (90 research octane min.)Gasohol max 10% ethanol allowed; never methanol; oil must not be mixed with fuel
FuelRegular unleaded gasoline, 87 octane minimum (90 research rating method)Gasohol with no more than 10% ethanol permittedUse fresh gasoline; never use gasoline with methanol
FuelUnleaded gasoline, 87 octane (90 research rating method minimum)Gasohol containing no more than 10% ethanol may be used; never use methanol or more than 10% ethanol. Do not mix oil with the fuel. Use fresh gasoline.
GreasePetroleum jelly or other nonconductive greaseCoat battery terminals after cleaning and reconnection

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Procedures

12
Adjusting Valve Clearance adjustment

Tools: feeler gauge, valve grinding tools

  1. Stop and cool engine to ambient temperature.
  2. Rotate flywheel and observe valve movement to find cylinder at TDC.
  3. Measure valve-to-tappet clearance with flat feeler gauge.
  4. Rotate flywheel 360 degrees; measure remaining cylinder.
  5. Grind valve stems if clearance insufficient; replace valves if excessive.
Choke Adjustment Above 10 deg F (-12.2 deg C) adjustment

Tools: screwdriver, scribe

  1. Scribe mark on choke black cover where casting mark meets it.
  2. Loosen two choke adjusting screws.
  3. Rotate choke cover counterclockwise toward leaner setting.
  4. Tighten screws when scribe-to-casting distance is 5/16 in. (8 mm).
Choke Adjustment for Operation above 10°F (-12.2°C) adjustment
  1. Make a scribe mark on the black plastic cover where the choke casting mark meets it.
  2. Loosen the two choke adjusting screws and rotate choke cover counterclockwise toward leaner setting.
  3. When distance between scribe mark and casting mark is 5/16 in. (8 mm) tighten the two adjusting screws.
Choke Adjustment for Operation below 10°F (-12.2°C) adjustment

⚠ If not previously adjusted, leave as factory set.

  1. Loosen the two choke adjusting screws and rotate choke cover clockwise (opposite arrow on choke).
  2. When the scribe mark on the black plastic cover and the choke casting mark line up, tighten the two adjusting screws.
Electronic Governor Adjustment adjustment

⚠ Do not use speed adjustment pot to check the overspeed cutout point.

Tools: Frequency meter

  1. Check alignment of governor actuator shaft to carburetor throttle shaft.
  2. Attach frequency meter to AC output leads and run to normal temperature.
  3. Adjust speed pot to obtain full load speed of 60 Hz or 50 Hz.
  4. With no load, turn gain pot 1/8 turn counterclockwise until stable.
  5. Apply rated load and observe frequency reading.
  6. Remove load and observe frequency returns to speed adjustment value.
  7. Check overspeed cutout point by manually moving throttle shaft clockwise.
  8. Turn overspeed pot as necessary to obtain desired cutout point.
Gasoline Carburetor Main and Idle Fuel Adjustment adjustment

⚠ Do not force the tapered adjusting needles or needle and seat damage will occur.

Tools: screwdriver

  1. Stop engine; turn main and idle needles in clockwise until lightly bottomed.
  2. Back main needle out 2 1/4 turns and idle needle 1 1/2 turns.
  3. Start engine and run at half load 5-10 minutes to warm.
  4. Run at 3/4 to full load; turn main needle in until engine runs roughly.
  5. Turn main needle out 1/4 turn richer than lean limit.
  6. Set idle fuel needle using same procedure.
Gasoline Carburetor Main and Idle Fuel Mixture Adjustment adjustment

⚠ Damage to needles and seats will result if the needles are forced.

  1. Stop engine and turn main fuel and idle fuel adjusting needles in until they bottom lightly.
  2. Back out main fuel needle 2 1/4 turns and idle fuel needle 1 1/2 turns.
  3. Start engine and run at half-load for 5-10 minutes to warm up.
  4. At 3/4 to full load, turn main fuel needle in until engine does not operate smoothly; note position.
  5. Turn the main fuel needle out 1/4 turn.
  6. Set idle fuel needle using the same procedure.
Gasoline Choke Adjustment adjustment
  1. Scribe mark where choke casting mark meets black plastic cover.
  2. Loosen the two choke adjusting screws.
  3. Above 10 F (-12.2 C): rotate cover counterclockwise to leaner until 5/16 in. (8 mm) from mark.
  4. Below 10 F (-12.2 C): rotate cover clockwise until marks line up.
  5. Tighten the two adjusting screws.
LP Carburetor Adjustment adjustment

⚠ Improper rich adjustment causes vaporizer malfunction and excess fuel consumption.

