General Motors Vortec DOHC Engine
The General Motors Vortec DOHC is a 1.6 L engine rated at 1800 rpm. It powers generator sets from Kohler, including the 100ERES, 15RES, 30RES and 40ERES.
Also known as: General Motors Vortec DOHC
Part of the General Motors Vortec engine family — 4 variants share parts & fitment.
Engine specifications
| Displacement | 1.6 L |
|---|
| Rated speed | 1800 rpm |
|---|
Generator sets powered by this engine
8
Common problems
1- Battery short circuits
Fix: Disconnect the battery before generator set installation or maintenance. Remove all jewelry before servicing the equipment. Use tools with insulated handles. Remove the negative (--) lead first when disconnecting the battery. Reconnect the negative (--) lead last when reconnecting the battery.
Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the General Motors Vortec DOHC.
Fault codes
16| Code | Name | Meaning | Severity | Action |
|---|
| AF | Auxiliary fault | FMI 2, SPN 0x02BD | | |
| CC | Crank cycle | | | |
| CO-3 | | Fault displayed if the CO parameter is set incorrectly | Shutdown | |
| CO-6 | | Fault displayed if the CO parameter is set incorrectly | Shutdown | |
| HB | High battery voltage | FMI 0, SPN 0x00A8 | | |
| HE | High engine temp | FMI 0, SPN 0x006E | | |
| LB | Low battery voltage | FMI 1, SPN 0x00A8 | | |
| LCL | Low coolant level | FMI 1, SPN 0x006F | | |
| LOC | Loss of coolant | FMI 1, SPN 0x006F | | |
| LOP | Low oil pressure | FMI 1, SPN 0x0064 | | |
| OC | Overcrank | FMI 0, SPN 0x068B | | |
| OF | Overfrequency | FMI 0, SPN 0x0984 | | |
| OS | Overspeed | FMI 0, SPN 0x00BE | | |
| OU | Overvoltage | FMI 0, SPN 0x0988 | | |
| UF | Underfrequency | FMI 1, SPN 0x0984 | | |
| UU | Undervoltage | FMI 1, SPN 0x0988 | | |
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
Procedures
12ADC-RES Controller Configuration (Cn setting) adjustment
⚠ The controller automatically exits configuration mode without saving changes after about 1 minute if no buttons are pressed.
- Enter the configuration mode while the engine is not running by following the Figure 26 sequence.
- Step through the parameters to the communication setting Cn parameter.
- Use the up and down arrow buttons to change the Cn setting to Cn01, if necessary.
- Press to SAVE CHANGES (YES) before exiting the configuration mode.
- Move the generator set master switch to OFF/RESET.
Controller Configuration adjustment
⚠ Be sure to save the new settings immediately before exiting the configuration mode; changes are lost if the controller times out (about 1 minute).
- Hold the Select button and move the master switch to RUN to enter configuration mode.
- Press the down arrow key then the up arrow key 3 times to enter configuration mode (password).
- Set the voltage/frequency parameter Uu for the model.
- Set the unit configuration parameter Uc (marine, standby, mobile).
- Set the engine type parameter Ec.
- Press the up arrow at the Adnc display to enter advanced configuration mode.
- Set the engine data input type Ed.
- Set the battery voltage Bt (12 or 24 VDC).
- Set the communications parameter Cn.
- Enter save mode and save your settings before exiting.
Output Voltage and Frequency Adjustment adjustment
⚠ The generator set must be running during these adjustments.
⚠ The engine speed (frequency) adjustment menus are not accessible on models with mechanical governors.
Tools: multimeter
- Move the master switch to RUN; the engine starts and runtime hours display.
- Hold the Select button about 5 seconds until the program version number displays.
- Press the down arrow key then the up arrow key 3 times to enter adjustment mode.
- 1P: adjust voltage coarse in large increments (approximately 5-7 volts per step).
- 2P: adjust voltage fine in smaller increments (approximately 0.5-0.7 volts per step).
- Adjust voltage stability (gain) coarse and fine.
- 3P: set volts/Hz (00=low, 09=high).
- 4P: adjust engine governor speed coarse and fine.
- 5P: adjust engine governor stability (gain) coarse and fine.
- Enter SAVE mode and save settings before exiting the adjustment mode.
Network Bridge Diagnostics diagnostic
- Check the network LEDs on the RJ45 connector for Ethernet network communication.
- Check the STAT LED; if not lit, check connections and the engine starting battery.
- Check the TX and RX LEDs for CAN data transmission and reception.
- If neither the TX nor the RX LED flashes, check bridge power, connections, and settings.
- If only one of the TX or RX LEDs flashes, check the connected devices on the generator set (CAN) side.
