The Kohler CH 440 is a 0.43 L air-cooled engine rated at 3600 rpm. It powers generator sets from Kohler and SDMO, including the 14RES, PERFORM 6500, PERFORM 6500 GAZ TB UK and Perform 6500 XL. It holds 1.1 L (0.3 gal) of oil.
Also known as: Kohler CH 440, CH440
Part of the Kohler CH440 engine family — 2 variants share parts & fitment.
| Oil capacity | 1.1 L |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 0.429 L |
| Aspiration | Air-cooled |
| Rated speed | 3600 rpm |
Shared across brands: Kohler, SDMO
Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Kohler CH 440.
| Item | Action | Hours | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oil level | Check | 8 hr | Before each use or every 8 hours for extended operation | |
| Engine oil | Change | 100 hr | 12 mo | 14 kW models: 100 hours; 20 kW models: 150 hours |
| Oil (14 kW) | Change | 100 hr | 12 mo | |
| Air cleaner | Replace | 150 hr | 300 hours shown; service more frequently under dusty/dirty conditions | |
| Air cleaner service | Clean | 150 hr | 12 mo | 14 kW: 150/300 hours; 20 kW: 150/300 hours yearly |
| Change oil | Change | 150 hr | 12 mo | 20 kW models |
| Oil (20 kW) | Change | 150 hr | 12 mo | |
| Oil cooler | Clean | 150 hr | 12 mo | 20 kW models |
| Oil cooler | Inspect | 150 hr | 12 mo | 20 kW models |
| Oil filter (20 kW) | Replace | 150 hr | 12 mo | |
| Replace filter | Replace | 200 hr | 12 mo | 20 kW models |
| Spark plugs | Check | 150 hr | 20 kW models | |
| Oil filter | Replace | 200 hr | 12 mo | 14 kW models: 200 hours; 20 kW models: 150 hours |
| Oil filter (14 kW) | Replace | 200 hr | 12 mo | |
| Air cleaner service | Replace | 300 hr | 14 kW models | |
| Brushes and collector ring | Inspect | 300 hr | 12 mo | 14 kW models; authorized distributor/dealer only |
| Generator brushes and collector ring | Replace | 300 hr | 12 mo | Authorized distributor only |
| Spark plugs | Replace | 300 hr | 12 mo | 150-300 hours shown |
| Crankcase breather hose | Check | 500 hr | 12 mo | 14 kW models |
| Crankcase breather hose | Inspect | 500 hr | 12 mo | Yearly or 500 hours |
| Replace stepper motor coupling and bushing | Replace | 500 hr | 14 kW models; authorized distributor/dealer only | |
| Wire-cable insulation condition | Inspect | 500 hr | 36 mo | 14 kW models; 3 years or 500 hours |
| Air ducts and louvers | Clean | 12 mo | ||
| Air ducts, louvers | Clean | 12 mo | 14 kW models | |
| Air ducts, louvers | Inspect | 12 mo | 14 kW models | |
| Battery | Check | 1 mo | Check charger operation, charge rate | |
| Battery electrolyte level and specific gravity | Check | 12 mo | 14 kW models; not necessary for maintenance-free batteries | |
| Check battery charger operation, charge rate | Check | 1 mo | 14 kW models | |
| Clean and tighten battery terminals and inspect boots | Clean | 12 mo | 14 kW models; inspect boots | |
| Flexible lines and connections | Inspect | 3 mo | 14 kW models; replace as necessary | |
| Fuel flexible lines and connections | Inspect | 3 mo | Quarterly; replace as necessary | |
| Fuel piping | Inspect | 12 mo | Yearly | |
| Fuel regulator vent tubes, if equipped | Clean | 12 mo | 20 kW models | |
| Fuel regulator vent tubes, if equipped | Inspect | 12 mo | 20 kW models | |
| Insulation, fire hazards | Inspect | 12 mo | 14 kW models | |
| Interior of sound enclosure | Clean | 3 mo | 14 kW models | |
| Interior of sound enclosure | Inspect | 3 mo | 14 kW models | |
| Main tank fuel supply level | Check | 0 mo | Weekly | |
| Measure and record resistance readings of windings with insulation tester | Test | 36 mo | 14 kW models; authorized distributor/dealer only; Megger with SCR/rectifier and load leads disconnected | |
| Remote control system, if equipped | Test | 1 mo | 14 kW models |
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 | Spark plug | 0.03 | in. | |
| Gap | Spark plug | 0.76 | mm | |
| Gap | Spark plug gap | 0.51 | mm (0.02 in.) | |
| Gap | Spark plug gap | 0.7--0.8 | mm (0.028--0.030 in.) | |
| Gap | Spark plug gap | 0.76 | mm (0.03 in.) | |
| Gap | Spark plug gap | 0.8--0.9 | mm (0.03--0.04 in.) | |
| Gap | Spark plug gap | 0.89 | mm (0.035 in.) | |
| Gap | Spark plug gap | 0.9--1.0 | mm (0.036--0.04 in.) | |
