Service parts for the 4.5 CKM
Grouped by system, with how many of each the parts manual calls for.
Fuel system
1 requiredPrices captured from merchant listings; some links are affiliate links. Confirm against your serial number before ordering.
Specifications
| Fuel | Gasoline (LP gas models also available) |
|---|---|
| Frequency | 60.0 Hz |
| Controller | Kohler relay controller |
| Oil capacity | 1.4 L |
| Voltage options | 120 V, 120/240 V |
| Phase | 1 |
| Rated current | 37.5 A |
| Battery cranking | 290 CCA |
| Battery voltage | 12 V |
| Starting system | 12 V DC |
| Dry weight | 106 kg |
Maintenance & consumables
for the Kohler KT17II| Item | Spec | Capacity | Part # | Interval | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air filter | Check air cleaner (replace if dirty) | — | 1000 hr | ||
| Fuel filter | Secondary | 277759 | Amazon eBay $44.99 | ||
| Fuel filter | Service fuel pump internal filter (early models only) | — | 500 hr | ||
| Oil filter | Change lube oil (change oil initially after first five hours of operation) | — | 2000 hr | ||
| Battery | Check electrolyte level in battery | — | 500 hr | ||
| Belt | Check and tighten electrical connections | — | 500 hr | ||
| Coolant | — | ||||
| Coolant filter | Service or replace spark plugs | — | 1000 hr | ||
| Oil | Check oil level | 1.4 L | — | 500 hr | |
| Spark plug | Check and service breaker points | — | 2000 hr |
Service intervals
16| Item | Action | Hours | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air cleaner | Check | 50 hr | 3 mo | Replace if dirty |
| Lube oil | Change | 50 hr | 3 mo | First service — Change oil initially after first five hours of operation |
| Battery electrolyte level | Check | 100 hr | 6 mo | |
| Battery specific gravity | Check | 100 hr | 6 mo | |
| Electrical connections | Check | 100 hr | 6 mo | Check and tighten |
| Fuel pump internal filter | Replace | 100 hr | 6 mo | Early models only; clean every 100 hours |
| Mounting bolts and vibro mounts | Check | 100 hr | 6 mo | Check and tighten |
| Spark plugs | Replace | 100 hr | 6 mo | Service or replace spark plugs |
| Breaker points | Check | 200 hr | 12 mo | Check and service breaker points |
| Compression | Check | 200 hr | 12 mo | |
| Generator | Clean | 200 hr | 12 mo | Blow dust out of generator |
| Generator brushes | Check | 200 hr | 12 mo | |
| Ignition timing | Check | 200 hr | 12 mo | |
| Valve-tappet clearance | Check | 200 hr | 12 mo | |
| Cylinder heads | Other | 400 hr | Service cylinder heads; if leaded fuel used, service every 200 hours | |
| Fuel filter | Replace | 400 hr | External, later models 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
32| Type | Item | Value | Unit | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gap | Breaker point gap | .017/.023 | in. (.432/.580 mm) | |
| Gap | Spark plug gap (LP gas) | .018 | in. (0.45 mm) | |
| Gap | Spark plug gap (gasoline) | .025 | in. (0.64 mm) | |
| Other | Carburetor idle fuel turns out | 1-1/2 to 1-3/4 | turns | after lightly bottoming |
| Other | Carburetor main fuel preliminary turns out | 2-3/4 to 3 | turns | after lightly bottoming |
| Other | Ignition timing | 23 | ° BTDC | |
| Other | LPG load block fuel adjustment turns out | three complete | turns | from closed position |
| Pressure | Gasoline fuel pressure | 4.5 | psi (31 kPa) | |
| Pressure | LP gas leakage test pressure | 6-8 | ounces (10-14 inches water column) | |
| Pressure | LP gas supply pressure | 4-6 | ounces (7-11 inches water column) | inlet |
| Pressure | Low oil pressure shutdown | 3.5 | psi (24 kPa) | or less |
| Resistance | K1 relay coil | approx. 200 | ohms | |
| Resistance | K2 relay coil and C2 | approx. 400 | ohms | |
| Resistance | PTC1 (E-239396 board) | approximately 7.0 | ohms | allow PTC1 to cool before checking |
| Resistance | Rotor resistance | 4.6 | Ohms | room temperature |
| Resistance | Starter solenoid resistance | 3 | Ohms | |
| Resistance | Stator B1 and B2 (with center-tapped winding) | .10 | Ohms | cold |
| Resistance | Stator B1 and B2 (without center-tapped winding) | .15 | Ohms | cold |
| Resistance | Stator B1 and B3 (with center-tapped winding) | .15 | Ohms | cold |
| Resistance | Stator auxiliary winding to ground (megohmmeter) | 500K | ohms (1/2 megohm) and higher | 500 Volt scale, good reading |
| Resistance | Stator resistance 1-2, 3-4, 33-44 | .25 | Ohms | cold, room temperature |
