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Kohler KT19 Engine

The Kohler KT19 is a 0.77 L 2-cylinder engine rated at 3600 rpm, producing up to 14.2 kW. It powers generator sets from Kohler. It holds 0.4 L (0.1 gal) of oil.

Also known as: Kohler KT19

0.7704 L
Displacement
2
Cylinders
3600 rpm
Rated speed
14 kW
Gross power

Engine specifications

Oil capacity0.4 L
Displacement0.7704 L
Cylinders2
Rated speed3600 rpm
Gross power14 kW

Troubleshooting

6

Fault codes

CodeMeaningRemedy
41Engine Overheats
1Black, sooty exhaust smoke, engine sluggish.Readjust main fuel screw
2Engine misses and backfires at high speed.Readjust main fuel screw
3Engine starts, sputters and dies under cold weather starting.Turn main fuel adjustment 1/4 turn counterclockwise
4Engine runs rough or stalls at idle speed.Readjust speed then idle fuel screw if needed
SQChoke Will Not Fully Open1. Adjust choke. 2. Repair with kit or replace choke.

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

Common problems

6
  • Engine starts, sputters and dies under cold weather starting. 3
    Fix: Turn main fuel adjustment 1/4 turn counterclockwise
  • Engine runs rough or stalls at idle speed. 4
    Fix: Readjust speed then idle fuel screw if needed
  • Engine Overheats 41
  • Engine misses and backfires at high speed. 2
    Fix: Readjust main fuel screw
  • Choke Will Not Fully Open SQ
    Fix: 1. Adjust choke. 2. Repair with kit or replace choke.
  • Black, sooty exhaust smoke, engine sluggish. 1
    Fix: Readjust main fuel screw

Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Kohler KT19.

Service intervals

40
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Lube oilChange25 hrFirst service — New engine: change oil after first 5 hours of operation
Foam precleanerClean25 hrPerform more frequently under extremely dusty and dirty conditions
OilChange25 hrNew/overhauled engine: change after first 5 hours, then every 25 hours
PrecleanerClean25 hrWash and oil; more often in extremely dirty, dusty conditions
Air CleanerCheck50 hrReplace element when dirty
Cooling Fins and External SurfacesClean50 hr
Optional reduction gear unitCheck50 hr
Paper air cleaner elementClean100 hrCheck and replace as necessary
Spark PlugsCheck100 hrRegap to .025 in
Spark plugCheck100 hr
Air Compressor Air Cleaner ElementReplace250 hr6 moCummins two-cylinder only
Belt TensionCheck250 hr6 mo
Coolant FilterReplace250 hr6 mo
Cooling FanCheck250 hr6 mo
Cooling System AdditivesCheck250 hr6 mo
Crankcase Breather Tube/HoseClean250 hr6 mo
Fuel Filter(s)Replace250 hr6 mo
Lubricating Oil and Oil FilterChange250 hr6 moGenerator drive: 250 hours or 12 months, whichever occurs first
Breaker PointsAdjust500 hr
Breaker pointsReplace500 hr
CompressionCheck500 hr
CompressionTest500 hr
Cylinder HeadOther500 hr250 hours when leaded gasoline is used
Cylinder headReplace500 hrService cylinder head at 500 hrs
Cylinder head and combustion chamberClean500 hr250 Hours when leaded gasoline is used
Ignition TimingCheck500 hr
Starter motor driveLubricate500 hr12 moAnnually or 500 Hours, whichever occurs first
Starting Motor DriveLubricate500 hr
Starting motor driveReplace500 hr
Valve & Tappet ClearanceCheck500 hr
Valve and tappet clearanceCheck500 hr
Valve-to-tappet clearanceAdjust500 hr
BatteriesCheck1500 hr12 mo
Cold Start Aids (Seasonal)Check1500 hr12 mo
Crankcase Breather ElementReplace1500 hr12 moClean and/or replace
Crankshaft End ClearanceInspect1500 hr12 mo
Engine Mounting Bolts and NutsCheck1500 hr12 moCheck/tighten
Engine Protection SystemCheck1500 hr12 mo
Fan Idler Pivot ArmLubricate1500 hr12 mo
Front Engine SupportLubricate1500 hr12 moTrunion type front mount only

