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Kohler CV490-495 Generator Set

The Kohler CV490-495 is a 12.7 kW standby generator set. It holds about 1.9 L (0.5 gal) of oil. The set weighs about 41.9 kg (92 lb).

12 kW
Standby
1.9 L
Oil capacity
1
Document types

How to read your Kohler serial & model number →

Service parts for the CV490-495

Grouped by system, with how many of each the parts manual calls for.

Air intake

1 required
12 050 02-SAir filterfind

Oil system

1 required

Cooling system

1 required
KO1048Coolant filtersee priceAmazon

Hydraulic system

1 required
KO1044Hydraulic filtersee priceAmazon

Prices captured from merchant listings; some links are affiliate links. Confirm against your serial number before ordering.

Specifications

Standby power12 kW
Oil capacity1.9 L
Dry weight41 kg

Maintenance & consumables

ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filterspare filter12 050 02-S buy
Fuel filter—
Oil filterOil Drain PlugsX-708-1 Amazon eBay
Battery—
Belt—
Coolant—
Coolant filterWater ManometerKO1048 Amazon eBay
Hydraulic filterHydraulic Lifter ToolKO1044 Amazon eBay
Oil1.9 L—
Spark plug—

Service intervals

8
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Precleaner elementClean25 hrService precleaner element. Refer to Section 4.
Air cleaner elementReplace100 hrRefer to Section 4.
Cooling areasClean100 hrRemove cooling shrouds and clean cooling areas. Refer to Section 4.
OilChange100 hrEvery 100 hours
Oil filterChange200 hrRefer to Section 6.
Spark plugCheck200 hrEvery 200 hours - check condition and gap
Bendix starter driveOther500 hr12 moHave serviced by a Kohler Engine Service Dealer. Annually or every 500 hours. Not necessary on Delco Starters. Refer to Section 8.
Solenoid shift starterClean500 hr12 moHave disassembled and cleaned by a Kohler Engine Service Dealer. Annually or every 500 hours. Refer to Section 8.

