HomeEnginesKohler KD83V16

Kohler KD83V16 Engine

The Kohler KD83V16 is a 83 L 16-cylinder turbocharged engine rated at 1500 rpm, producing up to 3490 kW. It powers generator sets from Kohler, including the KD2800, KD3000 and KD3250. It holds 83 L (21.9 gal) of oil and 83 L (21.9 gal) of coolant.

Also known as: Kohler KD83V16, KD83V16

83.0 L
Displacement
16
Cylinders
1500 rpm
Rated speed
3490 kW
Gross power

Engine specifications

Oil capacity83.0 L
Coolant capacity83.0 L
Displacement83.0 L
Cylinders16
AspirationTurbocharged
Rated speed1500 rpm
Gross power3490 kW

Generator sets powered by this engine

4

This engine also powers 254 machine(s) on Power Equipment Info.

How to read your Kohler engine serial & model number →

Troubleshooting

2

Fault codes

CodeMeaningRemedy
F01Error code F01Corrective action not stated
F02Error code F02Corrective action not stated

Fault codes and symptom→remedy steps extracted from this engine’s service/owner documentation; verify against the official manual before servicing.

Common problems

2
  • Error code F02 F02
    Fix: Corrective action not stated
  • Error code F01 F01
    Fix: Corrective action not stated

Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Kohler KD83V16.

Maintenance schedule

ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Fuel filterFuel/Water Separator330510016 Amazon $99.99 eBay $33.15
Oil filter230510002 Amazon eBay
BeltPin for belt tensioner12217125 Amazon eBay

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

Service intervals

28
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Generator set exercise (loaded)Test12 hrAfter 12 hours cumulative low-load operation or at minimum once annually; 30-60 minutes loaded maintaining rated exhaust temperature 30 min minimum
Fan bearing lubrication (KD2000-KD4000)Lubricate500 hr500 Hrs.
Fan belt(s)Check500 hr12 moYearly or 500 Hrs.; replace as necessary; follow engine manual
Fuel prefilter(s)Replace500 hr24 mo2 Years or 500 Hrs.; follow engine manual
Main fuel Filter(s)Replace1000 hr24 mo2 Years or 1000 Hrs.; follow engine manual
Water pump and alternator beltsCheck2000 hr24 mo2 Years or 2000 Hrs.; replace as necessary; follow engine manual
Air cleaner serviceReplace3000 hr24 mo2 Years or 3000 Hrs.; follow engine manual
DEF tank vent filterReplace3000 hr24 mo2 Years or 3000 Hrs.; follow engine manual
Coolant, replaceReplace6000 hr48 mo4 Years or 6000 Hrs.; follow engine manual
AC electrical system, safety and alarm operationTest6 mo6 Months; check
Battery charger operation, charge rateCheck1 moMonthly
Battery electrolyte levelCheck1 moMonthly; not necessary with AGM batteries
Battery recharge after engine startCheck1 moMonthly
Battery specific gravity, charge stateTest1 moMonthly; not necessary with AGM batteries
Circuit breakers, fusesInspect1 moMonthly; replace as necessary; do not break manufacturer's seals
Clean and tighten battery terminalsClean3 moQuarterly; check
Coolant temperatureTest6 mo6 Months; follow engine manual
Crankcase breather filter(s)Replace3 moQuarterly; follow engine manual
DEF fill neck filterInspect12 moYearly; check; replace as necessary
DEF suction module filterInspect12 moYearly; check; replace as necessary
Exhaust flexible connector(s)Inspect6 mo6 Months
Generator set exercise (extended)Test4 moConscious Care extended exercise; period must not exceed 4 months
Generator set exercise (no-load/low-load)Test1 moConscious Care; minimum 10 minutes; period between exercise intervals must not exceed 1 month
On-Load TestTest12 moYearly; perform loaded operation 30-60 minutes
RTC Battery, APM802Replace36 moAPM802, 3 Years; service by authorized Rehlko service representative
Remove corrosion, clean and dry battery and rackClean1 moMonthly
Start Test (monthly exercise with Conscious Care™)Test1 moMonthly
Tighten DC electrical connectionsOther6 mo6 Months; tighten

