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
| Oil capacity | 2.4 L |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 0.77 L |
| Cylinders | 2 |
| Rated speed | 1800 rpm |
| Gross power | 9 kW |
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| null | Defective exhaust valve. |
Fault codes and symptom→remedy steps extracted from this engine’s service/owner documentation; verify against the official manual before servicing.
Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Kohler M20.
Step-by-step procedures compiled from the Kohler service manual for this engine.
| Item | Action | Hours | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air cleaner | Clean | 50 hr | 6 mo | Replace if dirty |
| Battery electrolyte level | Check | 50 hr | 6 mo | |
| LP collection pipe (LP liquid units) | Drain | 50 hr | 6 mo | Drain contaminants into suitable container |
| Lube oil filter | Replace | 100 hr | 12 mo | Replace every time oil is changed |
| air cleaner | Check | 50 hr | 6 mo | Replace if dirty |
| collection pipe (LP liquid-fueled units) | Drain | 50 hr | If equipped | |
| lube filter | Replace | 100 hr | 12 mo | First service — 5 kW; replace at every oil change; initial after first five hours |
| Battery specific gravity | Test | 100 hr | 12 mo | |
| Electrical connections | Inspect | 100 hr | 12 mo | Check and tighten |
| LP liquid withdrawal fuel filter | Inspect | 100 hr | Inspected yearly or after every 100 hours | |
| Mounting bolts and vibromounts | Inspect | 100 hr | 12 mo | Check and tighten |
| Spark arrestor | Clean | 500 hr | 24 mo | |
| battery specific gravity | Check | 100 hr | 12 mo | |
| liquid withdrawal LP fuel filter | Inspect | 100 hr | 12 mo | Yearly or every 100 hours |
| lube oil | Change | 100 hr | 12 mo | First service — Change oil initially after first five hours of operation |
| spark plugs | Replace | 100 hr | 12 mo | Service or replace; check condition every 100 hours |
| Stepper motor/throttle shaft coupling | Inspect | 250 hr | Check for coupling wear | |
| stepper motor/throttle shaft coupling | Check | 250 hr | Check for wear | |
| Compression | Check | 500 hr | 24 mo | |
| Cylinder heads | Clean | 500 hr | 24 mo | Service after each 500 hours; every 250 hours if using leaded fuel |
| Fuel filter | Replace | 500 hr | ||
| Valve-tappet clearance | Adjust | 500 hr | 24 mo | After each 500 hours |
| compression | Test | 500 hr | 24 mo | Check compression |
| cylinder heads | Other | 500 hr | Service cylinder heads at authorized dealer; every 250 hours if leaded fuel used | |
| cylinder heads | Replace | 500 hr | 24 mo | Service cylinder heads; 250 hours if leaded fuel |
| electrical connections | Check | 500 hr | 24 mo | Check and tighten |
| generator | Clean | 500 hr | 24 mo | Blow dust out of generator |
| mounting bolts and vibromounts | Check | 500 hr | 24 mo | Check and tighten |
| valve-tappet clearance | Check | 500 hr | 24 mo | Performed 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.