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
ClearanceBalance Shaft Bearing Surface O.D. Max. Wear Limit19.959mm
ClearanceBalance Shaft Bearing Surface O.D. New19.962/19.975mm
ClearanceBalance Shaft Bore I.D. Max. Wear Limit20.038mm
ClearanceBalance Shaft Bore I.D. New20.000/20.025mm
ClearanceBalance Shaft Running Clearance0.0250/0.1520mm
ClearanceBalance shaft end play0.0575/0.3625mm
ClearanceCamshaft Bearing Surface O.D. Max. Wear Limit19.959mm
ClearanceCamshaft Bearing Surface O.D. New19.962/19.975mm
ClearanceCamshaft Bore I.D. Max. Wear Limit20.038mm
ClearanceCamshaft Bore I.D. New20.000/20.025mm
ClearanceCamshaft Running Clearance0.025/0.105mm
ClearanceCamshaft end play (free)0.088/0.393mm
ClearanceCamshaft end play (with shims)0.076/0.127mm
ClearanceConnecting Rod Journal O.D. Max. Wear Limit38.94mm
ClearanceConnecting Rod Journal O.D. New38.958/30.970mm
ClearanceConnecting Rod-to-Crankpin Running Clearance Max. Wear Limit0.07mmat 21°C (70°F)
ClearanceConnecting Rod-to-Crankpin Running Clearance New0.030/0.055mmat 21°C (70°F)
ClearanceConnecting rod-to-crankpin running clearance - max wear limit0.07mmat 21°C (70°F)
ClearanceConnecting rod-to-crankpin running clearance - new0.030/0.055mmat 21°C (70°F)
ClearanceConnecting rod-to-crankpin side clearance0.18/0.41mm
ClearanceConnecting rod-to-piston pin running clearance0.015/0.028mmat 21°C (70°F)
ClearanceCrankshaft Bore in Crankcase I.D. New44.965/44.990mm
ClearanceCrankshaft Bore in Crankcase Running Clearance New0.0300/0.0770mm
ClearanceCrankshaft Bore in Oil Pan I.D. New41.965/42.003mm
ClearanceCrankshaft Bore in Oil Pan Running Clearance New0.0300/0.0880mm
ClearanceCrankshaft T.I.R. Entire Crank, in V-Blocks0.10mm
ClearanceCrankshaft T.I.R. PTO End, Crank in Engine0.30mm
ClearanceCrankshaft end play (free)0.0575/0.4925mm
ClearanceCrankshaft end play (thrust bearing with shims)0.050/0.530mm
ClearanceCylinder Bore I.D. Max. Wear Limit87.063mm
ClearanceCylinder Bore I.D. Max. Wear Limit90.063mm
ClearanceCylinder Bore I.D. New87.000/87.025mm
ClearanceCylinder Bore I.D. New90.000/90.025mm
ClearanceCylinder Bore Max. Out-of-Round0.12mm
ClearanceCylinder Bore Max. Taper0.05mm
ClearanceCylinder Head Max. Out-of-Flatness0.076mm
ClearanceCylinder head max out-of-flatness0.076mm0.003 in.
ClearanceExhaust Valve Guide I.D. New7.038/7.058mm
ClearanceExhaust valve stem-to-valve guide running clearance0.050/0.088mm
ClearanceFlywheel End Main Bearing Journal O.D. Max. Wear Limit44.84mm
ClearanceFlywheel End Main Bearing Journal O.D. New44.913/44.935mm
ClearanceGovernor Cross Shaft Bore I.D. Max. Wear Limit6.063mm
ClearanceGovernor Cross Shaft Bore I.D. New6.025/6.050mm
ClearanceGovernor Cross Shaft O.D. New5.975/6.000mm
ClearanceGovernor cross shaft to crankcase running clearance0.025/0.075mm
ClearanceGovernor gear shaft-to-governor gear running clearance0.050/0.160mm
ClearanceHydraulic valve lifter to crankcase running clearance0.0124/0.0501mm
ClearanceIntake Valve Guide I.D. New7.038/7.058mm
ClearanceIntake valve stem-to-valve guide running clearance0.038/0.076mm
ClearanceOil Pan End Main Bearing Journal O.D. New41.915/41.935mm
ClearancePiston Pin Bore I.D. New19.006/19.012mm
ClearancePiston Pin End I.D. Max. Wear Limit19.036mm
ClearancePiston Pin End I.D. New19.015/19.023mm
ClearancePiston Pin O.D. New18.995/19.000mm
ClearancePiston Thrust Face-to-Cylinder Bore Running Clearance - New0.031/0.043mm
ClearancePiston Thrust Face-to-Cylinder Bore Running Clearance - New0.041/0.044mm
ClearancePiston thrust face-to-cylinder bore running clearance - new (CV11-14, CV460-465)0.041/0.044mm
ClearancePiston thrust face-to-cylinder bore running clearance - new (CV15, CV16, CV490-495)0.031/0.043mm
ClearancePiston-to-Piston Pin (selective fit)0.006/0.017mm
ClearanceTop compression ring end gap - new bore (CV11-14, CV460-465)0.250/0.500mm

