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Kohler 4.5 CKM Generator Set

The Kohler 4.5 CKM is a 4.5 kW Gasoline, LP Gas prime generator set powered by a Kohler KT17II Series II engine. It is available at 120 V and 120/240 V, Single-Phase-phase and 60 Hz. It holds about 1.4 L (0.4 gal) of oil. Starting uses battery rated 290 CCA at 12 V.

0.6914 L
Displacement
1.4 L
Oil capacity
1
Document types

How to read your Kohler serial & model number →

Specifications

FuelGasoline, LP Gas
Frequency60.0 Hz
Prime power4 kW
ControllerRelay Controller with Rocker Type Momentary Contact START/STOP Switch, Keyed Connector for Remote Start
Oil capacity1.4 L
Voltage options120 V, 60 V, 120/240 V
PhaseSingle-Phase
Battery cranking290 CCA
Battery voltage12 V

Engine

Kohler KT17II Series II
Oil capacity1.4 L
Displacement0.6914 L
AspirationAir-Cooled, Four-Stroke
Rated speed1800 rpm

Maintenance & consumables

for the Kohler KT17II Series II
ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filterCheck air cleaner (replace if dirty)1000 hr find
Fuel filterSecondary277759 Amazon eBay PartsGeek
Fuel filterService fuel pump internal filter (early models only)500 hr find
Oil filterChange lube oil (change oil initially after first five hours of operation)2000 hr find
BeltCheck and tighten electrical connections500 hr find
Coolant
Coolant filterService or replace spark plugs1000 hr find
OilCheck oil level1.4 L500 hr

Common questions

What engine does the Kohler 4.5 CKM use?

The Kohler 4.5 CKM is powered by the Kohler KT17II Series II engine.

What fuel does the Kohler 4.5 CKM use?

The Kohler 4.5 CKM runs on Gasoline, LP Gas.

What is the oil capacity of the Kohler 4.5 CKM?

The Kohler KT17II Series II engine in the Kohler 4.5 CKM has an oil capacity of 1.4 liters.

What fuel filter does the Kohler 4.5 CKM use?

The Kohler 4.5 CKM uses fuel filter part number 277759.

Troubleshooting

12

Fault codes

CodeMeaning
P26Fuel Pump/Valve
P3-4SDR Relay
LOPLow Oil Pressure

Symptoms & remedies

SymptomCauseRemedy
Will not start (cranks OK)K2 relay coil defective, Engine defective (no compression, stuck valves, etc.), Defective LP gas valve or secondary regulatorCheck 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 releasedOpen 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 openCheck 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 voltageOpen 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 corrodedCheck 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 voltageOpen or poor splice connection at terminals 33-3 or 44-4 on stator (regulator sensing)Check continuity
Low generator output voltageLow engine rpm, Defective voltage regulatorCheck speed using tachometer or frequency meter, Test and/or replace
Generator set shuts down by itselfNo 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 lockReplenish, 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
Generator set shut down by itself (cont.)Loss of generator output voltage to K1 relayCheck AC voltage at rectifier, Check continuity of B1 & B2 stator leads
Generator set will not carry load or runs roughExcessive load connected to generator, Engine not operating at rated rpm, Governor not properly adjusted or defective, Carburetor not properly adjusted or defective (gasoline model only), Carburetor not properly adjusted or defective (LP gas model only), Defective or grounded breaker points, Improper timing, Defective ignition coil, Defective or misadjusted spark plug, Carburetor choke mis-adjusted or defective (gasoline model only), Fuel line restrictionReduce electrical load, Check speed using tachometer or frequency meter, NOTE: Hz x 120 = rpm x no. of rotor poles, Check speed using tachometer or frequency meter, NOTE: Hz x 120 = rpm x no. of rotor poles, Check and/or service
Low oil pressureWill cause (LOP) switch contacts to open and de-energize K1 relay.None provided in the text.

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

Parts

10
Part #DescriptionQtySystem
239396Controller Circuit Board E-239396Controller circuit board PartsGeek
243320Grommet1Service part / kit PartsGeek
A-228664Regulator assembly, voltage1Service part / kit PartsGeek
D-393-13Tubing, vinyl1Service part / kit PartsGeek
X-367-3Connector, butt5Service part / kit PartsGeek
X-431-29Terminal, 1/4 in. male fully ins.5Service part / kit PartsGeek
X-468-2Ties, cable4Service part / kit PartsGeek
X-49-6Screw, 6-32 x 3/4 in.2Service part / kit PartsGeek
X-50-15Screw, 10-24 x 1/2 in.2Service part / kit PartsGeek
X-6210-3Nut, 6-32 serrated2Service part / kit PartsGeek

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

RatingLoadL/hgal/h
Prime
Standby

Available documents

Service manual — TP5206 Kohler Gen Service 4.5CKM (06-1990) (Kohler)