| Type | Item | Value | Unit | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gap | Electronic governor magnetic pickup air gap | 0.040 | in. (1.02 mm) +/- 0.005 in. (0.127 mm) | |
| Gap | Governor magnetic pickup air gap | 0.040 (0.005) | in. (1.02 mm, 0.127 mm) | |
| Gap | Ignition module to magnet air gap | 0.008-0.012 | in. | |
| Gap | Magnetic pickup air gap | 0.040 in. (1.02 mm) + 0.005 in. (0.127 mm) | in. (mm) | |
| Gap | Spark plug gap (LP gas) | 0.018 in. (0.46 mm) | in. (mm) | |
| Gap | Spark plug gap (gasoline) | 0.025 in. (0.64 mm) | in. (mm) | |
| Gap | Spark plug gap - LP gas | 0.018 | in. (0.46 mm) | |
| Gap | Spark plug gap - gasoline | 0.025 | in. (0.64 mm) | |
| Other | Air requirements - combustion | 20 | cfm (0.6 m3/min) | |
| Other | Air requirements - cooling | 340 | cfm (9.6 m3/min) | |
| Other | Battery charging system rated output | 0-15 | amps (regulated) | |
| Other | Battery specific gravity (charge required below) | 1.215 | specific gravity | at 80°F (26.7°C) electrolyte temperature |
| Other | Battery specific gravity (fully charged) | 1.260 | specific gravity | at 80°F (26.7°C) electrolyte temperature |
| Other | Carburetor idle fuel needle preliminary setting | 1 1/2 | turns | |
| Other | Carburetor main fuel needle preliminary setting | 2 1/4 | turns | |
| Other | Charge battery if specific gravity below | 1.215 | specific gravity | at 80 deg F (26.7 deg C) |
| Other | Choke adjustment above 10 deg F (-12.2 deg C), scribe-to-casting mark distance | 5/16 | in. (8 mm) | |
| Other | Choke adjustment distance (above 10°F) | 5/16 in. (8 mm) | in. (mm) | |
| Other | Choke plate position | within 5 to 10 degrees of full open | degrees | at approximately 70°F (21°C) |
| Other | Choke plate position at approx. 70 deg F (21 deg C) | 5 to 10 degrees of full open | degrees | approx. 70 deg F (21 deg C) |
| Other | Cranking current at 70 deg F (21 deg C) | 100 | amps | 70 deg F (21 deg C) |
| Other | Derating - altitude above sea level | approximately 4.0% per 1000 ft. (300 m) | % | |
| Other | Free air opening | 85 | sq. in. (548 sq. cm) | |
| Other | Fully charged battery specific gravity | 1.260 | specific gravity | at 80 deg F (26.7 deg C) |
| Other | Gasoline carburetor idle fuel needle preliminary setting | 1 1/2 | turns out | |
| Other | Gasoline carburetor main fuel needle preliminary setting | 2 1/4 | turns out | |
| Other | LP carburetor idle fuel screw setting | 1/4 | turn out | |
| Other | LP carburetor main fuel valve preliminary setting | 1 | turn out (360 deg) | |
| Other | LP idle fuel screw preliminary setting | 1/4 | turn | |
| Other | LP main fuel valve preliminary setting | 1 | turn | |
| Other | Maximum difference between cell specific gravities | 0.01 | specific gravity | |
| Other | Minimum recommended clearance for vibration and cooling (front, side, top, rear) | 0.6 | in. (15.2 mm) | |
| Other | Stator output voltage B1-B2 (separately excited) | 12-15 | vac | during cranking |
| Pressure | Engine oil pressure | 30-40 | psi (207-276 kPa) | |
| Pressure | Engine oil pressure | 30-40 psi (207-276 kPa) | psi (kPa) | |
| Pressure | Fuel pump pressure (gasoline models only) | 2-3.5 | psi (14-24 kPa) | |
| Pressure | Fuel pump pressure (gasoline models) | 2-3.5 | psi (14-24 kPa) | |
| Pressure | LP liquid withdrawal inlet pressure | 50 | psi | |
| Pressure | LP liquid withdrawal leak test pressure | not less than 90 | psi (621 kPa) | |
| Pressure | LP primary regulator outlet | 7-11 | in. water column (4-6 oz) | |
| Pressure | LP vapor gas inlet pressure | 7-11 | in. water column (4-6 oz. per sq. in.) | |
| Pressure | LP vapor system leak test pressure | 6-8 oz per sq. in. (10-14 in. water column) | oz/in2 | |
| Pressure | Low oil pressure shutdown | 3 1/2 psi - 1 1/2 psi (24.1 kPa) | psi (kPa) | |