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 oilAPI service class SG, SH, SJ or higher; synthetic 5W-20 or 5W-30 acceptable up to 40°F; synthetic provides better starting below -10°FAPI SG, SH, SJ or higher1.9 LSelect viscosity based on air temperature at time of operation (viscosity chart is an image). Synthetic oil recommended for LPG-fueled engines.
Engine oilSAE viscosity per ambient temperature (Figure 6-1 Viscosity Grades Table)API service class SG, SH, SJ or higher1.9 LSynthetic oil recommended for LPG-fueled engines. Synthetic 5W-20 or 5W-30 acceptable up to 4°C (40°F). Synthetic oils provide better starting in extreme cold below -23°C (-10°F).
FuelClean, fresh unleaded gasoline, pump sticker octane rating 87 or higher (90 octane minimum Research method)Gasohol up to 10% ethyl alcohol approved; MTBE blends up to 15% MTBE approvedDo not add oil to gasoline. Leaded gasoline may be used where unleaded is not available and emissions are not regulated. LPG (propane) is used on LPG-fueled engines.
FuelUnleaded gasoline, 87 octane minimum (pump sticker) or 90 octane minimum Research methodGasohol up to 10% ethyl alcohol approved; MTBE blends up to 15% approved. Leaded gasoline may be used where unleaded unavailable and emissions unregulated.
GreaseCommercially available bearing greaseFor lubricating retractable starter spring and center shaft.
OtherLoctite 5900 RTV silicone sealantKohler Part No. 25 597 07-S, used as gasket between crankcase and closure plate and between valve cover and head.

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
High Idle Speed Adjustment adjustment

⚠ Overspeed is Hazardous! Do not tamper with the governor setting.

Tools: Tachometer, 6.35 mm (1/4 in.) drill bit

  1. Make sure throttle cable is adjusted properly.
  2. Start engine and warm up; place throttle control to fast or high idle.
  3. Align hole in throttle lever with hole in speed control bracket using a pencil or 6.35 mm drill bit.
  4. Loosen bracket mounting screws and move bracket up or down until desired high idle speed is reached.
  5. Tighten mounting screws: new as-cast hole 10.7 N·m; used hole 7.3 N·m.
  6. Recheck speed with tachometer and readjust if necessary.
  7. Adjust the choke.
Initial Governor Adjustment adjustment

Tools: Pliers, Torque wrench

  1. With governor lever loose on cross shaft, pull lever towards carburetor (wide open throttle).
  2. Grasp cross shaft with pliers or insert a nail into the hole in cross shaft end.
  3. Rotate the shaft counterclockwise as far as it will turn.
  4. Tighten the hex. nut securely and torque to 9.9 N·m (88 in. lb.).
Nikki Carburetor Low Idle Speed Setting adjustment

⚠ Certified engines have the idle mixture preset and sealed at the factory.

Tools: Tachometer

  1. Start the engine and run at half throttle 5 to 10 minutes to warm up.
  2. Place throttle control into the "idle" or "slow" position.
  3. Set the low idle speed to 1200 RPM (±75 RPM) by turning the low idle speed adjusting screw in or out.
  4. Check the speed using a tachometer.
Walbro Carburetor Adjustment adjustment

⚠ Certified engines may have a fixed idle or limiter cap on the idle fuel adjusting needle.

  1. Start the engine and run at half throttle 5 to 10 minutes to warm up.
  2. Place throttle in "idle" or "slow" position. Turn the low idle fuel adjusting needle out (counterclockwise) until engine speed decreases (rich); note position.
  3. Turn the adjusting needle in (clockwise); engine speed increases then decreases as it goes lean; note position.
  4. Set the adjusting needle midway between the rich and lean settings.
Crankcase Vacuum Test diagnostic

Tools: Water manometer or vacuum/pressure test gauge (KO1048/KO3223)

  1. Insert rubber stopper into oil fill hole; connect hose between stopper and manometer tube; check water level at 0 line.
  2. Start engine and run at no-load high idle (3200 to 3750 RPM).
  3. Open clamp and note water level; engine side should be minimum 10.2 cm (4 in.) above open side.
  4. Close shut-off clamp before stopping the engine.
Cylinder Leakdown Test diagnostic

Tools: Cylinder Leakdown Tester (KO3219), Holding tool

  1. Run engine for 3-5 minutes to warm it up.
  2. Remove spark plug(s) and air filter.
  3. Rotate crankshaft until piston is at TDC of compression stroke and hold in position.
  4. Install adapter into spark plug hole but do not attach to tester yet.
  5. Connect adequate air source to tester.
  6. Turn regulator knob clockwise until gauge needle is in the yellow set area.
  7. Connect tester quick-disconnect to adapter and note gauge reading.
  8. Listen for escaping air at carburetor, exhaust, and crankcase breather.
Oil Sentry Switch Testing diagnostic

