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Kohler KDI 1903M Engine

Name: Kohler KDI 1903M Engine
Brand: Kohler

The Kohler KDI 1903M is a 1.86 L 3-cylinder natural engine rated at 1800 rpm, producing up to 22.2 kW. It powers generator sets from Kohler and SDMO, including the 15REOZK, K17, K20U and K22. It holds 8.9 L (2.4 gal) of oil and 6.8 L (1.8 gal) of coolant.

Also known as: Kohler KDI 1903M

1.86 L

Displacement

Cylinders

1800 rpm

Rated speed

22 kW

Gross power

On this pageSpecs Generator sets Maintenance FAQ Service intervals Torque & specs Fluids

Engine specifications

Oil capacity	8.9 L
Coolant capacity	6.8 L
Displacement	1.86 L
Cylinders	3
Aspiration	Natural
Rated speed	1800 rpm
Gross power	22 kW

Generator sets powered by this engine

Shared across brands: Kohler, SDMO

Kohler 15REOZK Kohler K17 Kohler K20U Kohler K22 Kohler KDI 1903 M SDMO K20U SDMO K22

How to read your Kohler engine serial & model number →

Common problems

The engine does not start
Cause: Sulphated battery terminals corroded
Fix: Clean the battery terminals
Slow acceleration
Cause: Clogged fuel filter
Fix: Replace the fuel filter
RPM instability at idle speed
Cause: Clogged fuel pipes
Fix: Contact KOHLER authorised workshops
Poor quality fuel
Fix: Clean the tank and refuel with quality fuel
Low idle speed
Cause: Clogged fuel pipes
Fix: Contact KOHLER authorised workshops
Excessive fuel consumption
Cause: High oil sump level
Fix: Replace the engine oil; if the problem persists, contact KOHLER authorised workshops
Engine starts but stops
Cause: Inefficient electrical connections
Fix: Clean the electrical contacts; if the problem persists, contact KOHLER authorised workshops
Engine overheats
Cause: Insufficient coolant level
Fix: Fill up to the level
Engine lost its initial performance
Cause: Clogged air filter
Fix: Replace with a new filter
Engine jerking
Cause: Clogged fuel pipes
Fix: Contact KOHLER authorised workshops
Blue smoke
Cause: High oil sump level
Fix: Replace the engine oil; if the problem persists, contact KOHLER authorised workshops

Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Kohler KDI 1903M.

Maintenance schedule

Item	Spec	Capacity	Part #	Interval
Air filter			—
Fuel filter	Change Oil, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter & Check Belt Tension		—	500 hr
Oil filter	Change Oil, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter & Check Belt Tension		—	500 hr
Battery	Check Battery Electrolyte Level		—	50 hr
Belt	Change DC Alternator Belt. Check Starter & DC Alternator, Retighten Nuts and Bolts		—	2000 hr
Coolant		6.8 L	—
Oil	Change Oil, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter & Check Belt Tension	10.6 L	—	500 hr
Spark plug	Adjust Belt Tension, Valve Clearance, Clean Vent tube, Change Air Filter		—	1000 hr

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

Service intervals

Item	Action	Hours	Months	Notes
oil	Change	500 hr		Minimum 500 hours oil change interval

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

Type	Item	Value	Unit
Other	10 in. weld flange bolt circle diameter B	361.95	mm (14.25 in.)
Other	10 in. weld flange outside diameter C	406.4	mm (16.0 in.)
Other	10 in. weld flange quantity of bolts / bolt hole diameter D	12, 25.40	mm (1.00 in.)
Other	12 in. weld flange bolt circle diameter B	431.80	mm (17.00 in.)
Other	12 in. weld flange outside diameter C	482.6	mm (19.0 in.)
Other	12 in. weld flange quantity of bolts / bolt hole diameter D	12, 25.40	mm (1.00 in.)
Other	14 in. weld flange bolt circle diameter B	476.25	mm (18.75 in.)
Other	14 in. weld flange outside diameter C	533.4	mm (21.0 in.)
Other	14 in. weld flange quantity of bolts / bolt hole diameter D	12, 28.58	mm (1.13 in.)
Other	16 in. weld flange bolt circle diameter B	539.75	mm (21.25 in.)
Other	16 in. weld flange outside diameter C	596.9	mm (23.5 in.)
Other	16 in. weld flange quantity of bolts / bolt hole diameter D	16, 28.58	mm (1.13 in.)
Other	18 in. weld flange bolt circle diameter B	577.85	mm (22.75 in.)
Other	18 in. weld flange outside diameter C	635.0	mm (25.0 in.)
Other	18 in. weld flange quantity of bolts / bolt hole diameter D	16, 31.75	mm (1.25 in.)
Other	20 in. weld flange bolt circle diameter B	635.00	mm (25.00 in.)
Other	20 in. weld flange outside diameter C	698.5	mm (27.5 in.)
Other	20 in. weld flange quantity of bolts / bolt hole diameter D	20, 31.75	mm (1.25 in.)
Other	5 in. weld flange bolt circle diameter B	215.90	mm (8.50 in.)
Other	5 in. weld flange outside diameter C	241.30	mm (9.50 in.)
Other	5 in. weld flange quantity of bolts / bolt hole diameter D	8, 22.23	mm (0.88 in.)
Other	6 in. weld flange bolt circle diameter B	254.0	mm (10.0 in.)
Other	6 in. weld flange outside diameter C	279.4	mm (11.0 in.)
Other	6 in. weld flange quantity of bolts / bolt hole diameter D	8, 22.23	mm (0.88 in.)
Other	8 in. weld flange bolt circle diameter B	298.45	mm (11.75 in.)
Other	8 in. weld flange outside diameter C	342.9	mm (13.5 in.)
Other	8 in. weld flange quantity of bolts / bolt hole diameter D	8, 22.23	mm (0.88 in.)
Other	Weld flange angle A (10, 12, 14 in. nominal pipe size)	30	deg.
Other	Weld flange angle A (16, 18, 20 in. nominal pipe size)	22.5	deg.
Other	Weld flange angle A (5, 6, 8 in. nominal pipe size)	45	deg.

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

Fluid	Grade	Standard	Ambient	Capacity	Notes
Fuel	No 1 Diesel (US) - ASTM D 975-09 B - Grade 1-D S 15 and No 2 Diesel (US) - ASTM D 975-09 B - Grade 2-D S 15, S 500 for mechanical models only	ASTM D 975-09 B

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

Aftermarket parts that fit this engine

ED0021753200-S Amazon $68.80 eBay $17.99 FridayParts $68.86 ED0021752800-S Amazon $21.95 eBay $22.90 FridayParts $19.99

Parts listed by aftermarket suppliers as fitting this engine — leads compiled from supplier catalogs; verify the exact part for your serial number.

Common questions

What is the oil capacity of the Kohler KDI 1903M?

The Kohler KDI 1903M engine has an oil capacity of 8.9 liters.

What is the displacement of the Kohler KDI 1903M?

The Kohler KDI 1903M has a displacement of 1.86 liters with 3 cylinders.

Which generators use the Kohler KDI 1903M engine?

The Kohler KDI 1903M powers 7 generator set(s), including Kohler 15REOZK, Kohler K17, Kohler K20U, Kohler K22, Kohler KDI 1903 M.

How often should you change the oil in the Kohler KDI 1903M?

The Kohler KDI 1903M oil change interval is every 500 hours.

What is a common problem with the Kohler KDI 1903M engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Kohler KDI 1903M is: The engine does not start. Cause: Sulphated battery terminals corroded. Fix: Clean the battery terminals.