| Pressure | Low oil pressure shutdown threshold | 3 1/2 psi +1 1/2 | psi (24.1 kPa) | |
| Pressure | Low oil pressure switch contact closing | approx. 3.5 | psi (24 kPa) | |
| Pressure | Low oil pressure switch contacts close | 3.5 (approx.) | psi (24 kPa) | |
| Resistance | Anti-icing plate (thermistor) | approx. 10 | ohms | |
| Resistance | Antidieseling solenoid | approx. 22 | ohms | at 75° F (24° C) |
| Resistance | Battery charge required below specific gravity | 1.215 | specific gravity | electrolyte temperature 80 F (26.7 C) |
| Resistance | Battery fully charged specific gravity | 1.260 | specific gravity | electrolyte temperature 80 F (26.7 C) |
| Resistance | Carburetor electric choke | approx. 18 | ohms | at 75° F (24° C) |
| Resistance | High tension leads | 22,000-42,000 | ohms max. per lead | |
| Resistance | High tension leads | 22,000-42,000 max. per lead | ohms | |
| Resistance | Ignition primary resistance | 1.0-1.5 | ohms | |
| Resistance | K1 relay coil | approx. 160 | ohms | ohmmeter on R x 10 scale |
| Resistance | K2 relay coil | approx. 160 | ohms | ohmmeter on R x 10 scale |
| Resistance | K3 relay coil | approx. 400 | ohms | ohmmeter on R x 10 scale |
| Resistance | K4 relay coil | approx. 125 | ohms | ohmmeter on R x 10 scale |
| Resistance | K5 relay coil | approx. 510 | ohms | ohmmeter on R x 10 scale |
| Resistance | Rotor resistance | 3.5-5.5 | ohms |
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
| Fluid | Grade | Standard | Ambient | Capacity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil | 10W-30 | API SF or SG | Multi-viscosity oil above 32 F (0 C) increases oil consumption and combustion deposits. | ||
| Engine oil | 5W-20, 5W-30 | API SF or SG | |||
| Engine oil | SAE 30 straight-weight preferred (also 10W-30, 5W-20, 5W-30 per temperature chart) | API service class SF or SG | 1.5 qts (L) with filter | Do 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 oil | SAE 30 straight weight preferred; 5W-20/5W-30 multi-viscosity permitted | API Service Class SF | -30°C to 40°C | Do not use synthetic oils during first five hours; multi-viscosity increases oil consumption above 32°F (0°C) | |
| Engine oil | SAE 30 (straight weight preferred) | API SF or SG | above 0°C | 1.5 qt | Base 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. |
| Fuel | LP Gas (vapor or liquid withdrawal) | NFPA58 Section 3-6.4 | LP vapor inlet pressure 4-6 oz. (7-11 in. water column); LP liquid withdrawal 50 psi | ||
| Fuel | LP vapor gas inlet pressure 7-11 in. water column, 4-6 oz per sq. in. | LP liquid withdrawal inlet pressure 50 psi | Liquid withdrawal fuel must be blended for season and geographic location | ||
| Fuel | LP vapor or LP liquid withdrawal gas blended for the season and geographic location | ||||
| Fuel | Regular 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 | |||
| Fuel | Regular unleaded gasoline, 87 octane minimum (90 research rating method) | Gasohol with no more than 10% ethanol permitted | Use fresh gasoline; never use gasoline with methanol | ||
| Fuel | Unleaded 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. | |||
| Grease | Petroleum jelly or other nonconductive grease | Coat 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.
Tools: feeler gauge, valve grinding tools
Tools: screwdriver, scribe
⚠ If not previously adjusted, leave as factory set.
⚠ Do not use speed adjustment pot to check the overspeed cutout point.
Tools: Frequency meter
⚠ Do not force the tapered adjusting needles or needle and seat damage will occur.
Tools: screwdriver
⚠ Damage to needles and seats will result if the needles are forced.
⚠ Improper rich adjustment causes vaporizer malfunction and excess fuel consumption.
Tools: screwdriver
⚠ Internal relief valve opens at approximately 1 psig on regulators set at 11 in. water column.