Tools: Compressed air, Pressure regulator, Pressure gauge, Continuity tester

  1. Connect the continuity tester across the blade terminal and the metal case of the switch. At 0 psi the tester should indicate continuity (switch closed).
  2. Gradually increase pressure; the tester should indicate no continuity (switch open) as pressure increases through 2.0/5.0 psi.
  3. The switch should remain open as pressure increases to 90 psi maximum.
  4. Gradually decrease pressure; the tester should indicate continuity (switch closed) as pressure decreases through 2.0/5.0 psi.
Change Oil maintenance
  1. Remove the oil drain plug and oil fill cap/dipstick and allow complete drainage.
  2. Reinstall the drain plug and tighten to 13.6 N·m (10 ft. lb.).
  3. Fill crankcase with new oil of the proper type to the F mark on the dipstick.
  4. Reinstall oil fill cap/dipstick and tighten securely.
Change Oil Filter maintenance
  1. Drain oil from the engine crankcase.
  2. Remove the oil filter drain plug where applicable and allow filter to drain.
  3. Remove old filter and wipe off filter adapter; reinstall drain plug to 7.3-9.0 N·m.
  4. Pour new oil into new filter through threaded center hole until oil reaches bottom of threads.
  5. Wipe a drop of oil on the new filter rubber gasket.
  6. Install filter; turn until gasket contacts adapter, then tighten additional 2/3 to 1 turn.
  7. Fill crankcase with new oil to the F mark.
  8. Test run engine, check for leaks, stop and recheck oil level.
Check Oil Level maintenance

⚠ Never operate engine with oil below the L mark or over the F mark.

  1. Make sure engine is stopped, level, and cool so oil has drained into sump.
  2. Clean area around oil fill cap/dipstick before removing it.
  3. Remove oil fill cap/dipstick and wipe oil off.
  4. Reinsert dipstick and rest cap on tube; do not thread the cap on.
  5. Check oil level; add proper oil up to but not over the F mark.
Disable Engine Before Service maintenance

⚠ Accidental starting can cause severe injury or death.

  1. Disconnect the spark plug lead(s).
  2. Disconnect negative (-) battery cable from battery.
Fuel Pump Removal maintenance
  1. Disconnect the fuel lines from the inlet and outlet fittings of the pump.
  2. Remove the hex. flange screws, fuel pump, and gasket.
  3. If necessary, remove the fittings from the pump body.

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 CV490-495?

The Kohler CV490-495 is rated 12 kW standby.

How much oil does the Kohler CV490-495 take?

The Kohler CV490-495 has an engine oil capacity of 1.9 liters (2.0 US quarts), per the manufacturer specification sheet.

How much does the Kohler CV490-495 weigh?

The Kohler CV490-495 has a dry weight of 41 kg (92 lb).

Which oil filter part number does the Kohler CV490-495 take?

The Kohler CV490-495 uses oil filter part number X-708-1.

Which air filter part number does the Kohler CV490-495 take?

The Kohler CV490-495 uses air filter part number 12 050 02-S.