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
ClearanceACR exhaust valve lift.031 - .042in.piston about 2/3 up on compression stroke
ClearanceAir compressor discharge carbon deposit2mmclean if exceeds
ClearanceBalance gear end play.002"/.010"in.
ClearanceCamshaft Bearing.0010/.0025"(.025/.063 mm)
ClearanceCamshaft End Play.003/.013"(.077/.330 mm)
ClearanceCamshaft bearing.0010/.0025" (.025/.063 mm)in.
ClearanceCamshaft end play.003/.013" (.077/.330 mm)in.
ClearanceCamshaft end play.005"/.010"in.
ClearanceCamshaft end play.005"/.020"in.
ClearanceConnecting Rod to Crankpin Running.0012/.0024"(.030/.060 mm)
ClearanceConnecting Rod to Piston Pin Running.0006/.0011"(.016/.027 mm)
ClearanceConnecting Rod to Side Play on Crankpin.005/.016"(.13/.41 mm)
ClearanceConnecting rod to crankpin running.0012/.0024" (.030/.060 mm)in.
ClearanceConnecting rod to piston pin running.0006/.0011" (.016/.027 mm)in.
ClearanceConnecting rod to side play on crankpin.005/.016" (.13/.41 mm)in.
ClearanceCrankcase end play (ball bearing).002/.023" (.051/.580 mm)in.
ClearanceCrankshaft End Play (Sleeve Bearing).002/.014"(.051/.355 mm)
ClearanceCrankshaft Running Clearance (Sleeve Bearing).0013/.0033"(.034/.083 mm)
ClearanceCrankshaft end clearance new maximum0.43mm
ClearanceCrankshaft end clearance new minimum0.18mm
ClearanceCrankshaft end clearance worn limit0.56mm
ClearanceCrankshaft end play.002"/.023"in.
ClearanceCrankshaft end play.003"/.020"in.
ClearanceCrankshaft end play.004"/.023"in.
ClearanceCrankshaft end play (sleeve bearing).002/.014" (.051/.355 mm)in.
ClearanceCrankshaft running clearance (sleeve bearing).0013/.0033" (.034/.083 mm)in.
ClearanceCylinder Head flatness (max variation).003"
ClearanceCylinder bore - max. out of round.002" (.05 mm)in.
ClearanceCylinder bore - max. taper.0015" (.038 mm)in.
ClearanceCylinder bore - max. wear diameter3.128" (79.45 mm)in.
ClearanceCylinder bore - new diameter3.125" (79.375 mm)in.
ClearanceCylinder bore - new diameter3.312" (84.125 mm)in.
ClearanceCylinder head flatness (max).003"in.
ClearanceCylinder head flatness (max. variation).003"in.measured between each capscrew hole on surface plate
ClearanceExhaust Valve Stem to Guide - Max..0065"(.165 mm)
ClearanceExhaust valve stem to guide - max..0065" (.165 mm)in.
ClearanceFan hub gear driven clearance2.54mmless than indicates hub moved on retainer
ClearanceFloat drop (Kohler carburetor)1-1/32"in.
ClearanceFloat level (Kohler carburetor)11/64" (+- 1/32")in.carburetor inverted
ClearanceFloat level (Walbro carburetor).690"/.720"in.carburetor inverted
ClearanceFront Oil Seal installation depth.0313"
ClearanceFront oil seal installed depth.0313"in.
ClearanceHVT Non-Top Stop injector travel adjustment10.24mm
ClearanceHVT Non-Top Stop injector travel limits10.18 to 10.29mm
ClearanceIntake Valve Stem to Guide - Max..0045"(.114 mm)
ClearanceIntake valve stem to guide - max..0045" (.114 mm)in.
ClearanceOil Pump Drive Gear End Play.010"-.029"Minimum .010"; service spacers available if greater than .029"
ClearanceOil ring end gap (service ring sets)up to .060"in.
ClearancePTD Non-Top Stop injector travel adjustment7.72mm
ClearancePTD Non-Top Stop injector travel limits7.67 to 7.77mm
ClearancePiston Thrust Face to Bore Running (@ Gage Dia.).006/.008"(.15/.20 mm)
ClearancePiston Thrust Face to Bore Running (@ Gage Dia.).0065/.0085"(.165/.216 mm)
ClearancePiston ring side clearance (max).006"in.
ClearancePiston-to-bore clearance (Style A piston).0035"/.006"in.
ClearancePiston-to-bore clearance (Style A piston).007"/.010"in.
ClearancePiston-to-bore clearance (Style D piston).0030"/.0050"in.
ClearancePiston-to-bore clearance (Style D piston).0034"/.0051"in.
ClearancePiston-to-bore clearance (Style D piston).0045"/.0062"in.
ClearancePiston-to-bore clearance (Style D piston).0050"/.0067"in.
ClearancePump drive gear end play.010/.029" (.254/.736 mm)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
Coolant50 percent ethylene glycol / 50 percent waterASTM D4985 low-silicate antifreezeKT engine only 26 liters [28 U.S. qts]; KTA/KTTA engine only 30 liters [32 U.S. qts].
Engine oilSAE 15W-40API CE or CF4Cummins Premium Blue or equivalent; CD or CD/SF where CE/CF4 unavailable; sulfated ash max 1.85 mass percent
Engine oilSAE 30 (straight 30-weight oil is preferred)API Service Class SF or SGSAE 10W-30 and 10W-40 are not recommended above 32 deg F (0 deg C). Oil refill quantities: K91 = 1/2 Quart; K141/K161/K181 = 1 Quart; K241/K301/K321/K341 = 2 Quarts; K241A/K301A/K321A/K341A = 1 Quart (A-type pan capacity varies from 1 to 1-3/4 quarts). Use high-quality detergent oil; check oil level before each use.
Engine oilSAE 30 straight weight (recommended); select viscosity by ambient temperatureAPI service class SF or SG3.0 pts (1.42 L)Do not use multi-viscosity oils above 32 F (0 C). Engine must be level for accurate dipstick reading; do not operate with oil below L or over F mark.
Engine oilSAE straight 30-weight (30W)API service class SF or SG1.42 LDo not use multi-viscosity oils above 32°F (0°C) as increases in oil consumption and combustion deposits result. Drain while warm; fill to the F mark on dipstick.
Engine oilSAE 5W-30 syntheticAPI CE/SFabove -23°CArctic operation below -23°C
FuelASTM No. 2 D dieselASTM No. 2 DBelow 0°C blends of No. 2 D and No. 1 D; viscosity must be kept above 1.3 cSt.
FuelClean, fresh unleaded gasoline with pump sticker octane rating 87 or higher (90 octane minimum by Research method)Leaded gasoline may be used where unleaded unavailable and emissions not regulated. Gasohol up to 10% ethyl alcohol approved; MTBE blends up to 15% approved. Do not add oil to gasoline.
FuelClean, fresh, unleaded gasoline with a pump sticker octane rating of 87 or higher (90 octane minimum where the Research method is used)Leaded gasoline may be used where unleaded is not available and exhaust emissions are not regulated. Gasohol up to 10% ethyl alcohol by volume is approved. MTBE/unleaded gasoline blends up to 15% MTBE by volume are approved. Do not add oil to the gasoline.
FuelUnleaded gasoline, 87 octane (pump sticker) minimum; 90 octane minimum Research methodGasohol up to 10% ethyl alcohol approved; MTBE blends up to max 15% by volume approved. Do not add oil to the gasoline.
GreaseWater pump type greaseLubricate fan idler pivot arm assembly and front engine support.

