The Kohler Command PRO OHV CH980 is a 999 L engine rated at 3600 rpm. It powers generator sets from Kohler, including the 17RES and 18RES.
Also known as: KOHLER Command PRO OHV CH980
| Displacement | 999.0 L |
|---|---|
| Rated speed | 3600 rpm |
Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Kohler Command PRO OHV CH980.
| Item | Action | Hours | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oil level | Check | 8 hr | 8 hours or before use; 8.5/12 kW models | |
| Air cleaner and precleaner (8.5/12RES) | Replace | 100 hr | 12 mo | Yearly or 100 hours; replace as necessary |
| Air cleaner and precleaner service | Clean | 100 hr | Yearly or 100 hours; 8.5/12 kW models; service more often in dusty/dirty conditions | |
| Air cleaner and precleaner service | Replace | 100 hr | 12 kW models; Yearly or 100 hours; replace as necessary | |
| Air cleaner and precleaner service (8.5/12 kW) | Replace | 100 hr | Yearly or 100 hours; service more frequently under dusty/dirty conditions | |
| Engine oil | Change | 150 hr | 12 mo | 8.5/12RES: yearly or 100 hours |
| Oil cooler | Clean | 100 hr | Yearly or 100 hours; 17/18 kW models | |
| Oil cooler | Inspect | 100 hr | Yearly or 100 hours (17/18 kW models) | |
| Oil cooler (17/18RES) | Clean | 100 hr | 12 mo | Yearly or 100 hours; inspect and clean |
| Air cleaner service | Clean | 150 hr | Yearly or hours shown; 17/18 kW models | |
| Air cleaner service (17/18 kW) | Replace | 150 hr | Yearly or 150/300 hours | |
| Change oil | Change | 150 hr | Yearly or 150 hours (17/18 kW models) | |
| Engine oil (17/18RES) | Change | 150 hr | 12 mo | Yearly or 150 hours |
| Oil | Change | 150 hr | Yearly or 150 hours; 17/18 kW models | |
| Oil filter (17/18RES) | Replace | 150 hr | 12 mo | Yearly or 150 hours |
| Spark plugs | Clean | 150 hr | Yearly or hours shown; 17/18 kW models | |
| Spark plugs (17/18 kW) | Replace | 150 hr | Yearly or 150/300 hours | |
| Oil filter | Replace | 200 hr | 12 mo | Yearly or 200 hours; 8.5/12 kW models |
| Replace filter (oil filter) | Replace | 200 hr | Yearly or 200 hours (8.5/12 kW models) | |
| Air cleaner service | Change | 300 hr | Yearly or hours shown; 17/18 kW models | |
| Air cleaner service | Replace | 300 hr | 18 kW models; 150/300 hours | |
| Spark plugs | Check | 300 hr | Yearly or 300 hours; 8.5/12 kW models | |
| Spark plugs | Replace | 300 hr | Yearly or hours shown; 17/18 kW models | |
| Spark plugs (8.5/12 kW) | Replace | 300 hr | Yearly or 300 hours | |
| Spark plugs (8.5/12RES) | Check | 300 hr | 12 mo | Yearly or 300 hours |
| Crankcase breather hose | Check | 500 hr | 12 mo | Yearly or 500 hours; 8.5/12 kW models |
| Replace stepper motor coupling and bushing | Replace | 500 hr | 500 hours; authorized distributor/dealer only | |
| Stepper motor coupling and bushing | Replace | 500 hr | Authorized distributor/dealer only; 8.5/12 kW models | |
| Wire-cable insulation condition | Inspect | 500 hr | 36 mo | 3 years or 500 hours |
| Wire-cable insulation condition | Test | 500 hr | 3 Years or 500 hours; 8.5/12 kW models | |
| Air ducts, louvers | Clean | 12 mo | Yearly | |
| Battery and rack | Clean | 12 mo | Yearly; remove corrosion, clean and dry | |
| Battery charger operation, charge rate | Check | 1 mo | Monthly | |
| Battery electrolyte level and specific gravity | Check | 12 mo | Yearly; not necessary for maintenance-free batteries | |
| Battery terminals | Clean | 12 mo | Yearly; clean and tighten | |
| Brushes and collector ring | Inspect | 12 mo | Yearly; authorized distributor/dealer only | |
| Control and power wiring connections | Other | 12 mo | Yearly; tighten | |
| Exhaust insulation, fire hazards | Inspect | 12 mo | Yearly | |
| Flexible fuel lines and connections | Inspect | 3 mo | Quarterly; replace as necessary | |
| Fuel piping | Inspect | 12 mo | Yearly |
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 Gap 12/17/18RES | 0.76 | mm (0.030 in.) | |
| Gap | Spark Plug Gap 8.5kW | 0.51 | mm (0.020 in.) | |
| Gap | Spark plug gap | 0.51 | mm | |
| Gap | Spark plug gap | 0.76 | mm (0.030 in.) | |
| Other | Battery minimum cold cranking amps | 525 | CCA | at 0F |
| Other | Combustion air requirement (60 Hz) | 1.1 (39.2) | m3/min. (cfm) | 60 Hz |