Troubleshooting

6

Symptoms & remedies

SymptomCauseRemedy
Engine Will Not CrankPTO drive is engaged. Battery (if equipped) is discharged. Safety interlock switch is engaged. Loose or faulty wires or connections. Faulty key switch or ignition switch. Faulty electric starter (if equipped). Retractable starter not engaging in drive cup. Seized internal engine components.
Engine KnocksExcessive engine load, Low crankcase oil level, Old/improper fuel, Internal wear or damage
Engine Loses PowerLow crankcase oil level, High crankcase oil level, Dirty air cleaner element, Dirt or water in the fuel system, Excessive engine load, Engine overheated, Faulty spark plug, Low compression, Exhaust restriction
Engine Uses Excessive Amount Of OilIncorrect oil viscosity/type, Clogged or improperly-assembled breather, Crankcase being overfilled, Worn or broken piston rings, Worn cylinder bore, Worn valve stems/valve guides
Engine starts hard, runs roughly or stalls at idle speed.1. Low idle fuel mixture/speed improperly adjusted.Adjust the low idle speed screw, then adjust the low idle fuel needle.
Engine runs rich.2a. Choke partially closed during operation. 2b. Low idle fuel mixture is improperly adjusted. 2c. Float level is set too high.2a. Check the choke lever/linkage to ensure choke is operating properly. 2b. Adjust low idle fuel needle. 2c. With fuel bowl removed and carburetor inverted, the exposed surface of float must be parallel with the bowl gasket surface of the carburetor body.

Fault codes and symptom→remedy steps extracted from this model’s service/owner documentation; verify against the official manual before servicing. Full Kohler CV490-495 troubleshooting guide (8 entries) →

Parts

31
Part #DescriptionQtySystem
12 050 02-SAir intake foam filter (fits over retractable starter)1Starter buy
12 132 02-SSpark Plug1Spark plug buy
12 132 06-SSpark plug, Champion Premium Gold 2071 (Pro Series)1Spark plug buy
1275711-SChoke Repair Kit No. 12 757 11-SKit Amazon eBay $49.50
25 221 01-SBrush and Spring Kit (Delco-Remy starter) - brushes and springs serviced as a set (4)4Brush buy
52 221 01-SBrush kit (Nippendenso starter) - contains four replacement brushes and springs4Brush buy
52 357 01-SKohler electric/bendix starter drive lubricant1Fluid buy
52 357 02-SKohler electric starter drive lubricant (Versilube G322L or Mobil Temp SHC 32)1Fluid buy
KO1000AEngine Analysis Kit1Air filter Amazon eBay
KO1017SPX Tool No. KO10172Tool Amazon eBay
KO1018SPX Tool No. KO10182Tool Amazon eBay
KO1046Ignition System Tester1Spark plug Amazon eBay
KO1047Ignition Tester1Spark plug Amazon eBay
KO1048Water Manometer1Coolant filter Amazon eBay
KO1049Electric Starter Service Kit1Battery Amazon eBay
KO3218Ammeter Set1Battery Amazon eBay
KO3220Oil Pressure Test Kit1Oil filter Amazon eBay $99.99
KO3221Rectifier-Regulator Tester1Battery Amazon eBay
KO3226Electric Starter Service Kit1Battery Amazon eBay
OEM6200Spanner Wrench1Air filter Amazon eBay
X-708-1Oil Drain PlugsOil filter Amazon eBay
12 043 05-SGovernor gear assembly1Service part / kit buy
12 380 01-SGovernor regulating pin1Service part / kit buy
12 757 11-SChoke Repair Kit (self-relieving choke components)1Service part / kit Amazon eBay $49.50
25 597 07-SLoctite 5900 RTV silicone sealant1Service part / kit buy
CV490-495Command Engine Vertical Crankshaft Displacement (cc) 460 = 460 cc, 490 = 490 cc Version Code S = Electric Start T = Retractable Start ST = Electric/Retractable Start Variation of Basic EngineService part / kit Amazon
KO1044Hydraulic Lifter Tool1Service part / kit Amazon eBay
KO3216Inductive Tachometer1Service part / kit Amazon eBay
KO3219Cylinder Leakdown Tester1Service part / kit Amazon eBay
KO3222Spark Advance Module (SAM) Tester1Service part / kit Amazon eBay
KO3223Vacuum/Pressure Tester1Service 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.

Available documents

Service manual — CV Single (Kohler)Service manual — tp 2339 d (Kohler)Service manual — v1Wuc1LjuRGWugW1 (Kohler)

This page was generated from the 3 manufacturer documents above by automated extraction; every figure shown is copied from one of them. How the data is compiled.