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Kohler 10RESV Generator Set

The Kohler 10RESV is a 9 kW (9 kVA) gasoline standby generator set powered by a Kohler 10RESV engine engine. It is available at 120/240 V, single-phase, 60 Hz and rated 37.5 A. It holds about 1.9 L (0.5 gal) of oil. Starting uses 1 group-51 battery rated 500 CCA at 12 V. The set measures 777×712×824 mm (30.6×28.0×32.4 in), weighs about 194 kg (428 lb) and produces 71 dBA at 7 m.

9 kW
Standby
1.9 L
Oil capacity
6
Document types

How to read your Kohler serial & model number →

Typical fuel consumption for 5–10 kW Gasoline generators →

Compare with other 5–10 kW Gasoline generators →

Specifications

Fuelgasoline
Frequency60.0 Hz
Standby power9 kW
Standby kVA9
EmissionsEPA
ControllerDC2, RDC2
Oil capacity1.9 L
Alternator2F3 (2-pole, Class H insulation)
Voltage options120 V, 240 V
Phase1
Rated current37.5 A
Power factor1.0
Circuit breaker50 A
Battery group51
Battery cranking500 CCA
Battery voltage12 V
Battery quantity1
Dimensions (L×W×H)777×712×824 mm
Dry weight194 kg
Sound level67.0 dBA @ 7 m

Engine

Kohler 10RESV engine
Oil capacity1.9 L
Rated speed3600 rpm

Maintenance & consumables

for the Kohler 10RESV engine
ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Oil filter100 hr
Oil1.9 L100 hr

Service intervals

18
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Oil levelCheck8 hrBefore each use and every 8 hours
engine oil levelCheck8 hrCheck before each use; for extended operation check every 8 hours
OilChange100 hr12 moYearly or 100 hours
Oil filterReplace100 hr12 moYearly or 100 hours
Valve lash (8RESV/L)Adjust100 hr100 hours
valve lash (8RESV)Check100 hr8RESV models only; requires authorized service
Air cleanerReplace150 hr12 moYearly or 150 hours
air cleanerOther150 hr12 moService more frequently under dusty conditions
engine oil and filterChange400 hr12 moUse 5W-30 synthetic oil
Crankcase breather hoseClean500 hr12 moYearly or 500 hours
Spark plugsReplace500 hr12 moYearly or 500 hours
Stepper motor coupling and bushingReplace500 hr500 hours
Valve lash (10/12RESV/L)Adjust500 hr500 hours
valve lash (10/12RESV)Check500 hr10/12RESV models only; requires authorized service
Battery cleaner operationCheck1 moMonthly
Battery electrolyte levelCheck12 moYearly
Fuel flexible linesInspect3 moQuarterly
batteryCheck1 moMonthly for first year; annually thereafter

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

8
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
Spark plug gapSpark plug gap0.508mmAll models
SpeedFrequency regulation steady state1.0%%
TemperatureCarburetor heater thermostat OFF16 ± 3C (60 ± 5F)
TemperatureCarburetor heater thermostat ON4 ± 4C (40 ± 7F)
TemperatureThermostat OFF16 ± 3°CThermostat OFF (60 ± 5°F)
TemperatureThermostat ON4 ± 4°CThermostat ON (40 ± 7°F)
TorqueSpark plug installation torque24.4 - 29.8NmInstallation
VoltageVoltage regulation (no-load to full-load)±1.0%RMS

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
Engine oilFull Pressure system1.9 LWith filter
Engine oil5W-30API Service Class SG, SH, or SJ syntheticSynthetic oil oxidizes and thickens less; recommended for cleaner intake valves and pistons
Engine oil5W-30 API SG/SH/SJ syntheticAPI SG/SH/SJSynthetic oil recommended
FuelGasolineUnleaded gasolineLP or natural gas capable

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
RDC2 Voltage Calibration Using SiteTech adjustment

Tools: digital voltmeter, personal computer, SiteTech software

  1. Connect PC to controller via USB
  2. With generator off, connect multimeter across L1/L2 (AC volts)
  3. Start generator set
  4. Compare voltmeter reading to controller display
  5. Calculate new Genset Calibration Factor Voltage using (Vmeter / Vcontrol) x Fold = Fnew
  6. Enter new value into SiteTech and click Apply Changes
  7. Verify voltmeter matches controller display
  8. Repeat for L2-L3 and L3-L1 if three-phase
  9. Press OFF to stop generator set
RDC2 Voltage Calibration Using the Controller Keypad adjustment