| Other | Battery specific gravity, fully charged | 1.260 | specific gravity | at 80°F (26.7°C) |
| Other | Battery specific gravity, needs charging | below 1.215 | specific gravity | at 80°F (26.7°C) |
| Other | Battery wrap length | 1067 (42) | mm (in.) | |
| Other | Battery wrap length | 864 (34) | mm (in.) | |
| Other | Heater wrap rating | 50 | Watts | |
| Other | Heater wrap rating | 65 | Watts | |
| Other | Maximum fuel flow rate, 14RES/RESL LP vapor | 203000 | Btu/hr | |
| Other | Maximum fuel flow rate, 14RES/RESL natural gas | 193000 | Btu/hr | |
| Other | Maximum fuel flow rate, 20RES/RESL LP vapor | 340000 | Btu/hr | |
| Other | Maximum fuel flow rate, 20RES/RESL natural gas | 281000 | Btu/hr | |
| Other | Plug cord length | 75 (3) | mm (in.) | |
| Other | Power cord length | 1677 (66) | mm (in.) | |
| Other | Power cord length | 1830 (72) | mm (in.) | |
| Other | Power cord length | 483 (19) | mm (in.) | |
| Pressure | Fuel supply pressure, LP vapor | 1.7--2.7 | kPa (7--11 in. H2O) | |
| Pressure | Fuel supply pressure, natural gas | 1.3--2.7 | kPa (5--11 in. H2O) | |
| Pressure | Gas fuel leak test pressure | 6-8 | ounces per square inch | 10-14 inches water column |
| Pressure | LPG fuel supply pressure | 1.7-2.7 | kPa | at regulator inlet |
| Pressure | Natural gas fuel supply pressure | 1.2-2.7 | kPa | at regulator inlet |
| Speed | Engine governor speed setting 4P=00, 50 Hz | 2850 | rpm | 4P setting 00 |
| Speed | Engine governor speed setting 4P=00, 60 Hz | 3420 | rpm | 4P setting 00 |
| Speed | Engine governor speed setting 4P=50, 50 Hz | 3000 | rpm | 4P setting 50 |
| Speed | Engine governor speed setting 4P=50, 60 Hz | 3600 | rpm | 4P setting 50 |
| Speed | Engine governor speed setting 4P=99, 50 Hz | 3150 | rpm | 4P setting 99 |
| Speed | Engine governor speed setting 4P=99, 60 Hz | 3776 | rpm | 4P setting 99 |
| Temperature | Battery heater thermostat OFF | 27 | °C | 80°F |
| Temperature | Battery heater thermostat ON | 16-18 | °C | 60-65°F |
| Temperature | Breather tube heater thermostat OFF | 13 | °C | 55°F |
| Temperature | Breather tube heater thermostat ON | 4 | °C | 40°F |
| Temperature | Carburetor heater thermostat OFF | 16 ±3 | °C | 14 kW models; 60 ±5°F |
| Temperature | Carburetor heater thermostat ON | 4 ±3 | °C | 14 kW models; 40 ±5°F |
| Temperature | Carburetor heater thermostat ON | 4 ±4 | °C | 20 kW models; 40 ±7°F |
| Temperature | Exhaust gas exiting enclosure at rated kW | 260 | °C (500 °F) | at rated kW |
| Temperature | Fuel regulator heater thermostat | 4/13 | °C | 20 kW models; 40/55°F snap action |
| Temperature | Oil heater thermostat OFF | 13 | °C | 55°F |
| Temperature | Oil heater thermostat ON | 4 | °C | 40°F |
| Temperature | Thermostat off temperature | 27 | C (80 F) | |
| Temperature | Thermostat on temperature | 16 | C (60 F) | |
| Torque | Spark plug | 18 | ft. lb. | |
| Torque | Spark plug | 22 | ft. lb. | |
| Torque | Spark plug | 24.4 | Nm | |
| Torque | Spark plug | 24.4-29.8 | Nm | 14 and 20 kW models; also 18-22 ft. lb. |
| Torque | Spark plug | 29.8 | Nm | |
| Torque | Spark plug torque | 15 | Nm (11 ft. lb.) | |
| Torque | Spark plug torque | 18 | Nm (13.3 ft. lb.) | |
| Torque | Spark plug torque | 24.4--29.8 | Nm (18--22 ft. lb.) | |
| Torque | Spark plug torque | 25 | Nm (18 ft. lb.) | |
| Voltage | DC2 built-in battery charger | 14 ±2% | VDC | maximum 2.5 amps |
| Voltage | RDC2 built-in battery charger | 13.4 ±2% | VDC | maximum 2.5 amps |
| Voltage | Voltage change per step, coarse, measured 180--360 VAC | 7 | VAC | 1P00--99 |
| Voltage | Voltage change per step, coarse, measured 85--180 VAC | 5 | VAC | 1P00--99 |
| Voltage | Voltage change per step, fine, measured 180--360 VAC | 0.7 | VAC | 1P00--99 |
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 | 5W-30 or 10W-30 | API Service Class SG, SH, or SJ synthetic | 1.8 L | 14 kW models; synthetic oil oxidizes and thickens less | |
| Engine oil | SAE 15W40 | Sold by SDMO in 0.5 L (RBH0,5) and 1 L (RBH1) bottles | |||
| Engine oil | Synthetic | API Service Class SG or higher | Use recommended viscosity and grade; fill if necessary. | ||
| Fuel | Natural gas or propane | Certified for emergency standby use only | |||