Tools: screwdriver

  1. Turn main fuel valve clockwise until lightly bottomed; back out 1 turn.
  2. Warm engine and run at rated rpm under full load.
  3. Turn main valve in until engine slows (lean); out until full speed regained.
  4. Stop engine; turn idle fuel screw fully in, then back out 1/4 turn.
LP Gas Carburetor Main Fuel Mixture Adjustment adjustment
  1. Turn MAIN FUEL valve clockwise until it bottoms lightly (do not force), then back out 1 turn.
  2. With engine warm at rated rpm under full load, turn MAIN FUEL valve in until engine slows (lean).
  3. Turn valve out until engine regains full speed (about 1/8 turn).
LP Gas Idle Fuel Mixture Adjustment adjustment
  1. Stop the engine.
  2. Turn IDLE FUEL screw all the way in (clockwise) then back out 1/4 turn.
  3. Adjust for proper no load operation.
LP Primary Regulator Adjustment adjustment

⚠ Internal relief valve opens at approximately 1 psig on regulators set at 11 in. water column.

Tools: manometer, screwdriver

  1. Energize both solenoids; remove lead 71 from starter solenoid.
  2. Disconnect J9/P9 and P20/J20; apply 12 VDC to J20 to hold antidiesel solenoid.
  3. Depress prime button on secondary regulator.
  4. Connect manometer between secondary regulator and carburetor.
  5. Reading should be 7-11 in. (4-6 oz) water column.
  6. Adjust screw clockwise to increase, counterclockwise to decrease outlet pressure.
  7. Replace closing cap after adjustment.
  8. Reconnect all connectors and lead 71; start and run set.

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Voltage reconnection

VoltagePhaseConnectionLeadsNotes
11012-wire, 4-lead reconnectableL150 Hz; use single-pole circuit breaker.
11013-wire, 4-lead reconnectableLO-L1, LO-L250 Hz; LO is neutral.
110/22013-wire, 4-lead reconnectableL1-L250 Hz; factory two-pole circuit breaker required.
110/22034-wire delta, 12-lead reconnectable50 Hz
110/220 volt13 Wire (12-lead stator)50 Hz
110/220 volt34 Wire Delta (12-lead stator)50 Hz
12012-wire, 4-lead reconnectableL160 Hz; use single-pole circuit breaker.
12013-wire, 4-lead reconnectableLO-L1, LO-L260 Hz; LO is neutral. Factory two-pole or (2) 1-pole circuit breakers; jumper lead used.
120 Volt1View A—120 Volt, 3 WireL1, L2, LO (Neutral), GroundFactory two-pole or (2) 1-pole circuit breakers; jumper lead on line side; LO-L1 120 Volt, LO-L2 120 Volt (60 Hz)
120 Volt1View B—120 Volt, 2 WireL1, LO (Neutral), Ground1-pole circuit breaker; LO-L1 120 Volt (60 Hz)
120 Volt (60 Hz) / 110 Volt (50 Hz)singleL0-L1L0, L1View A - 120 Volt 3 wire (factory two-pole or (2) 1-pole circuit breakers, jumper lead on line side)
120 Volt (60 Hz) / 110 Volt (50 Hz)singleL0-L2L0, L2View A - 120 Volt 3 wire
120/208 or 110/19034-wire low wye, 12-lead reconnectable50 Hz
120/208 or 139/24034-wire low wye, 12-lead reconnectable60 Hz
120/208 volt or 110/190 volt34 Wire Low Wye (12-lead stator)50 Hz
120/208 volt or 139/240 volt34 Wire Low Wye (12-lead stator)60 Hz
120/24013-wire, 4-lead reconnectableL1-L260 Hz; jumper lead not used; MUST use factory two-pole circuit breaker. L1 and L2 must never be connected together.
120/24034-wire delta, 12-lead reconnectable60 Hz
120/240 Volt1View C—120/240 Volt, 3 WireL1, L2, LO (Neutral), GroundFactory two-pole circuit breaker; leads L1 and L2 are different phases and must never be connected together
120/240 volt13 Wire (12-lead stator)60 Hz
120/240 volt34 Wire Delta (12-lead stator)60 Hz
220/38034-wire high wye, 12-lead reconnectable50 Hz
220/380 volt34 Wire High Wye (12-lead stator)50 Hz
240 Volt (60 Hz) / 220 Volt (50 Hz)singleL1-L2L1, L2View C - 120/240 Volt 3 wire (two-pole circuit breaker required; jumper lead removed)
277/48034-wire high wye, 12-lead reconnectable60 Hz
277/480 volt34 Wire High Wye (12-lead stator)60 Hz

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Aftermarket parts that fit this engine

5

Parts listed by aftermarket suppliers as fitting this engine — leads compiled from supplier catalogs; verify the exact part for your serial number.

Common questions

What is the oil capacity of the Kohler M20?

The Kohler M20 engine has an oil capacity of 2.4 liters.

What is the displacement of the Kohler M20?

The Kohler M20 has a displacement of 0.77 liters with 2 cylinders.

Which generators use the Kohler M20 engine?

The Kohler M20 powers 1 generator set(s), including Kohler 5CKM.

What is a common problem with the Kohler M20 engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Kohler M20 is: Will not start. Cause: Out of fuel, Clogged fuel filter, Air cleaner clogged, Faulty spark plug, Shorted or open ignition coil, Faulty ground, Loose spark plug wire connection, Weak or dead battery, Choke adjustment wrong. Fix: Replenish, Replace, Clean or replace, Replace or regap spark plugs, Replace, Clean and retighten, Reconnect and/or tighten, Recharge or replace, Adjust.