Tools: digital voltmeter

  1. With generator off, connect digital multimeter across L1 and L2, set to AC volts
  2. Start generator set with RUN button
  3. Navigate to Generator Metering menu, press Select; Volts L1-L2 displayed
  4. Press Select; voltage number flashes
  5. Use up/down arrows to match voltmeter reading
  6. Press Select to confirm
  7. Step to Return screen
  8. Press OFF to stop generator set
VSC Current (Load) Calibration Using the Controller Keypad adjustment

Tools: clamp-on DC current probe or DC current meter

  1. Connect DC current probe/clamp meter to measure generator current
  2. Start generator with RUN button
  3. Adjust system voltage to obtain rated current output with battery bank attached (or use load bank)
  4. Trip output breaker
  5. Navigate to Generator Metering menu, select Generator Load
  6. Press and hold Select for No-Load Calibration; verify breaker open, confirm Yes
  7. Close output breaker; verify rated output current, confirm Yes
  8. Verify displayed load is correct; recalibrate if necessary
  9. Press OFF to stop generator set
Install Carburetor Heater, 17/18/20 kW Models installation

⚠ Accidental starting can cause severe injury or death; disconnect battery cables before working on the generator set, negative lead first.

⚠ Hazardous voltage will cause severe injury or death; disconnect all power sources before opening the enclosure.

⚠ Hot surfaces: disconnect power to the heater and allow it to cool before servicing.

  1. Open enclosure roof; locate controller and air cleaner.
  2. Turn off the generator set (master switch or controller OFF button, per model).
  3. Disconnect AC power to the generator set at the distribution panel breaker.
  4. Disconnect the starting battery, negative lead first.
  5. Check nameplate model/spec number and locate heater position per Figure 4.
  6. Remove the air cleaner cover if needed for access.
  7. Disconnect the heating element from the power cord at the plug connector.
  8. Insert the heating element into the threaded opening on the engine and tighten.
  9. Reconnect the power cord to the heater.
  10. Route and connect the power cord per the applicable model wiring option (steps 10-12).
  11. Replace the air cleaner cover if it was removed.
  12. Affix decal GM22387 onto the air cleaner cover.
  13. Reconnect the starting battery, negative lead last.
  14. Reconnect AC power by closing the distribution panel breaker.
  15. For standby operation, move switch to AUTO and reinstall enclosure panels.
Install Carburetor Heater, Models 8-12RESV/RESVL installation

⚠ Accidental starting can cause severe injury or death; disconnect battery cables before working on the generator set, negative lead first.

⚠ Hazardous voltage will cause severe injury or death; disconnect all power sources before opening the enclosure.

⚠ Hot surfaces: install the heater before connecting it to power; disconnect power and allow it to cool before servicing.

  1. Open the enclosure roof.
  2. Press the OFF button on the generator set controller.
  3. Disconnect AC power to the generator set at the distribution panel breaker.
  4. Disconnect the starting battery, negative lead first.
  5. Locate the carburetor heater per Figure 14; remove side panel or air cleaner cover if needed.
  6. Remove and discard the M8 bolt from the carburetor at the heater location.
  7. Thread adapter GM91361 into the M8 hole.
  8. Insert carburetor heater GM57968 into the adapter and tighten.
  9. Connect the extension cord (GM91360 or 3-way GM95628) to the heater cord.
  10. Route the cord to the AC receptacle, securing away from throttle linkage and exhaust.
  11. Plug the cord into the AC receptacle on the generator bulkhead.
  12. Affix decal GM22387 onto the air cleaner cover.
  13. Reconnect the starting battery, negative lead last.
  14. Reconnect AC power by closing the distribution panel breaker.
  15. Press AUTO for standby operation and reinstall enclosure panels.
Installation Procedure, 17/18/20 kW Models installation

⚠ Disconnect battery cables before working on generator set; remove negative lead first.

⚠ Disconnect all power sources before opening enclosure.

⚠ Install heater before connecting power; allow to cool before servicing.

