Specifications
Ratings spec sheet not in our library yet — see the documents below.
Maintenance & consumables
| Item | Spec | Capacity | Part # | Interval | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel filter | Secondary | 278612 | Amazon eBay $29.64 PartsGeek |
Common questions
What fuel filter does the Kohler 5CKM use?
The Kohler 5CKM uses fuel filter part number 278612.
Troubleshooting
38Fault codes
| Code | Meaning | Cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-5393 | Will not crank | Weak or dead battery, 15-amp controller fuse blown, Defective start switch, Remote start cable disconnected, Defective starter solenoid, Battery connections made in reverse | Recharge or replace, Replace fuse, Replace, Reconnect, Replace, Correct |
| LOP | Low Oil Pressure Shutdown |
Symptoms & remedies
| Symptom | Cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| Will not start | Out of fuel, Clogged fuel filter, Air cleaner clogged, Faulty spark plug, Shorted or open ignition coil, Faulty ground, Loose spark plug wire connection, Weak or dead battery, Choke adjustment wrong | Replenish, Replace, Clean or replace, Replace or regap spark plugs, Replace, Clean and retighten, Reconnect and/or tighten, Recharge or replace, Adjust |
| Hard starting | Stale or bad fuel, Air cleaner clogged, Carburetor adjustment wrong, Faulty spark plug, Weak ignition coil | Replace, Clean or replace element, Adjust, Replace or regap spark plugs, Replace |
| Stops suddenly | Out of fuel, Air cleaner clogged, Faulty spark plug, Low oil pressure | Replenish, Clean or replace element, Replace or regap spark plugs, Check oil level |
| Low oil pressure (LOP) shutdown | Correct cause of shutdown | |
| The generator set has automatically stopped. | Low oil pressure, 3 1/2 psi –1 1/2 psi (24.1 kPa) or less. | Eliminate the cause before restarting. |
| Is the engine difficult to start? | No | Is fuel stale or contaminated? / Is air intake restricted? / Is carburetor or choke out of adjustment? / Is there sufficient ignition spark? |
| Does the engine hunt or miss? | No | Is the engine receiving sufficient amount of fuel from the fuel pump? / Does the engine have a spark at both cylinders? |
| Can the engine be stopped by using the stop switch? | No | Does the unit stop if you ground wire #72 from the ignition module? / Does the unit stop if you remove the AD wire from the antidiesel solenoid? |
| Is 12 vde at P4-14? | No | Check wire P to starter solenoid. / Check battery positive connections |
| Is 12 vde at P1-14? | No | Check controller fuse |
| Does the controller have a battery ground? | No | Reground controller to frame. Check battery negative connections |
| Is P1-9 grounded? | Check N wire to ground stud in controller | |
| Does LED2 light up? | No | Replace start/stop switch |
| Is there 12 vde at P1-4 while trying to start? | See / Replace control board | |
| Is there 12 vde at P4-4? | No | Check wire #71 to control board |
| While the unit is cranking, is 12 vde present across P1-5(+) to P1-12(-)? | No | Replace control board |
| Is 12 vde present at P4-5(+) to P4-12(-)? | No | Check plug connections and wires FN and FP |
| Is 12 vde present at P1-1 when the start switch is pressed? | No | Replace control board |
| Is 12 vde present at P4-8 when the start switch is pressed? | No | Check wire #70 in the controller |
| Is P4-18 battery grounded? | Check wire N in the controller | |
| Is 12 vde present at P1-8 when the start switch is pressed? | No | See / Check wire #70 in the controller |
| Is 12-16 vac present across P4-3 and P4-6 when the start switch is depressed and the unit is running? | No | Check wires B1 and B2 routed to the alternator |
| Do P1-3 and P1-6 have 12-16 vac across them with the unit running and the start switch depressed? | No | Check wires B1 and B2 in the controller |
| Does LED1 light up with the engine running and the start switch depressed? | No | See / Replace control board |
| Does LEDS light up approximately 7 seconds after LED1 lights up? | No | Replace control board |
| Will not carry load or runs rough | Fuel line restriction; Vent in fuel tank cap obstructed (gasoline fuel); Dirty fuel filter (gasoline fuel only); Improper type of fuel; Defective fuel pump; Governor not properly adjusted or defective; Carburetor not adjusted or defective; Defective ignition module; Defective/misadjusted spark plug; Carburetor choke; Fuel leak; Valves not sealing; improper valve clearance; Excessive carbon buildup; Fuel vapor lock {hot engine only} | Inspect fuel lines and tank.; Clean cap in solvent, blow dry; Replace fuel filter; Use specified type of fuel; Check fuel pump pressure is 2-3.5 psi (14-24 kPa); Check speed using tachometer or frequency meter.; NOTE: Hz x 120/ No. of rotor poles=rpm; (Example: 60 x 120/4=1800); Check and/or adjust; Test and/or replace; Regap or replace; Test and/or replace; Tighten fittings; Compression test; Adjust proper valve clearance; Clean cylinder head; Reroute fuel lines away from heat. |