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

60
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
Other10 in. weld flange bolt circle diameter B361.95mm (14.25 in.)
Other10 in. weld flange outside diameter C406.4mm (16.0 in.)
Other10 in. weld flange quantity of bolts / bolt hole diameter D12, 25.40mm (1.00 in.)
Other12 in. weld flange bolt circle diameter B431.80mm (17.00 in.)
Other12 in. weld flange outside diameter C482.6mm (19.0 in.)
Other12 in. weld flange quantity of bolts / bolt hole diameter D12, 25.40mm (1.00 in.)
Other14 in. weld flange bolt circle diameter B476.25mm (18.75 in.)
Other14 in. weld flange outside diameter C533.4mm (21.0 in.)
Other14 in. weld flange quantity of bolts / bolt hole diameter D12, 28.58mm (1.13 in.)
Other16 in. weld flange bolt circle diameter B539.75mm (21.25 in.)
Other16 in. weld flange outside diameter C596.9mm (23.5 in.)
Other16 in. weld flange quantity of bolts / bolt hole diameter D16, 28.58mm (1.13 in.)
Other18 in. weld flange bolt circle diameter B577.85mm (22.75 in.)
Other18 in. weld flange outside diameter C635.0mm (25.0 in.)
Other18 in. weld flange quantity of bolts / bolt hole diameter D16, 31.75mm (1.25 in.)
Other20 in. weld flange bolt circle diameter B635.00mm (25.00 in.)
Other20 in. weld flange outside diameter C698.5mm (27.5 in.)
Other20 in. weld flange quantity of bolts / bolt hole diameter D20, 31.75mm (1.25 in.)
Other5 in. weld flange bolt circle diameter B215.90mm (8.50 in.)
Other5 in. weld flange outside diameter C241.30mm (9.50 in.)
Other5 in. weld flange quantity of bolts / bolt hole diameter D8, 22.23mm (0.88 in.)
Other6 in. weld flange bolt circle diameter B254.0mm (10.0 in.)
Other6 in. weld flange outside diameter C279.4mm (11.0 in.)
Other6 in. weld flange quantity of bolts / bolt hole diameter D8, 22.23mm (0.88 in.)
Other8 in. weld flange bolt circle diameter B298.45mm (11.75 in.)
Other8 in. weld flange outside diameter C342.9mm (13.5 in.)
Other8 in. weld flange quantity of bolts / bolt hole diameter D8, 22.23mm (0.88 in.)
OtherAlternator thermal protection time delay at 200% rated current40seconds200% rated current
OtherAlternator thermal protection time delay at 300% rated current10seconds300% rated current
OtherAlternator thermal protection time delay at 425% rated current5seconds425% rated current
OtherAlternator thermal protection time delay at 950% rated current1second950% rated current
OtherBattery acid cleanup solution500 g (1 lb.) bicarbonate of soda to 4 L (1 gal.) water