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
Alternator Belt - Adjust adjustment

⚠ The lower jam nut has left-hand threads.

  1. Loosen alternator and adjusting link mounting capscrews.
  2. Loosen jam nuts on adjusting screw.
  3. Turn adjusting screw clockwise to tighten belt tension.
  4. Tighten jam nuts to 55 Nm [40 ft-lb].
  5. Tighten adjusting link and alternator mounting capscrews to 55 Nm [40 ft-lb].
  6. Check belt tension again.
Automatic Choke Adjustment adjustment
  1. Loosen the cover retaining screws.
  2. Shift the cover in clockwise direction for richer setting or counterclockwise direction for leaner setting.
  3. Tighten the cover retainer screws.
Breaker Point Gap Adjustment adjustment

Tools: Feeler gauge, Screwdriver

  1. Loosen point gap adjustment screw.
  2. Readjust gap to .020" fully open.
  3. Gap may vary .017"-.023" to achieve smoothest running.
  4. Securely tighten adjusting screw after timing.
Carburetor Adjustment adjustment

⚠ Explosive fuel - keep sparks and open flames away; damage to needles and seats will result if forced

Tools: Tachometer

  1. With engine stopped, turn low idle fuel adjusting needle in (clockwise) until it bottoms lightly.
  2. Make preliminary settings by turning adjusting needles out per the model table.
  3. Start engine and run at half throttle five to ten minutes to warm up.
  4. Set high idle fuel needle midway between rich and lean settings.
  5. Set low idle speed to 1200 rpm (+/- 75 rpm) with the idle speed adjusting screw.
  6. Set low idle fuel needle midway between rich and lean; recheck speed with tachometer.
Check Valve-To-Tappet Clearance adjustment