  1. Open enclosure roof; locate controller and engine air cleaner.
  2. Turn off generator set: 17/18RES/RESL move master switch OFF; 20RES/RESL press OFF and remove fuse F3; 20RESA/AL/B/C/CL/D press OFF.
  3. Disconnect AC power by opening circuit breaker in distribution panel.
  4. Disconnect engine starting battery, negative lead first.
  5. Check nameplate model/spec; see Figure 4 for heater location. Heater fits threaded opening on carburetor below air cleaner.
  6. Remove air cleaner cover if easier access needed.
  7. Disconnect heater element from power cord at plug connector (GM57968 or GM88228).
  8. Insert heating element into threaded opening on engine and tighten.
  9. Reconnect power cord to heater.
  10. For 17/18RES/RESL and 20RES/RESL: remove air intake panel; install bushing X-634-15 or X-634-16; route cord through bulkhead; plug into 120 VAC receptacle under controller.
  11. For 120 V 20RESA/AL/B/C/CL/D: route cord away from hot parts; plug into receptacle in engine compartment; use 3-way cord GM95628 if multiple accessories; secure excess cable.
  12. For 240 V 14/20RESA and 20RESC: remove controller screws, remove bulkhead knockout, route cord and insert plug; disconnect 120 VAC harness at 3-pin; connect 3-pin to new 240 VAC connector.
  13. Replace air cleaner cover if removed; affix decal GM22387 as shown.
  14. Check master switch OFF (17/18); reconnect battery, negative last; close distribution breaker. 20RES/RESL: reinstall fuse F3.
  15. For standby, move master switch to AUTO or press AUTO. Reinstall enclosure panels; close and lock roof.
Installation Procedure, Models 8-12RESV/RESVL installation

⚠ Disconnect battery cables before working on generator set; remove negative lead first.

⚠ Disconnect all power sources before opening enclosure.

⚠ Install heater before connecting power; allow to cool before servicing.

  1. Open enclosure roof.
  2. Press OFF button on generator set controller.
  3. Disconnect AC power by opening circuit breaker in distribution panel.
  4. Disconnect engine starting battery, negative lead first.
  5. See Figure 13 for heater location. Remove louvered side panel and/or air cleaner cover for access if necessary.
  6. Remove and discard M8 bolt from carburetor at heater location.
  7. Thread adapter GM91361 into M8 hole.
  8. Insert carburetor heater GM57968 into adapter and tighten.
  9. Connect extension cord GM91360 or 3-way extension cord GM95628 to heater cord.
  10. Route cord to AC receptacle as shown; secure with cable ties away from throttle linkage and exhaust.
  11. Plug cord into AC receptacle on generator bulkhead.
  12. Affix decal GM22387 onto air cleaner cover.
  13. Reconnect battery, negative lead last.
  14. Reconnect AC power by closing circuit breaker.
  15. For standby, press AUTO. Reinstall enclosure panels; close and lock roof.
Air Cleaner Service (8RESV/RESVL) maintenance

⚠ Do not wash paper element or clean with pressurized air

  1. Press OFF button and disconnect utility power and battery
  2. Loosen cover retaining knobs and remove cover
  3. Remove paper element
  4. Replace element if dirty, bent, or damaged
  5. Check air cleaner base for condition
  6. Check element cover for damage
  7. Reinstall paper element and air cleaner cover
  8. Secure cover with retaining knobs
  9. Reconnect battery and utility power
Firmware Update Using SiteTech maintenance

⚠ Do not load RDC2.4 firmware onto a red- or green-board controller

Tools: personal computer, USB cable, SiteTech software

  1. Download latest firmware file (.bin) from Kohler Power Resource Center or dealer portal
  2. Connect controller to PC via USB cable
  3. Start SiteTech; program recognizes connected device
  4. Click Update Firmware
  5. Browse to and select firmware file, click Open
  6. Verify current/new version and file name, click Update Firmware
  7. Wait for 'Firmware Updated Successfully' message, click Close
Oil Change Procedure maintenance

⚠ Accidental starting can cause severe injury or death.

⚠ Risk of fire from fuel system.

⚠ Do not smoke near carburetor or fuel system.