| Resistance | Stator resistance 55-66 | 2.8 | Ohms | cold, room temperature |
| Speed | Idle speed | 1650 | rpm (55 Hertz) | no load |
| Speed | Rated speed | 1800 | rpm | 60 Hz |
| Speed | Timing/operating speed range | 1800-1920 | rpm | during timing check |
| Temperature | Choke plate position | within 5 to 10 degrees of full open at approximately 70°F (21°C) | ||
| Torque | Cylinder head bolts | 15-20 | Foot Lbs. (20-27 Nm) | |
| Torque | Over-bolt | 260 | in. lbs. (29 Nm) | |
| Torque | Rotor thru-bolt | 50 | ft. lbs. (68 Nm) | |
| Torque | Spark plug tightening | 10-15 | ft. lbs. (13.6-20.3 Nm) | |
| Valve clearance | Valve clearance, exhaust | .011/.014 | in. (.279/.355 mm) | |
| Valve clearance | Valve clearance, intake | .003/.006 | in. (.076/.152 mm) |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil | Straight 30 weight (preferred); multi-viscosity acceptable | API service class SF | 3.0 U.S. pints | Select viscosity based on air temperature at time of operation; above 32°F (0°C) multi-viscosity increases oil consumption and combustion deposits; using other than SF or extending intervals may cause engine damage not covered by warranty | |
| Fuel | Propane (LP gas) | LP gas system: shut-off fuel valve, secondary regulator, and carburetor; store/ventilate per safety precautions | |||
| Fuel | Unleaded Regular Gasoline; pump sticker octane rating 87 or higher (USA), 90 octane minimum (Research method) | Leaded regular may be used but requires more frequent head service; do not use gasohol (gasohol with max 10% ethanol only if unleaded unavailable); never use methanol; do not mix oil with fuel |
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
Procedures
12Automatic Choke Adjustment adjustment
Tools: screwdriver
- Loosen the screws securing the choke bracket to the carburetor.
- Shift the position of the choke assembly.
- When properly set, choke plate will be within 5 to 10 degrees of full open at approximately 70°F (21°C).
Breaker Point Gap Adjustment adjustment
⚠ Accidental starting can cause death or serious personal injury. Disconnect battery cables before working on generator.
Tools: feeler gauge, 3/4 in. socket wrench, offset screwdriver or allen wrench, screwdriver, timing light
- Disconnect battery (negative lead first) and remove spark plug leads to prevent unintentional starting.
- Remove the breaker point cover.
- Remove the rotor end cap. With 3/4 in. socket wrench, rotate rotor bolt clockwise until points reach maximum opening.
- Measure the gap with a feeler gauge; gap at full open should be .017/.023 inch (.432/.580 mm).
- If not, loosen point gap adjustment screw; adjust by inserting screwdriver blade in adjusting notch and shifting movable plate.
- Securely tighten the adjusting screw after setting the gap.
- Replace the breaker point cover.
- Reconnect battery (negative lead last) and reconnect spark plug leads.
- Follow up with final or precision adjustment using a timing light.
Gasoline Carburetor Idle Fuel Mixture Adjustment adjustment
Tools: screwdriver
- Stop the engine.
- Turn the IDLE FUEL needle all the way in (clockwise) until it bottoms lightly (do not force), then back out 1-1/2 to 1-3/4 turns.
- No further adjustment is needed.
Gasoline Carburetor Main Fuel Mixture Adjustment adjustment
⚠ Always check the air cleaner before readjusting the choke or carburetor.
Tools: screwdriver
- Turn MAIN FUEL screw clockwise until it bottoms lightly (do not force), then back out 2-3/4 to 3 turns.
- With engine thoroughly warmed up and running at rated rpm under full load, turn MAIN FUEL screw in until engine slows down (lean setting).
- Turn screw out until engine regains speed then starts to slow down (overrich setting).
- Turn screw back in to halfway between lean and overrich settings.
- When properly adjusted, engine operates with steady governor action.
Governor Sensitivity Adjustment adjustment
- Reposition the governor spring in the governor arm holes.
- To make governor control more sensitive, move the spring in.
- To make control less sensitive, move the spring out.
- Recheck speed after making sensitivity adjustment.
Governor Speed Adjustment adjustment
Tools: wrench
- Loosen the outside locking nut.
- To increase speed, tighten the inside speed adjusting nut to draw back the speed adjusting arm.
- To decrease speed, loosen the speed adjusting nut.
- After speed is correct, secure at the new setting by tightening the outside locking nut.