15/30RES and 15/30RYG Bridge Installation (GM62630-KP2) installation
- Remove the junction box panel to gain access to the inside of the junction box.
- Drill two 4.8 mm (3/16 in.) mounting holes in the top of the junction box.
- Install network bridge GM58703 inside the junction box using two screws M7985A-0410-20, washers M125A-04-80, and nuts M934-04-50.
- Proceed to Section 6, Network Bridge Connection.
15/30RESA and 15/30REYG Bridge Installation (GM62630-KP4) installation
- Remove the junction box panel to gain access to the inside of the junction box.
- Drill two 4.8 mm (3/16 in.) mounting holes in the top of the junction box.
- Install network bridge GM58703 inside the junction box using two screws M7985A-0410-20, washers M125A-04-80, and nuts M934-04-50.
- Proceed to Section 6, Network Bridge Connection.
17/18RES Bridge Installation (GM62630-KP1) installation
- Open the enclosure and remove the front panel to access the controller junction box. Cover internal components.
- Drill a hole for the customer-supplied Ethernet cable at the location shown.
- Drill a 38.1 mm (1.5 in.) hole in the bottom of the junction box. Insert bushing X-634-28.
- Route connector P21 of Y-harness GM62626 through this opening.
- Drill two 4.8 mm (3/16 in.) mounting holes in the front panel at the locations shown.
- Use two screws M7985A-04010-20, washers X-6278-8, and nuts M934-04-50 to mount network bridge GM58703.
- Proceed to Section 6, Network Bridge Connection.
8.5/12RES Bridge Installation (GM62630-KP3) installation
- Remove existing junction box panel GM60625. Save the hardware and seal for reuse.
- Mount network bridge GM58703 onto the new panel using two screws X-51-15, washers M125A-04-80, and nuts M934-04-50.
- Install new J-box panel GM66795 as shown. Use the existing hardware and seal X-6422-31.
- Affix decal GM54820 in the location shown.
- Proceed to Section 6, Network Bridge Connection.
Assign Bridge IP Address installation
Tools: DeviceInstaller software
- Launch DeviceInstaller from the Windows Start button.
- In the DeviceInstaller menu, click View then Details.
- Click the Search button on the toolbar.
- Find the device whose hardware address matches the MAC address printed on the network bridge label.
- Click the Assign IP button in the toolbar.
- If no IP address is assigned, enter the bridge's hardware (MAC) address and click Next.
- Select Assign a Specific IP Address and click Next.
- Type the bridge IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway in dotted decimal notation. Click Next.
- Click the Assign button to assign the IP settings.
- Click the Finish button to close the Wizard.
Controller Replacement installation
⚠ Disconnect the battery cables before working on the generator set; remove the negative lead first and reconnect it last.
Tools: multimeter, personal computer with Program Loader Software
- Record generator set information required for configuration: model, market, voltage, frequency, phases, battery voltage.
- Place the generator set master switch in the OFF position.
- Disconnect power to the battery charger, if equipped.
- Disconnect the engine starting battery(ies), negative lead first.
- Open the junction box; disconnect the controller at P1, J15, and J16.
- Models ECD/EFCD, EGD/EFGD, EGZD only: disconnect the CO sensor harness at the 4-pin connector.
- Remove four controller mounting screws and remove the old controller.
- ECD/EFCD, EGD/EFGD, EGZD only: install CO sensor module assembly GM46362 on the back of the new controller GM47982.
- Install the new controller and secure with the mounting screws.
- Reconnect the P1, J15, and J16 connectors; connect the CO sensor harness on applicable models.
- Models 10/13/15EG, 10/13/15ERG, 15/30RES, 15/30RYG with S/N before 2053692: cut a 1-in. section of the gray/orange lead entering pin 9 at the ECM connector.
- Check that the generator set master switch is in the OFF position.
- Reconnect the engine starting battery, negative lead last.
- Reconnect power to the battery charger, if equipped.
- Check the controller application software version and load the latest application code if necessary.
DeviceInstaller Software Installation Procedure installation
Tools: OnCue software CD-ROM
- Insert the OnCue software CD-ROM into your PC's CD drive and wait for the opening window.
- Click on DeviceInstaller Software. A new window will open.
- Click on the Installer.msi file. The DeviceInstaller Setup Wizard will start.
- Read the information on the screen and click Next.
- Choose the installation directory, normally C:\Program Files. Click Next.
- Choose Everyone or Just me for multiple PC users. Click Next.
- Continue to follow the on-screen instructions to install DeviceInstaller software.
Installation Procedure installation
⚠ Accidental starting can cause severe injury or death. Disconnect the battery cables, negative lead first.