| Other | Combustion air requirement (60 Hz) | 1.62 (57.3) | m3/min. (cfm) | 60 Hz |
| Other | Cooling air requirement (60 Hz) | 26.9 (950) | m3/min. (cfm) | 60 Hz |
| Other | Cooling air requirement (60 Hz) | 28.0 (989) | m3/min. (cfm) | 60 Hz |
| Other | Engine oil capacity | 1.9 | L (2.0 qt.) | |
| Other | Engine oil capacity | 2.8 | L (3.0 qt.) approximately | |
| Other | Exhaust flow at rated kW | 3.8 (135) | m3/min (cfm) | at rated kW |
| Other | Exhaust flow at rated kW | 5.3 (187) | m3/min (cfm) | at rated kW |
| Other | Fuel flow rate, LP vapor | 203000 | Btu/hr. | |
| Other | Fuel flow rate, LP vapor | 280000 | Btu/hr. | |
| Other | Fuel flow rate, natural gas | 193000 | Btu/hr. | |
| Other | Fuel flow rate, natural gas | 242000 | Btu/hr. | |
| Other | Fuel system leak test pressure | 6-8 ounces per square inch (10-14 inches water column) | oz/in² | LPG vapor or natural gas system |
| Other | Nominal fuel rating, LP vapor | 2500 | Btu/ft3 | |
| Other | Nominal fuel rating, natural gas | 1000 | Btu/ft3 | |
| Other | Overfrequency shutdown threshold | 110 | % of system frequency setpoint | more than 5 seconds, active 10s after start |
| Other | Total inlet air requirement (60 Hz) | 28.0 (990) | m3/min. (cfm) | 60 Hz |
| Other | Total inlet air requirement (60 Hz) | 29.6 (1045) | m3/min. (cfm) | 60 Hz |
| Other | Underfrequency shutdown threshold | 54 | Hz | more than 5 seconds (or below 56.5 Hz for more than 60 seconds) |
| Pressure | Fuel supply pressure, LP vapor | 1.7--2.7 (7-11) | kPa (in. H2O) | |
| Pressure | Fuel supply pressure, natural gas | 1.3--2.7 (5-11) | kPa (in. H2O) | |
| Pressure | Fuel supply pressure, natural gas | 1.7--2.7 (7-11) | kPa (in. H2O) | |
| Pressure | Gas fuel system leak test pressure | 6--8 | ounces per square inch (10--14 inches water column) | fuel system test pressurized; use soap and water solution without ammonia or chlorine |
| Pressure | Gas fuel system leak test pressure | 6--8 (10--14) | ounces per square inch (inches water column) | fuel system test pressurized |
| Pressure | LP/natural gas fuel system leak test | 6--8 ounces per square inch (10--14 inches water column) | soap and water solution test pressure | |
| Pressure | Low oil pressure shutdown | 24.1 ±13.8 | kPa (3.5 psi ±1.5 psi) | |
| Speed | Crank cycle | 15 | seconds crank and 15 seconds off, 3 attempts | starting |
| Speed | Crank cycle | 15 seconds crank and 15 seconds off, 3 attempts | seconds | |
| Speed | Cut-in frequency | 47.5 | Hz | 50 Hz units |
| Speed | Cut-in frequency | 57.5 | Hz | 60 Hz units |
| Speed | Overfrequency shutdown threshold | 110% of system frequency setpoint for more than 5 seconds | % | active 10 seconds after engine start |
| Speed | Overspeed shutdown threshold | 110 | % of normal running speed | more than 0.3 seconds |
| Speed | Overspeed shutdown threshold | 110% of normal running speed for more than 0.3 seconds | % | |
| Speed | Rated engine speed | 3000 | rpm | 50 Hz operation |
| Speed | Rated engine speed | 3600 | rpm | 60 Hz operation |
| Speed | Underfrequency shutdown threshold | below 54 Hz for more than 5 seconds; below 56.5 Hz for more than 60 seconds | Hz | active 10 seconds after engine start |
| Temperature | Battery heater thermostat ON / OFF | 16-18 °C (60-65 °F) on; 27 °C (80 °F) off | °C | |
| Temperature | Carburetor heater thermostat OFF | 16 ± 3 | °C | 60 ± 5 °F |
| Temperature | Carburetor heater thermostat ON | 4 ± 3 | °C | 40 ± 5 °F |
| Temperature | Carburetor heater thermostat ON | 4 ± 4 | C (40 ± 7F) | |
| Temperature | Exhaust gas temperature exiting the enclosure at rated load | 216 (420) | C (F) | at rated kW |
| Temperature | Thermostat OFF | 16 ± 3 | °C | Thermostat OFF (60 ± 5°F) |
| Temperature | Thermostat ON | 4 ± 4 | °C | Thermostat ON (40 ± 7°F) |
| Torque | Spark Plug Torque | 24.4-29.8 | Nm (18-22 ft. lb.) | |
| Torque | Spark plug | 18-22 | ft. lb. | |
| Torque | Spark plug | 24.4--29.8 | Nm (18--22 ft. lb.) | |
| Torque | Spark plug | 24.4-29.8 | Nm | |
| Voltage | Battery charger charging voltages (red/green LED) | 11.8-14.0 V (bulk 6 A); 14.0-14.5 V (absorption 1.5-5 A); 13.0-13.6 V (float 0.1-1.5 A) | VDC | 6-amp RES charger |