| Fuel | LP vapor | 93 MJ/m3 (2500 Btu/ft3) | Fuel supply pressure 1.7--2.7 kPa (7--11 in. H2O). Max flow 14RES/RESL 203,000 Btu/hr; 20RES/RESL 340,000 Btu/hr. | ||
| Fuel | Natural gas | 37 MJ/m3 (1000 Btu/ft3) | Fuel supply pressure 1.3--2.7 kPa (5--11 in. H2O). Max flow 14RES/RESL 193,000 Btu/hr; 20RES/RESL 281,000 Btu/hr. | ||
| Fuel | Natural gas or LPG | Generator set is certified for emergency standby operation only |
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
| Code | Name | Meaning | Severity | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC Sens Loss | AC Sensing Lost | In Auto mode, generator output AC sensing is lost. Detection begins 10 seconds after crank disconnect. | Warning | Contact authorized distributor/dealer for service |
| Accy PwrOver | Accessory Power Overload | An over current fault (short circuit) on the accessory controller power output | Warning | Contact authorized distributor/dealer for service |
| Advanced Diagnostic | Advanced Diagnostic Active | Shutdown during reduced-speed portion of exercise; engine restarts, runs at full speed for 2 minutes, then stops and returns to AUTO. | Shutdown | If generator set does not restart and return to AUTO, check for other faults. |
| ATS ComError | ATS Communication Error | Warning is displayed if ATS interface connection is lost | Warning | Check communication wiring between transfer switch interface board and generator set |
| ATS PhaseRot | ATS Phase Rotation Mismatch | Transfer switch phase rotation does not match; ATS will not transfer | Warning | Correct the ATS connection per ATS Installation manual and labels |
| Aux Input | Auxiliary input | Optional customer-connected input is closed. | Shutdown | Check customer-supplied equipment. |
| Batt Chg Flt | Battery charger fault | Input to PIM from an external battery charger. | Warning | Check external battery charger. |
| Battery CrLo | Battery Crank Low | Engine starting battery voltage falls below 11 VDC for more than 10 seconds | Warning | Clears when battery voltage returns to acceptable level |
| Battery High | Battery voltage high | Engine starting battery voltage rises above 16 VDC for more than 10 seconds; inhibited during crank cycle. | Warning | Check battery rating and condition; check battery charger. |
| Battery Voltage Low | Battery voltage low | Engine starting battery voltage falls below 12.5 VDC for more than 90 seconds when engine is not running. | Warning | Check battery rating and condition; check battery charger; charge or replace battery. |
| Eng Speed High | Engine speed high | Engine speed exceeds 115% of normal running speed for more than 0.3 seconds. | Shutdown | Contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service. |
| Eng Speed Low | Engine speed low | Engine speed drops below 85% of normal running speed for more than 3 seconds. | Shutdown | Reduce load; check enclosure thermostat on 20RESC/20RESCL; contact distributor/dealer. |
| Exer Not Sch | Exercise not scheduled | No exercise is scheduled on the controller. | Warning | Set the exerciser. |
| Frequency High | Frequency high | Governed frequency exceeds 110% of system frequency setpoint for more than 10 seconds. | Shutdown | Contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service. |
| Frequency Low | Frequency low | Governed frequency falls below 90% of system frequency for more than 10 seconds or 1 Hz below for more than 60 seconds. | Shutdown | Reduce load and restart; check enclosure thermostat on 20RESC/20RESCL; contact distributor/dealer. |
| Lo Crank Vlt | Low cranking voltage | Battery voltage falls below 8 VDC for more than 6 seconds while starter is engaged. | Warning | Charge or replace battery. |
| Locked Rotor | No engine rotation during cranking | No engine rotation is sensed during cranking; shuts down 3 seconds after fault detected. | Shutdown | Check battery and loose connections; contact distributor/dealer. |
| Low Coolant Level | Low coolant level | Battery voltage supply issue; may also be triggered by low battery voltage on air-cooled models. | Warning | Verify utility power to TB1; check battery connections and condition. |
| MainPwrOverL | Main power overload | Over current fault on controller power output (short circuit). | Shutdown | Contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service. |