OtherController power draw400mAmps at 24VDC
OtherController power draw800mAmps at 12VDC
OtherCoolant sample bottle minimum volume250ml (8.5 oz.)if no laboratory-supplied bottle
OtherCoolant sample volume1liter (1 qt.)collect after allowing about one liter to flow out
OtherDEF filter fill volume2/3full with DEFto help prime DEF system
OtherFan bearing greaseLithium grease with EP additive, NLGI 2suitable for -28°C to +121°C (-20°F to +250°F)
OtherGrease quantity 1-1/2 in. to 1-11/16 in. shaft9.5 (.32)ml (Oz.)approximate quantity
OtherGrease quantity 1-1/8 in. to 1-1/4 in. shaft3.0 (.10)ml (Oz.)approximate quantity
OtherGrease quantity 1-3/4 in. to 2 in. shaft14.8 (.50)ml (Oz.)approximate quantity
OtherGrease quantity 1-3/8 in. to 1-7/16 in. shaft6.5 (.22)ml (Oz.)approximate quantity
OtherGrease quantity 2 in. to 2-3/16 in. shaft16.3 (.55)ml (Oz.)approximate quantity
OtherGrease quantity 2-1/4 in. to 2-1/2 in. shaft19.2 (.65)ml (Oz.)approximate quantity
OtherGrease quantity 2-11/16 in. to 3 in. shaft25.1 (.85)ml (Oz.)approximate quantity
OtherGrease quantity 3-15/16 in. to 4 in. shaft74.0 (2.50)ml (Oz.)approximate quantity
OtherGrease quantity 3-3/16 in. to 3-1/2 in. shaft37.0 (1.25)ml (Oz.)approximate quantity
OtherGrease quantity 4-15/16 in. to 5 in. shaft140.5 (4.75)ml (Oz.)approximate quantity
OtherGrease quantity 4-7/16 in. to 4-1/2 in. shaft91.7 (3.10)ml (Oz.)approximate quantity
OtherOil sample bottle minimum volume125ml (4.3 oz.)if no laboratory-supplied bottle
OtherRTC battery life APM60310 years powered; 2 years not powered
OtherRTC battery life APM8023 yearspowered by engine battery
OtherRestriction gauge installation wrench16mmuse to install or remove restriction gauge
OtherWeld flange angle A (10, 12, 14 in. nominal pipe size)30deg.
OtherWeld flange angle A (16, 18, 20 in. nominal pipe size)22.5deg.
OtherWeld flange angle A (5, 6, 8 in. nominal pipe size)45deg.
SpeedFan belt tension KD2000-KD2500 High Ambient New Belt (10301001101-MA4 Module)67.4-69.7HzNew Belt; deflection 58.7-62.7 N @ 9 mm (13.1-14.0 lbs @ 0.4 in.)
SpeedFan belt tension KD2000-KD2500 High Ambient Used Belt62.4-64.9HzUsed Belt; deflection 50.8-54.8 N @ 9 mm (11.4-12.3 lbs. @ 0.4 in.)
SpeedFan belt tension KD2000-KD2500 Low Ambient New Belt (10301001101-MA3 Module)61.5-63.7HzNew Belt; deflection 51.1-54.5 N @ 9 mm (11.5-12.2 lbs @ 0.4 in.)
SpeedFan belt tension KD2000-KD2500 Low Ambient Used Belt57.0-59.3HzUsed Belt; deflection 44.2-47.6 N @ 9 mm (9.9-10.7 lbs. @ 0.4 in.)