| Voltage | Battery charger output | 6 | amps | |
| Voltage | Battery charger output (RES, 6 Amp) | 12 | VDC @ 6 Amps | INPUT 115 VAC 50/60Hz @ 1.6A |
| Voltage | Battery charger output (TRES, 2.5 Amp) | 13.2 | VDC | verify with battery disconnected |
| Voltage | Battery charger output (green LED on, FLOAT/MAINTENANCE stage) | 13.0--13.6 | V | 0.1--1.5 amps |
| Voltage | Battery charger output (red LED on, BULK stage) | 11.8--14.0 | V | 6 amps; battery charger on |
| Voltage | Battery charger output (red and green LEDs on, ABSORPTION stage) | 14.0--14.5 | V | 1.5--5.0 amps |
| Voltage | Battery charger output, 6-amp RES | 12 | VDC | @ 6 Amps; input 115 VAC 50/60Hz @ 1.6A; max battery 180 Amp Hr. |
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 | API Service Class SG, SH, or SJ synthetic | 2.8 L | 18 kW models; approximately 2.8 L (3.0 qt.) | |
| Engine oil | Synthetic | API Service Class SG or higher | Use synthetic oil, API Service Class SG or higher | ||
| Engine oil | 10W-30; 5W-20, 5W-30 | API Service Class SG, SH, or SJ synthetic | -30°C to 40°C | 1.9 L | 12 kW models; select viscosity based on air temperature expected before next oil change |
| Fuel | LP vapor, 93 MJ/m3 (2500 Btu/ft3) | Nominal fuel rating | |||
| Fuel | LPG | Fuel supply pressure 1.7-2.7 kPa (7-11 in H2O); nominal fuel rating 2500 Btu/ft3 (93 MJ/m3); supply inlet 1/2 NPT | |||
| Fuel | Natural Gas | Fuel supply pressure 1.3-2.7 kPa (5-11 in H2O) for 8.5/12RES, 1.7-2.7 kPa (7-11 in H2O) for 18RES; nominal fuel rating 1000 Btu/ft3 (37 MJ/m3); supply inlet 1/2 NPT | |||
| Fuel | Natural gas or propane (LP) vapor | Field-convertible multi-fuel; CARB emission certified | Clean-burning natural gas or propane (LP) vapor; air-cooled engine, no liquid coolant | ||
| Fuel | Natural gas, 37 MJ/m3 (1000 Btu/ft3) | Nominal fuel rating | |||
| Other | Bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) and water solution | Battery acid cleanup: 500 g (1 lb.) bicarbonate of soda to 4 L (1 gal.) water; also used to clean battery and cables | |||
| Other | Petroleum jelly, silicone grease, or other nonconductive grease | Coat battery terminals after reconnecting cables |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AF | Auxiliary fault input shutdown | Shutdown initiated by pushing the emergency stop switch (TRES models only). Not used on RES models. | Shutdown | Check the position of the emergency stop button. (TRES models only) |
| CC | Crank cycle | |||
| HB | High battery voltage warning | Fault code is displayed if the engine starting battery voltage rises above 16 VDC for more than 30 seconds when the engine is running. Not operative during the engine crank cycle; does not inhibit engine starting. Clears when the battery voltage returns to an acceptable level. | Warning | Check the battery rating and condition; check battery charger operation. |
| HE | High engine temperature shutdown | Shutdown occurs if the engine coolant temperature exceeds the maximum temperature for more than 5 seconds. This function becomes active after the engine reaches the crank disconnect speed. | Shutdown | Check for blocked air inlets and exhaust outlets. |
| LB | Low battery voltage warning | Fault code is displayed if the engine starting battery voltage falls below 11 VDC for more than 30 seconds when the engine is not running. Not operative during the engine crank cycle; does not inhibit engine starting. Clears when the battery voltage returns to an acceptable level. | Warning | Check the battery rating and condition; check battery charger operation; charge or replace battery. |
| LCL | Low coolant level | FMI 1, SPN 0x006F | ||
| LO P | Low oil pressure shutdown | Shutdown occurs if a low oil pressure condition exists for more than 5 seconds. Active 30 seconds after crank disconnect speed. Does not protect against low oil level. | Shutdown | Check for leaks in the lubrication system. Check the oil level and add oil if the level is low. |
| LOC | Loss of coolant | FMI 1, SPN 0x006F | ||