⚠ Hazardous voltage. Disconnect all power sources before opening the enclosure.
- Place the generator set master switch in the OFF position.
- Disconnect the power to the battery charger, if equipped.
- Disconnect the generator set engine starting battery(ies), negative lead first.
- Determine whether the network bridge will be mounted inside the enclosure or in a remote location.
- For a remote location, find a protected location; do not install the bridge outdoors.
- Maximum cable length between the network bridge and the controller is 36.6 m (120 ft.).
- Proceed to the bridge mounting instructions for your generator set model (Figure 8).
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
| Voltage | Phase | Connection | Leads | Notes |
|---|
| | Alternator Reconnection drawing ADV-5875U--1 | 4 | 4--Lead |
| 100 VAC | 1 | 1Ph, 2W | | Uu00; 60 Hz |
| 100 VAC | 1 | 1Ph, 3W | | Uu00; 60 Hz |
| 100/200 VAC | 1 | 1Ph, 3W | | Uu08; 60 Hz |
| 110 VAC | 1 | 1Ph, 2W | | Uu05; 50 Hz |
| 110 VAC | 1 | 1Ph, 3W | | Uu05; 50 Hz |
| 110/190 VAC | 3 | Wye | | Uu17; 50 Hz |
| 110/220 VAC | 1 | 1Ph, 3W | | Uu07; 50 Hz |
| 110/220 VAC | 1 | Dogleg | | Uu07; 50 Hz |
| 110/220 VAC | 3 | Delta | | Uu15; 50 Hz |
| 115 VAC | 1 | 1Ph, 2W | | Uu05; 50 Hz |
| 115/200 VAC | 3 | Wye | | Uu23; 50 Hz |
| 115/230 VAC | 1 | 1Ph, 3W | | Uu02; 50 Hz |
| 115/230 VAC | 1 | Dogleg | | Uu06; 50 Hz |
| 115/230 VAC | 3 | Delta | | Uu14; 50 Hz |
| 120 VAC | 1 | 1Ph, 2W | | Uu00; 60 Hz |
| 120 VAC | 1 | 1Ph, 3W | | Uu00; 60 Hz |
| 120/208 VAC | 3 | Wye | | Uu11; 60 Hz |
| 120/240 VAC | 1 | 1Ph, 3W | | Uu01; 60 Hz |
| 120/240 VAC | 1 | Dogleg | | Uu01; 60 Hz |
| 120/240 VAC | 3 | Delta | | Uu10; 60 Hz |
| 127/220 VAC | 3 | Wye | | Uu16; 60 Hz |
| 139/240 VAC | 3 | Wye | | Uu10; 60 Hz |
| 220 VAC | 1 | 1Ph, 2W | | Uu12; 50 Hz |
| 220/380 VAC | 3 | Wye | | Uu19; 60 Hz |
| 230 VAC | 1 | 1Ph, 2W | | Uu02; 50 Hz |
| 230/400 VAC | 3 | Wye | | Uu03; 50 Hz |
| 240 VAC | 1 | 1Ph, 2W | | Uu13; 50 Hz |
| 240/416 VAC | 3 | Wye | | Uu20; 60 Hz |
| 277/480 VAC | 3 | Wye | | Uu04; 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 cataloged across the General Motors Vortec family
8| Part # | Description | Category |
|---|
| 0A4637 | Air Cleaner | air_filter |
| GM16944 | Element, air cleaner | air_filter |
| 058665 | Battery | battery |
| NGE012014 | Radiator Fan Shroud Bolts | bolt |
| 80ERESD | KOHLER 80ERESD generator | other_service |
| GM36247 | Exhaust pipe | other_service |
| GM58703 | Assy, J1939/ModBus/Ethernet Converter (network bridge) | other_service |
| GM71612-MA1 | X-612-25 | other_service |
Parts cataloged across all variants of this engine family — verify the exact part fits your specific variant and serial number before ordering.
Common questions
What is the displacement of the General Motors Vortec DOHC?
The General Motors Vortec DOHC has a displacement of 1.6 liters.
Which generators use the General Motors Vortec DOHC engine?
The General Motors Vortec DOHC powers 8 generator set(s), including Kohler 100ERES, Kohler 15RES, Kohler 30RES, Kohler 40ERES, Kohler 45ERES.
What is a common problem with the General Motors Vortec DOHC engine?
A commonly reported issue on generators using the General Motors Vortec DOHC is: Battery short circuits. Fix: Disconnect the battery before generator set installation or maintenance. Remove all jewelry before servicing the equipment. Use tools with insulated handles. Remove the negative (--) lead first when disconnecting the battery. Reconnect the negative (--) lead last when reconnecting the battery..