HomeEnginesKohler Command PRO

Kohler Command PRO Engine

The Kohler Command PRO is a 0.28 L engine rated at 3600 rpm, producing up to 5.2 kW. It powers generator sets from Kohler, including the GEN 5.0, PRO 6.4, PRO 9.0 and PRO6.4.

Also known as: Kohler Command PRO

Part of the Kohler Command engine family — 7 variants share parts & fitment.

0.277 L
Displacement
3600 rpm
Rated speed
5 kW
Gross power

Engine specifications

Displacement0.277 L
Rated speed3600 rpm
Gross power5 kW

Common problems

11
  • Stator is faulty
    Fix: Test for voltage and resistance.
  • No AC output
    Cause: Circuit breaker in OFF position.
    Fix: Switch circuit breaker to ON.
  • Engine not operating at rated RPM
    Fix: Adjust engine running at normal operating temperature to 3750 ± 100 RPM.
  • Circuit breaker or receptacles faulty
    Fix: Test for voltage at circuit breaker and receptacles.
  • Brushes are faulty
    Fix: Test for resistance between brushes and slip ring.
  • AVR is faulty
    Fix: Test for voltage. Replace AVR with a new AVR. Start engine and adjust trimmer on back of AVR. Test terminal voltage. Voltage should be between 95-135V.
  • Engine Not Starting/Running Abnormally
    Cause: Load connected to generating set during start-up Start and Stop control ON or OFF Oil level too low Unsuitable fuel level too low Fuel valve closed Clogged fuel filter Clogged fuel strainer Clogged air filter Faulty spark plug Fuel supply blocked or leaking Faulty starter battery Blocked ventilation inlets Circuit protectors not actuated Faulty appliance supply cord Faulty electrical sockets Faulty alternator Device connected or faulty cord Overload
  • Low voltage at stator
    Cause: Field polarity was lost.
    Fix: Flash rotor field.
  • Appliance is faulty
    Fix: Repair faulty appliance.
  • Alternator can't output rated power
    Fix: Adjust engine running at normal operating temperature to 3750 ± 100 RPM. Overload condition: Calculate electrical power required by electric appliances (in Watts). Reduce total wattage of connected electric devices within application range.
  • No Electric Current
    Cause: Tripping of Circuit Breaker

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

Maintenance schedule

ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
OilSAE30

Pooled from every document that names this exact engine — confirm the interval and part number against your unit's serial number.

Service intervals

9
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Starter BatteryCheck25 hr12 moEvery 25 hours or annually
Cooling areasClean100 hr12 mo
Low-profile air cleaner elementClean100 hr12 moPerform more frequently under severe, dusty, dirty conditions
OilChange100 hr12 moFirst service — Perform more frequently under severe, dusty, dirty conditions
Valve ClearanceCheck200 hrWhen engine is cold; perform by qualified dealer
Valve clearanceAdjust200 hrEngine cold; Kohler portable dealer performs this service
Fuel filterCheck300 hrClean or replace if needed
Low-profile air cleaner elementReplace300 hr
Spark plugReplace500 hr12 moSet gap to 0.03 in. (0.76 mm)

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

9
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
GapSpark plug0.03in.
GapSpark plug0.76mm
GapSpark plug gap0.03in. (0.76 mm)
TorqueOil drain plug13ft. lb. (17.6 N-m)
TorqueOil drain plug17.6N·m
TorqueSpark plug20ft. lb. (27 N-m)
TorqueSpark plug27N·m
TorqueWheel kit mounting221in. lb.
TorqueWheel kit mounting25N·m