Tools: manometer, screwdriver
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
| Voltage | Phase | Connection | Leads | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 110 | 1 | 2-wire, 4-lead reconnectable | L1 | 50 Hz; use single-pole circuit breaker. |
| 110 | 1 | 3-wire, 4-lead reconnectable | LO-L1, LO-L2 | 50 Hz; LO is neutral. |
| 110/220 | 1 | 3-wire, 4-lead reconnectable | L1-L2 | 50 Hz; factory two-pole circuit breaker required. |
| 110/220 | 3 | 4-wire delta, 12-lead reconnectable | 50 Hz | |
| 110/220 volt | 1 | 3 Wire (12-lead stator) | 50 Hz | |
| 110/220 volt | 3 | 4 Wire Delta (12-lead stator) | 50 Hz | |
| 120 | 1 | 2-wire, 4-lead reconnectable | L1 | 60 Hz; use single-pole circuit breaker. |
| 120 | 1 | 3-wire, 4-lead reconnectable | LO-L1, LO-L2 | 60 Hz; LO is neutral. Factory two-pole or (2) 1-pole circuit breakers; jumper lead used. |
| 120 Volt | 1 | View A—120 Volt, 3 Wire | L1, L2, LO (Neutral), Ground | Factory two-pole or (2) 1-pole circuit breakers; jumper lead on line side; LO-L1 120 Volt, LO-L2 120 Volt (60 Hz) |
| 120 Volt | 1 | View B—120 Volt, 2 Wire | L1, LO (Neutral), Ground | 1-pole circuit breaker; LO-L1 120 Volt (60 Hz) |
| 120 Volt (60 Hz) / 110 Volt (50 Hz) | single | L0-L1 | L0, L1 | View 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) | single | L0-L2 | L0, L2 | View A - 120 Volt 3 wire |
| 120/208 or 110/190 | 3 | 4-wire low wye, 12-lead reconnectable | 50 Hz | |
| 120/208 or 139/240 | 3 | 4-wire low wye, 12-lead reconnectable | 60 Hz | |
| 120/208 volt or 110/190 volt | 3 | 4 Wire Low Wye (12-lead stator) | 50 Hz | |
| 120/208 volt or 139/240 volt | 3 | 4 Wire Low Wye (12-lead stator) | 60 Hz | |
| 120/240 | 1 | 3-wire, 4-lead reconnectable | L1-L2 | 60 Hz; jumper lead not used; MUST use factory two-pole circuit breaker. L1 and L2 must never be connected together. |
| 120/240 | 3 | 4-wire delta, 12-lead reconnectable | 60 Hz | |
| 120/240 Volt | 1 | View C—120/240 Volt, 3 Wire | L1, L2, LO (Neutral), Ground | Factory two-pole circuit breaker; leads L1 and L2 are different phases and must never be connected together |
| 120/240 volt | 1 | 3 Wire (12-lead stator) | 60 Hz | |
| 120/240 volt | 3 | 4 Wire Delta (12-lead stator) | 60 Hz | |
| 220/380 | 3 | 4-wire high wye, 12-lead reconnectable | 50 Hz | |
| 220/380 volt | 3 | 4 Wire High Wye (12-lead stator) | 50 Hz | |
| 240 Volt (60 Hz) / 220 Volt (50 Hz) | single | L1-L2 | L1, L2 | View C - 120/240 Volt 3 wire (two-pole circuit breaker required; jumper lead removed) |
| 277/480 | 3 | 4-wire high wye, 12-lead reconnectable | 60 Hz | |
| 277/480 volt | 3 | 4 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.
Parts listed by aftermarket suppliers as fitting this engine — leads compiled from supplier catalogs; verify the exact part for your serial number.
The Kohler M20 engine has an oil capacity of 2.4 liters.
The Kohler M20 has a displacement of 0.77 liters with 2 cylinders.
The Kohler M20 powers 1 generator set(s), including Kohler 5CKM.
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.