Idle Speed Adjustment adjustment
- Run the generator set at no load.
- Push the throttle lever counterclockwise until it hits the idle speed screw.
- Holding throttle lever against the screw, adjust idle speed until it runs at 55 Hertz (1650 rpm).
Ignition Timing adjustment
⚠ Breaker point cover screws must be screwed back into mounting pad after cover is removed to keep engine oil from spurting out crankcase.
Tools: timing light
- Rotate engine until S mark is visible; chalk S line for easy reading.
- Start unit and operate at 1800-1920 rpm.
- Aim timing light into sight hole; light should flash as S mark is centered.
- If light flashes before mark centered, timing is overadvanced; after, retarded.
- If timing is off, remove breaker point cover, loosen gap adjusting screw, shift breaker plate until mark is exactly centered.
- Retighten adjusting screw and recheck timing before replacing breaker point cover.
LP Gas Carburetor Main Fuel Adjustment adjustment
⚠ Gas and supply pressure should not exceed six ounces.
Tools: ounce pressure gauge or manometer
- Turn load block fuel adjustment screw in until it bottoms lightly.
- From the closed position back the screw out three complete turns.
- Check inlet pressure by removing plug on fuel inlet of gas regulator; insert ounce pressure gauge or manometer.
- Adjust pressure to 4-6 ounces or 7-11 inches water column on primary regulator.
Separate Excitation of Generator diagnostic
⚠ Battery gases can cause an explosion. Do not smoke or permit flame or spark near battery.
Tools: Ammeter, 12-Volt automotive battery
- Disconnect all leads from voltage regulator.
- Connect an ammeter and a 12-Volt automotive battery to the positive (+) and negative (-) brush leads.
- Ammeter reading should approximate battery voltage divided by specified rotor resistance.
- Start engine and check that ammeter remains stable; increasing reading indicates shorted rotor.
- Check for AC output across stator leads and compare to Table 6-2.
Stator Continuity and Resistance Check diagnostic
⚠ Wiring should be inspected at the interval recommended in the service schedule.
Tools: ohmmeter
- Set ohmmeter on Rx1 scale; contact leads and adjust to zero ohms.
- Check continuity between leads 1 and 2.
- Check continuity between leads 3, 4, 33, and 44.
- Check continuity between leads 55 and 66.
- Check continuity between leads B1 and B2.
- Verify no continuity between lead 1 and leads 3, 4, 33, 44.
- Verify no continuity between lead 1 and leads 55, 66, B1, B2.
- Verify no continuity between lead 4 and leads 55, 66, B1, B2.
- Verify no continuity between lead 55 and leads B1 and B2.
- Verify no continuity between any stator lead and ground.
Voltage Regulator Test diagnostic
⚠ Heat sink of the voltage regulator contains high voltage. Do not touch heat sink when testing.
⚠ Unplug power cord from AC power source before connecting or disconnecting wires.
Tools: Variable Transformer 0-140 Volts (.5 Amp Min.), 1 to 1 Isolation Transformer (.6 Amp Min.), 120 Volt AC Plug (60 Hz), Double Pole, Single Throw Switch, 120 Volt, 100 Watt Lamp, 2 Amp Fuse and Fuse Holder, AC Voltmeter, #14 AWG copper wire (minimum)
- Connect components as shown in Figure 7-1.
- Plug in variable transformer and AC plug.
- Turn switch S1 on. Lamp should be on. If lamp does not go on, regulator is faulty; replace.
- Turn variable transformer on and slowly increase; lamp should go out at approximately 120 Volts and remain out.
- If lamp does not go out or stays at a dull glow, regulator is faulty and should be replaced.
- Turn switch S1 off and unplug AC cords.
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
Which engine powers the Kohler 4.5 CKM?
The Kohler 4.5 CKM is powered by the Kohler KT17II engine.
What fuel type does the Kohler 4.5 CKM take?
The Kohler 4.5 CKM runs on Gasoline (LP gas models also available).
What's the oil capacity on a Kohler 4.5 CKM?
The Kohler KT17II engine in the Kohler 4.5 CKM has an oil capacity of 1.4 liters.
What is the dry weight of the Kohler 4.5 CKM?
The Kohler 4.5 CKM has a dry weight of 106 kg (235 lb).
What voltages is the Kohler 4.5 CKM available in?
The Kohler 4.5 CKM is offered in 120 V, 120/240 V, 1-phase.
What battery does the Kohler 4.5 CKM use?
The Kohler 4.5 CKM uses 12 V each, 290 CCA, per the manufacturer specification sheet. The starting system is 12 V DC.
What fuel filter fits the Kohler 4.5 CKM?
The Kohler 4.5 CKM uses fuel filter part number 277759.