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
DefISO 22241-4Fill neck uses ISO 22241-4 fill nozzle with 190-micron filter. Store in locked cabinet.
GreaseLithium grease with EP additive, NLGI 2-28°C to 121°CFor radiator fan bearings (KD2000-KD4000). Discontinue re-lubrication when clean grease purges through seal.

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

Fault codes

10
CodeNameMeaningSeverityAction
0Water In FuelSeverely HighShutdown
1Fuel Supply PressureSeverely LowWarning
15Crankcase PressureHighWarning
16Aftertreatment SCR Common Rail DEF PressureModerately HighShutdown
17Oil PressureLowWarning
2Barometric PressurePlausibilityWarning
3Fuel Supply PressureShorted HighWarning
31Fuel Supply PressureCondition ExistsWarning
4Fuel Supply PressureShorted LowWarning
M3.212APM INTERNAL BATTERY WARNINGBattery power is low on APM802 controllerWarningHave an authorized Rehlko service representative service the controller.

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

Procedures

12
Notched V-Belt Adjustment (KD2000-KD4000) adjustment

⚠ Hazardous voltage. Moving parts. Operate only when all guards and electrical enclosures are in place.

Tools: sonic tension meter, wrench

  1. Disable generator set and remove from service.
  2. Remove fan guard rear face panel; inspect fan drive belt and replace if damaged or worn.
  3. Check fan belt tension using sonic tension meter or belt deflection method.
  4. Loosen four 3/4 in. undercarriage bolts.
  5. Adjust tensioner pulley along tensioner slots via lead screw.
  6. Adjust until belt tension falls into range listed in Figure 24.
  7. Check pulley alignment on fan shaft; adjust fan sheaves and tensioner sheaves.
  8. Tighten 3/4 in. undercarriage bolts; reinstall belt guards; reconnect battery; test run.
Air Filter Element Replacement maintenance
  1. Disable generator set and remove from service.
  2. For standard-duty filters: loosen clamp, remove element from air intake elbow, replace, tighten clamp.
  3. For heavy-duty filters: release cover clips (KD2000-KD2500) or remove wingnut (KD2800-KD4000), remove cover.
  4. Remove filter element.
  5. Clean internal components with damp cloth.
  6. Install new element.
  7. Replace cover; for KD2000-KD2500 point dust ejector downward.
Battery Clean maintenance

⚠ Sulfuric acid in batteries. Wear protective goggles and clothing.

Tools: wire brush

  1. Clean battery and cables and tighten terminals according to service schedule.
  2. Wipe battery with damp cloth; keep connections dry and tight.
  3. If corrosion exists, disconnect cables and remove corrosion with wire brush.
  4. Clean battery and cables with baking soda and water solution; do not allow solution to enter cells.
  5. Flush with clean water and wipe with dry cloth.
  6. After reconnecting cables, coat terminals with petroleum jelly, silicon grease, or other nonconductive grease.
Cooling System Drain maintenance

⚠ Hot coolant and steam. Stop generator set and allow to cool before removing pressure cap.

  1. Disable generator set and remove from service.
  2. Allow engine to cool.
  3. Remove pressure cap to allow system to drain and prevent air pockets.
  4. Open radiator and/or engine block coolant drain valve(s) and allow system to drain.
  5. On KD2000-KD4000, use engine drainage ports to drain coolant from water pumps and oil cooler.
  6. If radiator has mineral deposits or coolant contains dirt/grease, flush and clean cooling system.
  7. Otherwise proceed to refill cooling system.
Cooling System Refill maintenance

⚠ Hot coolant and steam. Do not add coolant to a hot engine.

  1. Remove pressure cap.
  2. Close radiator and/or engine block coolant drain valve(s) and tighten hose clamps.
  3. Fill cooling system with recommended coolant/antifreeze mixture.
  4. Fill coolant expansion tank to middle of sight glass.
  5. For KD2000-KD4000, use manual engine venting ports to bleed trapped air.
  6. Leave radiator cap off and run for 5 minutes with no load.
  7. Stop engine and allow to cool; check and repair leaks.
  8. Add coolant to just below overflow tube opening; replace pressure cap; operate until thermostat opens.
DEF Filter Replacement maintenance

⚠ Handling diesel exhaust fluid. Can cause skin, eye, respiratory irritation.

Tools: strap wrench or filter wrench, anti-static gloves, goggles

  1. Disable generator set and remove from service; wear anti-static gloves and goggles.
  2. Disconnect wiring harness from sleeve.
  3. Remove three screws and loosen and remove sleeve.
  4. Remove filter; use strap wrench or filter wrench if needed.
  5. Clean surrounding surfaces of DEF filter and manifold.
  6. Replace O-ring on filter manifold; lubricate with P80 or DEF.
  7. Lubricate seal of new filter with DEF or distilled water; fill new filter about 2/3 full with DEF; thread onto manifold.
  8. Tighten filter to 30 Nm (22 ft. lbs.) then additional 120°; reinstall sleeve; reconnect harness; reset run time in Kodia; run 30 minutes.
Draining Water from Fuel/Water Separator maintenance

⚠ Explosive fuel vapors. Use extreme care when handling fuels.

