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Kohler KDW1003 Engine

The Kohler KDW1003 is a 1.03 L 3-cylinder liquid-cooled with axial fan engine rated at 3600 rpm, producing up to 10 kW. It powers generator sets from Kohler and SDMO, including the KDW 1003, K9U, XP-K6M-ALIZE and XP-K9-ALIZE. It holds 4.7 L (1.2 gal) of oil and 4.5 L (1.2 gal) of coolant.

Also known as: KDW 1003, Kohler KDW1003

Part of the Kohler KDW1003 engine family — 2 variants share parts & fitment.

1.028 L
Displacement
3
Cylinders
3600 rpm
Rated speed
10 kW
Gross power
On this pageSpecsGenerator setsMaintenanceFAQ

Engine specifications

Oil capacity4.7 L
Coolant capacity4.5 L
Displacement1.028 L
Cylinders3
AspirationLiquid-cooled with axial fan
Rated speed3600 rpm
Gross power10 kW

Generator sets powered by this engine

4

Shared across brands: Kohler, SDMO

Kohler KDW 1003SDMO K9USDMO XP-K6M-ALIZESDMO XP-K9-ALIZE

How to read your Kohler engine serial & model number →

Common problems

13
  • The engine rpms suddenly increase and decrease
    Fix: THE ENGINE MUST BE STOPPED IMMEDIATELY
  • The engine does not start
    Cause: Sulphated battery terminals corroded, Battery voltage too low, Low fuel level, Frozen fuel, Clogged fuel filter, Air suction in fuel system, Clogged air filter, Clogged pipes, Open fuse, Intake or exhaust system clogged
    Fix: Clean the battery terminals, Recharge the battery or replace it, Refuel, Contact KOHLER authorised workshops, Replace with a new filter, Contact KOHLER authorised workshops, Replace with a new filter, Contact KOHLER authorised workshops, Clean the tank and refuel with quality fuel, Replace the engine oil; if the problem persists, contact KOHLER authorised workshops, Replace with a new fuse; if the problem persists, contact KOHLER authorised workshops
  • The colour of the exhaust fumes suddenly darkens
    Fix: THE ENGINE MUST BE STOPPED IMMEDIATELY
  • 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, Sulphated battery terminals, Clogged fuel filter, Clogged fuel pipes
    Fix: Clean the electrical contacts; if the problem persists, contact KOHLER authorised workshops, Clean the battery terminals, Replace with a new filter and clean the tank, Contact KOHLER authorised workshops
  • Engine lost its initial performance
    Cause: Clogged air filter, Clogged fuel pipes
    Fix: Replace with a new filter, Contact KOHLER authorised workshops
  • 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
  • A sudden and unusual noise is heard
    Fix: THE ENGINE MUST BE STOPPED IMMEDIATELY

Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Kohler KDW1003.

Maintenance schedule

ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filter—
Fuel filter—
Oil filter—
Battery—
Belt—
Coolant4.5—
Oil2.4—
Spark plug—

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

Parts cataloged across the Kohler KDW1003 family

4
Part #DescriptionCategory
ED0053029340Rocker arm cover gasketgasket
12-041Glow plugglow_plug
12-046Impellerimpeller
12-048Sensorsensor

Parts cataloged across all variants of this engine family — verify the exact part fits your specific variant and serial number before ordering.

Aftermarket parts that fit this engine

1
ED0021752880-S Amazon $13.88 eBay $49.95 KuduParts $14.00

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 KDW1003?

The Kohler KDW1003 engine has an oil capacity of 4.7 liters.

What is the displacement of the Kohler KDW1003?

The Kohler KDW1003 has a displacement of 1.028 liters with 3 cylinders.

Which generators use the Kohler KDW1003 engine?

The Kohler KDW1003 powers 4 generator set(s), including Kohler KDW 1003, SDMO K9U, SDMO XP-K6M-ALIZE, SDMO XP-K9-ALIZE.

What is a common problem with the Kohler KDW1003 engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Kohler KDW1003 is: The engine rpms suddenly increase and decrease. Fix: THE ENGINE MUST BE STOPPED IMMEDIATELY.