| NoEC | No engine configuration setting | Controller configuration is not set. | Warning | Set engine configuration (Ec) to match generator set engine type. |
| Not in Auto | Not in Automatic mode | Generator set is not in Automatic standby mode; remote start/stop commands ignored. | Warning | Press AUTO to place generator set in Automatic mode when appropriate. |
| Oil Press Low | Low oil pressure | LOP switch indicates low oil pressure for more than 5 seconds; active 30 seconds after crank disconnect. | Shutdown | Check for leaks; check oil level and add oil; check oil pressure switch and wiring. |
| Over Crank | Overcrank | Three unsuccessful starting attempts. | Shutdown | Check fuel supply, spark plug, and battery; check loose connections; contact distributor/dealer. |
| Spd Sens Flt | Speed sensor fault | Engine speed sensor has failed or engine stalled. | Shutdown | Contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service. |
| Uu---- | Voltage and frequency not set | Controller displays Uu---- if voltage and frequency are not set to a standard combination. | Warning | Set system voltage and frequency parameter (Uu) to a standard combination. |
| Volts L1-L2 High | Generator voltage high | Output voltage exceeds 120% of system nominal voltage for more than 2 seconds. | Shutdown | Contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service. |
| Volts L1-L2 Low | Generator voltage low | Output voltage falls below 80% of nominal system voltage for more than 10 seconds. | Shutdown | Reduce load and restart; check enclosure thermostat on 20RESC/20RESCL; contact distributor/dealer. |
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
⚠ Hazardous voltage.
⚠ Moving parts.
Tools: frequency meter
⚠ Explosive fuel vapors.
⚠ Accidental starting.
Tools: dry cloth or brush, pipe sealant, gas leak detector
⚠ Explosive fuel vapors.
⚠ Accidental starting.
Tools: gas leak detector
Tools: digital voltmeter, personal computer, SiteTech software
Tools: digital voltmeter
Tools: clamp-on DC current probe or DC current meter
⚠ Hazardous voltage.
⚠ Moving parts.
Tools: digital multimeter
⚠ Correct cause of fault before resetting
⚠ Battery acid.
⚠ Explosion.
⚠ Hazardous voltage.
⚠ Backfeed to utility.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model RDT/RSB transfer switch or remote start/stop | terminals 3 and 4 | Route engine start leads through separate conduit from AC power and load leads. | ||
| Model RRT transfer switch interface | ATS1--ATS4 | Connect interface panel to ATS1--ATS4 before connecting engine starting battery. | ||
| Utility power | Utility terminals | Connect to GFCI-protected circuit supplied by utility and backed up by generator. | ||
| 100/200 | 1 | Single | ||
| 100/200 | 3 | Delta | ||
| 110/220 | 1 | 2F5 4-lead | 4 | Single-phase dual voltage |
| 110/220 | 1 | Single | ||
| 110/220 | 3 | Delta | ||
| 115/230 | 1 | Single | ||
| 120 | 1 | 2F5 4-lead | 4 | Single-phase |
| 120 | 1 | Single | Genset System Voltage/Frequency/Phase table for controller setup | |
| 120/208 | 3 | 2G5 12-lead | 12 | Three-phase |
| 120/208 | 3 | Wye | ||
| 120/240 | 1 | 2F5 4-lead | 4 | Single-phase dual voltage |
| 120/240 | 1 | Field-connection terminal block | L1, L2, L0, GRD | Connect transfer switch emergency source to L1 and L2; neutral L0 and ground GRD to corresponding points. |
| 120/240 | 1 | Single | ||
| 120/240 | 3 | Delta | ||
| 127/220 | 3 | Wye | ||
| 220 | 1 | Single | ||
| 220/380 | 3 | 2G5 12-lead | 12 | Three-phase 50Hz |
| 220/380 | 3 | Wye | ||
| 230 | 1 | Single | ||
| 230/400 | 3 | Wye | ||
| 240 | 1 | Single | ||
| 240/416 | 3 | Wye | ||
| 277/480 | 3 | Wye |
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 CH 440 engine has an oil capacity of 1.1 liters.
The Kohler CH 440 has a displacement of 0.429 liters.
The Kohler CH 440 powers 6 generator set(s), including Kohler 14RES, SDMO PERFORM 6500, SDMO PERFORM 6500 GAZ TB UK, SDMO Perform 6500 XL, SDMO TECHNIC 6500 UK.
A commonly reported issue on generators using the Kohler CH 440 is: Generator set stops suddenly. Cause: Low oil pressure shutdown. Fix: Check for oil leaks. Check the oil level and add oil if necessary.