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 oil5W-30 (below 0F), 10W-30, or SAE 30 (above 20F) per viscosity chartAPI service class SJ or higher1.1 L (1.16 U.S. qt.)Kohler oils recommended
Engine oilSAE30Recommended oil
Engine oil5W-30-30°C to -20°C
Engine oilAPI SJ or higher-30°C to 40°CSelect viscosity based on air temperature
Engine oil10W-30-20°C to 20°C
Engine oilSAE 300°C to 40°C
FuelClean, fresh, unleaded gasoline; octane 86(R+M)/2 or higher; RON 91 min; up to 10% ethanol30.2 L (8 gal.)E15, E20, E85 not approved; do not use gasoline older than 30 days
FuelUnleaded87 (R+M)/2 octane or higher; RON 90 minimum30.2 LClean, fresh gasoline. Up to 10% ethanol acceptable. Not older than 30 days. E15, E20, E85 NOT approved.
FuelUnleaded GasolineMinimum 87 octaneUp to 10% ethyl alcohol; Not older than 30 days; E15, E20, E85 NOT approved

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

Procedures

11
Air Cleaner Service maintenance

⚠ Operating with loose or damaged air cleaner components could cause premature wear and failure

  1. Remove screw and air cleaner cover
  2. Remove foam element from air cleaner base
  3. Wash foam element in warm water with detergent; rinse and air dry
  4. Lightly oil foam element with new engine oil; squeeze out excess oil
  5. Reinstall foam element into air cleaner base
  6. Reinstall air cleaner cover and secure with screw
Change Oil maintenance

⚠ Change oil while engine is warm

  1. Clean area around oil fill plug/dipstick and oil drain plug
  2. Remove oil drain plug and oil fill plug/dipstick; drain oil completely
  3. Reinstall oil drain plug; torque to 13 ft. lb. (17.6 N-m)
  4. Fill crankcase with new oil up to point of overflowing filler neck
  5. Reinstall oil fill plug/dipstick and tighten securely
  6. Dispose of used oil per local ordinances
Changing Oil maintenance

⚠ Engine must be warm for oil change

⚠ Dispose of used oil per local regulations

Tools: Drain pan

  1. Clean area around oil fill cap and drain plug
  2. Remove oil drain plug and fill cap
  3. Drain oil completely
  4. Reinstall oil drain plug; torque to 13 ft. lb.
  5. Fill crankcase to overflow neck
  6. Reinstall oil fill cap
  7. Dispose of used oil properly
Check Oil Level maintenance

⚠ Never run engine with oil level below or above operating range indicator on dipstick

  1. Ensure engine is cool. Clean oil fill/dipstick (N) areas of any debris.
  2. Remove oil fill/dipstick (N); wipe oil off.
  3. Remove oil fill/dipstick (N); check oil level. Level should be at top of indicator on dipstick (N).
  4. If oil is low, add oil up to point of overflowing filler neck.
  5. Reinstall oil fill/dipstick (N) and tighten securely.
Check and Clean Fuel Filter maintenance

Tools: Non-flammable solvent or high flash point solvent

  1. Open fuel tank cap (K).
  2. Remove fuel filter (AD) from tank neck.
  3. Clean fuel filter (AD) with a non-flammable solvent or solvent with a high flash point. Dry it fully. Replace as necessary.
  4. Reinstall fuel filter (AD).
  5. Reinstall fuel tank cap (K).
Clean Air Cleaner maintenance

⚠ Operating engine with loose or damaged air cleaner components could cause premature wear and failure

  1. Remove screw (T) and air cleaner cover (U).
  2. Remove foam element (V) from air cleaner base (W).
  3. Wash foam element (V) in warm water with detergent. Rinse and allow to air dry.
  4. Lightly oil foam element (V) with new engine oil; squeeze out excess oil.
  5. Reinstall foam element (V) into air cleaner base (W).
  6. Reinstall cover and secure with screw (T).
Replace Spark Plug maintenance

⚠ Disconnect and ground spark plug lead(s) before servicing

Tools: Wire feeler gauge

  1. Clean out spark plug recess. Remove spark plug (Q) and replace.
  2. Check gap using wire feeler gauge. Adjust gap to 0.03 in. (0.76 mm).
  3. Install spark plug (Q) into cylinder head.
  4. Torque spark plug (Q) to 20 ft. lb. (27 N·m).
Spark Plug Service maintenance