Tools: oil filter wrench, funnel, rags, drain pan

  1. Press OFF button to shutdown generator set.
  2. Disconnect utility power to generator set.
  3. Disconnect engine starting battery (negative lead first).
  4. Remove side panel on exhaust side of enclosure.
  5. Clean area around dipstick and oil fill cap.
  6. Cover alternator with rags to prevent oil spillage.
  7. Insert drain tube onto oil drain valve.
  8. Open oil drain valve and allow oil to drain completely.
  9. Close oil drain valve and remove drain tube.
  10. Clean area around oil filter.
  11. Loosen oil filter with wrench and remove carefully.
  12. Clean gasket sealing surface.
  13. Apply light coat of clean oil to new filter seal.
  14. Thread new oil filter by hand until resistance, then 3/4 turn more.
  15. Fill engine with recommended oil to Full mark on dipstick.
Setting the OnCue Password, RDC2 and VSC operation
  1. Press Select then down arrow to Networking Information menu
  2. Press Select for Networking Status
  3. Press Down arrow for Networking Configuration
  4. Press Select for Reset OnCue Password
  5. Press and hold Select until 'Reset OnCue Password? No' appears
  6. Press Up arrow to change No to Yes
  7. Press Select to reset; serial number and new password display for 10 seconds
Controller Replacement Procedure, Models 14RESA and 20RESA/B/C/D repair

⚠ Do not load settings from a green-board controller onto a red/blue-board controller or vice versa

Tools: voltmeter

  1. Review service kit information and confirm correct kits
  2. Open enclosure roof
  3. Press OFF button, disconnect utility power, verify with voltmeter
  4. Disconnect starting battery, negative lead first
  5. Remove two mounting screws, lift controller, disconnect harnesses
  6. Remove old controller
  7. If replacing original green-board controller with revised controller, install relay/breaker kit GM95104
  8. Reconnect harnesses, install new controller, reconnect battery negative last
  9. Reconnect utility power
  10. Set date/time/exerciser, update firmware, run Controller Setup and Voltage Calibration
  11. Replace covers/panels; reset OnCue password if used

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

Voltage reconnection

VoltagePhaseConnectionLeadsNotes
100/2001Single
100/2003Delta
110/2201Single
110/2203Delta
115/2301Single
1201SingleGenset System Voltage/Frequency/Phase table for controller setup
120/2083Wye
120/2401Single
120/2403Delta
127/2203Wye
2201Single
220/3803Wye
2301Single
230/4003Wye
2401Single
240/4163Wye
277/4803Wye

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 size generator is the Kohler 10RESV?

The Kohler 10RESV is rated 9 kW standby (9.0 kVA).

What engine is in the Kohler 10RESV?

The Kohler 10RESV is powered by the Kohler 10RESV engine engine.

What fuel does the Kohler 10RESV use?

The Kohler 10RESV runs on gasoline.

What is the oil capacity of the Kohler 10RESV?

The Kohler 10RESV engine engine in the Kohler 10RESV has an oil capacity of 1.9 liters.

What alternator does the Kohler 10RESV use?

The Kohler 10RESV uses a 2F3 alternator. It has 2 poles. Insulation class H.

Troubleshooting

6

Symptoms & remedies

SymptomCauseRemedy
Controller display backlight is off.Backlight turns off after about 1 minute with no activity.Backlight will turn on when a button is pressed or the generator set starts.
Controller display is off.Low or no battery voltage.Check connections. Check generator set battery.
The generator set does not crank.Battery weak or dead.Recharge or replace the battery.
Fault shutdown.Check the controller display for fault messages. See Section 2.5. Correct the fault condition and reset the controller.
Generator set in the OFF mode.Press the RUN button to start the engine or press AUTO to allow remote starting.
Gererator thermostat tripped.For trips other than temperature (nuisance trips),Reset the thermostat. See Section 2.6.

Fault codes and symptom→remedy steps extracted from this model’s service/owner documentation; verify against the official manual before servicing. Full Kohler 10RESV troubleshooting guide (8 entries) →