Tools: Flat feeler gauge

  1. Remove air cleaner assembly, carburetor and breather assembly.
  2. Position crankshaft so piston is at top of compression stroke.
  3. Measure valve-to-tappet clearance with a flat feeler gauge (engine must be cold).
  4. On K91, K141, K161, K181 grind valve stems if clearance is too small, or replace valves if too large.
  5. On K241, K301, K321, K341 adjust clearance by turning the adjusting screw on tappets.
Checking and Adjusting ACR (engines prior to Serial No. 9006118) adjustment

⚠ Tab is hardened - do not bend back and forth more than 3 or 4 times

⚠ Do not attempt to bend hardened steel ACR tabs on engines serial no. 9006118 and after

Tools: Dial indicator, Wooden dowel or peg

  1. Check valve tappet clearances and adjust as necessary to specification.
  2. Remove cylinder head and turn the engine over by hand until BDC of the intake stroke.
  3. Mount a dial indicator on the top of the exhaust valve and set at 0.
  4. Slowly turn the flywheel clockwise; exhaust valve should open when piston is about 2/3 of the way up the cylinder.
  5. If valve lift was above .042, tap valve down to within range; if below .031, remove camshaft cover and bend ACR tab upward.
Dipstick - Calibrate adjustment

⚠ Dipstick will break if scribe mark is too deep.

Tools: Scribe

  1. Drain oil from oil pan.
  2. Install dipstick in dipstick tube housing.
  3. Fill oil pan to specified low level with clean 15W-40 oil.
  4. Remove dipstick and scribe mark at oil level; mark low with L.
  5. Install dipstick tube.
  6. Add oil to specified full level.
  7. Remove dipstick and scribe mark at oil level; mark high with H.
Governor Arm Adjustment adjustment

Tools: Pliers, Wrench

  1. With pliers, turn governor cross shaft clockwise as far as it will go.
  2. Pull governor arm back away from carburetor as far as it will go.
  3. Tighten governor clamp nut.
Governor Initial Adjustment (K91, K141, K161, K181) adjustment

⚠ Overspeed is hazardous - never tamper with governor setting to increase engine speed above maximum

Tools: Pliers, Torque wrench

  1. Loosen, but do not remove, the nut holding the governor arm to the governor cross shaft.
  2. Grasp the end of the cross shaft with pliers and turn counterclockwise as far as possible.
  3. Pull the governor arm away from the carburetor as far as it will go.
  4. Tighten the nut holding the governor arm to the cross shaft.
  5. For K181 New Look, torque the palnut to 15 in. lb. and keep at least 1/16 in. clearance to bushing nut.
Governor Speed Adjustment adjustment

⚠ Never tamper with governor settings to increase maximum speed of the engine.

Tools: Hand tachometer, Screwdriver

  1. Check operating speed with a hand tachometer; do not exceed 3600 RPM no load.
  2. If adjustment needed, loosen the governor speed adjusting screw.
  3. Pivot the high speed stop tab until desired speed setting is reached.
  4. Tighten the screw.
Governor Speed Adjustment (K91, K161, K181) adjustment

⚠ Do not use excessive force in tightening the bushing nut

Tools: Tachometer

  1. Start the engine and allow a few minutes for warmup.
  2. Open throttle to full speed and check engine speed with a tachometer.
  3. If speed is not as required, slightly loosen the bushing nut at the speed control disc.
  4. Move the throttle bracket counterclockwise to increase speed, or clockwise to decrease speed.
  5. When proper speed is set, tighten the bushing nut.
Ignition Timing - Static Timing (Method 1) adjustment

Tools: ohmmeter or continuity tester, feeler gauge

  1. Make sure ignition switch is off. Completely disconnect spark plug leads from plugs.
  2. Remove breaker point cover, connect an ohmmeter or continuity tester from breaker point terminal to ground.
  3. Rotate the engine by hand in direction of normal rotation (clockwise viewed from flywheel end).
  4. When points are just breaking, the S mark on the flywheel should be directly opposite the roll pin in the #1 cylinder barrel.
  5. If S is above or below roll pin, adjust point gap in or out until S mark is directly opposite the roll pin.
  6. If no ohmmeter, measure gap with feeler gauge; gap should be .020 inch fully open.

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

6

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 KT19?

The Kohler KT19 engine has an oil capacity of 0.4 liters.

What is the displacement of the Kohler KT19?

The Kohler KT19 has a displacement of 0.7704 liters with 2 cylinders.

Which generators use the Kohler KT19 engine?

The Kohler KT19 powers 1 generator set(s), including Kohler KT19.

What is a common problem with the Kohler KT19 engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Kohler KT19 is: Engine starts, sputters and dies under cold weather starting.. Fix: Turn main fuel adjustment 1/4 turn counterclockwise.