Troubleshooting
6Symptoms & remedies
| Symptom | Cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| Will not start (cranks OK) | K2 relay coil defective, Engine defective (no compression, stuck valves, etc.), Defective LP gas valve or secondary regulator | Check continuity, Troubleshoot engine, Check LP gas pressure at secondary regulator. Pressure should be 4 to 6 oz. or 7 to 11 inches water column. |
| Engine starts, but does not continue to run after start switch is released | Open wiring (P1 or P2 connector), No engine oil pressure, Defective low oil pressure (LOP) shutdown switch, K1 relay coil defective, K1 relay (N.O.) contacts remain open | Check AC voltage, Check stator continuity, Check continuity, Check oil pressure and pump, Bypass LOP shutdown switch using jumper wire to ground. If engine continues to run after start switch is released, replace LOP shutdown switch. |
| No generator output voltage | Open wiring, terminal, or pin in build-up circuit (P1 connector), Open D1 or D2 diode, K1 relay (N.C.) contacts open (contacts between D2 and P3-4), Brushes sticking in holder, Rotor slip rings dirty or corroded | Check continuity, Check for open or shorted diode. (A good diode has high resistance one way and low resistance the other way, when tested with ohmmeter), Check continuity, Check alignment, Check and/or service |
| High generator output voltage | Open or poor splice connection at terminals 33-3 or 44-4 on stator (regulator sensing) | Check continuity |
| Low generator output voltage | Low engine rpm, Defective voltage regulator | Check speed using tachometer or frequency meter, Test and/or replace |
| Generator set shuts down by itself | No fuel in tank, Fuel line restriction, Dirty electric fuel pump filter (gasoline model only), Fuel line drawing air, Defective electric fuel pump (gasoline model only), Engine overloaded, Engine overheated, Low engine oil pressure, Ignition coil fails when hot, Fuel vapor lock | Replenish, Check fuel lines and tank. Check gasoline fuel pressure of 4.5 psi (31 kPa), Clean filter, Check fuel lines and tank, Check fuel pressure of 4.5 psi (31 kPa), Reduce electrical load, Check air intake, carburetor adjustment, oil level, timing, etc., Check pressure and pump components, Check using “cold” test |
Fault codes and symptom→remedy steps extracted from this model’s service/owner documentation; verify against the official manual before servicing. Full Kohler 4.5 CKM troubleshooting guide (12 entries) →
Repair guides
15- Air Cleaner Element Service
- Automatic Choke Adjustment
- Breaker Point Gap Adjustment
- Cylinder Head Service
- Fuel Filter Service
- Gasoline Carburetor Idle Fuel Mixture Adjustment
- Gasoline Carburetor Main Fuel Mixture Adjustment
- Governor Sensitivity Adjustment
- Governor Speed Adjustment
- Idle Speed Adjustment
- Ignition Timing
- LP Gas Carburetor Main Fuel Adjustment
- Separate Excitation of Generator
- Stator Continuity and Resistance Check
- Voltage Regulator Test
Step-by-step procedures compiled from the Kohler service manual for this model.
Parts
10| Part # | Description | Qty | System | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 239396 | Controller Circuit Board E-239396 | Controller circuit board | Amazon eBay $498.00 | |
| 243320 | Grommet | 1 | Service part / kit | Amazon eBay |
| A-228664 | Regulator assembly, voltage | 1 | Service part / kit | Amazon eBay |
| D-393-13 | Tubing, vinyl | 1 | Service part / kit | Amazon eBay |
| X-367-3 | Connector, butt | 5 | Service part / kit | Amazon eBay $7.96 |
| X-431-29 | Terminal, 1/4 in. male fully ins. | 5 | Service part / kit | Amazon eBay |
| X-468-2 | Tie, cable | 4 | Service part / kit | Amazon eBay |
| X-49-6 | Screw, 6-32 x 3/4 in. | 2 | Service part / kit | Amazon eBay |
| X-50-15 | Screw, 10-24 x 1/2 in. | 2 | Service part / kit | Amazon eBay $5.89 |
| X-6210-3 | Nut, 6-32 serrated | 2 | Service part / kit | Amazon eBay |
Service, wear & replacement parts referenced for this model and its engine — confirm the exact part for your serial number. See the full parts catalog to search and cross-reference.
Fuel consumption
| Rating | Load | L/h | gal/h |
|---|---|---|---|
| Continuous | 25% | 1.5 | 0.4 |
| Continuous | 50% | 1.9 | 0.5 |
| Continuous | 75% | 2.3 | 0.6 |
| Continuous | 100% | 3.0 | 0.8 |
Available documents
This page was generated from the 1 manufacturer document above by automated extraction; every figure shown is copied from one of them. How the data is compiled.