| Lacks power | Governor not properly adjusted or defective (Engine not operating at rated RPM); Air cleaner clogged; Improper cooling; Engine overloaded; Stale or bad fuel; Fuel line restriction; Dirty fuel filter (gasoline fuel only); Carburetor adjustment wrong; Choke misadjusted or defective; Carbon buildup; Faulty spark plug(s); Defective ignition module | Check engine speed using frequency meter or tachometer.; NOTE: For 60 Hz-1800 RPM; For 50 Hz-1500 RPM; Clean or replace element; Check air flow cooling system; Reduce electrical load; Replace; Check fuel lines and tank; Replace fuel fitter; Adjust carburetor; Check and/or adjust; Clean cylinder heads; Replace spark plug(s); Test and/or replace coil |
| Overheats | Improper cooling; Air cleaner clogged; Carburetor adjusted too lean; Faulty spark plug(s) | Check cooling system air flow; Clean or replace element; Adjust carburetor; Replace spark plug(s) |
| Operates erratically | Air cleaner clogged; Stale or bad fuel; Governor not properly adjusted or defective (Engine not operating at rated RPM); Fuel line restriction; Faulty spark plug(s); Carburetor adjustment wrong | Clean or replace element; Replace; Check engine speed using frequency meter or tachometer.; NOTE: For 60 Hz-1800 RPM; For 50 Hz-1500 RPM; Inspect fuel lines and tank. Check fuel pump pressure of 2-3.5 psi (14-24 kPa); Replace spark plug(s); Adjust carburetor |
| Unit is noisy | Exhaust system leak; Broken or damaged vibromounts; Loose or vibrating sheet metal/housing; inadequate compartment clearances; Exhaust piping or air inlets/outlets not securely installed; No compartment sound insulation; Excessive vibration—engine/generator | Check and replace as necessary; Check and replace as necessary; Retighten screws; Check clearances; Inspect for loose parts; Install fireproof insulation; Check rotor, crankshaft, bearing, etc. (Disassembly of engine and/or generator may be required) |
| Battery will not charge or goes dead | Loose or corroded connections; Sulfated or damaged battery; Defective battery charging circuit | Clean and tighten connections; Check electrolyte level and specific gravity (batteries with filler caps only); Check battery charging circuit |
| Starter does not work properly | Loose or corroded connections; Low battery output; Defective starter solenoid; Defective start/stop switch; Defective wiring; Defective starter | Clean and tighten loose connections; Check electrolyte level and specific gravity (batteries with filler caps only); Check starter solenoid. Replace starter solenoid, as necessary; Replace switch; Check wiring; Replace starter |
| Press start switch (Local or remote) Does engine crank? | No Is LED2 lit? Yes Is 15-amp controller fuse okay? No Replace circuit board (Defective board K3 normally open e Check condition/connections of K3 relay or K1 u Replace circuit board (Defective K3 relay) | |
| Does engine start? | No Is 12vde present during cranking at electric fuel pump and antidieseling solenoid? Yes Replace circuit board (K2 relay defective) Do local! and remote start/stop switches function properly? No Replace defective start/stop switch | |
| Does engine run at after start switch is released? | No Does LED1 light? Disconnect stepper motor from electronic governor and manually throttle engine. Yes Does engine run at constant, stable speed? No Replace circuit board (Defective K4 relay) | |
| Is there AC output when start button is held and unit is running? | No Is there battery voltage at brushes? (Check wiring) No Replace controller circuit board |
Fault codes and symptom→remedy steps extracted from this model’s service/owner documentation; verify against the official manual before servicing.
Parts
4| Part # | Description | Qty | System | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 993872 | Fuel Filter | 1 | Fuel filter | PartsGeek |
| 993873 | Coolant | 1 | Coolant filter | PartsGeek |
| 994162 | Air Filter | 1 | Air filter | PartsGeek |
| 994216 | Oil Filter | 1 | Oil filter | 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
| Rating | Load | L/h | gal/h |
|---|---|---|---|
Available documents
Service manual — 4 and 5 CKM, CFKM, CKMR, CFKMR (Kohler)Service manual — TP5394 Kohler Gen Service 4CKM 5CKM (12-1994) (Kohler)