Tools: wire feeler gauge

  1. Clean out spark plug recess and remove spark plug
  2. Check gap using wire feeler gauge and adjust per specification
  3. Install spark plug into cylinder head
  4. Torque spark plug to 20 ft. lb. (27 N-m)
Storage maintenance

⚠ If engine will be out of service for 2 months or more

  1. Add Kohler PRO Series fuel treatment or equivalent to fuel tank; run engine 2-3 minutes to stabilize fuel
  2. Change oil while engine is still warm
  3. Remove spark plug and pour about 1 oz. of engine oil into cylinder; replace spark plug and crank slowly to distribute oil
  4. Clean generator
  5. Store in a dry, well-ventilated place with a cover, only after engine and muffler have cooled
  6. Store generating set in a clean and dry place
Pre-Start Checklist operation

⚠ Do not operate with covers or guards removed

⚠ Hazardous voltage can cause injury

  1. Position generator at least 3.3 ft from buildings
  2. Check all warning labels
  3. Check oil level
  4. Check fuel level
  5. Test GFCI receptacle
  6. Verify air cleaner is unobstructed
  7. Ensure electrical devices not connected
Starting the Generator operation

⚠ Keep away from moving parts

⚠ Rotating parts can cause severe injury

  1. Turn main AC circuit breaker OFF
  2. Turn Auto Idle OFF
  3. Turn fuel valve ON
  4. Turn engine to ON position
  5. Pull rope (or push start button)
  6. Push choke lever OFF after warm
  7. Repeat gradually opening choke if needed

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
120V only1240V/120V/30A socket provides 30A @ 120V; 120V/30A socket provides 30A @ 120V; GFCI provides 20A @ 120VPRO 6.4/PRO 6.4E configuration
120V/240V1240V/120V/30A socket provides 21.7A @ 240V; 120V/30A socket provides 30A @ 120V; GFCI provides 20A @ 120VPRO 6.4/PRO 6.4E configuration

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 Kohler Command family

25
Part #DescriptionCategory
25 755 20-SAir cleaner cleanout kit (black)air_filter
25 755 21-SAir cleaner cleanout kit (gold)air_filter
KO3217-9Air Filter Adapterair_filter
KO3221Rectifier-Regulator Testerbattery
KO1048Water Manometercoolant_filter
KO3223Vacuum/Pressure Testercoolant_filter
KO3217-7Jumper Plug, Red (for metal cased ECU)ecm
25 357 14-SCamshaft Lubricant (Valspar ZZ613)fluid
KO1044Hydraulic Lifter Removal/Reinstallation Toolhydraulic_filter
KO1026Rocker Arm Spanner Wrenchother_service
KO1031Camshaft Endplay Plateother_service
KO3216Inductance Tachometerother_service
KO3217EFI Service Kitother_service
KO3217-4Gauge Assemblyother_service
KO3217-5Pliersother_service
KO3217-6Circuit Testerother_service
KO3217-8Tee Valve Assembly (EFI Service Kit component)other_service
KO3219Cylinder Leakdown Testerother_service
KO3222Spark Advance Module (SAM) Testerother_service
WP2.02-inch water pumppump
WP3.03-inch water pumppump
52 597 01Silicone Sealant Dispenser (142cc / 4.8 fl.oz. of RTV-108)seal
KO1046Ignition System Testerspark_plug
RC12YCSpark Plugspark_plug
KO3226Starter Service Kitstarter

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 Kohler Command PRO?

The Kohler Command PRO has a displacement of 0.277 liters.

Which generators use the Kohler Command PRO engine?

The Kohler Command PRO powers 5 generator set(s), including Kohler GEN 5.0, Kohler PRO 6.4, Kohler PRO 9.0, Kohler PRO6.4, Kohler PRO9.0.

What is a common problem with the Kohler Command PRO engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Kohler Command PRO is: Stator is faulty. Fix: Test for voltage and resistance..