Parts

45model family
Part #DescriptionQtySystem
GM114138Fuel selector valve cap1Cap Amazon eBay
GM57969Carburetor Heater1Carburetor heater Amazon eBay
GM88281-1Load Shed Assembly1Load shed assembly Amazon eBay
100ERESDKOHLER 100ERESD generatorService part / kit eBay
125ERESCKOHLER 125ERESC generatorService part / kit buy
12RESKOHLER 12RES generatorService part / kit Amazon eBay $1099.95 FridayParts $258.90
150ERESCKOHLER 150ERESC generatorService part / kit Amazon eBay
20RESDKOHLER 20RESD generatorService part / kit buy
24RCLKOHLER 24RCL generatorService part / kit Amazon eBay $129.00
30RCLKOHLER 30RCL generatorService part / kit Amazon eBay $129.00
60RCLKOHLER 60RCL generatorService part / kit Amazon eBay
80ERESDKOHLER 80ERESD generatorService part / kit eBay
G4-252Spec Sheet, 8RESV(L) DiscontinuedService part / kit Amazon
G4-254Spec Sheet, 10/12RESV(L)Service part / kit Amazon
GM49746Relay (alternative)1Service part / kit Amazon eBay $28.99
GM57968Carburetor Heater for 20 kW Models1Service part / kit Amazon eBay
GM84962Controller, RDC2 -- Distributor1Service part / kit buy
GM84963Controller Assembly, DC2 -- Retail1Service part / kit buy
GM84964Controller Assembly, VSC1Service part / kit buy
GM85969-1Controller, RDC2 - Distributor (original, discontinued, use GM92089)1Service part / kit eBay
GM85969-2Controller Assembly, DC2 - Retail (original, discontinued, use GM92089)1Service part / kit buy
GM85969-3Controller Assembly, VSC (original, discontinued, use GM92091)1Service part / kit buy
GM88228Heater, Carburetor1Service part / kit Amazon eBay
GM91360Cord, Extension1Service part / kit buy
GM91361Adapter, Carb Heater1Service part / kit buy
GM92088-1Controller, RDC2 - Distributor (revised)1Service part / kit eBay
GM92088-2Controller, DC2 - Retail (revised, discontinued, use GM92089)1Service part / kit buy
GM92088-3Controller, DC2 - Retail (revised VSC)1Service part / kit buy
GM92089Controller, RDC2 -- Distributor1Service part / kit buy
GM92090Controller, DC2 -- Retail1Service part / kit buy
GM92091Controller, DC2 -- Retail1Service part / kit buy
GM92802Harness, RESA relay kit1Service part / kit eBay
GM92804Relay, 12 VDC1Service part / kit buy
GM95103Harness, RDC2 breaker1Service part / kit buy
GM95104Relay/Breaker Service Kit1Service part / kit buy
GM95149Diode Harness (for green-board controllers built before 9/15/14)1Service part / kit eBay
GM95628Cord, 3 Way Extension1Service part / kit eBay
M7985A-05012-20M5-0.80 x 121Service part / kit Amazon eBay $10.76
M982-05-60Nut, hex, elastic stop3Service part / kit eBay
P10-1communication cable connectorService part / kit Amazon Amazon eBay eBay FridayParts $117.99
P10-2communication cable connectorService part / kit Amazon Amazon eBay eBay
P10-3communication cable connectorService part / kit Amazon Amazon Amazon eBay eBay eBay KuduParts $29.00
P10-4communication cable connectorService part / kit Amazon Amazon eBay eBay
X-634-15Bushing, 1.0 in. x 1.375 in.1Service part / kit buy
X-634-16Bushing, 1.312 x 1.50 in. NPT1Service part / kit buy

Compiled from this model's family documentation — may include parts for closely-related variants. Confirm the exact part for your serial number. See the full parts catalog to search and cross-reference.

Fuel consumption

RatingLoadL/hgal/h
Exercise100%2.10.55
Standby3.4120.0
Standby25%10.222.7
Standby50%12.873.4
Standby75%15.524.1
Standby100%19.315.1

Available documents

Spec sheet (Kohler)Spec sheet — Kohler.12RESV.Spec.g4241 (Kohler)Spec sheet — Kohler.12RESVL.SPECS.g4242 (Kohler)Operator's manual (Kohler)Reference (Kohler)Reference — 21-03R Air-Cooled Residential Product Updates - 2021 (Kohler)Reference — RES Consumer Referral Rebate (Kohler)Reference — ReferralRebateForm Editable1 (Kohler)Reference — Referral Rebate Form EDITABLE (Kohler)Reference — Rotor Stator Reading Form (Kohler)Reference — g4254 (Kohler)Reference — tp6984fr (Kohler)Owner's manual — tp6880 (Kohler)Owner's manual — tp6880fr (Kohler)Parts manual (Kohler)Parts manual — Kohler 2017 Referral Rebate Consumer RES (Kohler)Parts manual — Kohler 2019 RES Consumer Referral Rebate (Kohler)Parts manual — tt1589 (Kohler)Service manual — Controllers tt1589 (Kohler)Service manual — TT-1482 (Kohler)Service manual — tp6879 (Kohler)Service manual — tp6984 (Kohler)Service manual — tt1482 (Kohler)Service manual — tt1619 (Kohler)Service manual — tt1634 (Kohler)