| LOP | Low oil pressure shutdown | Shutdown occurs if a low oil pressure condition exists for more than 5 seconds. This function becomes active 30 seconds after the engine has reached crank disconnect speed (30 second inhibit). The low oil pressure shutdown does not protect against low oil level. | Shutdown | Check for leaks in the lubrication system. Check the oil level and add oil if the level is low. |
| OC | Overcrank shutdown | Shutdown occurs after 3 unsuccessful starting attempts. The crank cycle is set for three starting attempts of 15 seconds cranking and 15 seconds rest. The generator set also shuts down on OC if no engine rotation is sensed during cranking; shuts down 3 seconds after the fault is detected (locked rotor). | Shutdown | Check the fuel supply, spark plug, and battery. Check for loose connections. Contact an authorized distributor/dealer if the problem continues. |
| OF | Overfrequency shutdown | Shutdown occurs when the governed frequency exceeds 110% of the system's frequency setpoint for more than 5 seconds. This function becomes active 10 seconds after engine start (10 second inhibit). | Shutdown | Contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service if the problem continues. |
| OS | Overspeed shutdown | Shutdown occurs if the engine speed exceeds 110% of the normal running speed for more than 0.3 seconds. | Shutdown | Contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service if the problem continues. |
| OU | Overvoltage shutdown | Shutdown occurs if voltage exceeds 120% of system nominal voltage for more than 2 seconds. | Shutdown | Contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service if problem continues. |
| UF | Underfrequency shutdown | Shutdown occurs if the governed frequency falls below 54 Hz for more than 5 seconds. Shutdown also occurs if the governed frequency falls below 56.5 Hz for more than 60 seconds. This function becomes active 10 seconds after engine start (10 second inhibit). | Shutdown | Reduce the load and restart the generator set. Contact an authorized distributor/dealer if the problem continues. |
| UU | Undervoltage shutdown | Shutdown occurs if voltage falls below 80% of the nominal system voltage for more than 10 seconds. | Shutdown | Reduce the load and restart the generator set. Contact an authorized distributor/dealer if the problem continues. |
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
⚠ The controller automatically exits configuration mode without saving changes after about 1 minute if no buttons are pressed.
Tools: frequency meter
Tools: digital multimeter
⚠ Always identify and correct the cause of a fault shutdown before resetting the controller.
Tools: DeviceInstaller software
⚠ Sulfuric acid in batteries can cause severe injury or death.
⚠ Explosion can cause severe injury or death. Relays in the battery charger cause arcs or sparks.
⚠ The generator set will not start and circuit board damage may occur if the battery is connected in reverse.
⚠ Hazardous voltage. Backfeed to the utility system can cause property damage, severe injury, or death. Install an automatic transfer switch.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSAI (Digital Spark Advance) leads | 65 and N5 | Connect for natural gas; disconnect for LP | ||
| Field-connection terminal block — L1 and L2 | Leads from transfer switch emergency source lugs to L1 and L2 | See decal near the terminal block for connections | ||
| Remote start | Engine start leads from terminals 3 and 4 | Route engine start leads through separate conduit from AC power and load leads | ||
| 120 VAC | Utility Power terminals on field-connection terminal block | Utility power circuit must be backed up by the generator set |
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
The Kohler Command PRO OHV CH980 has a displacement of 999.0 liters.
The Kohler Command PRO OHV CH980 powers 2 generator set(s), including Kohler 17RES, Kohler 18RES.
A commonly reported issue on generators using the Kohler Command PRO OHV CH980 is: Undervoltage shutdown. Cause: Shutdown occurs if the voltage falls below 80% of the nominal system voltage for more than 10 seconds.. Fix: Reduce the load and restart the generator set. Contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service if problem continues..