  1. Disable generator set and remove from service.
  2. Hold suitable container beneath fuel/water separator.
  3. Open vent plug and manually operated drain.
  4. Close drain when fuel free of water flows from separator.
  5. Use manual primer pump to prime filter until fuel flows from vent plug.
  6. Close vent plug.
Radiator Fan Bearing Lubrication (KD2000-KD4000) maintenance

⚠ Hazardous voltage. Moving parts. Operate only when all guards and electrical enclosures are in place.

Tools: grease gun

  1. Disable generator set and remove from service.
  2. Inject grease at remotely located grease fittings on left-hand side of radiator.
  3. Grease slowly to prevent over-greasing.
  4. Remove any excess grease.
  5. Reconnect engine starting battery(ies), negative lead last, and return to service.
Replacing Fuel/Water Separator Filter Element maintenance

⚠ Explosive fuel vapors. Use extreme care when handling fuels.

Tools: strap wrench or filter wrench

  1. Disable generator set and remove from service.
  2. Close fuel shut-off valve if present.
  3. Disconnect fuel-in-water sensor.
  4. Open vent plug and remove water drain plug to drain fuel.
  5. Remove element from mounting head by twisting counterclockwise.
  6. Remove bowl from element; inspect components; lubricate O-ring with clean diesel fuel.
  7. Install bowl onto new element; lubricate and install assembly onto mounting head.
  8. Replace drain plug; connect sensor; open fuel valve; prime with manual primer pump.
Data Logging Procedure operation

Tools: Flash drive, PC (spreadsheet program)

  1. Check for the flash drive symbol at the top of the screen.
  2. In the navigation menu, touch Data Log.
  3. Confirm USB Connected; touch the Circle icon with three dots near the upper right.
  4. Touch to select a category.
  5. Touch each parameter you want to log; a check mark appears in each selected box.
  6. Click the blue Log Rate box; select the desired log rate and touch the up arrow.
  7. Touch START LOG to begin collecting data.
  8. Touch STOP to end data logging; wait at least 5 seconds before removing the flash drive.
General Procedure to Change Settings operation

⚠ Have setup and adjustments performed only by an authorized Kohler distributor.

⚠ The access level login expires after 1 hour.

Tools: External flash drive, SiteTech software, PC

  1. Use an external flash drive or SiteTech to export configuration data and save the file.
  2. Log in with the Operator or Technician level password.
  3. In the navigation menu, touch Setup.
  4. Touch the desired category (Electrical, Engine, etc.).
  5. Touch the desired subcategory.
  6. Touch the blue box with the setting you wish to change; a keypad window opens.
  7. Use the keypad to enter the new setting and touch the green arrow.
  8. Check the setting for the new value.
ON Load Test operation

⚠ Hazardous voltage. Moving parts. Operate only when all guards and electrical enclosures are in place.

  1. Operate generator set under load for 30–60 minutes maintaining exhaust temperature at rated kW.
  2. Apply voltage and check for alarms or faults.
  3. Check for leaks, vibrations, or abnormal noises.
  4. Ensure exhaust gas color is normal.
  5. Check engine parameters (oil pressure, coolant temperature).
  6. Check electrical parameters (voltage, frequency, current, rotating magnetic field).
  7. If fitted, check automatic filling devices (fuel or oil).

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

Common questions

What is the oil capacity of the Kohler KD83V16?

The Kohler KD83V16 engine has an oil capacity of 83.0 liters.

What is the displacement of the Kohler KD83V16?

The Kohler KD83V16 has a displacement of 83.0 liters with 16 cylinders.

Which generators use the Kohler KD83V16 engine?

The Kohler KD83V16 powers 4 generator set(s), including Kohler KD2800, Kohler KD3000, Kohler KD3250, Kohler KD83V16.

What is a common problem with the Kohler KD83V16 engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Kohler KD83V16 is: Error code F02. Fix: Corrective action not stated.